Souls ReAligned: Book 2 of the Bound4Ireland Series

By Tricia Daniels

Ethan’s persistent nature forces Olivia to examine her feelings and face her fears. He too, faces major obstacles in his life and a troubled past full of secrets. Ones that could destroy Olivia’s trust in him forever. Eccentric psychic, Eva Storm senses the energy around them. Watching over these disconnected souls, she wills the universe to steer them together. She knows that fate can change and destiny is not always an easy path. Sometimes the journey is full of twists and turns. But love is the only true magic, for only true love transcends all time.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tricia Daniels
• Release date: Jan 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311773838

Tricia Daniels

Tricia Daniels lives in a small town in Southern Ontario, Canada, where she raised three kids as a single parent. Creativity and imagination is something there is never a short supply of in her home. Between her quick wit and wicked sense of humor she found that she has a passion for writing steamy romance novels. Her goal is simple, tell her story, warm a few hearts, shed a few tears, share a silent chuckle, and occasionally, make people blush.

Book preview

Prologue

Music fills the room of the old country building that’s been transformed into a formal gathering place. It’s a time for celebration in the county of Wicklow. Young and old alike get together to socialize, eat, and dance.

Liam Jamison stands against one of the walls, waiting for his brother, Owen. Beside him, one of his old school mates, Seán, talks non-stop. Glancing over at the redheaded boy, he shakes his head, about to tell him to stifle his nonsense.

His voice abandons him as he catches sight of Elizabeth O’Connor entering the building, alone. Even from across the room, her smile is capable of stopping his heart. Liam has always thought his brother’s girl is a beautiful woman. He’s thought about it a little too much, actually. Tonight she’s absolutely taken his breath away. Seán stops mid sentence, glancing over his shoulder to see what has commanded Liam’s attention. Smiling, he turns, so he can get a good look.

Now, there’s a girl that I’ll be dancing with tonight, Seán says, trying to goad Liam back into the conversation.

Liam can’t take his eyes off her as she makes her way around the room. Swallowing hard, he gives his head a small shake, trying to rid himself of unwanted thoughts. Looking back at the redhead he scoffs, I can’t see Owen letting you get anywhere near her.

He isn’t even here yet, Seán acknowledges, looking around the room.

He’ll be here. Father decided that his chores couldn’t wait until tomorrow. I offered to do them, but he insisted Owen do them alone.

You know, for the longest time, I thought you two were twins, Seán notes.

A lot of people do. We were actually born 10 months apart in the same year. Owen was born in January and I was born in October.

The old man sure is a lot tougher on Owen.

I don’t get it, Liam admits. Owen goes out of his way to please him; much more than I do. It just never seems to be enough for him. Feeling guilty, he scratches his head, searching for Elizabeth in the crowd.

When he finds her, she’s engaged in a very passionate kiss. Angst washes over him, until he recognizes his brother. He’s not quite sure when Owen arrived, but he’s glad Elizabeth is no longer unescorted. Watching over her, in his brother’s absence, would be a painful task.

Pulling herself away from Owen’s kiss, Elizabeth wipes the lipstick from his lips.

You look beautiful tonight, Owen admires her dress and the feminine curves beneath it. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t walk you here.

Elizabeth blushes, giving him a coy smile. Let me make it up to you. Ignoring her hesitation, he takes her hand, gently pulling her on to the dance floor.

Owen, she frets, trying to halt him. I’m a terrible dancer.

What? he reacts in surprise. There’s nothing to it.

Tugging her into his arms, he refuses to take no for an answer. Lifting her hands to accept his hold, she takes small steps.

Chuckling, Owen lowers his lips to the top of her head, How about you let me lead for a little while?

Embarrassed, she lowers her eyes to the ground, I don’t know if I can.

All you have to do is trust me, he says smirking.

She struggles at first, concentrating hard on the rhythm and movement. Guiding her confidently, he patiently lets her learn how to let him partner her. It’s not an easy task for the feisty Elizabeth O’Connor to let go of control.

From the other side of the room Seán and Liam watch them on the dance floor. Seán whistles as Elizabeth’s dress sways sensually around her. You know, he begins, glancing over at Liam. If she was my girl, she wouldn’t be walking around after dark, unescorted. She’d be home looking after all the kids we’d have.

