Page 119 of Blades of Obsession

“I’m good at planning things.”

“What happens now?”

He sighs. “Now our lives are going to change.”

“How?”

“For starters, I’m gonna have to be sworn in as president, as soon as I fully recover and get out of this damn sling on my shoulder.”

I fall silent, wondering what that means for us going forward.

“You said you want me to be honest about everything now, right?”

“Yes. I know you don’t think I can handle things, but I can.”

He blows out a breath. “I lied when I told you that time that Rhys is probably bouncing around to different jobs.”

My head perks up, off his shoulder. “Lied? So what really happened?”

“I sent him to the dungeon and he didn’t make it.”

“The dungeon…” I remember my dad being scared shitless about going there the first time I was in John’s office. “So that’s like, a torture chamber?”

“Yup, it was supposed to be a three week sentence but he didn’t make it past day three.”

“Good. I’m glad he suffered.”

“Amelia Riley Ellis, I know my ears aren’t deceiving me, because Iknowyou didn’t just say you’re glad someone’s dead.”

I let out a laugh that borders on embarrassing. “Did you have to go and use my middle name? And yes, I’m glad he’s dead. All people who sexually assault others don’t deserve to go on and live their lives while their victims live in misery.”

“Agreed.”

I lay my head back on his shoulder.

“So, what was it that you said right before I passed out?” He smiles big.

“Hmm… I don’t recall saying anything.”

He lifts my chin to face him. “I’m serious.”

A warm feeling flutters in my chest. I say in a light whisper, “I said I love you.”

He kisses my forehead. “I love you too, angel.”

•••

“Amelia, go home.”

“No.” I pout and cross my arms. “I wanna stay here with you.”

“You’ve been here with me for the past three days.”

“But, I’ll worry if I go home.”

“You’re worrying while you’re here. And you’re barely sleeping, they don’t have any good gluten-free options here so you’re not eating properly, you need to go home and take care of yourself. I’ll be discharged in two days, max. And I’ll see you then.”

“That’s too long!”

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