Page 31 of The Dark Obsession

Altogether, I’ve grown to be somewhat content here.

There’s no pressure to always be my best, to look and behave like a perfect doll, not making a single mistake in the twenty-one years that I’ve been alive.

Aside from initially bringing me here, Tyson has never forced me into anything, genuinely listening to my opinions, treating me as an equal.

Maybe it’s just basic human decency but it’s still a lot more than I was used to and it’s making my head spin.

I never realized how restrained I was until he cut me free.

Let me be unconditionally myself.

Chapter Seven

Malory

The sound of crackling fire fills the dimly lit living room.

Staring into the dancing flames, I’ve been nursing the mug of green tea for a while now.

It’s been a good day despite the heavy rainfall that hasn’t let up all afternoon.

I ended up helping Tyson cover up the dry wood once it became clear that it wasn’t just a quick shower.

Manual labor isn’t something that I’ve done much of in the past, but it felt exhilarating to get down and dirty.

By the end, my clothes were soaked and my limbs trembling from exhaustion, but it was worth it.

I desperately needed that dose of endorphins.

Now, dressed in dry clothes and a blanket wrapped around my shoulders, I’m seated cross legged in my usual corner spot on the couch with Tyson’s hand resting on my knee.

I’ve gotten increasingly used to his touch, even started to crave his warmth. Yet the tightening feeling in the pit if my stomach whenever he’s near hasn’t stopped.

In fact, it’s getting more and more unbearable with every passing day.

As I untangle myself to set the mug down on the coffee table before settling deeper into the soft cushions, Tyson hauls my legs into his lap.

“W-what are you doing?” I stutter, unsure of where he’s going with this.

“Your feet are freezing, little one.” He starts kneading my toes between his big hands, his thumbs rubbing the tired soles of my feet in gentle strokes.

It feels so good.

Closing my eyes, I let myself enjoy the feeling for just a moment. Not wanting to think about the fact that I shouldn’t let him touch me this way.

No one has ever laid their hands on me like he does, and I so desperately want him to continue.

Slowly but surely, Tyson keeps knocking down my walls, crossing the thin line that we’ve been toeing. And the worst part is that I’m not doing anything to stop him.

“Tell me about yourself.” I blurt out, feeling a sudden burst of boldness. Anything to get my mind of what this man is doing to me.

For how much he knows about me, it only seems fair that I get something in return.

I haven’t had the courage to ask before and he didn’t offer, keeping his cards close to his chest.

Usually, I wouldn’t be one to pry, but anything he tells me might be useful against him later on. At least that’s what I keep telling myself.

The man doesn’t go anywhere or talk to anyone except for me and Nero who by the way has lately started spending more time at my side than his.

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