Ajax’s jaw hardens again before he shakes his head. “I’ve never met him in person, but I know who he is.”
I stare at him, waiting for him to reveal more.
He regards me for a long moment before he finally admits, “He’s the brother of the man I killed.”
A chill goes through me as I gasp and turn fearful eyes up to Ajax. “He’s out for revenge,” I surmise.
A muscle in Ajax’s jaw flexes before he nods his head curtly. “Probably.” He pulls me close again and strokes his hand over my head like I’m a frightened animal he’s trying to soothe. “But you don’t need to worry about anything, honey. I’m going to take care of everything, but in order for me to focus, I need to make sure you’re safe. You understand that, honey?”
I tilt my head up to look at him. I chew on my lip as I look into his caramel chocolate eyes. “I'm worried about you,” I finally admit.
His eyes soften as he looks down at me. He strokes his thumb over my cheek before he kisses me gently on the forehead. “I'll be okay, honey. I can take care of myself, but I need to know that you're safe while I'm doing what I have to do, so that’s why I want you to be a good girl and listen to me. I’m going to take you home, and you’re going to stay in the house with your mother and father. Don't come out for anything until I come back to get you.”
I shake my head, tears pooling in my eyes at the thought of him getting hurt. “No.” I shake my head. “I can help—”
Ajax interrupts me with a stern look. “This is non-negotiable, Olivia. I don't want to be parted from you either. Not for a second. You know that. But I'm not taking any risks when it comes to your safety. Let me take care of this, and I'll be back for you as soon as I can.”
I press my lips together as the tears spill over. I can tell that no amount of arguing will budge Ajax’s stance, so I keep my mouth shut even as a heavy weight descends on me.
I won't give him any trouble. I'll let him take me home to my parents, but if he thinks I'm going to sit idly by while his life is in danger, he’s wrong. There might not be much I can do, but I have to do something. Ajax saved me from myself. I love him, and I'll die if anything happens to him.
“Good girl,” he praises me before he places a gentle kiss on my lips, obviously taking my silence as acceptance.
I don't know what I'm going to do, but the wheels in my mind are churning. I can’t lose him now.
I can’t.