Page 4 of Forbidden Obsession

“Well, you’re right. During my senior year in high school, I considered what I wanted to do with my life. A doctor and lawyer were right up there at the top. But I didn’t consider the elective studies I’d have to take. I want to thank you for drilling it down and helping me think about that. Those classes are important, too. Who knows how they’ll help in my future?”

I nodded again. “I’m glad I could be of service, Anthony.” He nodded and slipped his glasses up his nose, and hesitated. “Is there anything else?”

“Uh…no.” He paused. “One last thing.” I stared at him, unmoving. “You’re my hero, Mr. Lucas.”

I blinked once and frowned. “Excuse me?”

He laughed nervously. “Yeah. I know you come from a wealthy family. So do I, and I admire you for breaking the mold and taking your career into your own hands. Just wanted to let you know that.” A goofy laugh dropped from him. “I did the same. So, thank you for that, too.”

He was serious.

Anthony bounced his lean weight from one leg to the other. “All right then, I’ll let you go. Have a good day, Mr. Lucas.”

He turned and jogged away as fast as he’d come, and I gritted my teeth and fisted my fingers as anger moved through me.

“If only that had been the case, Anthony,” I murmured. The urge to kill again hit me in the center of my gut. Usually, once I’d removed one of the marks on my list, I would be satisfied for a few months before I needed to do it again.

But hearing Anthony’s cheerful praise reignited the ire inside me. I slipped my hand into my pants pocket and gripped the small but necessary stress ball I kept on hand. I’d noticed long ago that repeatedly squeezing and releasing the foam orb helped me calm myself when necessary.

Taking a deep breath, I shut my eyes and exhaled, then turned, and entered the library.

“Mr. Lucas.” The attendant greeted me with a nod. “It’s late evening. Is there anything I can help you with?”

Sandra Tillerman was a sixty-eight-year-old veteran who worked at the school library. Usually, she had someone caught in conversation when I came in, sharing stories about her time in the United States Army.

“I’m here to drop off a few books and be on my way. How are you, Ms. Tillerman?” Her face brightened, her green eyes sparkled, and her silver hair bounced when she moved.

“Wonderful. I couldn’t be better. Although, the weather could be better. Some days I’m unsure whether to wear a jacket.”

“Whenever you’re confused about it, always wear a jacket. You’d rather not need it than be cold, hmm?”

She nodded in agreement. “You’re right. Always right.”

I offered her a polite smile. “Have a good day, Ms. Tillerman.”

“You do the same, Mr. Lucas.”

Turning to leave, my eyes scanned the room and ran into a cascade of golden-brown curls. I paused, and blinked, my gaze riding over the lean silhouette I knew to be Penelope Cattaneo. Our introduction had been somewhat unusual—she’d been struck by a speeding bicyclist as she crossed the campus street two months ago, and the glancing blow sent her flying onto the hood of my car.

Initially, I was incensed, annoyed, and biting back curses when I exited the vehicle. Then I saw her—strikingly gorgeous, with mystic golden irises, butterscotch skin, and that wavy, fluffy mermaid hair.

My attraction to Penelope was instant, and when she’d gathered herself to look at me, I knew the attraction hit her the same way if her relentless flirting was any indication.

After the school nurse saw to Penelope’s bruises, she laid across my office couch staring at me. She’d gone from resting, to perching her ass on my desk.

Penelope’s citrus scent hit my nose, her nearness profound and doing an odd thing to my sudden arousal.

“Don’t be scared,” she whispered. “No one would have to know about us, but us…and besides, we’ve got an alibi as to why I’m here. The nurse is our witness.”

She reached down, her fingers touching my shirt when I reacted, rising to my feet, and gripping her throat in the palm of one hand.

Our short time together ended with me teaching Penelope a lesson. At least, that’s what I’d thought I did by instilling fear into her. The truth was, I could dive into Penelope’s world, fuck her relentlessly, adore her tirelessly, then throw her away when my excitement for her waned.

But now was not the time for distractions. I had to remain focused on my primary goal—to tear down the Lucas Cosa Nostra, one death at a time. Getting involved with Penelope in any way was a interference I couldn’t bear to risk. She was a student, and it was forbidden to act on any unethical desires I had for her.

The goal was to keep curious eyes off me—to maintain a clean reputation so I could complete my mission in peace. Fucking a student would definitely impede my progress. With this knowledge, there was no reason for me to stand still, watching her from across the room. Yet I was a statue, my blood warm and my pulse rising the longer I assessed her. What was it about Penelope that made my feet move into a slow stroll? Heading in her direction, I felt out of control.

I paused and glanced at a row of books just as she glanced over her shoulder. I imagined Penelope’s golden irises dilating when she saw me—imagined her pulse rocking in her neck, her heart accelerating, her pussy clenching, her clitoris thumping wildly as desire surged between her thighs.

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