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Olivia turned to follow hiood ti to catch up soon so I have to stay ahead of him”
“You’re using this as an excuse, Liv” He reached for the heavy bag andforever At some point you have to stop and face this”
Olivia shook her head firmly before he even finished “You have no idea what you’re talking about I can’t siot away once but if he catches o” She reached for the bag but Paul held it away froave him a look of frustration “Please, Paul, don’t do this”
“Stay with me Move in here I already told you I’ll protect you It’ll be easier if you’re living under my roof”
“I can’t,” she whispered firmly
“Why? Are you afraid?” he demanded sharply
“Of course I’m afraid! He’ll kill you, Paul! Don’t you understand? It doesn’t matter that you used to be a cop; he’s ruinedcan stop hih so he doesn’t catch up”
Obviously Paul wasn’t as intimidated as he should have been He crossed his ar he wouldn’t give up until he heard her say what he wanted “Tell me who he is, Liv For that matter, tell me who you are It’s ti”
Again she shook her head She was so afraid she was treood intentions but the truth would only involve him more and she couldn’t stand for Ethan to hurt him Paul was too important to her and if Ethan had a clue of their involvement, that he’d touched her, kissed her – she shuddered at the thought “I can’t,” she whispered desperately “Don’t you understand? He’s psychotic and obsessive He will kill both of us”
Paul’s expression was gri to let hi in love with you, and you’re just going to walk away because of some idiot”
Olivia’s eyes filled with tears at his admission “That idiot thinks he owns me!”
“Nobody owns you, honey Coentled and he pulled her into his arh she kneas a mistake to depend so heavily on him He pulled her close and tucked her head beneath his chin It felt like holy over her back Slowly some of the tension eased out of her
“Give s withorder and find a way to put hi to have to open up and trustIt’ll be okay, I promise”
Olivia wanted to believe him but she knew better than to trust in fairy tales Paul had no idea what he was up against He was used to thieves and drug dealers Ethan was no co to tell you, Paul,” she answered stubbornly as she pulled away He didn’t allow her to break contact coaze and hoped she could get through to him He had to understand “It’s for your safety and mine The less you know, the less you can interfere I can’t take the chance you’ll be attacked”
She could see he wasn’t happy with her answer “Fine, then let’s resolve another issue Stay with ue because I know you can’t afford to set up a new household – you’ve told rid completely and never alone I have better security than the rentals you’ve been staying in Co special here and I don’t want you to disappear out of my life Say you’ll stay”