Page 15 of Shadows of Obsession

Yes, I've always been instantly attracted to certain women, but my fascination was purely physical. I don't seek feelings because it's not something I can offer in return. I didn't care if they cried, didn't care if they poured their life at my feet or if their expectations were shattered the next morning when I invited them to leave.

"She has something special. I see it in the way you looked at her, but Ro..." And again he gathers his words.

This is what my brother has always done around me. Walked on eggshells trying not to disturb me.

Not me, but the demons inside me.

"You look at her like she scares you," he finally says.

Then I look at him, slightly exasperated, because that's exactly how I feel.

Apart from Victoria and her episodes, fear isn't a frequent emotion in my life. The idea of dying isn't so terrible in this world. I constantly have a headache, an anger that gnaws at everything inside and that I pour ice over daily to keep it from spreading like lava through my veins.

I don't answer, and that gives him all the confirmation he needs. It's a fear of being read. Even though Niko often sees me, the real me, the true face under this cheap CEO façade is a face that no one sees. But today those green eyes penetrated the shield I keep raised high, and I know the demon in me smiled at that connection.

That's terrifying.

"She's employed at the new company we acquired."

I try to change the subject precisely to stop thinking about the look on her face when she saw my bleeding hand. A look of terror, fear, but also concern. What a mix of emotions.

"Wonderful. The last thing we need is for all our employees to hear about this scene," is his response, and although there's a risk Luna might tell others what happened tonight, I doubt it.

Maybe it's just the beast in me that likes her and wants to believe she'd keep her mouth shut, but there's a certainty in me when I answer.

"She won't tell anyone. Don't worry."

Niko lowers his head, tired of this discussion.

"Anton called. Devin and his gang assaulted a shipment of machine guns two hours ago. The driver is dead, along with the three soldiers who were with him," he tells me, and his fury is as palpable as dust in the air.

"So Damien was right. It was just a matter of time," I conclude with a sigh.

A conflict with the Irish has been looming for a while, but any war leaves dead behind, and although blood and violence bring me peace, Victoria remains a vulnerability.

She's not the only vulnerability, whispers the demon in me.

"Call Anton. I want to know every move that Devin makes. NOW."

While we walk to the car, Niko talks to Anton, giving him clear instructions. Until now, I've tried to ignore the Irish's small intrusions, but their audacity might give others ideas, and I can't allow that. They need to understand that in this city, there's room for only one of us at the top of the food chain, and that person doesn't have Celtic ancestors.

The next moment, my phone vibrates with an incoming message, and when I look at the screen, I see a single sentence from a private number.

?

An emptiness settles in my stomach at what this could mean, but I’ll wait until I get home to discuss it with Niko and Anton. Meanwhile, I grab my phone and call Damien.

"One of my shipments was stolen two hours ago," I say, indignation tangible in my tone.

"Let me guess? They're four-leaf clover fans who drink Guinness?" Damien's voice is amused.

"I'm not in the mood for jokes, Damien. Any news about Devin?"

Since this whole thing started, the Irish leader has barely shown his face in public.

"No, but my men are looking for him. I'll let you know if I spot the redhead," he says and hangs up.

?

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