Well, she’s not you’re girl, Seán, Liam says annoyed.

She could be, he justifies, watching Owen glide her across the dance floor. Think of the beautiful children we’d have. How happy I would make her, Seán brags.

Feeling tension start to coil tightly through his muscles, Liam struggles to hold his tongue, Well, that’s hilarious, Seán. Since the girl kicked your arse the first day of school.

She just needs a firm hand, that’s all, he says defensively. To be honest with you, Jamison… I don’t think your brother has what it takes to control her. In fact, when he leaves for his fancy medical school, I think I’ll take it upon myself to court Elizabeth O’Connor. I’ll teach her what her body is for and how to properly serve a man.

Shut the fuck up! Liam says angrily.

Look at those luscious lips, Seán says, with a vile smirk. Every time she showed me disrespect, I’d teach her a lesson. She’d soon learn her place and what her insolent mouth should be used for.

Fire flashes through Liam’s veins, Don’t you ever talk about her like that again, he warns through gritted teeth.

Trust me, Seán says, indiscreetly adjusting his growing erection. Eventually, she’d learn to enjoy sucking my dick.

Blind rage takes over, making Liam unable to control his actions with rational thought. His fist flies through the air, landing on Seán’s jaw with powerful force. Women scurry out of the way, gasping at their roguish behavior.

From the dance floor, Owen looks over the crowd to see what’s going on. Through all the commotion, it takes him a moment to realize that it’s his brother in the middle of the scuffle. Leaving Elizabeth standing alone, he takes off toward the brawl.

A few moments later, the Jamison boys find themselves escorted from the building by a few of the community elders. Elizabeth opens the door, joining them in the dull moonlight.

Go back inside, Owen instructs. It’s cold out here. There’s no reason for you to leave. Stay, and have a good time.

I’m not staying here alone, she insists.

I’m sorry, Liz, Liam says, feeling horrible that he’s ruined her evening.

Shrugging, she gives him a smile, That’s okay. I’m not a very good dancer anyway.

Is there any point in me arguing with you about staying? Owen asks curiously.

None at all, she says, assuredly.

What got into you anyway? he swats Liam in the back of the head. Since when do you let that arsehole, O’Reilly, get to you?

Ashamed, Liam doesn’t want to share Seán’s words in front of Elizabeth. Looking up at the cloud-covered moon, he quickly changes the topic as thunder rolls in the distance. We better get her home before it rains.

The clouds hide the moonlight making it a long, dark walk. No one should be out on this cold, stormy evening. Lightening brightens the sky. The ensuing crack of thunder makes Elizabeth jump and grab for Owen’s hand. The wind picks up as the rain begins to fall in torrential streams. Owen tries to screen Liz from the rain, but within seconds, they are all soaked to the bone.

Noticing Elizabeth shivering uncontrollably, Liam stops and gets his brother’s attention. We need to get her out of the rain, he yells over the gusting wind. We’re close to the old cabin by the river. I think we should head there for shelter.

Looking around at their surroundings, Owen agrees. Heading off the pathway, they make their way through the heavily wooded area toward the river. The trees provide some protection from the driving force of the rain. Before long, the small wooden shack they found abandoned during a fishing trip comes into view.

Pushing the door open, they rush into the safety of the dark, run down, cabin and out of the storm. I’ll get a fire started, Liam says, making his way to the hearth. You get her out of those wet clothes and try to get her warmed up.

Owen chuckles, as Elizabeth stands erect, her arms crossed angrily in front of her, Excuse me, Liam Jamison? I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself. I don’t need your brother’s help.

Glancing up, Liam establishes eye contact with his brother and says nothing.

Don’t worry, Brother, Owen says, wondering about his concern. I’ll look after it.

Ignoring his smirk, Elizabeth gives him an unimpressed eyebrow.

Placing his hand firmly on her back, he ushers her toward a small room. Holding back the blanket that’s nailed to the doorway, he lets her enter.

Here, handing her a dry shirt and pair of pants, he turns his back so she can change.

You keep clothes here? she asks curiously, as she quickly strips out of her heavily soaked dress.

We’ve both fallen in the river a time or two, temptation overtakes him, making him look over his shoulder. Are you done?

Yes, and you better not laugh, she warns.

Turning to see her holding up the pants, three times too large for her, he bites his tongue.

