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"My father got there just in time to shoot the asshole. I don't remember much after that. Just his screams when he realized she was gone."

Olivia shifts closer, pressing her lips to my shoulder. The gesture is so gentle it makes my chest ache.

The words come out before I can stop them. "My mother died protecting me. My father... He was never the same after that night. The Iron Serpents might have pulled the trigger, but I'm the reason she's dead."

"Sam." Olivia's voice is firm as she props herself up to look at me. "You were a child. Her death wasn't your fault."

I meet her gaze, seeing nothing but sincerity in those blue depths. Something inside me cracks open at her words, at the unwavering certainty in her voice.

"I've never told anyone about that night." My hand finds hers where it rests on my chest. "Not even John knows the full story."

"Thank you for telling me." She leans down, pressing her forehead to mine.

The intimacy of the moment steals my breath. Having her here, in my bed, knowing my darkest memories…it should terrify me. Instead, I feel lighter somehow. Like sharing the weight of that night has lifted a burden I've carried alone for too long.

I tangle my fingers in her hair, pulling her closer until our lips meet. The kiss is different from our others. Slower, deeper, filled with everything I can't put into words. When we break apart, she settles back against my chest, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her close.

For the first time since that night, I let myself believe that maybe love doesn't always end in loss.

THIRTY-SEVEN

Olivia

Everything has changed.

I don't hate Sam anymore. Somehow, he’s wormed his way into my heart, and it's a scary feeling. Knowing who he is and what he does makes me feel like I need to run away faster than ever. The past tells me that this is only going to end badly.

But for some reason I don't understand, I can't seem to listen to that little voice in my head.

Maybe it's the sex.

Or maybe it's that, underneath his hard exterior, Sam might actually be a good person. He's just…human.

Once he opened up about his mother and being kidnapped as a child, my heart shattered for him. I had created this image in my mind of him being a hardened criminal. Someone with no feelings and no remorse.

But the truth is, he wasn't born this way. He was created over time, teachings, and trauma.

I don't think he aims to hurt people. I think he's protective of the people he cares about. I've seen him with his cousins, andI think he truly loves them. He would do anything to keep them safe.

Somehow, I'm feeling lighter now.

It's late afternoon and the bar only has the few regulars who Joey is taking care of. Roman sits on his normal bar stool, eyes scanning the place like a threat could arrive at any moment.

"You know," I say, tossing the rag into the sink, "you could at least pretend to be a normal customer instead of looking like you're about to tackle someone."

Roman raises an eyebrow. "I'm security, not an actor."

"You're scaring away my customers."

"Your customers are three old men who wouldn't notice if I was naked, as long as their glasses stay full."

One of the three old men looks our way, but then shrugs his shoulder and takes another sip of his beer.

I snort. "Speaking of which, you haven't touched your drink in an hour. You're taking up valuable real estate."

"You charging me rent now?" He smirks, picking up the virgin daiquiri I made him and chugging it in one go. I've developed a habit of making him the most feminine drinks I can think of. If he's gonna be here watching me, I might as well have a little fun. "Fine. Another one. Make it fancy."

"What, with a little umbrella? You want me to cut the lime into a swan while I'm at it?"