Page 87 of Breaking Point

A smile still plays on his lips. “Yeah. I’ll clean up here if you wanna shower. I’ll grab one after you.”

I try not to let my mind wander at the thought. “Okay. I’ll see you outside then.”

Later, Theresa and Jimmy are already sitting on the porch when I step outside, freshly showered. Theresa smiles when she sees me.

The smell of garlic and thyme is heavy on the air, and as they both bow their heads and whisper a quick prayer, I close my eyes out of respect. Crew joins us, looking cleaned up now.

Dinner passes on a soft breeze, and with a bottle of wine to share, it passes with bits of laughter and conversation. It’s easy. Happy even.

“You seem to be feeling better,” I say toward Jimmy.

It’s true. He isn’t bound to the wheelchair now. He’s moving around on his own, and he’s gotten some color back to his face.

His attention shifts to Crew. Then Theresa. “I’m glad to have my family back under the same roof.” The words make Crew tense fractionally. I wonder if I’m the only one who notices.Jimmy adds, “You should come and kick his ass at cards more often. We could all use the laugh.”

My heart warms at the invitation. But I’m hit with the sudden reminder that this week… everything that’s happened…

Sleeping together, playing cards and talking until early in the morning…It isn’t reality. It’s a week that wasn’t meant to happen.

“I’ve enjoyed being able to get to know you. It’s been amazing,” I say, and I hate that I can feel abuton the tip of my tongue.

But... this ends soon.

“You’re… You’re welcome back anytime,” Jimmy says, and the fact that he’s the one to say it makes my heart swell.

Crew’s voice is hoarse as he stands abruptly. “Olivia, can you help me with the dishes?”

“Sure.”

He gathers two handfuls and heads inside. I hide my confusion, gathering a stack and following. He slides the patio door open, and the dishes clatter on the counter. My steps slow when I see him running a hand through his hair.

I stop, carefully setting the dishes down.

Something isverywrong.

“Crew?” He grips the counter so hard his knuckles are white. “What’s going on?”

He whips around so fast I knock into the island. He shakes his head, hair falling into his eyes. “You never should have trusted me.”

My stomach sinks. “What are you talking about?”

He closes the distance between us, hands finding my jaw and tilting my mouth toward his.

And then he’s kissing me.

Crew Warden is kissing me, and I barely have a moment to savor it before he rips away.

“Fuck, Liv. All I can think about is touching you.”

I’m a panting mess as he paces backwards, an obvious war raging inside him. He drags his eyes back to me.

“Tell me not to touch you.”

Words are caught in my throat.

I can’t tell him that.

He continues. "Tell me that touching you is a bad idea. Tell me I should respect your father's wishes."

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