Page 19 of Forbidden Obsessions

“What’s that face for?” She scrunches her nose.

“I, uh, burnt the dress.” Her eyes flit to the floor, nervously.

“What do you mean, you burnt the dress? I fucking loved that dress.”

“I was a little upset last night. I don’t want to get dressed. I want you to curl up against me, and sleep until our alarms go off.”

I kiss her temple. “Who the hell am I to argue with that?” The two of us only make it as far as climbing before we both fall into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Chapter Eight

Olivia

“Mia, put the fucking baseball bat down,” I exclaim, feeling like I’m trying to negotiate a hostage situation. Although I don’t condone violence, I gotta hand it to her for always having my back—even if it may end up in assault charges.

“So, help me, God, DeLuca, I’ll smash your fucking kneecaps in, right here, right now,” Mia says, unhinged. Tomas furrows his brows, silently pleading for help.

“He was with my dad, Mia,” I say, wedging myself between the two of them. Tomas holds his hands up innocently.

“Will he vouch for you, DeLuca?” she asks, lining herself up for a swing.

“Call him,” he says, his arms outstretched in exasperation. “You know what? Better yet, let’s all walk over to his office,” he shrugs, turning to leave. We stop as Vanessa saunters into the lab, choosing a seat in a secluded corner.

“Don’t fucking test me, DeLuca,” Mia warns, murder glinting in her bright blue eyes. I press myself closer to Tomas, turning to give Vanessa a saccharine smile. Her blue eyes lift to mine. Her trained smile falters slightly.

“Call him, Tomas,” Mia says, sternly. She watches expectantly as he finds Dad in his contacts and puts the call on speakerphone.

Dad barely has time for a greeting before Tomas starts, “Although it’s not her business, will you please assure Miss Pryor I was with you Saturday night?”

“Why?” James asks through the phone.

“She’s worried about Olivia,” Tomas says, looking between me and Mia.

“Ahh. Hi, Miss Pryor. I give you my word, Tomas was with me on Saturday. Thank you for your concern for my daughter,” Dad says with finality, a clear sign to drop the topic.

“Thanks, Dean Hamilton,” Mia says as Tomas hangs up the phone.

“Are you satisfied?” he bites out, folding his arms.

“Enough from the both of you,” I say with a subtle glance toward Vanessa.

“I’m just concerned,” Mia says, softer. She relents her grip on the wooden baseball bat. I admire how the cool, smooth finish feels against my palms.

“What?” I ask, realizing both Tomas and Mia are staring at me. Tomas purses his lips, biting back a smile.

“Just wondering if we need to leave you alone with the bat for a while,” Mia laughs.

“Keep it up,” I warn, swinging. “I played softball, you know.”

Tomas glances at my biceps. “I’d believe it. Now, give the lead psycho the bat back. I have a lab soon.”

“Fine,” I sigh. I hate leaving him in here with Vanessa, even knowing Dad has vouched for his disappearances. His eyes widen as I grasp his collar, pulling him against me, and claiming his mouth.

“I love you. Have a good class.” Vanessa pulls her eyes away too slowly. Her crimson lips press into a straight line. Feeling brazen, I nod to her. “Make sure he doesn’t get into any trouble, will you?” Her fists clench when I wink.

Mia and I are halfway through the door when she pauses. “Oh. You guys want to go to my sorority’s masquerade mixer next week?”

I glance at Tomas, gauging his reaction. He’s been trying to establish better boundaries.

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