Page 27 of King of Obsession

So, a few months ago, I’d stretched my budget and invested in solar.

Thank the gods that sunshine was abundant in Australia. I’d installed photovoltaic panels linked to an electrified fence and a network of cameras. I’d also rigged rechargeable batteries to a CCTV system to record and store footage.

A WiFi signal alerted me of suspicious activity, and I could view live video on a monitor in my shed.

Still, nothing was comparable to inspecting my fence lines in person, searching for signs of ingress or broken hedge posts.

An hour later, I returned to the cabin, where I inspected the alarms in all my outhouses and buildings in the storage barn, which alsoserved as my office.

Nothing stood out, and I sighed in relief.

I eased into my cottage and checked on my unexpected guest.

He lay in bed, eyes half-mast, chest bare.

I paused at my bedroom door, and we stared at each other for a beat.

‘I regret to inform you I’m still alive,’ he drawled, eyes simmering with an indecipherable gleam.

In irritation, I pushed my tongue into my cheek and moved away, not trusting myself to speak.

I brought him a plate of sandwiches, fruit, and tea.

He jerked his chin in appreciation, picking at the offering, using his free hand to bring the infusion to those sensual lips.

My eyes flicked to his weapon, which sat on the bedside table closest to him, a reminder he was not just any guest but of the lethal variety.

Fleeing him, I tidied the kitchen and living area, and he sipped, eyes on me, following me with a flaming gaze that sliced through me with a crawling awareness.

He remained silent, as did I.

I tried ignoring him, but we exchanged fleeting glances, our gazes colliding across my cabin.

Like wild polarities clashing and repelling.

His overwhelming magnetism dominated my tiny home, and I was hit with a stab of panic. My anxiety was compounded by the fear of what he might be capable of with his sizable strength.

Despite my growing angst at his presence, I was also overcome with traitorous need. Wondering how it’d feel to have his sinewed arms around me, his sensual mouth on mine, his hips driving into me.

Fuck, was I that sex-starved? I had to escape him.

I needed bandages, more supplies to redress his wounds, and more food, milk, and meat for my freezer because, given his size, he’d require a good feed.

Just after 1 p.m., I decided I had enough time to run into Moss Vale, where I’d find the closest pharmacy.

I peeked into my room and found he’d slipped into sleep.

Relieved I didn’t have to speak to him, I wrote a note and propped it on the pillow beside his golden mane.

I also left a fresh carafe of water, a thermos of tea, shortbread, fruit, and painkillers on the side table beside him.

Uneasiness gnawed at me, knowing I was leaving a stranger in my home. But I had no choice but to sneak into town for the supplies necessary to take care of him.

I hoped he wouldn’t wake, miss my message, and assume I’d run from him.

Somehow, I sensed he’d move heaven and earth to find me, with a wrath I’d never recover from.

I hated crowds, cities, inquisitive eyes, and needless attention.

---