The Things You Say

By Lisa Olsen

Everyone deserves a chance at happily ever after, don't they?  Even a proper villain and a damaged little dove.

 

Rob

I've always known the happy ending bit wasn't for me.  A proper villain, I've done things that don't deserve that patch of happiness.  Something needs doing, I do it.  Don't care much what it is, long as it keeps me in tea and trousers.  So, when I got the offer to go up north for a spell, I didn't think twice about working for another vamp, it was time to move on.  Only the last thing I expected to find in the house of the Jarl of the Pacific Northwest was her.

She moved like a delicate flower in the breeze, in pink dance togs that clung to her like a second skin from neck to knees, a gauzy skirt flowing against her as she danced.  Sable hair spilled down her back, floating every which way when she spun, like it had a life of its own.

What in the name of all f*ckery was she doing here? 

 

Olivia

Seven years.  Seven years since I'd last laid eyes on Rob, and there he was. 

Same old Robby.  The same whiff of bay rum aftershave and his own distinct scent I'd all but forgotten.  The lilt of his rough accent reminded me of home and set off a different kind of longing.  God strike me, he looked just as tempting as always. 

This wouldn't do at all.  I couldn't let him ruin everything. 

Seven long years since I found Heaven and Hell in a single day.  But I had to shut that all away in the past again and keep playing the role of Peyton's sweet little dove.  I had to keep focused or it would all be for nothing. 

This story continues with the situation that I set up at the end of Know Me When the Sun Goes Down.  If you haven't read that one (or all of the previous Forged Bloodlines series), please stop and go back and read those first as well as Fated Love in this Fated Bloodlines series.  Otherwise, this book won't make as much sense or the stakes won't be nearly as high. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lisa Olsen
• Release date: Mar 30, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224888962

Book preview

Chapter One

Rob

Everybody dies.  Some of us just take longer to do it.

Especially in the company I keep.  Bit hard to mix with vampires and the like and not have a limited lifespan, but I hold my own.  Even developed a bit of a reputation over the years.  Something needs doing, I do it.  Don’t care much what it is, long as it keeps me in tea and trousers.

So, when I got the offer to go up north for a spell, I didn’t think twice about working for another vamp.  I’d already had my fill of the lot in San Francisco and it was time to move on. 

Alls I knew about Peyton was he’d styled himself as the Marshal of the Portland area, though his official title was Jarl of the Pacific Northwest.  Not that there were too many vampires up in that area, most tended to gravitate to the seat of the West down in Los Angeles. 

Had a bit of a chinwag with Leander and Jarrod at the Hart, but they had little gossip to pass on, other than Peyton had a reputation for being intense, but fair.  Intensity was par for the course where most vamps in power were concerned, it made no nevermind to me.  Maybe it did seem a tad odd that a Marshal needed someone of my particular skills, but the pay was too good to turn my nose up at.  And if he turned out to be too much of a prat, nothing said I had to stay.

I’d expected a posh city place, vamps did have their ideas of what trappings went with money and power, but the address led to a far more rustic setting in Mollalla, just outside of Portland.  After a fair bit of rolling, green hills, I pulled up to the automatic gate, elaborately wrought with the figure of a running horse across the heavy metal bars. 

Fella with a MP5 automatic weapon stood by inside the gate, calling out, What do you want?

I’ve business with Peyton.

What kind of business?

That’s for him to say.  I wasn’t about to go broadcasting it unless the boss wanted it known that he’d hired me.

He let out a long sigh.  What’s your name?

Rob.  There was a delay and his hand went to his ear.  Yeah, okay.  You’re expected.  Come on through.

It was an expansive property.  I passed by several neatly fenced paddocks and outbuildings before the sprawling house came into sight.  Horses were clearly the theme, from the iron statue in the center of the circular drive to the rearing stallions carved into the massive double front doors.

The doors were opened by a dark-haired man with craggy features and small, beady eyes.  He had a slight build, more wiry than muscled, but there was a coiled strength there, you could see it when he moved.  Even so, he was smaller than me.  The kind of guy I wouldn’t spare two thoughts for passing him by in a dark alley, if not for one thing – he was a vamp right enough.  And it wasn’t wise to underestimate a fanger in my experience, no matter his appearance.

