Page 78 of Obsession

Today, we brought down the men responsible for the abductions and rapes. Under Cain’s… questioning, one might call it… we got full confessions. And I was right about them working in tandem. We have much to unpack, and will, but the greatest threat is over.

Cain takes on the task of telling his team all that happened, and instructs me to call Candi.“Then go to your room. Relax and get some rest. I’ll come see you when I’m through down here.” I know without him telling me that he’ll be “through down there”when his men lay twin bodies in shallow graves. I’m not upset by this. I’d be disappointed with anything less.

I’m not surprised there are two armed men on either side of my door when I arrive at the guest room. We have to make sure neither Dossier was in league with anyone. We don’t know for sure yet that this was the end of the attacks.

So when I’m finally settled in, I call Candi and alert her that we've found the men responsible for Cain’s sister’s abduction, but they were killed.

Candi’s voice is weary when she asks, “Do I want to know the rest of this story, babe?”

“No, Candi. You don’t.”

“Are you safe?”

My answer’s no more certain now than it was the last time she asked me. Once again, I lie to my best friend. “Yeah. I’m safe.”

“Violet… be careful. Cain Master is a dangerous,dangerousman. I don’t like that you’re involved with him. I don’t like it atall.”

I don’t know how to tell her the fact that he’s a dangerous man might be what draws me to him the most.

She takes my statement and tells me she’ll come for a full report in the morning. I look forward to it. Somehow, seeing my best friend here might make this all seem real. My two worlds will collide… but it’s time.

I don’t want to see anyone else right now and definitely don’t feel like talking to anyone, so I settle into my room for the night. I’veshowered and put on pajamas. I played mindless games on my phone. I’m too wired to settle down.

I get up and go to the walk-in closet. I finger the clothes, stroke the fine fabrics, and marvel at the sheer volume of luxury. They’re gorgeous, every single one of them, and he says they’re all for me. I’m too tired to try anything on just now, but when I dressed earlier, everything I tried fit me perfectly.

And theshoes…good God, the shoes alone could buy me a townhouse right here by the ocean. Heels and flats, sandals and boots, an array of colors and fabrics that would be the envy of any shoe aficionado.

Why?

How long does he think I’ll stay?

It’s a little unsettling, if I’m honest.

What’s the catch?

And does it matter? I’m here for a reason, and I won’t leave until I’ve done what I came for.

But now I make myself face the truth I’ve been avoiding.

I want to see Cain. I want to touch him, feel him.

And I want much, much more than the kiss I got last night.

After what we’ve been through…

I hear heavy footsteps outside my door, and the low rumble of a voice that can only be him. I sit up in bed, my heart racing, as he knocks just before the door opens. He stands in the doorway, the light from the hall casting him in shadow, but I know it’s him.

“No one fills a doorframe likethat.”

He turns his head as if just realizing there’s a doorframe there.

I can hear the humor in his voice when he responds, “No one fills a bed likethat.”

I look around me at the cavernous bed. “I’mhardlyfilling it.” I give him a little pout. “There’s plenty of room still here.”

The door shuts with an audiblebang.

I jump. Liquid heat pools between my legs. I forget to breathe.

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