Chapter 22

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Ollie

Renata sleeps next to me as peacefully as can be. It feels like she's hiding something, but she's been closed up and walled off from me since she saw me beat the shit out of Carlos's lackey. I make no apologies for who I am, but I need her back. The thought of losing her makes my chest tighten. But how do I keep her close when I'm what she fears most?

It takes me a while to fall asleep because I know Carlos is close. He's not in this room—I'm sure of that much—but he's lurking somewhere, lying in wait, biding his time. I know men like him, and I can feel his presence like a dark cloud hanging over us. Frustration gnaws at me, the urge to bring him out into the open so strong that I even considered setting fire to my own family home just to smoke him out. My thoughts desperate, reckless, but the need to get to him is overwhelming.

I finally sleep fitfully; the only thing soothing my restless mind being the warm body of Renata beside me. But even that comfort is fleeting. Morning comes too soon, and I'm up early, checking in on everyone. My mother is fine, my sister is safe, and my brothers report that nothing's amiss.

I honestly didn't expect anything else. This is how men like him work. He doesn't have the backing of dozens of men, so he has to bide his time and strike hard and fast when you least expect it, like a snake in tall grass.

When is he going to make his move? How much longer do we have to wait?

Renata wakes up next to me, rolling over and propping herself up on her elbow. Her gaze is intense, and there's something in her eyes that makes my gut twist.

I don't care if she's angry with me or upset, I lean over and kiss her cheek before I tuck an errant lock of hair behind her ear. I wish she really knew how much I love her, that she really, truly understood.

"No matter what happens, Ollie, I need you to know that I love you. And I need you to trust me."

I reach out and cup her jaw in my hand, forcing her to meet my eyes. "That sounds like something I would say to you. Is there something you need to tell me?"

"No," she says, but she's definitely lying.

"Renata…" I press, my voice low with warning.

She cuts me off, her tone firm. "What did I just tell you? I love you, and you need to trust me. Can you do that or not?"

There's a determination in her voice that gives me pause. I frown as she continues.

"You're not the only one here, Ollie. I had a revelation overnight. I know we've fought. I've struggled with who you are, with who I am. But there's nobody else I'd rather be with. So please, Ollie. Give me this." Her voice drops to a whisper, her eyes pleading.

I think silently for a moment. I know I love her. I love her like a man starving to death loves his next meal, like a drowning man loves air. I love her. Of course I do. I'd give my own life for this woman. I brush my thumb along her cheek, tracing the scar that marks her skin. Some might think I'm crazy, but I find it beautiful—unique. It defines who she is. I've never known a more beautiful woman in my life. It's like that scar is the one flaw that sets her apart from all the rest, making her one of a kind.

"I love you. I trust you," I tell her, my voice steady.

She exhales slowly, then whispers, "Give me a weapon, please."