Good evening.  I am Mr. Blake, Peyton’s deputy, he said with a slow drawl that marked him from the southern states.  I thank you for attending us on such short notice, you come highly recommended.  Should I address you as Rob or Mr. ...?

Just Rob will do fine, thanks, I nodded, seeing as how most vamps weren’t big on shaking hands with the hired help.

Right this way, please, he replied, polite as you please. There was a formal note to his speech what led me to think he was quite a lot older than his mid-thirties as he appeared.  He led the way past an empty dining room, heavily scarred with fire and smoke damage.

Having a spot of trouble, I see.

A bit, he said with a tight smile, pausing in the hallway to survey the damage.  "It’s the latest in a string of accidents we’ve encountered lately.  Most of it harmless but... troubling.  Peyton’s office was tossed, though nothing was found to be missing. Before that the automatic shutters were reprogrammed to open at an inopportune time.  You can see why this could be troublesome in a house that requires absolute dark during the daylight hours.

I can see how that could be troublesome, yeah, I agreed.  And it meant their security was for shit.  No wonder he’d called me in.  So, I’m to find out who’s behind all of this mischief then?

No.  We have brighter minds than you bent to the task.  Your sole responsibility is to guard the bossman’s most valuable treasure.

Guard duty?  Bit of a step-down that, but it wouldn’t be the first time I stood at attention, ready for the first hint of danger.  And that would be?

Right this way, he smiled, leading us past the expansive living room where a massive, rocky fireplace dominated the room, and into the west wing where soft music drifted into the hall. The door he brought us to opened into a dance studio of sorts.  The hardwood floor was stained a light blonde and two of the walls were sheathed in mirror from floor to ceiling, one of those ballet bars mounted to one of them.  Two sets of French doors led out to a garden patio, dark at this time of night.  My vision in the dark was better than most, but I didn’t spend my time trying to see what was out there, I was too distracted by the sight of her.

She moved like a delicate flower in the breeze, in pink dance togs that clung to her like a second skin from neck to knees, a gauzy skirt flowing against her as she danced.  Sable hair spilled down her back, floating every which way when she spun, like it had a life of its own.

Rob, may I introduce you to Miss Cassandra Collins.

And then she turned my way and her dark eyes flared wide with panic.  Just as quickly, a mask of indifference slid into place as we approached.

Bollocks, slipped out under my breath, but I managed to keep the rest of the choicer words to myself.  What in the name of all fuckery was she doing here?

Chapter Two

Olivia

Everybody dies.

I didn’t used to think so.  I used to think we would go on forever.  But everybody dies.  Especially in the company I keep now.  Some of us just take longer to do it.

I didn’t used to know that.  I thought everybody had an Uncle Elbert who looked the same now as he did when I was in nappies.  And my mum never had a single strand of gray on her head.  She was as beautiful to me from my first memory of her handing me a cup of milk as she was when she closed her eyes for the last time.  Mum died first.  And then Pops.  Alls I had left was Sean, and he was the biggest and toughest man I ever knew.  Well, except for him. 

And there he was.

Somehow, I managed to keep still, even though I was shaking on the inside, sure he’d call me out at any second.  But Rob just stood there, lips pressed tightly together in a scowl of disapproval I recognized well enough.  God strike me, he looked just as tempting as always.  As usual, the five o-clock shadow on his jaw boasted more stubble than his closely shorn scalp.  Dressed in blue jeans and a navy t-shirt that stretched tight across his muscular form, he certainly hadn’t let himself go over the years. 

We stared at each other, not saying a word until he simply nodded and said, Miss.

Well then, I shall leave you in his capable hands while I attend to some other business, Mr. Blake said, his smile somewhat forced, eager to wash his hands of me and return to his duties. 

What’s this all about? he demanded the instant Blake disappeared, but I knew it wasn’t safe, anyone could be listening.

I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, I replied, turning away from him.

I think you do, he growled, stepping up close to grab my arm. 

My head whipped around at the feel of his skin on mine.  Same old Robby.  The same whiff of bay rum aftershave and his own distinct scent I’d all but forgotten.  The lilt of his rough accent reminded me of home and set off a different kind of longing despite his menacing tone.  It triggered a memory of the three of us in the kitchen having a palaver about what to watch on the telly.  But this wouldn’t do at all.  I couldn’t let him ruin everything. 

