Page 94 of Divine Obsession

He pushed off the frame, closed the door behind him and stepped into the room, his broad frame so much larger than my own. His dark eyes took me in, slow and deliberate, sending a familiar heat curling through me.

“Baby, you’re beautiful,” He murmured, his voice low, like a secret meant only for me.

I felt my cheekbones blush. “What are you doing here?”

“Kali’s already at the party. And I’m supposed to be watching her.” He paused for a moment, his expression somber. “But here I am.”

I laughed softly, a sound that felt easy and free around him. “You can’t just show up here. If my parents catch us–”

He crossed the distance between us in two strides, his fingers already going into my hair and pulling me close into his hard body. “No oneis going to keep me from you.”

The conviction in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.

Before I could respond, his lips found mine, soft but firm, coaxing a response from me that I couldn’t deny even if I wanted to. The kiss was warm, deep, and unhurried. My arms looped around his neck, my fingers threading into his hair as I melted into him. His hand slid to the small of my back, pulling me closer until there was no space left between us.

When we finally broke apart, his forehead rested against mine, his chest rising and falling heavily.

I was breathless, my hands gripping the collar of his suit like he might disappear if I let go. “You’re going to get us both in trouble…”

His smirk deepened. “Worth it.”

I giggled despite myself, shoving at his chest lightly.

He stepped back lazily, his hand holding onto mine for a beat longer. “I’ll see you downstairs.”

And then,he was gone.

Carmen’s room was on the other side of the hallway. Her space was somewhat the opposite of mine – simple, elegant, and almost painfully pristine. Everything was white or cream, from the furniture to the walls to the soft, airy curtains framing thewindows. A single vase of pink peonies sat on her desk, the only pop of color in the room.

She was sitting on the edge of her bed, her head tilted slightly as she adjusted the strap of her gown.

“You ready, birthday girl?” I asked, stepping inside and giving a playful spin. My dress flared out, and I laughed as I flopped down onto her bed, the fluffy blankets wrapping me in their softness.

Carmen turned to me with a raised eyebrow, her lips curling into a teasing smile. I couldn’t believe she was finally turning nineteen. “What’s up with you? You seemwayhappier than usual, if that’s even possible.”

I sighed deeply, burying my face in the comforter.

“Oh my God!” She gasped. “You’re blushing! What is it?”

I peeked up at her, unable to hide my smile. “I think I’m in love…”

Her eyes went wide, her hands flying to her mouth, covering her smile. “With who?”

“Someone I shouldn’t…” I shook my head, my smile fading just enough to hint at the conflict beneath it.

Carmen’s expression faltered, tilting her head towards the party. “Wait, you mean…?”

My heart skipped a beat at the way she somehow knew exactly that I was talking about Trevor.I knew we were being too reckless.I sat up quickly, shushing her. “You can’t tell anyone.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” She said quickly, though her voice was quieter now. “I’m just… Surprised. That’s all.”

“No one knows,” I admitted, my voice soft. “We’ve kind of been seeing each other in secret. You know, with our families not getting along and everything.”

She nodded, frowning slightly. “That makes sense.”

I raised my hand. “Pinky promise, you won’t tellanyone.”

Carmen smiled, hooking her finger with mine. “Pinky promise.”

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