Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

207. Mose - Courting II

After taking a cigar out of the pack from the table, Ansel says, "All I know is that we need to take down Senator Deymar no matter what, no matter the cost." "But if Olivia was framed," Jasper insists, "everything Tyson and Rueben did to her was...for nothing."

Ansel lights his cigar and takes a few puffs from it. "If that is the case, I don't want to be in their shoes. But Olivia has a gentle soul. She will forgive them way too easily. Just like she did with me when I broke her ribs." His expression turns sour. "She is a delicate butterfly who had her wings broken before she could fly. But I'll lend her mine and teach her how to strike back, quick and fast, just like a cobra." After a long drag from the cigar, he adds, "We need to turn our gentle butterfly into a deadly one. So no one will hurt her again. Not even us."

Jasper clenches his jaw. "Speak for yourself. I never hurt her."

"You only abandoned her when you learned that she can't have kids," Ansel points out. He jerks his head in my direction. "Mose might have been indifferent to her until he had his cock down her throat, but he is the only one of us who never made her cry."

Jasper grabs plates from the cupboard. "I kept her alive when no one around here cared about her. I stopped Rueben from killing her. I might be a piece of shit but I do care about her." "More than you care about having kids?" I ask.

Jasper hesitates before saying, "Yeah. I want her more than I want to be a dad. She makes my heart...sing. Even my knee hurts less when I'm around her."

Ansel nods. "I know the feeling. My...demon is usually quiet, but when Olivia is around, he fucking purrs like a cat." My demon is not the only one who does that, then. "And since I bonded with her, he sulks if I'm away from her." Another drag of his cigar. "He's obsessed with her. Just like I am."

"You love her." It's not a question but a remark. I can't help myself from being envious of his feelings. I never felt like that about someone.

cigar. "You think I would have bonded with her if I wasn't one hundred percent certain she's

But is she

to be in love?" I

be in love is to be...alive. To wake up in the morning and know your day will be the best because you get to be with the one you dreamed

heard Ansel talk

never saw Olivia smile," I

adds, "Soon her heart will be mine, just like all her smiles." He looks at me and then at Jasper. "But we are blood-brothers and I'll share her with you

"How

agrees. "Especially when it comes to Rueben and Tyson. But

was engaged? To whom?" Jasper interrupts Ansel before he can finish

me that Ansel doesn't reveal more. He's always been the type of guy you can tell him stuff and know he won't go running to tell others. If

do a quick check-up to see how she's doing. While you two finish setting up the table,

I have no clue what they are called because, except for roses and tulips, I never bothered to learn other types

at the vase. "Peonies. Olivia likes

"My mama also