I shot him a look of pure murder, designed to shut his gob if he knew what was good for him.  I need to get back to practice, I said loftily, shaking off his grasp and turning the music up. I felt his eyes on me as I put my leg up on the barre to stretch.  Even if I hadn’t been able to see his approach in the mirror, I would’ve known it the moment he stepped into my space, his voice lower this time.

What you doing here then, eh?

I live here.

I’m not playing with you.

That’ll be a first.

Olivia...

Don’t... I begged him, my voice barely above a whisper.  I’m not her.  I’m Cassandra.  My eyes caught his in the mirror, pleading with him to drop it, and he shook his head.  

I don’t understand this.

It’s not for you to understand.  In fact, this has nothing to do with you.  It hadn’t for a long time.  I think you should leave.

Well, it ain’t up to you, is it? he said with a nasty smirk, and I spun around, dropping the guise of stretching.

I can make you leave.

Think so?  His chest puffed up, all manly and smug, but I didn’t back down.

I do.

How you going to manage that?

All I have to do is tell Peyton you touched me and he’ll end you. 

He let out a snort of derision.  He can try.

My voice rose, despite my best efforts, as my hands clenched to keep from smacking some sense into him.  Let me make this perfectly clear.  I don’t want you here, I spelled it out for him, my frustration mounting when his chin thrust out like he was spoiling for a fight.

Don’t care much what you want. Not unless you start making a helluva lot more sense.  I’ve a job to do and I take it seriously.

And that is why I hired you.  Peyton appeared in the doorway, and I took a step away from Rob, heart slamming in my chest.  How much of that had he heard?  Still, his expression was calm enough as he approached, and I pasted on a smile, bounding up to his side to kiss him with as much enthusiasm as I could muster. 

Not that Peyton was unattractive by any means.  Tall and handsome, with a lean, rangy build.  His mustache and goatee put me in mind of the old west, though his style was much more modern.  He favored jeans and cowboy boots most days, weathered and well worn.  Button up shirts with the sleeves rolled back to display strong forearms and callused hands that knew a day’s work.  His dark eyes could stop a man in their tracks when his anger bubbled to the surface, but they shone with adoration as he wrapped his arms around me.

And how is my desert rose this evenin’? he asked with an indulgent smile, his southern drawl sliding over me like treacle – far too cloying to tempt me.

Better now you’re here, I simpered, my hand stroking his arm.  But I don’t see why you feel the need to saddle me with such a beast.  My eyes threw daggers at Rob, hoping Peyton would dismiss him to please me, but instead his eyes narrowed to study Rob more carefully.

Are the two of y’all acquainted?

Shite.  That wouldn’t do at all.  A thug like that is hardly in my circle of friends, I replied, trying to sound aloof and disinterested.  He might know of me, but someone like him would hardly raise my notice.

Rob bristled, his eyes cold.  No, I never seen this bird before.

Then I can’t see why you could object to him, my dove, Peyton said, kissing my shoulder before letting go of me to offer Rob a hand to shake.  I appreciate you comin’ on such short notice.  You are highly recommended by the Warden of the West.

Felix is a good sort, Rob replied, shaking his hand brusquely.  And I’m glad to be of use if I can be. 

Oh, I definitely have use for you, Peyton chuckled, his arm going around my waist again.  Do you see this splendid creature?  This is the most magnificent thing I own.

I was used to Peyton calling me his property, but Rob seemed to bristle again. 

That is your sole responsibility while in my employ.  Will you ensure her safety for me?

I will.

Even at the cost to your life?

I expected Rob to balk at this, but he replied without hesitation.  That’s the job.

Peyton nodded, satisfied, but I stepped up my attack.  But I have no need of this, dearest, I insisted, my fingers tracing patterns across his chest as I held him close.  I am well guarded here.

But we are not always to remain in the home, he said gently, picking up my hand and pressing a cool kiss to the back of it.  And you know we have had our share of troubles here.

I nodded at that, injecting a throb of emotion to my voice as I tried to sway him.  "But surely his talents are better spent at keeping you safe." At least then I’d have some respite with Rob at the other end of the house half the time.

You do please me, Peyton smiled, kissing me deeply before pulling back to gaze into my eyes.  I am a lucky man indeed.  And I intend to stay that way.  Rob will stay by your side at all times.

