Page 2 of His Obsession

“Well, as riveting as this conversation has been, I have something else I need to be doing. I’m sure you know the way home,” I say with a sweet smile. “It was nice to meet you, Luci.”

“Lucian,” he reminds me, trying to keep his demeanor pleasant.

“Oh, I heard you. Luci seems fitting for you, though,” I say, letting my smile grow into a grin. “Ta-Ta, Luci.”

I turn and walk up the stairs to my porch before entering my home. I can feel his eyes on me the entire time. When I shut the door behind me, I burst out laughing. “He’s going to kill me in my sleep,” I laugh to myself, and I walk to my office.

I sit down and turn on some music before setting in on my newest project. I love being able to work remotely. As long as everything is submitted on time, I have the freedom to do whatever I want. I have fallen into the pattern of getting everything done sooner than it needs to be because it gives me time to not only double check my work but also to have more time off while getting paid at the same time.

I’m working for not even an hour when there is a knock at my door. After shutting off the music, I go and see who it is. I know better than to open the door without checking to see who it is first, and groan when I see that it’s Carol.

“Hello, Carol,” I say with the sweetest voice I can manage.

“Ms. Hart. I don’t know what kind of neighborhood you think this is, but the HOA will not tolerate loud music blaring at any time of the day. Your neighbors are trying to have a peaceful day,and they do not want to hear your racket,” she says, scolding me like a child.

I narrow my eyes at her, but she stands her ground. “Which neighbor complained?” I ask.

“He asked to remain anonymous,” she says with a tight tone of voice.

“That was a trick question,” I laugh. “I know who it was.”

I step toward her, and she jumps back as I shut my door behind me and walk off of my porch toward Lucian’s house. “Ms. Hart. I will not have you harassing your-”

“Fuck you, Carol,” I say simply. She gasps, but stays quiet. I see that Lucian is on the sidewalk with a few other neighbors. They are all whispering, and he is laser-focused on me as I approach.

“Well, isn’t this nice. Our new neighbor has come out to play,” Lucian says, smirking again.

“The next time you have an issue with something I am doing, come to me. Don’t go to the fucking neighborhood hall monitor like a kiss ass teacher’s pet,” I say firmly.

I am a measly five feet two inches. I am curvy, but small as hell, especially when Lucian is towering over me. He must be at least a foot taller than me, maybe more. His white T-shirt does nothing to conceal the rippling muscles across his chest and abdomen or his massive biceps. His skin is a rich, deep bronze, perfectly complementing his stunning features. It's hard not tobe drawn to the breathtaking physical presence he exudes. But then he opens his mouth, and the arrogance that pours out is almost enough to drown out my attraction.

Almost…

“I will say that I am keen on your music choice, but the volume is a bit too much to handle. Some of us do have more riveting things to be focusing on,” Lucian says, making a point that I notice he is looking at my tits.

“Jesus Christ,” I say, throwing my hands up. “I just had to inherit the house with the world’s most obnoxious neighbor. Lucky me, right?”

“Mmm. Lucky you,” Lucian says, smiling. He steps closer, and the warmth of his body freezes me as he leans down to speak soft enough that only I can hear him. “Be careful of the games you try to play with me, Elise. I play to win.”

I meet his gaze with a smile, unflinching. “That’s funny, Luci, because I don’t play games. I get what I want without having to resort to cheap tricks. So, if you think you can intimidate me, you’re sorely mistaken. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do than entertain your ego.”

I return to my home and slam the door shut before going back to my office. I scroll through my playlist before I find the most annoying song I can. I laugh to myself as I turn the volume up as loud as possible and sit down to return to my work.

I read the idiotic HOA rules, and quiet time is eight in the evening. I have every intention of blaring this same stupid song until one minute before. I refuse to be pushed around by a bunch of rich fuckers with a golden stick shoved up their asses.

The song plays on repeat for the entire day. I have grown to like this song now that I know it has pissed off the entire neighborhood. Anytime I check out my front bay window, there are always a few people out on the sidewalk looking at the house. They have a disgusted look on their face, and it brings joy to my heart.

I pull up my cameras and watch as Carol stands at the end of my walkway. It is 7:58 PM, and I know she will come and knock right at eight. I have my hand on the power button and wait. I am a petty bitch when pushed, and I will always prove a point when someone tries to intimidate me. As soon as the clock hits eight, I shut it off. The silence is deafening as I walk to my front door and step out in the late summer air. I keep a smile on my face as I walk down to check my mailbox. “Evening,” I say kindly. “Nice night we’re having.”

“Ms. Hart…”

“Yes, Carol?” I ask, intentionally interrupting her as I flip through my mail. I am glad to see my address change took. My old roommate has also forwarded all my mail, so that is good as well.

“Per the contract you signed…”

“I didn’t sign shit,” I say, opening something that looks important. Of course, it’s not. It’s just something disguised to be important. “My Aunt Jennifer signed it.”

“Well… I’ll need you to do that as soon as possible,” she says, nearly stumbling over her words.

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