Why Is He Back??

Safe

Adam drove through the city with expert precision, keeping a sharp eye on the rearview mirror. The streets blurred under the streetlights as he expertly maneuvered through traffic, his mind focused solely on getting Olivia and the girls to safety. Olivia sat in the passenger seat, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, her knuckles white with tension. She kept glancing back at Zivia and Emma, both of whom were still blissfully asleep, unaware of the chaos surrounding them.

"Are we safe now?" Olivia's voice was a whisper, her anxiety palpable.

"For now," Adam replied, his voice steady but his eyes never leaving the road. "We're heading to a safe house. Zack will meet us there."

Olivia nodded, trying to calm her racing heart. Every time she blinked, she saw Zack back at the warehouse, standing alone against a group of armed men. The fear of what could have happened, what still could happen, gnawed at her insides.

When they finally arrived at the safe house, a modest yet secure building on the outskirts of town, Adam wasted no time. He quickly parked the car, turned off the engine, and stepped out, moving with purpose as he opened Olivia’s door. She cradled Zivia in her arms, her heart aching as she looked down at her daughter’s peaceful face. Adam carefully lifted Emma from the car, her small arms hanging limply as she continued to sleep, oblivious to the danger they had just escaped.

Inside the safe house, Olivia laid Zivia gently on a soft couch, tucking a blanket around her small form. She stood there for a moment, watching her daughter, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear and uncertainty. She didn’t even hear the front door open, didn’t realize someone else was in the room until she felt a familiar presence behind her.

"Liv."

She spun around, her heart leaping into her throat. There he was—Zack, looking worn and tired, but thankfully unharmed. Without a second thought, she rushed into his arms, her body trembling with relief as she buried her face in his chest. Zack held her close, his embrace strong and comforting, grounding her in a way only he could.

"You're okay," Olivia whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I'm okay," Zack murmured back, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "We're all okay."

As she pulled back slightly, Olivia noticed the bloodstains on Zack's shirt and the way his bandage had come undone, revealing fresh wounds. Her eyes widened in concern as she fussed over him, her hands trembling as she tried to assess his injuries. Without thinking, she began to unbutton his shirt, her fingers moving quickly as she looked for any signs of further harm.

"Liv—" Zack started, but she cut him off, her hands roaming across his chest, feeling for any bruises or cuts.

"Where else are you hurt?" she demanded, her voice shaking as she traced her fingers along his defined abs, not realizing how low her hands had drifted until Zack let out a dark groan.

His hands shot out, gripping her wrists to stop her from going any further. "Enjoying the feeling?" Zack teased, his voice a rough whisper as he looked down at her. Olivia, realizing what she had been doing, flushed deeply and tried to pull her hands away, but Zack held on, his lips curving into a devilish smirk. "You’re drooling, Ms. Wilson," he added, clearly enjoying her flustered state.

"Shut up and go change," Olivia retorted, throwing his white shirt at him with a huff. She turned away, trying to compose herself, but her mind was still racing with the feel of Zack’s skin beneath her fingertips.

Zack chuckled softly, watching her for a moment before he headed to the bathroom. He took a long, hot shower, trying to wash away not just the grime and blood from the day but also the lingering sensation of Olivia’s hands on his body. It took all his willpower to push the thoughts away as he got dressed and walked back into the living room.