Page 104 of King of Obsession

She grinned, settling across from him at the rough-hewn table. ‘Prepare to lose, pretty boy,’ she teased. ‘I’m a card shark in disguise.’

I chuckled, dealing out the deck with practiced ease. ‘We’ll see about that, countrygirl.’

We played Five Crowns.

The radio hummed in the background, a soothing soundtrack to our gentle banter and the occasional triumphant, gloating scoff as one of us took a hand.

Later, after our game, I sipped whiskey, and Cleo enjoyed a glass of Cabernet Merlot.

‘Tell me your story, Alessio.’

I bit my lip at the husky rawness of her voice. ‘I’m a simple man. Not much to say.’

‘You talk sparingly, but you move a lot.’

If only she had a clue.

Fuck, she deserved to know.

I debated for a beat until I shared part of my truth. ‘That’s because I was born with a condition called MS that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and body. My experience keeps altering, and it manifests in fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, mobility issues, numbness, pain, and tingling.’

‘I’m so sorry to hear, honey,’ she whispered.

She set aside her glass and slipped onto my lap, cradling my head while she ran her fingers through my hair.

The sensation was incredible, and I let my head fall into her hands as I went on.

‘Over the years, I have used exercise and movement to curb the symptoms and train my body to be healthier. Most of the shit has subsided as I’m now in great shape,’ I murmured.

‘Baby,’ she breathed.

I shrugged. ‘It’s why when people compliment me on my looks, I hate it because they don’t see the agony I sometimes go through.’

‘When does it happen?’

‘Sometimes, when tired or stressed, I get what I would describe as a numb feeling on one side. Also, if I’ve too much adrenaline in me.’

‘Alessio, honey, all I can see is a man whose strength is forged through fire. You’re as strong as steel, and I adore you for it.’

Her words melted any doubt or worry I’d ever had about how she saw me.

She leaned in, her lips brushing against mine in a kiss that was achingly sweet and full of promise.

As she pulled back from the tender embrace, I gazed into her eyes, tagging the swirling emotions within their depths.

Pain, grief, and anger still lingered, but there was also a glimmer of hope, a spark of something that had been missing for far too long.

We kissed, murmuring endearing words as our hands explored one another.

‘I’m so obsessed with your mouth, eyes, and touch,’ she murmured.

‘I have only one obsession,’ I growled against her lips. ‘You. Only you, bellissima.’

Our kisses were sweet and hungry, each one imbued with pure euphoria, whiskey, and longing, fueling a more profound yearning for one another. The sweetness of her breath mingled with mine, creating a heady sensation.

Soft moans and whispers of adoration filled the air as we kissed, our exhalations coming in ragged rhythms.

My hands roamed her body, tracing every curve and eliciting shivers of pleasure. Her fingers danced along my skin, igniting sparks of electricity with every caress.

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