Gathering up her wet clothes, he tries to ignore her undergarments on the top of the pile. Elizabeth follows him into the other room where Liam has settled himself on a very uncomfortable looking wooden chair next to the hearth.

Owen strips off his wet shirt, laying it out to dry in front of the blazing fire. Setting herself down on the only sofa, Elizabeth’s eyes can’t avoid Owen’s broad shoulders and muscular chest.

Sitting down, he pulls her into his arms, and holds her shivering body against his bare chest. When she relaxes and leans against him, he tucks her gently under his arm. The fire crackles and roars, but it’s his body that warms the dampness from her bones.

Her soft body molds against him perfectly, as if they were made to fit together. That thought awakens the man inside him. The thought of her naked beneath his clothing is more than arousing.

Over the past months, Owen has watched her become a woman, right in front of his very eyes. This close to her, he finds it hard not to think of her in the way that a young man thinks of a beautiful woman. Stroking her hair, he breathes in her sweet feminine scent. Wrapping his arms completely around her, he feels more than just comfort in her embrace. He’s not entirely sure when it was that he fell in love with her, but his heart echoes it in every beat.

When she finally drifts off to sleep in his arms, he carries her to the only bedroom. She wakes as he lays her down on the bed and covers her with a blanket. She waits for him, but he doesn’t join her.

Returning to the other room, he strips off his still damp pants and spreads them out in front of the fire. Tossing and turning restlessly, he fails to get comfortable on the lumpy sofa.

Lifting her head Elizabeth sees darkness outside the small dusty window. The partially, cloud covered moon can occasionally be seen through the blowing branches of the trees. It appears that the storm has finally passed. Except for the rustling of the leaves, there’s an almost eerie silence.

The bed feels cold and empty, making her restless. Unnecessary, since Owen’s large, warm body is near by.

Owen? she calls out. Are you awake?

Yes, what’s wrong? he calls from the other room.

I’m cold, she can’t believe she’s been reduced to the games that girls play. Heavy footsteps bound across the cold wooden floor. Wearing nothing but his underwear, he stands beside the bed with a blanket that he’s had warming by the fire. Without a word, he shakes out the folds, letting it fall like a parachute over top of her.

The moon shines through the window illuminating his body. A sudden rush of heat warms her, and it has nothing to do with the blanket. She’s affected by him, standing in front of her, almost naked.

There, he says. Okay, now? He can feel her stare as he heads out of the room. Resisting temptation is not easy, but he forces himself to leave.

Owen, her heart races as she calls to him. Please stay with me. I’m still cold. Holding her breath, she hopes that he’ll put aside his chivalrous nature and agree.

Hesitating at the doorway, he turns to look at the pants she’s discarded on the floor beside the bed. Rubbing his hand on his head, he considers it. He answers with a breath, so heavy, that she can feel it from across the room, Okay, just let me put my trousers on. There’s no way I’m getting into bed beside you without them.

After going into the other room for a brief moment, he reappears. Hopping with one leg already in his trousers, he struggles to get the other leg into them. Her face flushes red, unable to take her eyes off him. Standing at the side of the bed, shirtless and his trousers unbuttoned, he folds his arms across his chest. Wait a minute, he says, raising his eyebrows. Now I see how it is.

What? she asks curiously, trying not to show how he’s affecting her.

Apparently, I’m the faithful family dog. Only allowed in your bed when your feet are cold.

Owen Jamison! Are you making fun of my virtue? she gasps.

Never, he tries to look sincere, but his grin gives him away.

Flashing him a smile, she lifts the corner of the blanket, whistling to welcome him, Here, boy! Come here, boy!

They both burst into laughter as he jumps into the bed. Lifting the blankets, he slides his body up against hers, wrapping his arms around her.

Bloody hell, woman! Your feet are like ice! he protests.

Her shoulders jiggle up and down in laughter. Tangling his legs around her, he anchors her to his body. Sliding his hand across her stomach to her hip, he caresses her, trying to warm her. Holding his breath, he tries to regain his composure as she trails her hands across his chest. He knows that soon, he won’t be able to hide his arousal.

Turning in his arms, Elizabeth faces the wall. Grabbing his arm, she pulls it over herself and encourages him to nestle in behind her.

