Page 126 of The Dark Obsession

Despite the weather, our little grocery trip has been a welcome change of scenery.

I never thought I’d say this, but I’m starting to feel like leaving the house more. Just going out and exploring.

With Tyson by my side, the outside world doesn’t intimidate me as much. With him I can do anything.

Only I have to die first.Figuratively.

To gain my freedom, my parents must mourn my death, give up on me for good.

My heart clenches at the thought of never seeing them again despite all they did to me. But it is a small price to pay for finally being able to start a new life with Tyson.

My Tyson.

Since the night we spend making love under stars, everything has been perfect.Too perfect.

Yesterday, we made vegan chocolate chip cookies and some home-made dog treats for Nero. Needless to say, all of them were gone in an instant.

That’s why we had to go out and get more ingredients for baking tonight.

It’s the little things about him that are the most wholesome.

Like the way Tyson insists on taking the tray out of the oven so I don’t burn myself. Or how he hugs me from behind while I decorate.

Smiling to myself, I feel him squeeze my hand like he can read my every thought.

This is what true happiness feels like.

His thumb continues drawing soothing circles over the back of my hand as we pass the sign announcing that we’re now inSierra National Forest.

Almost home.

That’s until the shrill sound of Tyson’s ringtone breaks the peaceful ambiance.

The dashboard lighting up with Raffaele’s name before Tyson picks up the call.

“We’ve got another Russian,” A deep, rough voice comes through the speaker without a greeting, getting directly to the point. “He was a tough one to crack, but I’ve had my fun with him.”

A shiver runs down my spine. Though I’m not as concerned as I probably should be.

I know what Tyson and his brothers are involved in. And genuinely who am I to judge their actions when they clearly have their reasons for it.

I’ve made my peace with this side of his life. As long as he returns to me in one piece at the end of the night.

And if we’re being totally honest, there’s something about his cold brutality that makes me weak in the knees.

“What did you get?” Tyson asks, his tone detached.

Utterly empty yet again.

“John is getting desperate and it hasn’t been winning him any points with the Bratva. They’ll throw him under the bus soon enough.”

My father’s name makes me sit upright, but I quickly slump back into the seat. I shouldn’t dwell on it.

Soon any relationship we might have had will belong to the past.

It’s kind of sad how easily I’m able to distance myself. Leave my parents behind after I found someone who truly cares about me. It proves how little they did.

Only I couldn’t see it.

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