Chapter 1
"Some types of pain bring on an intrusive darkness. Such darkness gnaws at one's very being. It cages the heart, while the mind suffers the most egregious of cruelties. Sometimes what is needed most can never be obtained. Therefore, the soul remains bound to darkness, waiting, just waiting to be freed."
Chapter 1
April 23, 2011
Brennan Farms, Cumberland County, Tennessee
"I've had enough."
Olivia's usual sweet, sometimes melancholic demeanor had disappeared and was replaced with a growing fury. Her shriek ran heavily up Jax's spine as he stepped into the office. She rarely yelled, so he knew they were in for a fit tonight. Although, it would appear May had already been experiencing her wrath.
"Olivia, I told you to come in here and wait for me, not jump down your aunt's throat," Jax said, throwing his hands up in frustration.
Olivia twisted her long black curls up into a bun and paced the floor while carefully contemplating her next move. Tears swelling in her icy blue eyes only infuriated her more.
"You know what? I'm over it, over you, Jackson. You're just as bad as her, and I'm tired of being quiet. You both have alienated me from my father's business long enough. Y'all have complete control over my life, and I'm done."
She stopped mid-pace after hearing her aunt mumble, "spoiled little bitch," under her breath.
Jax just knew the worst was coming, and all he could do at this point was sit and wait for her to erupt and hope like hell she doesn't flog him or her aunt. Those tiny little fists are more dangerous than they look.
Olivia straightened her back and took a deep breath before letting the words fly.
"It's like this, y'all. I'm pretty sure Dad left me, all you survey and more. There isn't anything wrong with me wanting—no, needing—a long vacation. Furthermore, I don't see why I should have to stand here and beg to use my own damn money. How dare either of you keep me from what's rightfully mine. I may be a spoiled little bitch, but I'm more than certain you're only worried about yourself, dear Aunt May, because you're a self-centered bitch. Shall we count the times you've taken from those workers out there? Ya know, dad left you your cut when he passed."
Olivia laughed cynically before speaking again.
"So as far as I'm concerned, my money is no longer your business, and you can take that, to the bank."
She cut her eyes over at Jax, who was now staring at her expressionlessly.
"My sweet controlling Jackson, look at you sitting there all high and mighty in my father's chair like you own this place. It makes me sick knowing my dad left this world thinking so highly of you. You know what? I'm finished with y'all. I'll go out and find a regular 9 to 5 before I answer to anyone else. That shit died when I buried my dad. Remember this, Jax, you've driven me to desperate measures and as of right now the wedding is off. I absolutely refuse to marry a control freak like you.
She slammed her fist down on the desk, then turned on a heel and marched right out of the office, cursing under her breath.
Wow, he thought, she's even more beautiful when she's pissed. I wonder, if maybe a good hard fuckin' will do her some good. I know it would definitely do me some good.
He glared over at May before speaking "Regardless of what she says, I'm not about to call off our wedding over a little money."
May cleared her throat and began to ramble while teetering on Jax's last nerve.
"You know what her problem is, Jax?"
Oh dear lord, I can't deal with this insufferable woman right now, he thought.
"My brother spoiled her rotten. I told him years ago that it would become a problem if he kept spoiling her the way he was."
Nope, can't do it.
"May, I think it's best if you just go on home or something. I need to try and calm Olivia down before she does something stupid."
She put that pointy nose up in the air and puffed out her chest as she got up to leave.
"Jax, just don't let her pull the wool over your eyes like she did her father."
As she grabbed her designer bag, the rings on her chubby fingers clanked together and it rubbed his nerves raw. To him, it was like nails across a chalkboard. He knew she wouldn't be going straight home when she slid out the back door into Buck's office.
"Going in there to tell him all about it, I guess. Better him than me. Now to put out that fire named Olivia."
