Finding Faith (Return of the Dragons)

It was time to stop clinging to others because he was unsure of himself, unsure of whether he could get job done. He could do this.

It was time to embrace his destiny.

Unease coiled in his gut at the thought, but it wasn’t because he thought he couldn’t do it, or do it successfully. Once he put his mind to something, he didn’t fail. He’d just needed to embrace who he really was, and what he was born to do.

The unease was because he’d finally found something—someone—that mattered more to him than anything else ever had.

Olivia.

He wasn’t blind to the pain and shadows in her eyes. From the moment he met her and felt that undeniable pull, he’d known he’d have to work to earn her trust. To make whatever haunted her, if not disappear, then at least not rule her life.

To become the man she wanted by her side while she did that, and for every day that followed.

And now, here he was, on his way to pick her up for a date. He was going to achieve those things, he could feel it. A future with her was right on the tip of his fingers.

But now he had to acknowledge it for what it was, especially if he was embracing his destiny. That future with her, while right there, was also shaky and precarious, because his truths would send her running the moment she found out.

And to live the life with her he wanted, he knew she would find out.

It was inevitable, and there was nothing he could do to change that.

Chapter 10

Olivia

Olivia was trying to concentrate on her book, she really was. It was damned near impossible, though. Cody was picking her up soon, and that was all she could think about.

So much for the calming effects of a book, because her nerves and emotions were so high, they could touch the moon.

Reaching up, she started to adjust her glasses before remembering she decided not to wear them. Well, decided wasn’t quite the word for it. More like, the other women forced her to leave them behind—just as they forced her to sit through a torturous hair and makeup session.

The moment they all knew she was going on a date—their word, not hers—they’d been in a tizzy. Part of her was annoyed by it, and the unwanted attention and analyzation she was receiving because of it.

But the other part felt warm and fuzzy inside. She’d never seen the dragons so relaxed and open, so excited and happy for something. There’d been moments of peace, moments of happiness they managed to snatch, but it had never been like this.

The fact that she was giving that to them meant more than she could say. Maybe it wouldn’t last forever, or even very long—but in this moment, they weren’t thinking of how horribly wrong their lives had gone, or how damaged they thought they

were now.

So, if they wanted to call this a date—even though it wasn’t—she’d let them.

You’re a crazy bitch if you don’t think this is a date, her dragon said. You have to know that’s how Cody meant it. You’re just in denial.

Frowning, she stared at the words on the page until they blurred. I think he’s just being nice to someone new in town, is all.

Deeeeeenial. Everyone’s told you that man is attracted to you. It’s clear as day to everyone. You’re either seriously blind, or you’re refusing to admit the truth because it scares you. I think it’s the latter, but when have you ever been scared of anything? Quiet and lowkey, yes. Scared? Hell no. Get your shit together, human.

Shit. Was that really it? Were the signs right in front of her face, but she was purposefully ignoring them because they scared her?

Her gut said yes, and that truth stunned her as her mind quickly flipped through every interaction she’d had with him. How hadn’t she noticed? She’d been hyperaware of her surroundings, and every single person she came into contact with, since the kidnapping.

To know she’d been so blind with Cody was worrisome on so many levels, she couldn’t even begin to count them. But what she knew for sure was that her heart was doing acrobatics at the thought that he liked her, too.

Did that change anything between them, though? Now that she was acknowledging that he was into her like she was into him, did that change how she reacted to him, or the things she said and did?

She wasn’t sure, and that wasn’t a thought she was comfortable with. She’d always been a planner, but since being kidnapped, she’d become OCD about it. She needed to know everything that was going to happen, and any and all possible outcomes.

Not knowing was absolutely terrifying—but she’d be a liar if she said it wasn’t a tiny bit thrilling, too.