Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

190. Olivia - Taken I

*I'm still dealing with that pain.*

Ansel arranges the pillows before helping me get in a comfortable position. It's been a few minutes since I came to my senses and after making sure I was okay, Jasper and Mose went to the kitchen to bring me something to eat, despite me insisting that I wasn't hungry. The pain in my lower abdomen is mainly gone, but I feel sick and I don't think I can stomach anything right now.

Ansel helps me put on a t-shirt and a pair of warm socks. "What happened? Was I too rough with you?"

He sounds worried and he isn't faking it either. I place a hand against his cheek, wanting to comfort him. "You were perfect. No one has ever made love to me before." A lump forms in my throat. "You are giving me so many firsts and I don't deserve them."

Why am I so vulnerable with him? It's been years since I've been so open with someone.

Ansel sits next to me on the bed. "You deserve to be happy and loved—”

I put a finger against his lips, not wanting him to say another word. "If you knew the things I did. If you understood the gravity of my actions, you would hate me as much as Tyson and Rueben do. You would regret bonding with me. It's not too late to break it."

His jaw clenches. “No, Honey. You are mine for eternity. And whatever you did, let me help you. Let me love you.” I shake my head, but he keeps talking. “What really happened the night Camila died?”

My chin trembles and tears fall down my cheeks. "I... It should have been me. This is all my fault. All of it."

Ansel pulls me into his arms and kisses the top of my head. "You are safe now, Olivia. No one will ever harm you again."

"You don't understand. I broke "

Someone clears his throat, stopping me from revealing too much.

to the open door. Tyson

same level as his eyes, he adds, "I

I rush to the bathroom

hair back while rubbing my back as I

Mose?" Ansel asks and

water. "Tell Tyson that, while I appreciate his, um, gesture, I hate macaroni and cheese. Even

wash my face before looking into the mirror. Tyson

you," Tyson says. "Stupid of me for trying to do something nice for

face him. “I didn't ask you to do

you, bitch," Tyson

in and I grab Ansel's arm to steady myself. "I

find Jason and get out of here

to get out of the house. Now!

swears before lifting me up in his arms and

Miss Teapot's basket, the poor little cat hiding under a thin blanket. I never saw her leave the house and I wonder if she is scared. The air is so cold that I start shivering and

"What happened?" Ansel asks.

"I was in the shed, talking to Jason when he told me 'tick, tock,' Given the last

in the shed.

there is, we have to find it before it detonates and leaves us

his touch and he glares at

have to go inside and look for the bomb while Tyson and Mose look around the house. Since we can't leave Olivia alone, I thought it would be best if she stayed with you,” Ansel replies. Looking at the others, he says, “Come on, we have a job to do!" Jasper and Ansel run inside the house while Mose and Tyson go to search the outside of the house, leaving me alone with

Teapot and take her out of the basket and cradle her to