Page 39 of Pieces Into Place

I shake my head almost violently from side to side. “It doesn’t matter. This isn’t happening,” I tell her forcefully.

“You like me,” she says coyly. She takes a step closer to me and looks into my eyes, hungry for a reaction.

“Olivia, the only way I’d like you is if you were choking on my cock,” I lie, hoping I can somehow convince both of us. She swallows audibly as her pupils dilate with surprise. Her expression doesn’t waver as she leans in close and says, “That’s not intimidating; it’s just really fucking hot. So be honest, you do want me.”

“Fucking isn’t love,” I reply coldly. “This isn’t some fairytale where we get our happily-ever-after. I’m not cut out for that sort of life. Not anymore. The sooner you accept that, the better off we will both be.”

“Kiss me,” she says, catching me off guard.

I hesitate for a moment, mouth hanging open as I try to comprehend her request. “Have you not been listening to a word I’ve said?”

“I’ve been listening,” she says seriously. “But I think you’re lying to both of us. So I want you to kiss me. Let’s see if this thing with us is as strong as I think it is.”

My gaze softens as she continues to explain, and I can feel the tension between us grow. She’s standing close enough that I can feel the warmth radiating off of her body, and when she finishes speaking, it is like an electric pulse between us.

I take a step closer to her until we’re almost touching. The air around us seems to stop moving as my hand traces along her cheekbone and cups her face in my palm. “You want me to kiss you, Liv?” I whisper, searching her eyes for some sign of hesitation or doubt.

Her eyes flutter shut before she whispers breathlessly, “Yes.”

As soon as the word leaves her mouth, I lean in and brush my lips lightly against hers. She inhales sharply at the contact and opens slightly, inviting me in further.

Our tongues entwine as my free hand moves from her waist up to cup the back of her neck, pulling her closer. We kiss slowly and deeply, both of us surrendering completely to each other in the moment.

The kiss is electric; my heart races and a thrill shoots through every inch of my body. But I force myself to break away, only to find Olivia’s eyes heavy with desire, her inviting lips still parted slightly from mine. I gaze into her cerulean eyes, and I feel as though time has stopped. I want to linger in her embrace, but instead I step away and do what needs to be done. I lie.

“It would be hot between us, but like I said before, fucking isn’t love. I’m not the guy you spend the rest of your life with, Olivia. I’m the guy you think about fucking while you’re with that guy. Nothing more. I hope you finally understand the difference so we can move on.”

She nods slowly, blinking away the welling in her eyes as she backs away from me. She opens her mouth to say something before quickly closing it and rotating on her heel toward the bathroom door. With one final glance over her shoulder, she slips inside without another word.

I walk outside and take a deep breath, wishing the day had started differently. I wish I could interact with her without feeling like absolute garbage afterwards.

Reaching into my pocket, I grab my burner phone as I begin to pace the length of the porch. It’s been two days since I’ve spoken to Henry, wanting to give things some time to calm down. I dial his number with anticipation and dread.

“Kane,” Henry answers on the first ring. “How are you? How’s Olivia?” His voice is strained, and filled with worry.

“We’re both safe,” I reply warily. “Have you heard anything?”

Henry sighs heavily before saying, “They burned down her apartment building.” The words hang between us for a moment before I clear my throat and respond.

“Jesus,” I hissed through clenched teeth. “Did anyone get hurt?”

“No,” he replies. “The fire department was able to contain it before anyone was injured. But her stuff...it’s all gone.”

My eyes close and I press my fingertips against my temples. “How am I going to tell her?” I mutter, more to myself than him.

“You’re not,” he answers flatly. “It’s the last thing she needs to worry about right now.”

I open my eyes and drag a hand over my face. “How many were there?”

“Two,” he says. “They were hanging around the school earlier, but they would’ve left town by now.”

I see red as soon as the words penetrate my consciousness. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. I had a couple of guys go check it out. They left in a hurry, which makes me think they found what they were looking for.”

My brow furrows, deep in thought. “There’s more to her story than we know. Do you know that Kildare isn’t her biological father?”

“I do,” he admits. “But the sheer force these guys acted with makes me believe this is personal… some kind of vendetta. It’s more than just her association with Shaemus. Has she told you anything else?”