Page 112 of King of Obsession

I circled my arms around Cleo’s waist, pulling her close. ‘Well, lucky for you, cara, now you’ve got me as your survivalpartner. We might need to stock up on more coffee and wine to make it through.’

Cleo smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. ‘Oh? You think you’re ready for the great apocalypse with me?’ She placed her palm against my chest, the warmth of her touch seeping through my shirt.

I grinned down at her, relishing the playful challenge in her gaze. ‘Bella, with you by my side, I’ll survive anything. Bring on the zombies, the nuclear fallout, whatever doomsday scenario you’ve got.’

Quick as a flash, Cleo smacked my torso, the sting barely registering before I caught her hand in mine. ‘Cocky bastard,’ she muttered, but her lips twitched with a repressed smile.

I brought her captured palm to my mouth, pressing a slow, sensual kiss to the center. Her breath hitched as I murmured against her skin, ‘Face it, carissima. You and me? We’re unstoppable together.’

Cleo’s eyes darkened with desire, her body swaying closer. The rest of the world fell away - the dusty hills, the cabin, the impending tasks. In that charged moment, nothing existed but the magnetism crackling between us, the unspoken promise of passion and partnership.

I caught the rapid thrum of Cleo’s pulse beneath my fingertips. Betraying the effect of my touch and my words as this fierce, independent woman allowed herself to be vulnerable and trust in our connection.

It humbled and thrilled me in equal measure.

She laughed, the sound echoing through the air. ‘You’ve sure got your priorities straight. Coming into town with me?’

‘It’ll be my pleasure.’

Chapter 22

ALESSIO

The drive into Moss Vale was picturesque.

The winding road was flanked by towering eucalyptus trees and sprawling fields of wildflowers.

The sun beat down from a clear, azure sky, the heat shimmering off the asphalt in hazy waves.

Cleo navigated the twists and turns with practiced ease, her hands steady on the wheel, her eyes hidden behind dark sunglasses.

I lounged in the passenger seat, one arm on the seat rest behind her, the other hanging out the open window, the hot breeze ruffling my hair. Despite my idyllic surroundings, I couldn’t shake the unease that prickled my spine.

Cleo squeezed my knee as if sensing my thoughts, her touch grounding and reassuring. ‘It’ll be quick,’ she said. ‘In and out,no fuss.’

I covered her hand with my own, interlacing our fingers. ‘I’ve got your back, bella. Always.’

She flashed me a grateful smile before turning her attention back to the road.

We lapsed into a comfortable silence; the only sounds were the engine’s purr and the faint strains of a classic rock station crackling through the speakers.

Cleo killed the engine when we pulled into the parking lot of the general store.

I reached out and tucked a stray curl behind her ear, my fingertips lingering against the delicate skin of her cheek.

She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief instant when she opened them again, a newfound light burned in their depths. ‘Let’s do this.’

Together, we climbed out of the truck and entered the grocery store.

The bell above the door jingled, announcing our arrival to the handful of patrons milling about the aisles.

I sensed the weight of curious stares on my back as we grabbed a cart.

Ignoring the attention, we loaded it up with Cleo’s supplies—huge bags of rice and flour, cans of vegetables and fruit, and jugs of water and oil.

Eyes on our surroundings, my senses on high alert for any signs of trouble. My woman moved with single-minded focus, ticking items off her mental checklist with quick, efficient movements. But even she couldn’t ignore the whispers that followed us from aisle to aisle, the pointed glances and raised eyebrows.

‘Is that Cleo Michele? Thought she’d left town forever.’

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