Page 19 of The Dark Obsession

Yet there’s something about Malory that’s different.Entirely fucking distinct.

I see her, truly see her as a person. One with feelings and needs that I want to meet for some inexplicable reason.

It took stalking her fortwofucking years for me to notice another human being for who they are besides using them for my own purposes. But it’s not just that.

The first night, after one of my half-brother’s contacts was finally able to dig up John’s down payment on a family home in San Francisco that happened around the time Malory was born, something in me shifted when I first saw her sitting alone by that window, lost in her painting while she hummed the same melody over and over.

The scene so pure and peaceful, intangible for a man like me. Yet there was an air of deep sadness about her that I couldn’t quite shake.

From then on I became hooked, checking up on her every night before I could bring her to our new home, making sure she was alright or I have no idea what I’d do to her fucking parents.

“I used to be afraid of the dark.” She says out of nowhere, looking upon the stars once more, talking mostly to herself. “I still am. Just not now.”

“Not anymore.Not with me.”

Her mouth opens slightly as her eyes widen, locking with mine.

At night, they have turned into a darker shade of green with her thick lashes casting a shadow over her high cheekbones under the moonlight.

The paleness of her porcelain skin contrasting with the rich chestnut color of her hair flowing in messy waves around her face.

So fucking beautiful.

The perfection of the ethereal being before me hits me hard in the gut.

I don’t deserve her, but I’ve taken her anyway.

Noticing the barely visible tremble in her limbs, the way she’s hugging herself, it strikes me just how cold it is out here.

Fuck, I didn’t even put shoes on her as I carried her unconscious form to my car which was parked a few blocks away, adorned with fake license plates.

I got fucking distracted by how good her small frame felt in my arms, like she always belonged there.

Just as I feel my cock turning solid once more, I wrap an arm around her slim waist, tugging her towards the lit-up porch.

“Who’s all here?” Malory asks anxiously, but she’s not squirming in my hold for once and I can’t deny the satisfaction purring in my chest because of it.

“It’s just us. I thought leaving the lights on would make it look more inviting.” I explain as we go. “No creepy basements, I promise.”

She nods absently, throwing a yearning look over her shoulder.

“I’ll show you around when it’s light outside.” I make it clear that I won’t be locking her up.

Malory’s whole face lighting up at the prospect and it does nothing to help my growing erection.

What is she doing to me?

One would think that after watching her for so long, I wouldn’t have such a visceral reaction to every little thing she does.

As soon as my keys rattle in the lock, I hear shuffling on the other side of the door.

Keeping Malory tucked against my side, I open it just a smidge but it’s enough for Nero, my old Doberman to squeeze through, jumping up at me in greeting before he turns to the newcomer.

To my utter disbelief, Malory presses her petite body further into mine, her tiny fists grabbing the fabric of my shirt. Her eyes blown wide and expression filled with fear.

That’s when it hits me that she’s trying to position me between the dog and herself, using my body as a makeshift shield.

The thought of her clinging to me for safety, even if I’m her only option, it makes my possessive streak roar.

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