Page 40 of Forbidden Obsessions

“Sit for a minute,” I blurt to Mia. Surprisingly, she turns around and chooses a chair across from me.

“Need something, DeLuca?” she asks expectantly.

“No.” I shake my head. “I was just wondering how you are.” She stares at me like a lost sheep for a moment before shrugging.

“I’m fine,” she emphasizes, looking at the dark paint and various abstract paintings that line my office walls. I drum my pencil against my kneecap, giving her time to open up to me. Neither one of us owes the other anything, but she’s Liv’s best friend.

“Really, Mia. I know you reiterate this to Olivia all the time, but it’s okay to not be fine. You witnessed some fucked up shit. Olivia’s going through some tough times right now, but she’ll always be there for you. That includes me.”

“Thank you,” she says, as her bottom lip quivers. “I’ve started therapy, so I’m starting to feel more like myself. Plus, Matt’s been a huge part of my healing. Thank you for calling him that night,” she says, leaning forward to get up.

“I know how devastated I would’ve been if it was Olivia and someone didn’t tell me. Well, I’ll see you tomorrow,” she says, getting up.

“Sounds good,” I say, glancing at the clock.

I’m packing my bag when another knock sounds at my door.

“Come in,” I say flatly, trying to hide my annoyance. Freedom was in my grasp.So close.

“Hi, Professor,” a soft voice croons. My breath hitches in my throat. Olivia’s in a short, blush pink dress and towering heels. Loose curls frame her face, hiding the bruises on her neck and cheek. She saunters to me deviously.

“Class is canceled for tomorrow,” she announces as she climbs onto my desk, facing me.

“Is that so, Miss Hamilton? And here I thought I was the one in charge.” I shrug. She parts her thighs slowly. I bite my lip, suppressing a groan, as her bare flesh comes into view. “And no panties? You’re very much asking for trouble.”

Her grin widens. “Remember the other day, when you mentioned ensuring I got what I wanted? Consider me mentioning it.”

I pivot and move to close the door and lock it. “That’s great news, because I’m starving,” I say before kneeling in front of her.

“Not here,” she taunts. “You’re coming with me.” I watch in stunned silence as she hops down and pulls me by the arm to the door I just locked.

“You let me get up and everything,” I grumble as we walk out together.

“Actually, I wanted to stare at your ass in those dress pants.” She whistles suggestively. She pulls my arm again, guiding me to her SUV.Something is most definitely up.

Olivia pushes me into the passenger seat, buckles me in, and fixes a silky blindfold over my eyes. “What the fuck? Is this a kidnapping now?” I ask incredulously.

“Something like that,” she says with a small laugh after a moment.

“Where are we going?” Except, I have a sinking suspicion that I already know the answer to that.

“You’ll have to be patient and see… oh wait. Womp womp.” My jaw ticks.Her time will come.

“You’re really going to make me wear this the whole ride?”

“Relax, DeLuca. It’s barely been fifteen minutes. Do you want to guess where we’re going?”

“The airport,” I say, trying to humor her.

“No. Next.”

“The cabin.” She hesitates.

“No.”

“You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

“Definitely not,” she confirms.

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