Page 50 of King of Obsession

I scoffed in shock. ‘So no Internet? How do you survive?’

‘I login at the library in town if I need it.’

She strode off with a small smile.

No WiFi? What the bumfuck was this place?

‘I heard that.’

Chapter 10

CLEO

He was so damn restless.

Guitar strings twanged as his calloused fingers danced across them with caged energy.

One moment, he was strumming out a melancholic tune; the next, he set the instrument aside with a huff and paced the creaky wooden floorboards.

With a growl, he pushed the front door open and strode outside, prowling like a lost man around the property.

Moving like a caged panther, shoulders hunched, head down, wearing a trail in the green grass.

His gold coin bounced off his knuckles as he paced back and forth.

His leonine eyes darted, scanning the horizon, the trees, and the sky—searching.

His other hand was thrust into histrousers, clutching something inside his pockets like he had a few times now.

I assumed a lucky charm.

Given his girth, strength, and brooding menace, I supposed he was the last man who needed one.

Still, we were all allowed a measure of weakness and a reprieve in how we sought to relieve our worries.

I wondered what it was, for he’d kept it away from my view.

I guessed a rosary, but as I’d never sighted whatever it was, fuck if I knew.

He strode along the edge of the creek, his gaze sweeping over the water, the rocky banks, the towering trees.

He moved with a predator’s grace, all coiled strength and sharp edges.

Like he was casing the place, searching for what? Weaknesses? Escape routes?

I shivered despite the warm sun filtering through the leaves.

While I now had an idea about what had brought him to my doorstep, with his brooding energy, I still sensed murky waters and secrets.

Underneath the gloss of his golden eyes, I perceived a wolf lying in wait. But only time would tell who his ultimate prize and prey were.

I busied myself with other more minor chores inside, determined not to look outside.

A few minutes later, I heard his footsteps thumping up the porch steps. He paused in the doorway, his bulk filling the frame.

‘Place looks secure,’ he growled. ‘You’ve got good sight lines, natural barriers with the creek and boulders.’

Then that cold as fuck predator light in his eyes went on. ‘But your fence needs some work. And a dog wouldn’t hurt.’

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