Page 131 of When We Were Us

My throat tightened as I remembered our separation. "I once did, and it was the worst mistake of my life."

"Take care of her," Jonah said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.

Overcome by a sudden wave of emotion, I stood up and rounded the desk. Without a word, I pulled Jonah into an embrace. He stiffened at first, clearly surprised by the gesture, but after a moment, his arms came up to return the hug.

"Take care of yourself," I murmured, my voice thick with unsaid words. "And you let me know if you need anything."

Jonah pulled back slightly, meeting my eyes. "I will, but I don't. I'll send you my address. Maybe we can exchange Christmas cards or something."

A small smile tugged at my lips. "I'd like to do more than that. We could visit and take a fishing tour with you."

A flicker of hope crossed Jonah's face. "That would be great. Let me know your plans."

As I released him, Jonah nodded once before letting himself out. I stood there for a moment, the silence of the office enveloping me, processing the unexpected turn our relationship had taken.

Shaking off my reverie, I made my way to check on Ryleigh. As I entered our bedroom, I found her curled up in a tight ball, her face buried in the pillow. Soft, indistinct mumbles escaped her lips, and I realized she had fallen asleep.

I approached the bed quietly, my heart clenching at the sight of her vulnerable form. Even in sleep, the tension hadn't fully left her body. I gently sat on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb her, and brushed a stray lock of hair from her forehead.

As I watched Ryleigh sleep, the gravity of Jonah's revelations settled over me like a heavy cloak. The threats we faced, the secrets of our past, the uncertain future - it all seemed overwhelming. But looking at my wife, I felt a renewed sense of determination.

As I settled in beside her, careful not to wake her, I found myself hoping that this moment of peace would last. But a nagging voice in the back of my mind whispered that our troubles were far from over. With Caruso still out there, and the shadows of our past looming large, I knew that our fight was just beginning.

Chapter 29

I heard the shot and I saw red explode for a wound in Oliver’s chest. The bullet that exited from him hits the rock behind me and I slid from his arms. He screamed at me to move. I have to save my husband. I heard gunfire in the distance and waited for the next bullet to find me or end Oliver for good.

No matter what I did, Raphael finds us. He cornered us at a cliff. Oliver was heavy in my arms and I’m painted red with his blood. I had two choices, fight or jump to my death. Raphael moved closer and I felt the edge of the cliff against my bare heels. I can’t hold Oliver anymore and his blood is making him slippery.

The cliff gave way where were I’m standing. Oliver slipped from my grasp and fell to the water far below. I began screaming as I held onto the cliff face with my fingers.

My eyes shot open to find Oliver leaning over me, his knuckles gently stroking my face. His forehead was creased with worry, deep furrows etching concern into his features.

"Christ," he murmured, his voice low and strained, "you haven't had one this bad in a while."

I blinked, trying to shake off the remnants of my nightmare. "You wouldn't know," I countered, my voice hoarse. "We've only been back together for a week."

Oliver's hand stilled on my cheek. "You have?"

I nodded, pushing myself up to a sitting position. "Only a few, but not like this." Fear crept into my voice as I asked, "What are we going to do?"

Oliver's jaw clenched, determination flashing in his eyes. "I'm calling Vlad. We need more agents and tighter security. I'm not letting that bastard get near us."

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. "I knew this wasn't over. What did Jonah have to tell you?"

Oliver hesitated, his gaze shifting away. "It's not important. All I care about is you."

I reached out, grasping his hand. "Remember what Dr. Randall said: honesty."

"This isn't about our relationship or your family," Oliver protested weakly.

I squeezed his hand, my voice firm. "But you're my family, and I want to know."

Oliver sighed deeply, cupping my chin with his free hand. "My father was in bed with Caruso, much the way your father was. He borrowed money." Confusion clouded his features. "I don't understand because the estate was solvent when my parents died."

I frowned, considering the implications. "Caruso saw opportunity. Maybe your father had something he wanted."

"Or maybe he used the money Caruso gave him to become solvent," Oliver mused. Frustration colored his tone as he continued, "If that was the case, why didn't he come back sooner? I would've gladly repaid him to get him out of our lives."

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