She traces patterns on the back of his hand with the tender touch of her fingertips. He continues to caress her, skimming his hand across the tender curve of her breast. She melts into him completely, his hard chest now resting against her, warming her body. A scalding heat sizzles through his body as she adjusts her position and presses herself back against his hips.

Careful, he warns, considering her inexperience. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to stop myself if you keep pressing your body against me like that. He desperately restrains from pushing his hips against the round, tempting flesh of her bottom. He’d lose all control if he did.

Moving his hand to her neck, he brushes her hair to the side and lowers his mouth to her skin. When he presses his lips against her shoulder, she takes a sharp breath in and lets it out slowly.

Feelings she’s never experienced roll through her body. Her thoughts mirror his, dwelling on the loss of her innocence. She abandons all hesitation; his kisses stir within her feelings of desire. His heightening arousal, pressing into her from behind, is almost more than she can bear. She can’t deny her need to be more intimate with him, to be closer to him. No, she needs much more than that. She wants to give herself to him and this feels like the right time.

Owen, I want to, she whispers.

Stunned at her admission, he stills his movements while he considers what she’s asking.

He kisses her neck tenderly, as his hand slides across her shoulder, then down to her waist. Releasing her, he whispers in her ear, Look at me. When her eyes meet his, they sparkle with the reflection of his love. Kissing her lips with a sweet, yet hungry tenderness, he ignites the fire deep inside her.

Brushing the hair away from her face, he studies her with an intensity that takes her breath away. With a voice so gentle and alluring, her soon to be lover whispers words from Romeo and Juliet.

Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.

Her body aches to feel him inside her. She’s never been more sure that Owen is her one true love. She’s somehow known it all her life. Tonight, she’ll surrender herself to him for the first time.

Chapter One

As Olivia James tries to put some distance between her and the man she can’t admit she loves, anger and heartache course through her body like a violent storm. Once again, she’s left Ethan O’Connell watching, feeling helpless. Hopeless.

Tortured by the sight of her retreating further down the road, his heart beats heavily like a jackhammer inside his chest. Remaining frozen where he stands, his chest rising and falling with anxious breath, he witnesses the darkness begin to swallow her.

As she’s completely consumed by the horizon, Ethan can no longer withstand the agony of waiting; hoping that she’ll come to her senses, turn around, and come back to him. If she never speaks to him again, he would deserve that and more, for what he put her through tonight. Getting into the car, he slams the door as his inner turmoil burns through his insides like a caustic substance. Acid would be less corrosive.

Looking over at the jacket that she discarded on the seat, concern creases his brow. She’s wandering the streets in the dark, exposed to the chill of the unforgiving western wind, upset and alone. If her ex, Sam, is the guy who’s been showing up at the bar looking for her, she’d be defenseless against him right now. Concern quickly morphs into angst. Raking his fingers through his hair, he holds his head in frustration before completely losing his mind.

Bringing his hand down heavily toward the steering wheel, he punches it in a violent outburst, FUCK! The muscles in his chest tighten, causing his entire body to stiffen as he forces out a tortured breath, NOT THIS TIME! This time he’s not letting her run. Olivia evokes in him the most powerful feelings that he’s ever experienced for a woman. He refuses to let her walk away. When he finds her, he’ll get down on his knees and beg for her forgiveness, like Scott implored him to do when this whole ugly mess started. He’ll make her listen. Make sure she understands. NO! Not understand... believe. He needs to make her believe that he LOVES her. Starting the engine, he pulls out on to the road. In his haste to find her, he makes the tires squeal as he heavily hits the gas.

Olivia doesn’t feel the cool air any longer. Anger and adrenaline keep her warm as she walks briskly along the sidewalk. When she hears screeching tires and the roar of the engine as gears are shifted at a rapid pace, she knows that he’s coming after her. Reaching the intersection, she looks back at the swiftly approaching headlights and becomes nervous.

Stepping off the sidewalk and out of the glow of the streetlights, she waits and watches. Praying that the darkness will afford her a little bit of cover, she holds her breath until Ethan turns left at the lights, expecting her to be on her way home. When she’s sure that he’s far enough up the street, she quickly heads in the opposite direction.

Pulling up in front of the small red brick townhome, Ethan is concerned that the house is in darkness. Getting out of the car, he makes quick strides toward the door and lets himself in. Searching all the rooms, he finds them empty. Confused about her absence, he does the only thing he can think to do. Rushing back to the car he backtracks. His eyes dart back and forth surveying both sides of the road as he searches for her.

