Chapter 29
I heard the shot and I saw red explode for a wound in Oliver’s chest. The bullet that exited from him hits the rock behind me and I slid from his arms. He screamed at me to move. I have to save my husband. I heard gunfire in the distance and waited for the next bullet to find me or end Oliver for good.
No matter what I did, Raphael finds us. He cornered us at a cliff. Oliver was heavy in my arms and I’m painted red with his blood. I had two choices, fight or jump to my death. Raphael moved closer and I felt the edge of the cliff against my bare heels. I can’t hold Oliver anymore and his blood is making him slippery.
The cliff gave way where were I’m standing. Oliver slipped from my grasp and fell to the water far below. I began screaming as I held onto the cliff face with my fingers.
My eyes shot open to find Oliver leaning over me, his knuckles gently stroking my face. His forehead was creased with worry, deep furrows etching concern into his features.
"Christ," he murmured, his voice low and strained, "you haven't had one this bad in a while."
I blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of my nightmare. "You wouldn't know," I countered, my voice hoarse. "We've only been back together for a week."
Oliver's hand stilled on my cheek. "You have?"
I nodded, pushing myself up to a sitting position. "Only a few, but not like this." Fear crept into my voice as I asked, "What are we going to do?"
Oliver's jaw clenched, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'm calling Vlad. We need more agents and tighter security. I'm not letting that bastard get near us."
A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "I knew this wasn't over. What did Jonah have to tell you?"
Oliver hesitated, his gaze shifting away. "It's not important. All I care about is you."
I reached out, grasping his hand. "Remember what Dr. Randall said: honesty."
"This isn't about our relationship or your family," Oliver protested weakly.
I squeezed his hand, my voice firm. "But you're my family, and I want to know."
Oliver sighed deeply, cupping my chin with his free hand. "My father was in bed with Caruso, much the way your father was. He borrowed money." Confusion clouded his features. "I don't understand because the estate was solvent when my parents died."
I frowned, considering the implications. "Caruso saw opportunity. Maybe your father had something he wanted."
"Or maybe he used the money Caruso gave him to become solvent," Oliver mused. Frustration colored his tone as he continued, "If that was the case, why didn't he come back sooner? I would've gladly repaid him to get him out of our lives."
"He wouldn't leave because you gave him money," I said softly. "That newspaper article alerted them to the fact that I was a witness."
Oliver's hand clenched into a fist. "I could fucking kill Barnes for that. What the fuck was he thinking?"
I placed a calming hand on his arm. "Don't blame him. He just wanted to solve my father's murder."
"And get you killed in the bargain," Oliver growled. His expression softened as he suggested, "Maybe you should stay home a few more weeks until we get security sorted out."
I stared at him incredulously. "Are you nuts? I don't want to be here alone."
"You wouldn't be here alone," Oliver assured me. "You'd be with Brenda. I'll have her stay with you."
Anger flared within me. "Like a babysitter? This is ridiculous. Why should I be kept under lock and key because that maniac wants revenge?"
Oliver's voice was pleading. "Because I want you safe."
"But I wasn't when we were separated," I countered.
Oliver looked down, smoothing the blanket over me, his touch gentle but his posture tense.
A thought struck me. "Where is she?"
"The fourth floor," Oliver admitted quietly.
Betrayal washed over me. "Dammit, Oliver. You were having me watched?"
His eyes met mine, filled with a mix of guilt and desperation. "I was keeping you safe. I couldn't bear to lose you."
I felt tears prickling the corners of my eyes. "But you broke up with me."
The weight of Oliver's confession hung heavy in the air between us. As we sat there, the reality of our situation – the threats we faced, the secrets still unraveling – pressed in around us. I realized that despite our reconciliation, we still had a long way to go in rebuilding the trust that had been shattered.
“You and your fucking pride,” I snapped.
He stroked my hair. “We should take a vacation.”
I chewed the inside of my teeth, digging in so deeply that I tasted blood. “Are you mad? You think I want to be looking over my shoulder the whole time?”
“You wouldn’t. Security will be with us and cameras are being installed.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“I bought a house. You’ll like it.”
I buried my head in the pillow. “Nice of you to say something. Ever think I wanted to be involved?”
He ran his fingers over my spine sending spikes of electricity through me. “It’s a present.”
"Where?" I asked, curiosity piqued by Oliver's mysterious smile.
Oliver's eyes sparkled with excitement as he revealed, "Lake Oscawana. It's in Putnam County."
A wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I couldn't help but smile. "I know where that is," I said softly, memories flooding back. "It's a few miles from my parents' house."
Oliver nodded, his enthusiasm infectious. "It's beautiful," he continued, painting a picture with his words. "We can go fishing and boating. It has a pool and a built-in fire pit."
My smile faltered slightly as reality intruded. "What about security?" I asked, unable to keep the worry from my voice.
Oliver's expression turned serious, his tone reassuring. "It's gated, and we're setting up cameras as we speak. Vlad is having his team make sure there are no blind spots. We'll be safe."
I leaned forward, hope blossoming in my chest. "When?"
"Wednesday," Oliver replied, his fingers intertwining with mine. "By then the cameras should be in good working order and security briefed on the area."
A practical thought occurred to me. "What about furniture?"
Oliver's grin widened. "All taken care of."
I arched an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and exasperation in my voice. "So, I get no input at all?"
Oliver's expression softened, his voice gentle as he asked, "Would you trust me?"
I exhaled loudly, a rueful smile playing on my lips. "I have no choice."
"I promise you'll love it," Oliver said, his voice filled with sincerity.
Looking into his eyes, I felt the last of my reservations melt away. "I trust you," I whispered.
Oliver bent down, closing the distance between us. His lips met mine in a soft, tender kiss that sent warmth spreading through my body. As we parted, I realized my heart had finally returned to its normal rhythm, the remnants of my horrible dream fading away.