“Y-yes.” Olivia sniffed. The first time? She wasn’t sure she could do that again. But remembering that man pointing his gun at Mal… Yes, she’d do it again. “It is. But I’m fine.”
“She was amazing,” Dante said, smiling at her. “As soon as that gun went off, she was on him. Saved Mal’s ass.”
“I’m fine,” she repeated.
“Leave her alone.” Mal’s growl silenced the room.
And it infuriated her. “I don’t need you to talk for me.”
Mal’s eyes narrowed.
But she wasn’t done. “Or make decisions for me. Or lie to me. Or…or leave me when you swore, you promised, you never would. I’m fine.”
All eyes were on them, the energy in the room charged. They were waiting. For what?
“Olivia.” Mal’s voice was low—awkward and tight. “Let’s go talk—”
“Somewhere private?” She shook her head. “I don’t think being alone with you is a good idea.”
Anders chuckle turned into a smothered cough.
“You’re mad?”
She stared at him, stunned. “That is one of the many emotions I’m experiencing.”
Mal’s nostrils flared. “My day hasn’t been a fucking picnic, either.”
“No?” Her voice shook.
“No. Once I knew you were in danger, I couldn’t get back here fast enough.” He pushed out of his chair and stalked around the table. “I didn’t give a shit about anything but you. And it scared the shit out of me. Be pissed. Yell at me. Do whatever you need to do. But don’t expect me to let you out of my sight again.” He leaned forward, his hands gripping the chair. “I can’t go through that again.”
She hadn’t expected that. Not from Mal. Not here, surrounded by the entire pack. T
he dam broke, tearing a ragged sob from her throat.
One minute she was sitting in her chair, and the next Mal had scooped her up and was carrying her to their room. And even though she was still mad at him, it felt so good to be in his arms. He kicked the door shut behind them and sat her on the edge of the bed.
“I wasn’t done,” she hiccupped.
“You weren’t eating.” He stared down at her. “Talk to me.”
“Where do I start? I’m a wreck. My head won’t stop spinning.” She rubbed her face with her hands. “I didn’t do anything. I should have done something.” She’d dreamed of being some avenging angel, swooping in and protecting her pack. Instead, she’d been dragged around by her hair.
“You saved my life.”
“We’re even,” she murmured.
He knelt in front of her. “Like hell we are.” Mal stared at her, his gaze sweeping over her face. “You saved me long before today. It was back in that cage, in that nightmare. I had a new reason to live—a reason that was good.”
She stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest.
“You showed me how to trust. How to believe. How to love.” He shook his head. “And I still screw it up.”
“By lying,” she whispered. Even now, after everything, it was there—too raw to ignore.
His head fell forward with a groan. “I can’t take it back. If I could, I swear I would. It will never happen again—ever. I can’t stand you looking at me like this. Like I’ve disappointed you.”
Pain edged his words, and regret. She tilted his head up, craving his gaze on her. His brown eyes were haunted—desperate.