Page 26 of His Obsession

“How do you think she will take it?”

“Uh… poorly,” I laugh. “She is still a bit hesitant, so it will probably lead to another breakdown.”

“Well, I suggest you keep an eye on her and when she inevitably comes to find you, make sure you are around everyone else. That way, she will be forced to see the support she has from everyone to be a part of this tradition.”

“That’s a good idea. It seems to piss her off when I don’t argue back with her, so it should easily push her into letting out more of what she has bottled up,” I explain.

“Perfect. Well, get some rest. We have a lot to do before the games and the ceremony that is bound to follow.”

Chapter Eight

Elise

I slowly open myeyes and light is pouring into my room. I blink a few times before my eyes focus on a single red rose laying on my pillow.

“What the…” I say as I sit up and grab the note beside it.

Come find me when you’re ready to talk

-Luci

I jump out of bed and get dressed before going downstairs. I don’t know why I’m so mad, but I am. I am confused, and Ijust want to understand. Does he want me for sex or something more? He’s not telling me anything, but I’m also not asking specifics. I both love and hate that he’s taking this process so slowly.

As I walk out of the house, I know I am about to yell at this man, and I have no idea why. “Looking for Lucian?” Carol asks. When I turn to her, I realize this is the first time I’ve gone outside in over a week.

“That bastard tricked me,” I frown and hold up the rose. “What the fuck is this?”

“Looks like an offering to me,” she says with a kind smile.

“I don’t even know what the fuck that means,” I say.

“He’s in the main community house for a council meeting,” she says. “They should be done soon, and you can ask.”

“Fuck that. I’m asking now,” I say. She shrugs and I turn to walk down the sidewalk toward the main building. This is where the pool and recreation center are for everyone. I hardly ever come down here because I don’t really socialize.

When I get to the door, I throw it open and find the conference room. Carol is right behind me as I walk in. Everyone who lives here turns to me. Lucian sits back in his chair and smiles. “Afternoon, Elise,” he says.

“What the fuck is this?” I ask, tossing the rose down in front of him.

“A rose,” he says without looking down at it.

“No shit. Why the fuck did you leave it in my room?” I ask. He sets his pen down and stands but says nothing. “Am I speaking a different language here? What the fuck is this for? You said to come find you when I’m ready to talk, so fucking talk.”

“I said talk, not throw a tantrum,” he says.

When I go to turn away, he gently grabs my wrist, and I snap. I shove him away. “Fuck you,” I yell. “I am so fucking tired of being confused. I don’t know anything. You tell me to come find you, so I do. Now you won’t fucking talk? I’m a human being with emotions, believe it or not. I’m not some…” Lucian cuts me off by grabbing my face and kissing me. I relax immediately, but with it surfaces the real reason I’m upset. “I don’t know what the fuck you want from me. I don’t know if you likemeor if you just want to fuck me.”

“I wantyou, Elise,” he says softly.

“Is that what you meant by us being destined?” I ask.

“Yes,” he says. He cups my cheek, and I lean into his touch. “Do you believe in destiny?”

“I do,” I say.

“What do you think your destiny is?” he asks.

“I want to believe I am meant to be more than what I am,” I say. “For a long time, I thought I was destined to be alone. Findingout that my mom lived her entire life alone just further solidified that.”

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