Page 80 of The Dark Obsession

I never manage to get more than a few hours at a time and even then I remain half conscious, always expecting my father to come bursting through the door and beat me to death.

It’s been a decade since I’ve killed him and the bastard still haunts my nights.

Something warm and indescribably soft stirs beside me.

I look down to find Malory’s cheek smushed against my naked chest, her shallow breaths hot against my skin.

Fuck me.

Groaning, I run a palm down my face as last night’s events hit me with a force.

I never expected her to come to me.

Especially after what happened, after seeing the true me that’s been brewing under the cold facade for well over a decade.

I couldn’t stomach destroying everything between us in one swoop.

From the first moment I saw her, I wanted Malory to know all of me, see every fucked-up bit and piece of my body and soul.

Yet I also knew that it might come at the price of losing her.

After finally having her willing in my arms, after knowing how fucking incredible she feels, I couldn’t bear to live without it.

My world has been shattered and then built anew because of the woman in my hold, fueling the flames of my dark obsession.

I stoke the unruly curls draped over her slim shoulders, tickling my biceps.

So delicate but strong in her own way, Malory is my perfect match, my perfect counterpart. Fucking made for me and I couldn’t give less of a fuck that I don’t deserve her.

After this night, I cannot imagine spending another one without her.

She looks so content in my bed. So serene.

Exactly where she was always meant to be despite being irrevocably tethered to someone like me.

I can’t change who I am at my core but at the very least I can try doing right by her.

And I will.

Inhaling deeply, I breathe in the calming scent that’s uniquely hers, blending with hints of sweet vanilla.

Her tiny features and pale skin making her look so vulnerable in my embrace that I’m almost afraid to touch her.

And yet her petite body inherently belongs in the crook of mine just like my dead heart belongs to her.

“Morning, little one.” I murmur against her forehead before placing a gentle kiss to her warm skin.

With a sleepy mumble, Malory snuggles deeper into me as her hand possessively grabs at my pecs, sinking her fingers into my chest hair.

Fuck, there’s no denying how much I enjoy her like this.

How she subconsciously claims me, how she clings to me, seeking out my closeness and most of all my protection.

I never want her to let go.

Her long lashes flutter open as she squints at the bright light, scrunching her button nose adorably.

“Not a morning person?” I trace the bumps of her spine with my fingertips.

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