Read Online finding Reese.: a SAFELIGHT novel vol.2 (SAFELIGHT Series) by Imy Santiago - Free Book Online Page A

about not being together for a month makes my heart ache, but at the same time, Stryder has a career and he can’t walk away from it because of our relationship.
    “What worries you, baby? Being apart, or is it something else?” I ask, my eyes searching his. Judging by the way he’s looking at me, tells me this has everything to do with his past and not with me.
    Stryder kneels in front of me and brings his hands to rest on top of my thighs. He talks to my belly as if unable to make eye contact. “An assignment like this could make or break our relationship. I’ve seen it happen before, and my thoughts are a jumbled mess over it,” Stryder confesses, raising his chin to meet my expectant gaze. “Olivia . . .”
    My heart sinks to the pit of my stomach at the mere mention of Stryder’s ex-fiancé. I know she cheated and broke his heart badly. I don’t think Stryder is capable of hating anyone, but Olivia comes close. I can’t say I blame him, especially after the exchange I witnessed between her and Jackson on his birthday. Olivia Reese is not a nice person, and despite her apology at the hospital, I’m extremely cautious when it comes to her.
    “I took a three month job once. It happened a few weeks after I proposed. I hated leaving her behind in New York while I went overseas for my assignment, but it was a good opportunity with great pay and I knew that job could help with the cost of the wedding, so I didn’t think about it twice. I left, but felt like half of my heart was left behind in the city. Not a day went by where I didn’t consider quitting and going home back to her. She was everything to me at the time, you know?
    I nod and smile softly, allowing him to get his fears off his chest. The more he speaks, the less enthused I am about Olivia Reese.
    “Time zones were a bitch to manage, but somehow we made it work. As the weeks progressed, I kept hearing less and less from her, and I knew something was off. A part of me wanted to believe I was being an insecure asshole, that my brain was fucking with me, but deep down I knew something was up. I got a weekend off and got on a red-eye to surprise her. Imagine me, a bouquet of flowers in hand and the shocked look on my face when I saw the woman I loved being fucked in the ass on our bed by someone who wasn’t me.”
    “You’re scared something like that might happen again,” I acknowledge, trying to keep my voice even. If I said his doubt didn’t hurt me a little it would be a far cry from the truth. A look of embarrassment claims Stryder’s features and it makes him appear more vulnerable to me than ever before.
    “Feel free to slap me, Catalina. I deserve it,” Stryder whispers, resting his head on top of my thighs. “I know I shouldn’t doubt us, especially after all that’s happened . . .”
    Placing my hand on the back of his neck, I caress it. “Shh, I get it,” I say, trying to stifle a smile. Without trying, Stryder is telling me how much I mean to him, and if I had any doubts about his affections and the depth of his love, I can throw those out the window right now. Stryder Martynus loves me.
    Exhaling loudly, I continue. “I won’t sit here and make promises to you. Anyone can do that, Stryder. What I will do is show you with every breath and every action how much you mean to me. Only time will tell where this thing between us goes, but know this: I will miss you with each beat of my heart and will cross out the days on my calendar until you’re in my arms again.
    “I will video call you and write you love letters, because that’s what two people in love do. I’m so fucking in love with you that I’d write you corny poems and even doodle your name in the margins of my journal, but more importantly, I’ll wait for you because you’re worth it, Stud. Ease your troubled mind.”
    Stryder’s hands take hold of my neck, and he kisses me with an intensity I haven’t quite felt before: love, affection, trust, and desire sealed