Page 43 of Edging Obsession

“Checking for cuts and bruises.” He touches the bone of my ankle and I wince. “It’s just a bruise and will go away in a few days. In the meantime, I’ll carry you everywhere.”

My head rolls back, looking at Miles’ beautiful face. He bends down to kiss the tip of my nose.

He hits a button and soft classical music plays overhead. “We’ll bathe, I’ll wrap you in a fluffy robe, we’ll eat and cuddle in bed.”

In a shaky voice, I say, “I love cuddling with you.” He gifts me a stunning smile, tucking some hair behind my ear. “I’m thirsty.”

Miles offers me more Gatorade. While I’m drinking it, he places me in the spa, getting behind me. He has me tilt my head back to wet it, and he suds it up, massaging my scalp. I moan from his firm, yet gentle rubbing. These are the best times. I have all of Miles’ attention, and he’s so loving and caring. The cuddles, soft words, and caresses have increased since the beginning of our relationship. It seems my crazy bipolar behavior has brought us together. Out of everyone, Miles is patient when I hit my highs and lows, even though I see the strain in his resolve. Sometimes his life and my mental illness collide, but Miles reaches out and finds me, soothing both of us.

Wiggling my toes, he gets between each one, kneading my feet and gliding his thumb over the markings on my ankles from the handcuffs. The entire time Miles bathes me, he whispers how much he loves me. How happy he is to have me in his life. HisSchatzi. And after all the cleaning, wrapping in a robe, and feeding me, he tucks me under the covers, slides in next to me, and we watch a movie. My parents are back at the guesthouse. They’ve left several text messages, so I let them know everything is okay. I’ll talk to them tomorrow.

21

Jules and I finally make it downstairs for breakfast, and then there’s knocking followed by the ringing of the doorbell. My staff have returned to work, so I leave it to my butler to answer. While I’m hugging Jules from behind as she pours us coffee, Elliott and Elise come flying into the kitchen fully loaded with anger. I turn my body to rest against the counter, sigh, and watch them pointing their fingers and aiming insults and questions my way. Jules steps in front of me, pressing her back to my front and sips her coffee while they continue yelling. I drape an arm over her front, resting my chin on top of her head. This only makes them more upset.

Elliott is toe-to-toe with Jules. “How can you stand there, staring at us after you took off last night and knowing he’s Mafia?” Jules places her coffee down. “He’s into illegal things, Jules.”

She takes both their hands, leads them to the table, sits them down, and returns to get coffee.

Elise speaks up. “That’s enough, Jules. I won’t have you disrespect us.”

Placing a cup in front of each of them, she sits across the table. “I’m not disrespecting you; I just want everyone to calm before we get into a discussion about Miles.” She looks at Elliott. “You’re right, Dad, I shouldn’t have run out of Johann’s house. I apologize for doing so. Mom’s comment about Miles participating in group sex threw me over the edge. I became obsessed with the thought, and then when he tossed in another secret, I lost it.”

Elise folds her arms on the table. “And that’s how we feel.” Her head turns to me. “Lies and secrets. We’ve learned nothing other than lies and secrets from you.”

I push off from the counter, grab mine and Jules’ coffee, and I join her on the other side of the table. These two are ready to pounce.

Elise adds, “You can put on a shirt, Miles.”

“It’s my house, Elise. You’re the one who came storming in here.”

Elliott smacks his hand on the table. “Don’t be rude to my wife.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to settle the fury brewing inside, when Jules says, “Come on, I understand you’re upset, but let’s all be civil.”

“I’m upset with you too, Jules. Yesterday and today’s behavior is sickening.”

“First, I’ve already apologized for running off.”

Elliott jabs a finger toward me. “You’re unfazed by anything he does. Different name. Group sex. Mafia.” His eyes narrow at me while still talking to Jules. “Is he brainwashing you?”

I bark out a laugh. “Yes, Elliott. I’ve been brainwashing Jules. She’s not a grown-ass woman able to make her own decisions.”

Jules’ hand rests on my forearm. “Being civil, Miles, means less sarcasm.”

I turn my head to her. Our eyes lock. She’s not sorry for saying it, so I back down for now, bringing my attention back to her parents.

Elise says to Jules, “Have you completely forgotten he’s Mafia? He does illegal things.”

Since Jules doesn’t know everything, I step in and say, “I’m my brother’s right-hand man. He controls the business. For the past five years, I’ve been a drummer in The Coven.”

“And what kind of illegal activity are you into?”

“Not your business or concern.” She’s about to argue with me. “Everything you need to know, you already do. Let’s move forward.”

Elliott speaks up. “How can we move forward? Your life has been a secret since we’ve known you.”

“And it isn’t anymore. I’ve come clean so we can move forward.”

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