Page 64 of King of Obsession

I shook my head, not trusting myself to speak.

I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t feel this way. Not now.

Maybe after I’d dealt with Franco’s mess, I’d explore Cleo.

Just not fucking now.

I stepped back, tearing my hand from hers, separating us.

‘Enough of this shit,’ I ground out.

Her eyes snapped to my face, confusion flitting on her face.

‘We need to get back,’ I said, hating how my voice sounded rough and strained. ‘I’m done.’

Hurt flashed in Cleo’s eyes, which she masked in a second, snatching back her hand. ‘OK.’

I realized then that this was possibly the first time she’d touched anyone of her own volition in years.

Cazzo, what a dick move.

I tried to open my mouth to stay her, to say something, but she’d already turned on her heel and started back down the hill.

I let her go, chest tight, biting my lower lip in frustration.

As her figure grew smaller in the distance, I cursed.

Beating myself up for what was undoubtedly a major fuck up.

Chapter 13

Before going to bed, Cleo clipped that she needed to check my bandages.

She came to my side and, without a word, cleaned it and re-wrapped it.

‘Who taught you triage?’ I asked, wincing as I tested the mobility of my arm.

‘Does it matter?’ she replied with a terse edge, avoiding eye contact.

She was still shitty at me.

‘Guess not,’ I said, trying to catch her gaze. ‘But you’re good at it.’

‘Nonna was a nurse, she trained me.’

Her voice was tight, hard.

I sighed, sensing her concern. ‘Your Nonna is well. Don’t worry.’

‘Of course, I’m fuckin’ worried about her. Ialso don’t trust you.’

I winced, perceiving she was losing patience with me.

I’d need to come clean, and soon.

‘Scusa, mia sola, if I’m being, how do they say it, too much. You’re not obligated to count on me, even if I occupy your bed.’

‘Damn right,’ she muttered, gathering the soiled dressings and disposing of them in the waste bin.

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