52. Olivia

Chapter fifty-two

Olivia

C aroline glances at Bass and I can see the hurt in her eyes that he didn’t share this with her. “You and Connor saved Becca?”

Bass glances at Connor, the guilt evident in his eyes. “Yeah, I don’t take a lot of credit. Connor did the most. He searched the streets for her. I just agreed to let her live with us,” he says.

“And you gave me a job,” Becca finishes for him.

“I told you we let her stay on our couch, and you knew I gave her a job. It wasn’t my place to tell you why. Only Bec could share that. Connor felt like I should tell you about Donovan when Victor showed up—”

“I was wrong,” Connor interrupts him. Bass was put in a tough situation. He loves Caroline, but this wasn’t his secret to tell. Connor looks at Victor. “I was wrong about you. Julian and Bass tried to talk some sense into me, but I was shortsighted and determined to make you the bad guy.”

I glance between Connor and Victor, knowing there has been animosity between the two of them for a while. At least on Connor’s side.

Victor shrugs. “To be fair, you did see Donovan for who he was. I was too wrapped up in my issues to realize what was happening right in front of my face.”

I grit my teeth and rub my thumb over the back of Victor’s hand. Will he ever forgive himself for what happened with Donovan? He needs to move on.

“I’m glad they saved you, Bec,” Caroline says with a small smile.

She shifts in her seat again. Bass leans over and kisses her on the side of her head. I can tell he feels guilty for not being completely honest with her. She smiles at him, but stands suddenly. Everyone is watching her, but I have a feeling we’ll be going to the hospital today.

“You okay, Care Bear?” Bass asks.

She takes a deep breath and rubs her hand over her stomach. “Yeah. I just got a cramp.” Her voice is shaky, but she waves at us to continue. I share a look with Victor, but don’t say anything.

“So, what are we going to do?” Ansley asks.

I’m so tired. I’m ready to go to Victor’s house, then sleep the rest of the weekend away. He promised me a full body massage that I’m holding him to.

“We’re going to prove that Donovan killed Liv’s mom,” Julian says. My heart beats heavy in my chest at Julian’s words and I look up at Victor. Is that why they were sharing looks earlier? “You deserve closure to all of this. You deserve justice. Your mom deserves justice. In the meantime, we must keep an eye on Liv, so she stays safe.”

I bite the inside of my cheek when everyone agrees. Victor has made sure I’m safe since he’s been back in my life, but I haven’t told anyone.

“You can’t live by yourself,” Bailey says.

Ever since she was attacked by that guy that blamed Julian for his sister’s death, she’s been living with Julian. Caroline gasps and I glance at her. Her lips are pinched.

“I’m fine,” she says again. Bass stands and pulls her up with him. He adjusts her so she’s leaning her back against him, then puts his hands under her belly. She rests her head back on his shoulder and sighs. “Thank you,” she whispers.

I glance away from them and force myself to swallow down the envy that is stirring in my gut. With how busy all of our lives have become lately, we haven’t spent a lot of time together, so I haven’t seen the two of them interact. At least not like this. I had no idea when Caroline told us she was pregnant it would affect me like this. I had come to terms with the fact I couldn’t have kids.

Victor’s thumb rubs along the pulse of my wrist, calming my racing heart and bringing me back to the present. I glance up at him and the look in his eyes tells me he’s not going to allow me to get away with not talking about this any longer. Remembering Bailey’s question, I turn my attention back to the table.

“Victor has been staying at my house this week.”

Everyone looks between Victor and me, all of them probably wondering what exactly is going on between us. I wish someone would ask. So, it would force him to answer because I have no idea. Is he my boyfriend? He doesn’t call me his girlfriend. So, I don’t know. I don’t mention anything about our weekend arrangements.

“I’ll hire another security guard,” Lincoln says. “We already have one for the entire building, but I’ll hire one just for our floor. I’ll make sure you have someone walk you to your car and the building.” I glance up at Victor. Lincoln doesn’t know I no longer drive my car to work unless I have plans after. And he doesn’t know James already did that on a frequent basis.

“I don’t want to stop living my life. I’m finally in a place where I’m not afraid of my shadow or looking over my shoulder constantly.” Thanks to Victor, but I don’t say that. “I want to be smart, though.”

Ansley leans across the table and grabs my hand, holding it gently. “We are all here for you. You don’t have to do this alone.” I squeeze Ansley’s hand in return and glance between her and Lincoln. I know they experiment. Maybe I can talk to her about Victor.

“You all have no idea how often I dreamed of having friends growing up.” I glance around the table, astounded at how our little found family has grown over the past year. “I’m so grateful,” I whisper. Victor wraps his around my shoulder and pulls me into a hug. He kisses the side of my head, making my heart leap into my throat.

“What’s the plan for catching Donovan?” Connor asks Julian.

I begin fidgeting again and inhale slowly, preparing myself for this conversation. But before Julian can answer, Caroline doubles over and grips the table.

“Holy shit!” She groans. Bailey jumps up and goes to her.

While Bass leans over her and rubs his hand up and down her back. “Are you okay, baby?”

It takes her a few seconds to answer as she inhales deeply several times. She finally stands and looks at him. “I think I’m in labor.” I knew it. Bailey claps in excitement and Ansley stands from Lincoln’s lap.

“Are you sure?” Bass asks. They had a false alarm a few weeks ago, but it’s been fairly obvious all day something is going on.

Caroline scowls at him. I roll my lips between my teeth to stop myself from laughing. “I’ve been having these cramps all day, but I thought they were just Braxton Hicks. They’ve gradually gotten worse, and that one was powerful.” She pinches her lips again.

“Okay.” There’s a slight panic in Bass’ eyes as he looks at everyone. “I’m going to take her to the hospital. I can call after we get there.”

“Hell no. We’re going,” Bailey says. She motions to Julian to get up.

Bec stands too. “We’re all going.”

I glance around the table and think about everything in the kitchen. “We’re leaving a mess.” My skin feels itchy thinking about leaving all this here.

“Connor and I will clean it up later. It’s fine,” Bec says. Bass guides Caroline out of the house and everyone stands to leave.

I open my mouth to argue, but Victor leans over and runs his lips along the shell of my ear, surprising me. Noone is paying attention to us though. “It will be fine, treasure.” His voice is calming, but after having to talk about Donovan, watching Bass and Caroline, learning about Bec and Connor, and now having to leave this mess, I don’t know how much more I can take.

Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can tip someone over the edge, and apparently mine is a dirty house that isn’t even mine. Victor must realize I’m on my last thread and it’s about to break. He wraps his hand around my hair and pulls until my head tilts back so I can look up at him. The slight sting of pain helps me shift my focus.

“We’re going to the hospital now, treasure.” His voice leaves no room for argument.

“Yes, Sir.”