Page 59 of King of Obsession

I hmmed in confirmation.

He curved his mouth and jerked his chin as if approving my choice.

I hunched my shoulders, self-conscious. ‘It’s something I picked up along the way. Helps me relax.’

Alessio assented, his eyes canting to the view. ‘I get that. My brothers and I love cooking too to release the strain of life.’

My lips quirked at his words, and for an instant, we stood there, looking at each other. It was strange, but at that moment, I felt a connection with him that went beyond mere physical attraction.

But the mood passed, and I shifted. ‘Well, don’t get too used to it. You’ll be on your way as soon as you’re healed, and I can return to my bliss-filled solitary existence.’

Alessio was quiet for a beat, and his voice was soft when he spoke. ‘Is that what you want, cara? To be alone forever?’

I stiffened, my hands clenching the dough under my fingers. ‘It’s what I need,’ I whispered. ‘It’s the only way I know howto survive.’

I turned back, ignoring him, as his presence left me.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, Alessio settled back onto the couch, picking up the guitar once more. His lean digits moved with deftness over the strings, coaxing a gentle tune that floated about me like a melodic caress.

He was improving, and the melody of his play was soothing as evening fell.

For a moment, I marveled at the strangeness of the situation. Here I was, a loner by nature and necessity, sharing my space with a near stranger—an irritatingly charming one, at that.

Despite my best efforts, I glanced at Alessio as he played. The way he danced over the cords and the concentration on his face as he lost himself in the tune were mesmerizing.

And infuriating.

Because as much as I wanted to hate him, to resent his intrusion into my solitude, I couldn’t. Not in entirety.

Underneath his gruffness was a warmth that scared me more than anything.

I’d spent so long building partitions, protecting my heart from betrayal lurking around every corner. The thought of letting someone in, of making me vulnerable again, was terrifying.

But as the sweet strains of Alessio’s guitar filled the cabin, the music washed over me, soothing the jagged edges of my soul.

My walls cracked a little. And for the first time in a sustained time, I wondered if maybe, just maybe, I didn’t have to be alone forever.

I willed myself to forget about my past, about the pain and the anger that had been my constant companions for so long.

Setting the dough aside to rise, I began chopping vegetables for my one-all-in-one savory pastry.

The rhythmic thunk of the knife against the cutting board helped to settle my nerves. The repetitive motions were soothing, and soon, the dish was ready.

After placing the pie in the oven, I cleared up and glanced over my shoulder at Alessio. His eyes were closed, his face relaxed as he lost himself in the music.

Sensing my gaze, he opened those leonine stunners, his lips curving. ‘Sit with me,’ he rasped, patting the space beside him on the couch.

I can’t let him in,I thought to myself.

He was dangerous. He’d destroy me and what was left of my living soul.

Besides, he appeared like a man who used and discarded women, and I was done with men who paid no heed to my heart.

No matter how sexy they were.

I hesitated, torn between the desire to keep my distance and the longing for human connection.

The latter won out, and I moved towards him, sinking onto the couch cushions.

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