JULIET
After we explain everything,the police take Olivia into custody. As the paramedics escort her away in handcuffs, she keeps her chin up high, like she’s heading off to a debutante ball.
“Do you think she’ll be OK?” I ask, watching them go.
“I don’t give a fuck.” Caleb replies. I look over at him. “She nearly killed us both,” Caleb adds, with a scowl. “Whatever happens now, she deserves it.”
“I hope she gets the help she needs,” I say, surprised to feel a pang of sympathy, even after everything. “She clearly lost touch with reality.”
“You’re too nice.” Caleb pulls me into a kiss.
“I stabbed her.” I point out.
He smiles. “Remind me not to get on your bad side ever again.”
“It’s not funny!” I protest, but I can’t help smiling too—overwhelmed with relief that we survived the ordeal.
But it’s still not over just yet. We have to give our statements to the police and get checked out by the paramedics. It feels like hours later when the last of them finally pack up and leave, and we’re left alone again.
I exhale. “I’m exhausted. I could sleep forever,” I say.
Caleb nods. “How about I run you a hot bath?”
“That sounds like bliss.”
He goes to start the water, while I grab champagne from the wine fridge. Now that the panic and adrenalin is fading, I feel like we have everything to celebrate.
We survived.
In the bathroom, Caleb has the tub full of steaming water, bubbles piled high in a foamy mass. I strip off my clothes and gratefully slide into the water.
“Oooh, that feels amazing.”
“Room for one more?” Caleb asks, smiling at me.
“Always.”
He strips off his clothes, and climbs in behind me, pulling me back to rest my head against his chest. I sink against him, loving the feel of his arms around me, so solid and right.
“I can’t believe I nearly lost you.”
Caleb’s voice is low behind me. I turn, water sloshing around us. His expression is tense. “I’m so sorry,” he says, cradling my face in his hands. “I had no idea. I never thought she could be capable of—”
“It’s over.” I cut him off with a kiss. “Olivia’s in the past now. Nothing can keep us apart.”
“I love you.” Caleb growls it, fierce possession in his eyes. “Those things I said to her, I didn’t mean them for a second.”
“I know.”
“But still, I need to say it. You’re not a distraction,” he tells me. “Olivia was wrong when she said nothing was more important to me than the company. Youare. I would have done anything to save you. You’re everything to me.”
I melt into his arms, kissing him passionately. Our bodies slide together, slick in the water, a delicious friction that brings my body raring to life again.
“I’m going to show you,” he vows. “Show you how special you are.”
Caleb stands, lifting me with him, kissing me all the while as he carries me out of the bathroom and into his bedroom. He towels me dry, hands reverent on my body, so soft, it makes me pull his mouth to mine again, demanding more.
He takes the hint, yanking me up against the wall. His hands roam my body, hungrily running down my sides, and it’s a whirlwind, how fast it’s all happening. In a flash he has me on the bed and is tonguing my nipples, making me moan in pleasure.