Page 36 of Omega Inked

Rafe's eyes narrow, and he leans back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Interesting," he says. "And how do I know I can trust you? ACB insiders are a dime a dozen these days."

"You don't," Olivia says, her voice steady. "But I'm willing to take the risk if it means saving my friends. And I think we can work together to make sure the information I have is accurate."

Rafe considers this for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay," he says. "We'll work together. But you need to understand something, Miss Cruz. This is my territory. My rules. And if you step out of line, there will be consequences. Clear?"

"Crystal," Olivia says with a nod.

"Good," Rafe says. "Then we have a deal. But first, we need to get you settled in. Lex, take them to their quarters. And tomorrow...we'll work out a plan."

15

Phoenix

Evenifshe'stryingto do the right thing, I can't get over the fact that Olivia didn't tell me she was with the ACB.

She almost got me killed; she was probably being pursued because of who she is. She could have gotten usallkilled and I should hate her for that, if not for what her dad did to me years ago.

That's why I'm not prepared to be friendly when she knocks on my door.

"Go away!" I shout, knowing it's her from her scent.

She's quiet for a second, and her voice is soft as she talks to me through the metal door.

"Phoenix, please," she says. "I need to talk to you."

Fuck...I'm angry, but I'm not an asshole. And even though it's barely been any time at all, I miss her.

Screw it.

I open the door to find her standing there, looking as beautiful as ever even though I'm angry at her. Her hair is a curly, tangled mess, brown roots growing into the bright pink. And her eyes...they're red.

She's been crying.

I feel a pang of guilt in my chest. Maybe I was too hard on her.

"Come in," I say, stepping aside to let her inside.

She steps inside, and I close the door behind her. It's quiet for a moment before she speaks.

"I'm sorry, Phoenix," she says, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never meant to put you or anyone else in danger. I was just trying to do what's right."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "I know," I say. "But you could have gotten us killed. You should have told me about your past--about the ACB. I still would've helped you."

"I know," she says, looking down at her feet. "And I'm sorry. I just didn't know who to trust."

I walk over to her and take her hands in mine. "You should have trusted me," I say gently. "I would never betray you."

She looks up at me, her eyes still red and puffy. "I know that now," she says, and I can hear the sincerity in her voice. "And I'm sorry for everything."

I pull her into a hug, and she melts into my arms. I can feel her warmth against me, the softness of her curves. I had her through her heat, but I had to share her with Liam...

...and I realize now that I haven't had my fill.

I tilt her head up and kiss her, my tongue gently parting her lips. She tastes like tears and regret, and I deepen the kiss, pulling her closer to me.

She moans softly and I can feel her hands sliding up my back, pulling me closer. I want her so badly, it hurts.

I break the kiss, panting, and she looks up at me with desire in her eyes. "I want you," she whispers. "It should've been you the whole time."

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