Page 46 of Twisted Obsession

I take a deep breath, trying to center myself. "Okay. Let's think this through logically. Your brothers are going to notice eventually. What's your plan?"

Roisin bites her lip, looking uncertain for the first time. "I... I don't know. I was hoping you might have some ideas. You're more experienced with... well, everything."

I can't help but let out a humorless chuckle. "Trust me, Roisin, I've never dealt with anything like this before."

She looks crestfallen and I immediately regret my words. I step closer to her, not quite touching, but close enough that I can smell the faint scent of her shampoo. "But we'll figure it out. Together."

Her eyes widen slightly, hope flickering in their depths. "You mean... you're not going to just walk away?"

The thought hadn't even crossed my mind, though perhaps it should have. It would certainly be the smarter move. Running, yes. But not without taking her with me.

Looking at Roisin, vulnerable and scared but still so determined, I know I’m going to see this through with her, as far as I can.

Even if it turns out to be the death of me. Which is probably a given.

Chapter

Twenty-One

ROISIN

Despite all the problems I know it’ll cause, hearing Dominic say he’s going to stand by my side, pushes all the turmoil out of my mind and in its place is only elation.

I don’t even think. I’m across the room and throwing myself into his arms without even considering whether he’ll welcome such a move.

But he doesn’t waver. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling me close against his chest as I breathe in his familiar scent–sandalwood and something uniquely him–and feel myself relax for the first time in weeks.

"I've missed you," I whisper into his shirt, my voice muffled.

Dominic's hand strokes my hair gently. "I've missed you too, Roisin. More than you know."

I pull back just enough to look up at his face. His warm brown eyes are filled with an emotion I can't quite name, but it makesmy heart race. Without thinking, I stretch up on my toes, bringing my face closer to his.

Dominic hesitates for just a moment, his gaze flicking to my lips, before he leans down to meet me. The kiss is soft at first, tentative, as if we're both afraid this moment might shatter. But then his hand cups my cheek, and I press closer, silently begging him to deepen the kiss.

All the longing and regret of the past weeks pours out between us. I cling to him, my fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt, as if I'm afraid he might disappear if I let go. His other hand slides down to the small of my back, pulling me even closer against him, and I can feel the hard evidence of his arousal. Just knowing I can still do that to him, despite everything, makes me feel powerful. Invincible.

Bulletproof.

I’m not naive. I know I’ll need to be.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathless. Dominic rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed as if savoring the moment.

"You know this is madness, don’t you?" he murmurs, but there's no conviction in his voice.

"I know," I reply, equally unconvincing. "But I don't want to let you go again."

He opens his eyes, and the intensity of his gaze makes me shiver. "Roisin, you have to understand. If we do this, if we're together, it won't be easy. There will be consequences."

I nod, swallowing hard. "I know. But we can face them together, can't we?"

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Together," he agrees, and the word sounds like a promise.

It’s all I need. If Dominic is by my side, I can face anything.

“So what now?” he asks. “You need prenatal care, vitamins, check ups, childbirth classes…” His voice trails off. “Fuck!” My normally solid, stoic man sinks down onto the bed like his legs can’t hold him anymore. He looks dazed, like the weight of this thing has just hit him.

And hearing him talk about all those things slams the reality home for me too, and I ease myself down next to him.

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