Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

309. Olivia - Nail polish IV

Everyone stops what they are doing and looks at me. I bet they didn't expect me to want to go to the Blood Lodge. There are two reasons why I don't want to remain alone on the farm.

First, because Jason is surely waiting for the right moment to get me back. The daggers are also here and if they end up in Azael's hands, the world as we know it will end. Even with my darkness ready to come to my aid at any time, my fear of Jason is too strong. Even if I fight him, he might drug me. Until I learn how to stand on my own two feet when it comes to those who trigger me, I prefer to be safe than sorry.

Two, I want to see how everything at the gathering reacts to seeing Tyson and his blood-brothers having their nails painted.

It seems that my words took everyone by surprise. A few seconds pass, and no one says anything. They pretend they didn't hear what I said, as they keep gathering empty bottles. Mose and Ansel start to take the chairs inside. It's time to take matters into my own hands.

So, I make my next move.

I get on tiptoes, grab Rueben by the collar of his hoodie, and pull him down for a kiss. His chest rumbles before he takes over and kisses me roughly. His fingers tangle in my hair as he devours my mouth. My alarm bells go off, and I want to push him away, but then he groans my name against my lips, making me think he won't hurt me this time.

"Olivia." He sucks my bottom lip before tilting my head to the side and kissing my neck.

For years, I've been afraid of him, of what he would do to me when he would find me, but I never thought he would kiss me like this. Or want to be with me. He went from wanting to kill in the worst way possible to wanting to fuck me so hard I'll end up in a wheelchair for a few days.

His left hand slides all the way to my ass. "Too bad we have to go to the Blood Lodge," he groans before letting go of me. "Otherwise, I'd owe you a new pair of jeans."

knows the entire truth, he will find other things to blame for. He might even get angry when people start to laugh at him for having pink nails. I

make myself comfortable in Jasper's bed, eat ice cream, and wait

the tone of his voice tells me that it's best if I mind my own business. Even Tryson agrees with Rueben, as she says, "A minute

have a

one said I could

don't need to ask our permission to do things. When you said you wanted to come with us, there was nothing to add. You made clear what you

Oh.

since I've been told what to do for years. Even now, not being told how to dress, how to speak, or what to eat can be tiring since

know is that I'm Olivia, and I'm

puts the empty bottles he has in his hands down before pulling me in his arms. "Come to the

is how Tyson used to be when we were dating. Sweet, gentle, never forcing me to do things, letting me decide for myself. When plans were made, we would make them together. How would it be to give Tyson another chance? Things wouldn't be the same, we are not the same, our feelings

be a rushed decision. I need to ponder on

go change," I

me that I didn't paint his

squats in front of me. The rage that always reflected in his eyes is gone, replaced by some other feelings I can't put my finger on.

at me with...tenderens. It's like the old days. My chest hurts as I remember how kind he used to be. He used to laugh a lot, and I took that away from

Rueben gives me permission. I start working on his right hand. "Imagine what Camila would have said if she saw all of us with our nails