Page 101 of Corrupt Obsession

She’d been counting down the months, weeks, and now, hours. She glanced at the clock and felt her heart soar. Twelve hours until he was gone. Until she got her freedom back. Until everything went back to normal. All she had to do was close her eyes. When she woke, they would have a few hours together, and then she could close the book on this chapter of her life and move on.

Chapter 20

VIOLET

Violet lurchedup in bed before her eyes were fully open. Sunlight filtered through her blinds. She sprang up, energized, even though she’d only gotten a few hours of sleep. She tossed and turned past midnight, listening to the constant hum of voices drift down the hallway. She worried that she may have to deal with Jesse on his final night, but thankfully, he’d been otherwise occupied.

She muscled aside the drawers to gain access to the bathroom and hastily locked the door that led to Jesse’s bedroom before she washed her face and brushed her teeth. There was no sound coming from Jesse’s bedroom. Either he’d gotten even less sleep than her and was already up, or he was sleeping soundly. She hoped it was the latter so she wouldn’t have to deal with him until he was ready to leave.

As she pulled her hair into a ponytail, she met her eyes in the mirror. Although her body buzzed with excitement, it didn’t reflect in her dull eyes or stony expression. Keeping their secret had taken its toll.

Once Jesse was gone, she could actually sleep through the night—what a concept! She could enjoy life again. This was her last full summer in Texas. She should enjoy it because after shegraduated, she was going to get as far from here as Mom and Dad would allow. Jesse hadn’t even left yet, and she was already dreading him coming home for a visit. She needed a place where she felt safe. As long as he was allowed to walk through the front door, that would never be here. She wanted to forget everything that had happened between them and bury the sinful desires he provoked within her.

Tell me I didn’t lose the most important person in the world to me.

If that were true, he would have respected her boundaries. He wouldn’t have gone as far as he had. He had moments of remorse that never lasted long. Several times, he had the gall to suggest the things he did were an act of love. He was so manipulative and controlling. He would say anything to justify his behavior. His acting skills would serve him well in the future. It had gotten him this far without being caught.

She unlocked Jesse’s door before she escaped back into her bedroom and hastily changed out of her pajamas. She walked down the hallway to the dining room but paused when she heard Mom sniffling and Dad’s consoling tone.

“I don’t want him to go,” Lynne cried.

“You knew this day would come. Jesse’s smart and strong. He’s going to do well in the military. It’s what he’s always wanted,” Dad said.

“He’s just liked his father. He’s too willing to lay his life on the line and too loyal to let anyone down. He’ll give his life to them when there are so many opportunities outside of the military. He could have done anything! I was hoping he would change his mind and take after you.”

There was a pause before Dad said, “It’s not like my job doesn’t come without risks.”

“But at least we get to see you throughout the week. I can’t believe he didn’t stay for Violet. They were so close. What happened between them?”

Violet retreated to her bedroom. Mom had been convinced she could make Jesse change his mind and had badgered her more than Jesse. Every day, she had to lie through her teeth about pleading with Jesse to stay and being repeatedly turned down. Lynne’s disappointment made her feel awful. Trying to act as if she were upset about Jesse’s choice when it couldn’t be further from the truth drained her. She couldn’t wait for him to leave. The strain of keeping up this act was killing her. Once he left, Mom would learn how to cope without Jesse being within arm’s reach, and they could build a new life without him.

She pushed her bedroom door open and stopped on the threshold when she saw Jesse standing beside her bed.

“Morning,” he said.

“Morning,” she echoed and stayed where she was.

He wore shorts and a white tee with his gold cross on display. His eyes were bloodshot and puffy from lack of sleep. She hoped, for his sake, his training didn’t begin the moment he stepped foot on base. Actually, on second thought, she hoped there was a drill sergeant ready to stomp his ass the moment he arrived.

“You look…”

He ran his hand through his hair. “I didn’t sleep.”

“What time did everyone leave?”

“Brody left an hour ago.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t believe I’m leaving today.”

“I think it’s best.”

He winced but nodded. An awkward silence fell.

“You should rest while you can,” she said.

“No. I can always catch up on sleep. I don’t want to waste the time I have left.”

His eyes moved over her with such naked hunger that she tensed.

“Vi…”

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