When he’s doubled all the way back to the traffic lights, and still hasn’t found her, he has an agonizing thought. She must be with Noah. He knows the bastard lives close by, but he has no idea where. Frustration sets in as he drives up and down every side road hoping to catch a glimpse of them. Not quite sure what he’ll do if he finds them together. Reaching into his pocket for his phone, he finds it missing. Stopping at the intersection he frantically checks all his pockets, the seat, the floor... Damn! Cursing, Ethan turns the steering wheel, making an abrupt u-turn and heads back to the bar.

Screeching to a halt out front of The Headwaters Restaurant, soon to be Ireland’s Pub, he narrowly misses a few patrons who are loitering outside. Ignoring their protests and cursed complaints, he bolts through the doorway and heads straight to the bar. Hearing the commotion, Rachel tugs at Scott’s sleeve, drawing his attention to the frantic, pissed-off Irishman approaching like a bull in a china shop.

Have you seen my phone? he asks the bartender, ignoring the fact that he’s interrupting a conversation.

No, Mr. O’Connell. I haven’t seen it.

Scotch. NOW! he says, slamming his keychain down onto the bar. The bartender places a shot glass in front of him and fills it. As he turns to walk away, Ethan barks a command, Leave the bottle!

Nervously, the bartender places the bottle in front of him and glances over at Scott. As Ethan lifts the first shot to his lips, Rachel quietly places her hand over his keychain. Discreetly moving it toward her, she slides it off the edge, into her other hand, and passes it to Scott, unnoticed.

Throwing back a second shot, Ethan suddenly remembers, It's in my office.

What? Rachel asks, trying to look innocent.

My phone. It’s in my office. Fixated on his need to find Olivia, Ethan pushes his way through the crowd and disappears into his office.

Without warning, Rachel smacks Scott really hard on the arm. Ouch! Why are you hitting me? he questions.

"He’s your friend! He’s going to freak out when he comes back and finds his keys are missing."

Scott rubs his arm, I know. But he’s also my BOSS. I’m going to kill Brant and McCabe for ditching me with him tonight. Taking his phone out of his pocket he sends them both another message.

Olivia stops walking when she realizes that she’s at the end of a dead end street, somewhere in the middle of a desolate industrial zone. Crap! How long has she been walking? She nervously looks around, searching for anything that looks familiar. When she spots the train tracks, she knows that she’s lost.

Starting to feel the chill in the air, she reaches into her pocket for her phone. Shivering, she takes a look at the long list of missed notifications, Ethan… Ethan… Ethan. Text apologies, missed calls, frantic voice messages; all asking where she is and begging her to call him back.

Like that’s going to happen, she mumbles, as she deletes them from her phone.

A loud thundering crash of metal makes panic zip through her bloodstream. As she jumps her phone falls from her hand and lands on the ground. Cursing, she crouches down to pick it up. Glancing nervously toward the sound, she sees a figure fade into the darkness. Keeping watch over her shoulder, she moves quickly in the direction she came from, trying to get back to safety with her hand tightly squeezing her phone. The sound of heavy footsteps approaches from behind her. Turning nervously, she sees the shadow of a tall man lurking in the dark alleyway. Fear overtakes her; pulsing through her veins. The familiarity of the lingering dark figure makes the hairs stand up on the back of her neck. Shivering as she walks, Olivia’s breath quickens. Beginning to feel frantic, she unlocks her phone to make a call. Sliding her finger down the touch screen, she stops briefly on Ethan’s name. She swallows hard and considers it, then continues further down the screen. Holding the phone to her ear, she talks to herself as she continues to walk, Please answer. Please answer. She holds her breath until she hears his voice.

Olivia?

Hi, John, she whispers, trying to hide the fact that she’s feeling extremely anxious.

It’s getting late, is everything okay?

When she hears Shannon’s voice in the background, she feels more than a little embarrassed for interrupting them. I’m sorry, John. You’re trying to spend time with Shannon. I’ll be fine.

Wait! he says sternly. Don’t hang up. You’re not interrupting anything. Tell me what’s going on.

O’Connell and I had a fight, and I walked out… and well, I kept walking and now I don’t know where I am, she sighs heavily.

