Mine to Watch Over - Book 3

Chapter Two - Dillion

Dillion

I can't sleep. Dreams of Olivia drowning keep flooding my mind. That fear has my heart racing. Each time I'd seen her go under, and then there was that last time she didn't resurface. I still can't believe I found her. She was down pretty deep. There was zero visibility, but I refused to give up. I couldn't let things end that way. I desperately wanted a chance to make things right.

Relief empowered my tired limbs as I got us both back to shore, but then Olivia wouldn't wake up. I hardened my resolve. I had to see those beautiful eyes open again. Giving up on her was not an option. I swear I willed her back to life. I know it was childish not to stand aside when the paramedics came and Doug said he had her.

Doug. I don't see it. He's so not her type. A sports jock. Really, Kitten? That's who you've replaced me with. Perhaps she's trying to get as far away from me as possible. She couldn't possibly pick someone more polar opposite to me than that guy.

My chat with Doug on the pier was interesting. He seems like a nice enough guy. He obviously cares about Olivia, but he could never love her as I would. Some guys have passion and some guys don't. He definitely is not the passionate type, but perhaps he doesn't need to be. I'm certain Olivia has enough passion to compensate for what he lacks. I adored that part of her nature.

A groan escapes my lips when I think of Olivia and Doug together that way. I hate it. It makes me cringe. It makes me feel violent. I just want to pummel the guy and tell him to stay the hell away from my girl, but she's not my girl not anymore.

Olivia has changed quite a bit. That outfit. It's like she's flaunting her sexiness. She would never have done that before. She never had the need. That thought made me pause... What would cause her to feel like she had to do it? That was a question I didn't want to think about.

It's not wrong. She's beautiful, her dark skin, her light eyes, she knew exactly what would show off her figure to its fullest advantage. Guess she's been practicing. Did I drive her to become this way?

I didn't get to think much more on this as a blood-curdling scream came from the basement. I was shocked to realize I was the only one who heard it as no one else responded. Maybe it wasn't as loud as I thought, but it sounded like someone in anguish.

I take the steps two at a time down two flights of stairs, slipping on the second set and nearly breaking my neck. I stand up to see Bright Eyes in the middle of some nightmare. I call out his name, he doesn't respond. I begin to shake him. I dodge a punch and restrain him. He finally wakes up.

"What the...?!" He looks dazed and confused. He tries to move but I still have Alex pinned.

"Dude!" I let him go. "The way you were screaming I thought someone was murdering you down here. What the hell is going on?"

He scrambles to sit up. "I'm sorry. Did I wake everyone?"

"No, just me." I really didn't like what I saw just now.

He searches my face and body before he asks, "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

"I nearly took one to the jaw. You always like this when you sleep?"

"I haven't had an episode like this for months. I guess what happened today triggered some memories for me. I'm sorry."

Now I'm concerned on several levels. He said episodes as if this happens often. "You've been like this around Cat?"

"Yes, but not since we... well, when we fall asleep together, I feel calmer and I don't dream of..."

His eyes fill with tears as the shadows of whatever he was experiencing threaten to take hold of him again. I hold up my hands. "Okay, relax." I really hope Alex pulls it together. I don't think I could deal with him bawling right now.