Page 32 of Obsession

“I was never your friend, Hollis. Just another pawn in this fucked-up game,” Lyla said. “I used you, and I’m sure Riot is too. You have no one but yourself in this entire world. Why are you fighting so hard? Just give in already.”

“He’s coming,” I whispered, knowing deep in my gut that what I’d said was true.

Lyla shook her head. “You’re hearing things, Hollis. No one is coming for you. Remember when I told you I’d help you find a way out of Raven’s Vale? I lied. I never wanted you to leave. I just wanted to see the hope in your eyes die, watch you wither a little more every day.”

Lyla leaned in close. The look in her eyes screamed I’m a crazy person. How had I never noticed it before?

“Every time you confided in me, every secret you shared… I told them all to Crash and Kane. They’ve known your every hope and dream, your every fear since the beginning.”

“You’re a monster,” I whispered, unable to hold back a sob.

“Look who’s talking, sweetheart,” Lyla shot back, her eyes glinting with cruel amusement. “You really think you’re any better than us? You’re in love with a fucking serial killer. How screwed up is that?”

“Time’s up.” Crash was ready to make good on his threats. If Riot didn’t get in here soon, I was going to die.

The door exploded inward, shattering into a storm of splinters. Riot stood there, his towering frame wreathed in shadows, his eyes blazing with fury.

“Step away from her.” His voice sounded like a deadly promise.

In that moment, as if sensing her own doom, Lyla made a run for it. She sprinted toward the shattered doorway, but Riot was faster. With one swift motion, he closed the distance, catching her by the throat. His blade flashed, slicing through flesh and tendon, and Lyla crumpled to the ground, choking on her own blood.

“Riot.” Relief and terror warred within me as he turned his attention to Crash and Kane. I’d been right. He’d come for me.

His hands fisted at his sides as he advanced toward Crash and Kane, his boots thudding against the filthy floor. “You two should’ve known better than to fuck with what’s mine.”

“Riot, man, we were just --” Kane didn’t get to finish his sentence before Riot’s fist connected with his jaw, silencing him. The force of the blow sent Kane sprawling, blood spraying from his mouth as he hit the ground.

“Shut the fuck up! I told the two of you before. Hands off. What the hell did you do to her?” Riot asked.

I watched from my chair, bound and bruised, as something fierce and terrible bloomed within me at the sight of Riot defending me. A love so twisted that it hurt yet felt so right. This man, this monster, was willing to spill blood for me. The blood of his brothers at that. The two people who had been the closest to him. And I knew, without a doubt, that I would do the same for him.

“Please, Riot, let’s talk about this.” Crash backed away as Riot stalked toward him.

“Talk? There’s nothing to talk about.” He lunged at Crash, grabbing him by the throat and slamming him against the wall. His eyes burned with a sadistic fire as he tightened his grip, and I wondered if he might actually kill Crash.

“Tell me, Crash. Did you really think you could get away with hurting her? Did you honestly believe you could break us apart?”

Crash wheezed, struggling for air. His hands clawed at Riot’s, trying to pry himself free.

“Fucking pathetic.” Riot released Crash’s throat only to slam his fist into his gut, doubling him over in agony.

I could hardly breathe as I watched Riot tear through them. It scared me how much I loved him in this moment, his brutal strength and savage devotion. I’d never wanted anyone more.

“Riot,” I whispered, my voice barely audible above the sounds of violence and pain. “They’re your family. Don’t kill them.”

He glanced back at me, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Don’t have to kill them to make a point.”

His fist slammed into Crash’s temple, knocking him out with one blow. Kane didn’t even resist as Riot hit him again and again. Once he passed out, Riot came over to untie me. The moment the bonds were loosened, I fell into Riot’s arms, unable to sit upright.

My tears soaked his shirt as he lifted me and carried me out of the building. I was finally safe. Or as safe as I’d ever be as long as I remained by his side.

Chapter Twelve

Riot

Blood stained my hands as I cradled Hollis in my arms, carrying her out of the building. Every bruise and cut on her body felt like a personal failure. This was my fault. I should’ve protected her better. But now, she was hurt, and I knew she wouldn’t heal without medical attention.

“Fuck,” I muttered, trying to catalog her injuries as I moved swiftly through the dark streets of Raven’s Vale. The cold night air stung my face, but it couldn’t compare to the burning rage consuming me.

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