Page 27 of Obsessive Love

I take Holly out of my waistband, click the safety off, and shoot him straight between the eyes, giving him the quick death that I promised him.

Chapter Eighteen

Kaleb

"We were right. They think that if they can get to Sophia, it'll weaken both families and help them overthrow us," I say, walking out of the warehouse towards Jericho. My nostrils flare and I clench my fists as I explain to him exactly what the little coward told me.

"Why do they need me to survive?" he asks. I shrug in response which has him looking at me in confusion.

"I didn't ask. What he said pissed me off, so I shot him."

"Are you fucking serious?" he shouts, rounding the car and pushing me in the chest. "You shot him before thinking about asking why they want to make sure I survive? How fucking stupid can you be, Kaleb? You're meant to be the enforcer of this family, you know to get every little scrap of information out of them before killing them. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"He basically told me that they're going to try and kill Sophia. In case you've forgotten, I'm in love with her. Always have been and always will be. So, if someone tells me that they want to kill her, or if someone mentions harming her, I'll kill them. Simple.It's not rocket science, Jer. Besides, they want you alive, who cares about the reason? You should be glad they're not trying to kill you," I tell him, patting his shoulder with my bloodied hand and then pushing past him to head towards the passenger side of the car.

He scoffs and shakes his head but nonetheless follows my lead and gets in the car.

"You do realise you don't have to be territorial and stake your claim on the woman. I have no interest in her and I think it's fair to say she has no interest in me either."

I turn to glare at him as he starts the car up and I slam my door shut, drawing his attention to me.

"I'm well aware that she has no interest in you, brother, and I should bloody well hope that it's a mutual feeling," I spit. "Besides, I wasn't marking my territory. I was just stating some facts."

He watches me for a few moments and then begins to laugh as he reverses.

"You really are a crazy fucker sometimes," he states.

I smirk and nod my head, agreeing with him.

"Call Miles and get him to look into the Garcia family. I want information on the boss, the underboss, the capo, and anyone else who is connected to them in the slightest. Then call Charlie and tell him to come back and clean up."

It's almost midnight by the time we get back to Jericho's. Leo lets us through the gate, stopping us before we drive up to the house to explain that the American is down in the basement, and he's appointed Kyle and Shawn to be on watch at the back entrance.

As Jericho continues up the pebbled driveway, my eyes scan the windows in the house, taking note of which rooms have lights on and which ones are pitch-black.

"She's not going to want to see you, Kaleb, and you've only got yourself to blame," Jericho says, pulling up in front of the steps.

"I know," I sigh, disappointment washing over me.

At the time, I didn't put much thought into the aftermath of my decisions. I never do in all honesty, but maybe I should have this time. I don't regret purposefully going to the club and meeting Sophia, and I certainly don't regret having sex with her, multiple times.

What I regret is not being honest because now, there's doubt in her mind, and she'll likely feel like she's been deceived, which I guess she has, in a way. It just means I'll have to work even harder for her to see that we belong together and that what I did was for the best.

"Well, I wish you the best, brother, and I hope for your sake that she can forgive you sooner or later."

"Really?" I ask, watching as he turns the ignition off and opens his door.

"You're a damn good man, Kaleb, and you deserve to be happy with the woman that you want. I've watched you pine after that woman for your whole life. You've protected her and watched her live her life and follow her dreams all whilst hiding in the shadows and keeping yourself away from her even though that's the last thing you wanted. I admire that about you," he tells me. "I also know what it's like to lose the woman you love and I wouldn't wish that type of pain on my worst enemy. So yes, I hope she forgives you and you both get your happy ending because you both deserve it."

He clambers out of the car as I sit there staring after him in shock, amazed that I've just heard that amount of praise from my big brother.

"Just remember, we have to stick to the plan for a little while longer," he says, sticking his head back inside the car. "She's my wife on paper and according to the public, it's a real and loving marriage. You need to make sure you can keep your cool because otherwise, this whole operation will blow up in our faces."

I grit my teeth but nod my head in acknowledgement. He studies me for a minute before shooting me a slight smile and closing the door. The silence consumes me instantly and I close my eyes, allowing my thoughts to run free now that I'm alone.

Sophia's face enters my mind and images of her swarm around like butterflies. I mentally flick through each image, feeling the familiar warmth seep through my body as my heart rate quickens and my lips tilt up into a genuine smile. Every other thought is pushed to the back of my mind and I relax into my seat, keeping my eyes squeezed shut and focusing on every minuscule detail of my girl, hoping and praying that I'll never know what it's like to live without her.

Chapter Nineteen

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