Chapter 6: Friends, Partners, More?
Olivia felt funny leaning on Elliot like this. She knew he didn't mind listening, but he had enough on his plate already. He didn't need to spend his time worrying about her, too. Elliot's gentle voice brought her out of these thoughts.
"Liv?" he asked. "What's wrong?"
Olivia sighed. "I can't help feeling like I'm taking advantage of you, El," she confessed honestly.
Elliot hugged her again, shaking his head as he did so. "No, Liv, you're not," he told her gently. "I'm always here for you. You know that."
She sighed again. "I know, but," she began.
Elliot cut her off. "Shh, no buts, Liv," he whispered. "Don't do this. Just trust me."
She managed a small laugh. "Elliot, you know I do," she whispered back. "I always have."
He nodded, smiling a little. "So, what's really bothering you?" he asked gently.
"It's Hope and her mom," she replied.
Elliot glanced down at her in surprise. "What do ya mean, Liv?" he asked. "We got Evan. They're safe now."
"I wanna believe you, El," she told him. "I really do, but I've got this funny feeling that this case won't be over when Evan goes to trial."
"What makes you think that?" Elliot asked, taking Olivia's hands as she raised her head.
"I don't know," she replied. Suddenly, she felt a rush of warmth course through her body. But what had caused it? Was it Elliot's touch, or had she imagined that warm feeling?
