Page 128 of Obsession

I look away, disconcerted by his gaze that is stripping the truth from me.

“I can’t get you out of my head,” I tell him. “And it terrifies me.”

The words are raw; this time, his head lowers to nuzzle my cheek. “Is that all?”

My eyes slip shut as his show of gentle affection creates a physical vibration within me. “That’s all you get.”

“Then will you believe me that I feel alive around you, too?” he asks, and my eyes flutter open to meet his. “It’s been a long time since I felt that way. Truthfully, I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt something like this.”

I’m silent, not knowing what to say because how could someone this fantastic have never fallen in love?

He lets out a heavy sigh, “You don’t believe me, do you?”

“Seems a little unbelievable.” I give him a wary look. “I’m hardly ever nice to you.”

“I disagree.” He gives me a slightly amused look. “You saved me from an armed gunman in my own home. It’s almost as if you actually want me to stick around.”

“So, where do we stand?” I ask, still feeling hesitant. “Are we?—”

He covers my mouth before I can finish my question, his brows knitting together. “If you say fuck buddies one more time, you won’t like the consequences.”

I abruptly push his hand away. “Stop threatening me with whatever these consequences of yours are. What are you, my principal?”

His grin is wide, and seeing that expression on his handsome face always makes my heart stop.

“That’s something we can try,” he teases. “I’m open to role-playing.”

It takes me a second to process his meaning, and when my hand automatically lifts to playfully hit him on the chest, he immediately grabs it.

“Careful, Miss Taylor, you’re still injured. I wouldn’t want those stitches to pop. Since we’re going to do this.” He doesn’t let go of my hand. “I would like to date you properly.”

“I think your idea of dating and mine might be very different,” I say hesitantly, still trying to grasp what is happening between us.

Hunter arches a brow. “Well, what do you call dating?”

“I don’t know. It’s been a while since I went out on a real one, but usually dinner or movies or something like that.”

He pauses, and there is an odd undertone to his voice. “You want me to take you to the movies?”

I study him, suddenly finding the mental image in my head a little too funny.

“Why’re you smiling?” he asks, almost defensively.

“I was trying to imagine you in one of those seats,” my lips twitch. “I just can’t see you watching a blockbuster movie in a crowded theatre.”

“You’re right.” Hunter stares at me. “I can think of plenty of other creative uses of my time and yours.”

“I’m not saying we have to do that,” I say, hoping it’s not apparent that I’m blushing.

“The advantage of dating me is that I can take you to the best restaurants or fly in the most talented chefs to cook us a gourmet meal at home.”

Hunter steps closer to me and continues, “I can fly you to Venice or Switzerland for a weekend where you can watch the snowfall and ride in the gondolas. I can take you shopping in whichever part of the world you desire. That is my idea of a date.”

“Of course, it is Richie Rich,” I mutter under my breath.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Look, I don’t know, okay? Let’s just go slow. I still need to process the fact that you just admitted to being a mass murderer.”

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