Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

370. Tyson - Reunion

Stars flicker in Olivia's eyes as she says, "Angel, I'm pregnant."

She's going to keep the baby. Maybe she doesn't know it herself, but it's more than obvious that she wants the pregnancy. Taking her on a vacation was the best thing we could have done for her.

Olivia shrieks, scaring the shit out of me. I quickly scan the people around us, thinking that someone is about to shoot us or detonate a bomb when I hear Olivia say, "You are having the baby? It's about time. You've been pregnant forever at this point."

I step away from Olivia because I want to take another look at the message Ciro sent me.

**I found out where Olivia's grandparents live: Malta.**

What were the fucking odds that they would be here? Ciro also sent me the address, and they live in Valletta. Taking Olivia to the other island with some excuse shouldn't be hard.

Olivia talks a little more with Angel before ending the call. "Let's have lunch," she says.

We find a restaurant nearby that serves spicy food. Jasper is the only one complaining, but I like spicy food. My thoughts turn to the baby. I wonder if he will like sweet or spicy stuff.

Strings pull at my heart. I'm going to be a father for the second time. We need to make something in Spencer's memory. Maybe plant a tree next to our house. Olivia always liked cherries. I'm sure she'll love the idea.

After we eat, we return to the hotel to take a nap. Olivia and Mose fall asleep the moment their heads hit the pillow while Jasper goes to take a shower. He asked me to join him, but the idea that I finally know where Jon and Khloe are makes me feel restless. Olivia is going to be so happy.

Ansel and Rueben are the only ones who notice my agitated state. "What's going on?" Ansel asks.

"Olivia grandparent's are here, in Malta," I say in a low tone. I don't want to say anything to Olivia until I've spoken to them.

Rueben's eyebrows shoot up. "What are you planning to do?"

I make sure my phone and wallet are in my pocket. "Pay them a visit. I might be late. Make some excuse as to why I'm out," I say and leave before Rueben or Ansel can stop me.

Since there's no airport in Gozo, the fastest way to get to Valletta is by ferry. I rush to catch the next one and buy a two-way ticket online.

An hour later, I'm in Valletta. I take a taxi from the port to Jon and Khloe's house. They live relatively close to the port. I knock on their door while thinking what to say to them. Jon must be mad at me for how I treated him.

The voice of a woman speaking in Maltese comes from inside.

last time I was so nervous was

time I saw her. Only now do I notice the uncanny resemblance between her and Olivia.

she throws her arms

"Yes," I reply.

cheek. "Look at you; you are a man now. I am so

as hell. I should

down, I knew you were a good lad and you truly cared about my Olivia." She sounds so heartbroken when she says Olivia. "It was only natural to be hurt by her actions, but I knew you would forgive her one day.

"What do you

Olivia died in labor. She had placenta previa, and she didn't

her finish. "I don't know who

hand

few days. I give Khloe my phone. "My blood-brothers and I brought Olivia here to propose to her." Tears spill on her cheeks as she looks at the photos of Olivia. "For six years, Olivia was abused and drugged. She was kept in the Celestial Heaven. Her parents and Jason knew. Hell, Jason even let his friends rape her." I shouldn't be so crude, but Khloe needs to know, to understand what happened to Olivia. Khloe cries, and I comfort her. She asks me where Olivia is.

The things she must have

"Olivia is amazing. She refuses to let the past destroy her. It was by chance that she returned to me." I feel like the walls are closing up

"What for?" Khloe asks.

and said many hurtful things. I thought that Olivia had betrayed me. Now that I know the truth, I know how awful I've treated her. I...hit her. Hurt her many times." The guilt of what I did to her is eating at my soul

Khloe's face. "Why

so much? "Because I was a fool for a long time. But life gave me another chance with Olivia, and I don't want to blow it. I want to ask you and Jon for your blessing to propose to Olivia. My blood-brothers

of the house for what I did to Olivia, but she finally says, "Did you beg for forgiveness." "More than that. I showed her that she

hurt by your actions, and if he learns

softly. "Does

Otherwise, she

I want to tell her about the baby, but I refrain myself. "Can you

glance at my watch. "I'll call my blood-brothers and

good

be happy I showed up here

buy something for me." Khloe leads me to the entrance. "Thank you for being honest with me, Tyson. It is what I

For being young and stupid. For not listening to Jon and removing you from my life. But what I regret the most is thinking the worst about Olivia." "Make it up

so understanding. "I will." I kiss her cheek. "I'll

Her voice is thick

I promise before

***