You Distract Me - S01 E71

4 months ago

You Distract Me - S01 E71

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 71

"What was the card?"

"He gave up every asset, every connection and every money trail in exchange for my immediate release, instead of his own."

She stopped in her step when I did.

I looked up at her. "Just like that?"

"Just like that."

"So you're not going back?"

She caressed my cheek, offering me a gentle smile. "No I'm not.

"I see." I looked down at our joined hands and then back into her eyes. "Shayne, it's been a couple of years now. I've been trying to move on for my own good. I'm not sure if I can trust your presence in my life anymore."

"I know—"

"No you don't." I slipped my hand out of her grip, walking ahead of her before turning back. "You don't know what it's like waking up not being certain of how to live. Just when I've started to get a proper handle on things, you step right back into my life."

"I swear I wouldn't have come back if it meant I'd end up leaving anyway. I wouldn't do that to you or myself."

"You've done it before already. And then proceeded to leave without saying goodbye." I swallowed hard, but maintained eye contact.

She closed her eyes a moment. "I didn't have the courage to look you in the eye and leave then. I was a coward."

"Yes, you were."

She sighed, lowering herself to the sand. She sat with her elbows against her raised knees and stared at the space between her feet. "I don't want to lose you." She paused, taking a deep breath. "But I understand where you're coming from. If it gives you peace, I'll walk out of your life," she said the words with palpable strain.

I walked to her and went to sit in the space her eyes had been, hugging my knees to my chest. "I'm not sure about peace. Knowing you're free and well but no where near me would probably drive me insane."

She raised her gaze to mine and saw my smile. Relief overwhelmed her features. "Olivia," she whispered, taking hold of my hand and pressing the knuckles against her lips, her eyes closing with the action.

When she opened them again, they shone with moisture. My heart sang and somersaulted at once.

"But..."

She paused, and gave me a curt nod. Ready for whatever came next.

"I have to know for sure that you won't let any more harm come to you. You're not indestructible, Shayne."

She continued to caress my knuckles with her mouth, raising goosebumps all over my body. "I stepped down as leader of the Raven Angels and handed over power to Drew as soon as I was behind bars."

"But you're back now. Don't you want that power back?"

"Not at all. You became my priority the moment I cemented your position in my life, and the Raven Angels came second every time. It's always been you over any and everything."

I smiled big, tears I'd grown accustomed to running down my face. "I love you, God knows it's with my entire heart."

"I know that too," she said. "I'm sorry I didn't let you visit. I didn't want you to hold onto me for longer than you deserved. I just wanted you to be happy, even if it wasn't with me. For what it's worth, I kept all your letters."

"I've been angry at you for a long time, but I never once stopped loving you. Your plan to cut me off backfired miserably unfortunately."

She chuckled and her brows drew together in mock seriousness. "You didn't get married out of spite though, did you?"

I laughed, bliss overwhelming me. "No, but I did just agree to go on my first date in years. You're welcome to join us if you want."

"Really? What should I wear?"

"Well, you can start with my lip gloss."

"Your lip—"

I pulled her in and pressed our lips together, pleasantly feeling her body shudder. She groaned against my mouth and wrapped my entire body in her arms, moving me in closer.

Her lips hovered above my own as she stared into my eyes. "I love you, Ms. Ryans."

"You'd better."