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Teddy bear, really? You have so many better options. The fun Anderson, the life of the party, sex god, lady whisperer, dopamine king. I mean, I can go on, but if you don’t use your creativity, you lose it.

Maxwell

He lives. So what do you have to say for yourself?

Alexis

Off to the girls’ chat. We’ll get it out of Olivia, since Rex is obviously dodging us.

My heart stutters. Olivia, my hard-ass, sweet Olivia.

Not your Olivia. She can’t be yours, Rex.

Rex

Ever heard of HIPAA?

More pings ensue and I groan, but then a new message comes through—one not from my family.

Unknown number

This is my new number. Had to ditch the old one. I know you said I shouldn’t text you because it’s dangerous.

Ava. Raya’s daughter.

Unknown number

I saw the news. Are you okay? Is it really a robbery? Or are they after you because you helped us? Are they a fucking shadow to you too?

I frown. Is something going on with them? We’ve disappeared them. They should be safe.

Rex

Are you guys okay? Do you need help?

Unknown number

We’re fine. Sorry. I’m just pissed. But we’re worried about you. Glad you’re okay.

“Sorry for the delay, my last appointment went long.” Dr. Rhys Fenton pulls up a chair next to me and I put my phone away. “Let’s take a look and see how it’s healing, shall we?”

“This really isn’t necessary,” I mutter, showing the man my hand.

He carefully unwraps the bandages and I scope him out. This man, who works closely with my Olive.

Fuck. Not your Olive!

Full head of hair, tall—but not as tall as me, of course—passable muscles. I’d give him an eight with me being an eleven on the scale of ten.

He must be popular with the ladies.

Then I remember how he was with her that day at Pyrgos. He made her smile. He nudged her shoulder, and she didn’t recoil.

He shouldn’t be touching her.

You basket case. You shouldn’t touch her.

Lava rushes through my veins and my hand jerks in his grasp.