Page 89 of Shadow

“I didn’t sleep with her,” he said, cutting her off.

She sagged against the pillows and nodded. “Good. I’m sorry it even crossed my mind, but these posts read like someone who got her heart broken.”

“She created a fantasy of me in her mind, and when I vanished, that illusion shattered. For some people, having an illusion shattered like that can really screw with their heads.”

“She’s always been a little eccentric, but still pretty normal. Not that any of us are really normal, right?”

Ripley chuckled. “Right. But the more likely scenario is that she’s being manipulated by someone more powerful, and they would have made sure she could put on a good act before they used her.”

Olivia laid her head back against the headboard and closed her eyes. This was all just a little too much.

“Gage called this morning while you were sleeping,” Ripley said, changing subjects.

“Yeah? What did he want?”

“He’s got everything confirmed for this Saturday. He apparently spent like three grand on Nerf guns. Looks like we’re going camping.”

“Even if this isn’t resolved by then?”

Ripley smiled. “I think so. But hopefully this is resolved by then.”

“I really need it to be. This is all driving me bonkers. I want my bed. Jade wants to go home. She’s barely coming out of her crate to eat.”

“I know, baby girl. But the cat is safe, you’re safe. And this will all be over soon.”

“What’s the plan today?”

“I’m waiting for Peter to call me back. They had to crash for a few hours themselves.”

Olivia frowned. “I feel bad that I slept all night when you three were up working half the night.”

Ripley ran his fingers through her hair. “No offense, babe, but we were up doing the things we were trained to do. You were better off getting some rest.”

He was right, and she knew that, but it still annoyed her to not help.

Ripley leaned in and kissed her neck. “How are you this morning... physically?”

She laughed and shoved him away. “Sore. I’m going to need at least another twelve hours before you fuck me again.”

His teeth grazed the bare skin on her neck, and she shuddered as he trailed kisses up her neck. “And do you decide when I fuck you, Olivia?”

His words set her whole body on fire, and she clenched her thighs together in a futile attempt to dull the ache in her pussy.

“No, Daddy,” she whispered when he gripped her chin and forced her to meet his gaze.

“Good girl. Since you gave the right answer, I’ll give you your break.” He winked and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m going to check my phone. Come hang out with me on the new couch.”

She giggled. “Why? Do you want to ruin that one, too?”

He shrugged. “Eventually. You got a problem with that?”

His serious expression sent her into a fit of laughter, but she calmed down long enough to say, “Not at all. I look forward to a long future of ruining furniture with you.”

And as she watched him walk out of the room, she realized that for the first time since he’d pulled her away from that burning building and told her he was home for good she actually believed him.

Chapter 24

“AREyouevenlistening?”

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