Well, that explains why Ethan has called 18 times in the last half an hour, he says calmly.

John... I’m starting to freak out a little. I keep hearing things and I think someone is following me. Do you think it’s Ethan?

Alarmed to hear that, John hides his concern well. He already knows that Scott has Ethan’s keys, so he hasn’t gone anywhere. Can you tell me anything about where you are? A street name would be helpful.

I don’t see any signs and there are only a few street lights where I am. It’s really dark and I have no idea how I even got here. She gasps as a loud noise startles her. I left the club and walked east, and then I followed the sidewalk to the right and just kept walking, she rambles nervously.

Okay, listen, John’s voice remains calm, controlled. I’m going to drive in that direction. Don’t walk any further. Just stay put. If you see anything, a street sign, the name of a business… call me right back. Don’t worry, I’ll be there shortly.

Okay. Olivia paces nervously, her feet throbbing from the journey. She’s way too nervous to sit down on the curb and rest. In an alley to her right she hears the hissing and screeching of a cat and clenches her jaw. With her heart in her throat, she walks toward the noise and cautiously peeks around the corner.

Jumping when her phone rings, she answers the unknown number without giving it any thought.

Hello?

Olivia, it’s Carter.

Carter! She does her best to hide how upset she is.

Are you okay? His voice is deep, calm. The sound of it soothes her nerves.

Carter, I keep hearing footsteps like I’m being followed. I think someone is hiding in the shadows, she says quietly into the phone.

Listen, I’m with John and Shannon. We’re heading in the direction you said you walked. I want you to do something for me. Walk back in the direction you came. Just keep walking, okay? I’m going to stay on the phone with you until we find you. The minute you see a street sign or something you let me know.

Okay. But John said to stay put. Olivia retraces her path, turning one last time to look at the dimly lit alley.

We’ve re-thought that plan, he says, sounding a little edgy.

Talk to me while you’re walking. What happened?

Olivia takes a deep breath. Stupid stuff, really. Ethan was mad because I wouldn’t agree to a committed relationship, so he asked one of his co-workers out on a date.

He did what? Carter can do little to hide the anger in his voice, You’re messing with me right? Tell me that it wasn’t that nasty tramp from reception, he says agitated.

No, I wish I was joking. Yes, it was Hannah. But this isn’t entirely his fault, Carter. They were my stupid rules. When he told me that he had a date I got all jealous and, she pauses, reliving that painful moment of looking up to see them together. Then I decided to show up at the restaurant on a date with someone Ethan absolutely hates. I knew it was going to make him angry, and it did, she takes a break in her rambling to breathe.

I see, Carter says in a strained tone, Have you passed any street signs yet?

No, but I see headlights. There’s a car coming toward me.

Hang on. John, flash the lights.

Olivia looks up. Watching the headlights flicker on and off, she feels unbelievable relief. I can see you, Carter! I’m just up ahead, on the right.

The minute they reach her, John jumps out of the car, surveying the area for assailants and checking the alleyways. Old habits never die for some men.

Carter rushes toward Olivia, giving her the once over. Are you okay? Are you hurt or anything?

I’m fine, Carter.

Carter cocks his head to the side, giving her a look of disbelief with those beautiful, blue Australian eyes.

My feet hurt, she deflects, refusing to let him see just how frightened she is. Drawing on her strength, she pulls herself together, holding back the tears. She’s done it for so many years. Nothing has changed. When he glares at her, raising his eyebrows, still not convinced, she finally gives in, I’m OKAY. Really. I’m just a little freaked out.

Carter throws his arms around her in a hug, kissing the top of her head. Thank Christ we found you so quickly. We were on our way to the restaurant to have a few drinks when you called. Holding her for a long while, he lets her sink into his hard chest like an old friend.

It’s odd how Olivia instantly had a connection with Carter. She knows that he feels it too. She’s seen it in his eyes. In fact, what she sees in Carter’s eyes is more than the desire of a friendship. He doesn’t act on it out of respect for his friend. That’s the kind of guy Carter Brant is: strong, true, and loyal, right down to his core. Any woman would be lucky to have his affections, but Olivia belongs to another man, even if she refuses to admit it.

