Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

288. Olivia - Rueben

I turn my attention to Miss Teapot. When I opened the backdoor and saw her on the threshold, I was so relieved that she was back that it didn't cross my mind to see if she had any injuries.

I search her paws for wounds as I go to the kitchen. When I don't find any, I let out a sigh of relief. "Apart from some weight loss, you appear to be fine," I say before kissing the top of her head. You need a bath, too, but after I take mine because I want to eliminate any trace of Azael off my skin."

"Blowing up his brains was a kick-ass move."

Rueben's voice stops me in my tracks. I was so focused on Miss Teapot that I didn't notice Rueben making a sandwich over at the table. I quickly turn on my heels because I know he doesn't want me in the kitchen while he's in there. "Olivia."

My legs stop instantly as if glued to the floor. I wait for him to speak, as I don't know what to say. He saw the videos; he knows what happened.

Rueben is as silent as I am. It takes him a few minutes to finally say, "Thank you for protecting Camila."

My chin trembles. "I didn't. I killed her."

Rueben gets up from the table. My shoulders tense when he stops behind me. "Look at me."

I obey him without hesitation. Not wanting to see how remorseful he is, I look at the floor.

"I said to look at me," Rueben insists. I force my gaze on him. "It was an accident. You were trying to protect her." Tears fall from my eyes down my cheek. "Fuck. I didn't mean to make you cry," he mutters and takes Miss Teapot from me. "Stay where you are."

most people, but for me, it is...a breath of fresh air, as I don't have to think about what I have to do. My body takes over while my brain shuts down.

Miss Teapot's food. He fills her bowl, puts

crying as I think of the night Camila died. Rueben might say that it was an accident, but the truth is that I pulled that trigger. If I had my darkness back then, Camila and Spencer would still be alive. Rueben picks me up in his arms, and

me after what I did to you, but I want you to know that from now on, if I

up. "Are you sure you want to fuck

puts me on top of the kitchen island. "I want to eat your pussy, then fuck it with my tongue before I make you come

thank you very much. I'd

shrug and look away from him. "If that's what you

me to meet

want to be his bonded, but I

like you, Olivia. Very much," he murmurs

he doesn't want that. But if I don't react and he does want me to kiss him back, he'll for sure get mad with my lack of enthusiasm. Rueben pulls away from me. I put on a poker face, not wanting

need a bath," he

being covered in blood and dirt would

is preparing the bathtub for me,"

I join

about you

the kitchen through the backdoor. I never felt