Page 56 of Obsession

“I see,” is the only reply he gives me.

He’s about to leave the apartment when I call out, “Mr. Middleton-“

“I think we’ve been through enough together that you can call me Hunter outside of work,” he interrupts.

“I can’t call you that.“

“I’d prefer it.”

But I don’t.

Using his first name would strip away the boundary of boss and employee between us, and the ground becomes uneven for me with that barrier taken away from me.

There’s a glint in his eyes as he approaches me, and I’m rooted in my spot. This time, his massive hand envelops mycheek, and his voice feels like a velvety caress against my skin, making my lower muscles tighten in need.

“It seems as if I don’t like your tears for some reason.”

“I’m not crying,” the words stumble out as shock envelops me at his statement.

“You were about to,” he murmurs. “You held on to me, and your eyes were terrified. People rarely seek protection in my arms, Megan, except you, it seems.”

“I was desperate,” I force the words out, my heart beating so wildly that I’m afraid he’ll be able to hear it.

His words are whisper-soft and hold a hint of menace, “I’m a different kind of monster, Megan, but you’re the first person to see that and still hide behind me. Those kinds of actions have consequences.”

I want to say something, but I swallow the words that are on the tip of my tongue.

“You have me questioning my every rule.” His tone is calming, and my heart trembles.

“I didn’t make you.“

“Ah, but you did,” he counters softly, his words piercing me, his gaze holding mine. “You make me lose my self-control at every turn. I can see in your eyes that you want me, too. How long do you think you’ll be able to hold out? Days? Weeks?”

My eyes narrow at his words. “Is that why you brought me here to this impressive apartment you own? Easy access?”

“Of course not,” he scoffs. “I brought you here because if one more motherfucker tries to put his hands on you, I’ll slit their throat in front of you next time.”

A normal person’s blood would grow cold at his calm statement but strangely enough, it makes me feel warm and tingly all over.

“Why?” The question is out of me before I can stop myself.

He takes a long time to answer before he simply replies, “I don’t know.”

I stare at him, stunned.

“I’ll see you at work, Megan.”

When he releases me and walks out, leaving the key on the kitchen table for me, I just stare after him, feeling both lost and confused.

Tomorrow, then,Mr. Middleton.

Chapter 19

You’ll Never Guess

HUNTER

“We got some information.”

---