Olivia begins to feel the cool air. Without hesitation, Carter takes off his jacket and wraps it around her shoulders. Come on then, get in the car and let’s get you home. His Australian accent, much more authoritative than usual, makes him sound masculine and rugged. When he slides in beside her in the back seat, he puts his arm around her and pulls her close.

Shannon turns in the front seat and frowns Are you okay, Sweetie?

I just want to go home.

Of course, we’ll take you, she glances over at John who nods in agreement. You know what? Turning back to Olivia, Shannon gives her a sympathetic smile. Why don’t I stay with you tonight? The boys are booked solid tomorrow, and I’ll be bored to death. You promised to go dress shopping with me.

That’s a really good idea, John says. You two can eat ice cream, spend money, and talk about what arseholes us guys are. I’m sure you’ll feel much better after that.

Shannon takes Olivia’s silence as acceptance, It’s settled then. I’ll stay.

John’s phone rings and he shakes his head as he picks it up, Ethan. Holding it away from his ear, he winces at the loud screaming. Ethan, stop screaming and listen to me. ETHAN! Olivia is safe. I have her here with me. I’m going to take her back to her house. Shannon is going to stay with her overnight. Not a chance, Boss! Scott isn’t going to give you back your keys, Ethan. Leave him alone. Carter and I are going to pick you up in about 10 minutes. Lay off the scotch.

Finally arriving home, Olivia and Shannon settle on the couch with a container of ice cream and two spoons. Olivia has too much going on in her brain to even fake interest in the movie that Shannon selected. It does nothing to distract her from the heaviness in her heart.

She says nothing about the evening’s events, even when Shannon gently persuades her to talk about it. Frowning when her phone vibrates, she lets out a heavy sigh as she looks at the display.

Sensing her query, Olivia looks up to meet with Shannon’s best jury glare. Have you heard from Ethan? she finally asks.

Olivia breathes out a long slow breath, Only every 10 minutes.

Shannon’s eyes pop open wide, Seriously?

Your boss invented the word PERSISTENCE.

Did you respond?

No, I just shut my phone off. I can’t deal with him right now, Olivia says, shaking her head.

But you are planning on dealing with him, right? Shannon raises her eyebrow in a questioning manner.

Olivia pauses for a moment, The jury’s still out on that one. I mean, how much longer can we go on playing these games?

Well, you tell me, Shannon says in a stern voice. I don’t want to be a bitch, but surely you must accept equal responsibility for that?

Olivia is taken aback by her comment and her response is unmistakably defensive. Are you asking as my friend? Or Ethan’s lawyer?

Your friend, of course, Shannon reassures her, It’s just that I don’t understand why you’re angry with him? You wanted a non-committed relationship. Right?

Olivia frowns, He asked me several times if a non-committed relationship was what I wanted. I told him yes.

But he knew you weren’t telling the truth and he called you out on it.

Shannon confirms the truth, making Olivia’s heart squeeze tightly in her chest. Thoughts of the things he said about her being closed off and difficult roll through her brain. She wonders why she’s so determined to prove him right. As much as she tries not to analyze it, she comes to the shocking realization that she didn’t walk away because she was angry with Ethan. She was ripped apart at the sight of him with another woman, even if she did force his hand. No, that wasn’t the reason. Sitting in his car, listening to him argue and fight for her love, made her realize just how strong her feelings are for him. She panicked, throwing up walls; trying to push him away for good. She looks over at Shannon who has been patiently waiting for an answer, Yes. This is my fault.

John’s car hasn’t even come to a complete stop in front of the restaurant, when Carter opens the door and jumps out. Carter! John yells, Don’t do it! Cursing, John throws the car into park and chases after him, but he’s a few seconds too late.

Ethan is standing at the bar when Carter finds him and calls out his name. He turns, but before he has a chance to say a word, the sound of a loud THUD echoes through his ears. Carter hits him in the jaw with such a powerful right jab that Ethan stumbles back. Lifting his hand, he wipes a small trickle of blood from his lip and then looks back at his friend, stunned.

Yelling, Carter steps forward, angrily poking his finger into Ethan’s chest. I told you to take care of her! Treat her right is what I said! Is taking the office whore on a date you’re idea of treating her right? Olivia loves you! You should be on your fucking knees worshipping her every chance you get! You don’t deserve her, O’Connell!

John firmly puts his hand on Carter’s shoulder,