I’d rather he didn’t.

It’s not up to you, little dove.

At least let me have some peace when I am here.  Nothing will happen to me in this house. I am safe here. I...

All of a sudden, his gaze grew intense, his will reaching out for mine.  You will obey me in this.  You will not be unescorted.  I know what’s best for your safety.

My face went slack.  Know what’s best... I repeated woodenly, trying to ignore Rob’s penetrating stare.  Fuck all.  He had to know it was a load of wank.  I was in for it now.

Chapter Three

Olivia

There was no way he wouldn’t press me about it now, but thankfully Rob kept his tongue until Peyton had left us.  I’d turned back to the music station, looking for something to calm my shattered nerves. 

Once the door to the studio was shut, Rob stalked the length of the dance floor, hazel eyes boring into me, though he kept his voice pitched low.  What’s all this, going on like he can compel you?  You’re exactly like me.

"I’m nothing like you, I snapped.  I don’t run away from my problems."

Neither do I.

A very unladylike snort left my lips.  And that’s why I’ve seen so much of you these past seven years? 

He had the decency to look uncomfortable at that, but then his scowl returned.  Is that what you are to me, a problem now?

You tell me.

Too right you’re a problem, he growled.  Luckily, one that’s easily fixed.  Go on and get packed. I’ll get you out of here at daybreak.  Rob grabbed for my arm again, but I shrugged out of it.

The hell you are.  Do you know how hard I worked to get here?

His eyes narrowed.  What are you up to?

None of your business.

You’re my business now, or didn’t you hear your new loverboy?

Since when do you take orders from the likes of him?

"Since when do you?"

That was more than I could get into with the house all up and about.  Besides, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to let him in on my reason for being there.  If he’d been worth his salt Rob would’ve taken care of it himself years ago.  Go away, Robby, I huffed, suddenly tired of sparring with him.  I don’t need your protection.

Don’t call me that, he scowled.  "And you obviously don’t know what you need.  Stop acting the child before you wind up dead."

Now that was worth a laugh.  There’s nothing remotely childish about what I’m doing here.

"What are you doing here?"

Enjoying the perks of being mistress of the Jarl of the Northwest.  I drummed up a smug smile, and his lip curled in disgust.

Enjoy being his juice box, do you?

I leaned closer, my voice purring with satisfaction.  Do you truly want to hear about where I get my pleasures these days?  He recoiled in revulsion, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the idea that I was with a fanger or getting pleasure in general.  Rob could be such a prude about some things.

Like it or not, I’m getting you out of here come sunup.

Then I’ll tell him you said so and have you fired.  The more I thought about it, the better that idea sounded.  I couldn’t let Rob hang about and cock things up.

Try it.  I’ll get you out of here one way or another, he insisted, his chin thrust out stubbornly.

"You have seen this place, haven’t you?  It’s like a fortress.  Maybe you haven’t had the grand tour yet, but let me acquaint you with a few facts.  Do you know how many guards there are on the property?  There are sixteen.  Do you know how many are in the house itself?  Five on each floor. And that’s assuming he doesn’t come after you himself.  You heard him, I’m his most prized possession.  You may be good, but you’re not that good. 

He shrugged, unconcerned. You don’t know what I am.

No, I don’t.  Not anymore.  Maybe I never had.  Maybe it had all been an illusion built up in my mind.  Nothing more than a fantasy.  And I’d had plenty of fantasies involving him.  But you don’t know me either.  You haven’t in a long time and... I don’t think you truly saw me back then anyhow.

I saw you well enough.  Too well.  Hazel eyes met mine, and I saw he remembered more than he let on.  He was the first to look away this time, but I knew we both remembered more than we wanted to.  

You will excuse me, I have to get back to practice before he wants me again, I said turning away, but he called me back with a single word.

Livvy... 

My eyes closed against the sharp sting of loss at hearing that name from his lips again.  Don’t call me that.  I haven’t been her in a long time.  Seven long years since I found Heaven and Hell in a single day.  But I had to shut that all away in the past again.  I had to keep focused or it would all be for nothing.  Stay if you must, but don’t interfere or I will tell him you put your hands on me.  He won’t like that, I cautioned.

Too right I’ll put my hands on you, he