Page 122 of The Dark Obsession

The man raises an eyebrow at the amusement dancing in my gaze. But I just shake my head, suppressing a grin.

“Tell me.”

“What?” I decide to act innocent.

“Whatever you were just thinking.” Tyson watches my face like he’s trying to extract the answer straight from my brain.

“I was just wondering whether you actually chew your food because I have no idea what to do if you start choking.” I muse as a lazy smile spreads over his sharp features.

It’s weird seeing the man so domesticated, at ease. I could watch him like this forever.

“If you think that I’m eating fast, you should see my brothers.”

“You never really talk about them.” My voice is quiet, not wanting to push him, but at the same time giving him the space to share things with me.

“I haven’t talked about these things with anyone.” He pauses briefly. “Honestly, I’m not sure where to draw the line. They’ve both dealt with a lot of shit of their own that they likely wouldn’t want me sharing.”

Tyson tucks a strand of my hair that got caught in the warm summer breeze behind my ear, slowly running his fingers along my jaw as I shudder beneath his touch.

“Things from your childhood?” I ask hesitantly, hoping to avoid bringing up more painful memories.

“Partially, my father fucked all of us up in different ways. But that’s not all of it.” He smooths out the crease between my brows. “It played into their cards as well when I killed him. We’re on good terms.”

“Do you talk often?”

“We keep each other updated, but I’m not actively involved anymore.” He answers vaguely.

“You mean in the mafia?” I remember Tyson mentioning it here and there, but he never elaborated much.

“My eldest half-brother Dante is Capo now. He owns the West Coast, everything from Seattle down to San Diego is his.” His jaw clenches as he continues.

“It’s nearly impossible to leave that life behind. Nonetheless, we have an understanding. As long he keeps my identity a secret, I’ll resign my claim to Los Angeles, leaving him ultimately in charge.”

“The fact that he’s bastard born doesn’t sit well with some of the traditionalists in his ranks. After all, I am my father’s only trueborn heir if you care about that stuff.” Right, because we have suddenly gone back a century in time.

“Though Dante does have his ways of dealing with defiance. And since I have no interest in furthering my father’s legacy, it works out for the both of us.” My mouth opens and closes without a word because what does a person even say to that.

He talks about it with such indifference, like it’s just what it is. I guess he really sees it that way.

Then something unreadable, almost pained bleeds into his expression.

“I’ll do anything in my power to keep you away from all of this.” Rarely do I get to witness Tyson’s vulnerable side, but in those few moments, I’m utterly convinced that I’m falling for the man before me.

Propped up on an elbow, his gaze never leaves me as I finish my food, his sharp features illuminated by the candlelight.

“I thought we were watching the stars?” I tease, causing his eyes to soften. A corner of his lips pulls up into a heart stopping smirk.

“I am.”

A deep blush covers my cheeks, making me look away to escape the intensity of his piercing, black eyes.

It’s the way he says these things with such conviction and devotion that makes my heart impossibly full.

I no longer possess the strength to resist him.

Cuddling into his side, I lay my head onto his hard chest, looking upon the countless little lights above.

I listen to his steady heartbeat, feeling at peace.

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