The Perfect Mistake (The Connovan Chronicles #2)

by Olivia Hayle

“I’m thinking that I should have driven you there and back myself.” “Alec,” she whispers. “You have the kids.” I shake my head slowly. “I know, and I always will. But that doesn’t change a thing. I should’ve been there.” “You can’t be everywhere.” “I need to be. I have to be.” Her hand settles on my cheek. “Why?” My hands turn to fists, resting against her lower back. “Because I can’t have anything happen to you.” Her lips part on a surprised exhale. “I see,” she murmurs. “Caring about someone is… terrifying. I get it.” “Terrifying is an understatement.” “You’re angry?” “I’m fucking furious,” I say. “The guys who did this… I want to wring their necks. Lock them away and throw away the key.” “You don’t mean that,” she whispers. I release her, and she sinks down on the couch beside me. I’m feeling too much too fast, and I don’t know why. Don’t know why it feels hard to breathe. “Yes, I do.” “Why?” she asks. Sitting there, just watching me and looking so painfully good and sweet. Like she wants to understand. The idea of someone hurting her, of her being gone, makes my throat close up. I push off the couch. Walk around the coffee table, and then back, my movements frantic. “Alec,” she says softly. “What are you feeling?” “She just died!” I say. The words explode in the quiet room. Her eyes widen. “Oh.” “One hour she was alive and well, and the next, she was gone.” I snap my fingers. The sound echoes in the space between us. “No warnings, no goodbyes. I barely handled it the f...