Van, Becca - Taming Olivia [Terra-form 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Becca van Page B

we have no idea about love, relationships. We’re all in the same boat, babe. We are going to have to learn as we go along, but the only way we can make this right between the four of us is if you talk to us. We need you to tell us what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling. We also need time to get to know each other. I’ve worked with Cedric and Hugh for years, but I’ve never seen this softer side of them. We are all going to be learning together, baby. We want to know if something we do or say angers you. We don’t want you hiding from us. If you do, how we will ever learn? How will our relationship survive?”
    Olivia rested her head against the bottom of Tony’s sternum, since her head only reached just below his pectoral muscles. He was such a big man. Who would have believed he would be so gentle with her? What he’d said was true. She knew she was going to have to learn to open up, or they were all doomed. But they all had to learn that the fastest way to piss her off was to tell her what to do. They were all going to need to comprise.
    Olivia stepped back a couple of steps so she could look up into Tony’s eyes. “I’ll try to be more open and honest, but I’m not promising anything. I’ve lived like this for years, it’s who I am. I’m not going to be able to change overnight.”
    “I understand that, baby, and so do Cedric and Hugh. We’re all in this together, all learning from and about each other. We know that doesn’t happen overnight. It can sometimes take years and years for people to fully understand each other. Come on, let’s go inside?” Tony asked, holding out one of his large hands to her.
    Olivia took a deep breath, stepped forward, and placed her hand into his. His large hand engulfed hers, making her feel so small and lost, but also very feminine. She walked by his side, surprised she was able to keep up with him. She looked over to his long legs, realizing he was practically shuffling his feet. A giggle bubbled up from her chest. She covered her mouth with her free hand and looked away quickly, hoping Tony hadn’t noticed. She should have known better.
    “What’s so funny?”
    The question made her burst out with laughter. She just couldn’t contain her humor anymore. She let go of Tony’s hand and doubled over clutching her stomach, tears rolling down her face, her breath nearly nonexistent in her bout of hysterics. Finally her laughter dissipated enough for her to stand upright. She wiped the tears from her face, still smiling as she met Tony’s amused gaze.
    “So are you going to tell me?” he asked her, his deep rumbling voice sending shivers down her spine.
    “I’m sorry,” Olivia began, waving her hand toward his long, muscular legs. “You’re so tall, and I was keeping up with you. You shuffling just looked weird. Funny weird, of course.”
    “Why, you little minx…” Tony started to reply, lunging toward her.
    The look in his eyes frightened her, and she backed away slowly until she came up against the hallway wall.
    “Olivia, look at me,” Tony demanded. “Do I look angry to you?”
    “I don’t know. I don’t really know you.”
    “Baby, I concede we’re still getting to know each other. Just remember, I will never, ever hurt you. I was only going to tease you, like you were me. Please don’t ever be afraid of me,” Tony reiterated.
    “I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I just react without thinking. You know? I didn’t mean to hurt or anger you,” she said, her eyes sliding from his.
    “Baby, I’m only feeling hurt because you’re afraid of me. You didn’t anger me. Come here, Olivia,” he said, holding his arms out and open to her.
    Olivia bit her lip, looking at his massive, muscular arms and chest. Then she lifted her eyes to his and saw only patience and tenderness. She took one step forward, and then another and another, until his arms wrapped around her body. She leaned into him, inhaling his clean, masculine scent. She felt as if