Shattered Pieces

Twenty Seven

Spencer

"I don't know how much longer I can do this, Spencer." My wife sits on our couch with her knees drawn up to her chest, arms wrapped around her legs.

"Baby, I need you to tell me what happened."

"You had a baby with Kennedy. That's what happened, Spencer!" Her voice cracks. "I, Spence... I'm so sorry. We are past this; I'm sorry. She just brings out the worst in me."

"Olivia," I sit beside her and pull her close to me until she's tucked into my side.

"She just marched right out of the studio with her, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Aaliyah is like a little carrot she dangles in front of us, and as soon as we get close enough, she pulls her away. You weren't there. You didn't see how our little princess looked at me. You didn't see how I failed her."

"Olivia, you did not fail her. Kennedy is the one who failed her, and she keeps failing her every day that she continues to play this game. I won't let her hurt Aaliyah, and I won't let her continue to hurt you. This ends now."

"What about your plan?" She peers up at me with her wide brown eyes that are harboring so much hurt— so much pain.

"To hell with the plan. The new plan is for Aaliyah to come home. I need you to send me everything you have about that situation with the teacher. I'm going to make some calls."

"I'm sorry I made everything worse. I should have just pulled Aaliyah out of the studio like she wanted." Olivia sighs. Her breathing is so labored, like she's fighting for every drop of air.

I grab Olivia's chin between my thumb and index finger, turning her head until she faces me. "You are my best friend, and we are a team. If given a choice, I'd pick you every single time. You don't apologize. You don't owe me an apology."

She reaches her hand up to caress my cheek, and her eyes soften marginally. "Don't give her the power, Little Tiger. She lives for the thrill of trying to destroy you—us.

I lean in, pressing my lips to Olivia's. The kiss is demanding but soft. I want to rid her body of all her fears, rid her of every ounce of guilt that consumes her. I know I play a part in that, in how fragile she is right now. I didn't treat her like we were a team when I first learned about Aaliyah. I didn't choose my wife.

The more she gives, the more I take. I have all of her, and it will still never be enough. All-consuming love, it isn't just something you read about in books. It is something that is paralyzing but equally exhilarating. It is a high you chase even when you have it. It is your last breath and your next one. That's my wife. That's this life we're building.

"You saw what she was willing to do to her teacher, Spencer. I can't have her ruin you— I won't."

"I need you to trust me, Olivia. I need you to put me in the game."

"Spencer," She sighs.

"You got us this far. Let me bring it home, baby."

"Okay." She whispers.

"Kiss on it?" I smile down at her.

"Always, Spencer James. Always." Her lips brush against mine, and I melt into her.

Grayson waddles into our room moments later with the butterfly pillow off Aaliyah's bed. I smile at my son and hold out my arms for him to come closer.

"Dada, Li" He practically shoves the pillow at me

"Yeah, Gray. This is Aaliyah's." I squeeze the pillow before laying it down next to me.

He looks at his mom, focused on her eyes. They're red and puffy, you can tell she's been crying, and our little guy is as perceptive as anyone. He slowly reaches out and touches her face. As much as he terrorizes her, I'm not sure there's anyone on this planet he loves the way he loves his mama.