Page 34 of The Dark Obsession

“Do you talk to your brothers?” I cop out yet again, wanting to stifle the warm sensation that has started spreading through my chest.

“They call to check in every now and then. I think they feel guilty for me being the way I am, though there’s nothing they could have done about it.”

This habit of not elaborating on his vague statements is starting to drive me up the walls.

“What do you mean?” I can’t help my curiosity this time around. And I mean I’m the best person to talk to since I won’t be going around spilling his darkest secrets to anyone except for his dog.

“It’s in the past. No use of bringing it up now.” Tyson looks straight through me as he speaks, staring off into the distance and for a fleeting moment, he looks broken. A shell of the man I’ve come to know.

“All that remains is for me to deal with the consequences.”

Whatever pain lingers in his eyes vanishes as he blinks. Blank and expressionless, that’s his default.

Feeling suddenly overwhelmed by the need to comfort him, I reach out with shaking fingers, lightly stroking his corded forearm.

His whole body tenses, but then a deep groan escapes from between Tyson’s parted lips as he closes his eyes, relishing in my touch on his bare skin.

This is the first time I’m the one initiating physical contact, breaking down yet another barrier that should not have been breached.

I’m so tired of overthinking the things I shouldn’t do.

My head snaps up, startled at feeling hard, uneven ridges beneath my fingertips.

They’re almost invisible under all the tattoos covering his skin but the countless scars marring his forearm are there, hidden in plain sight.

Scooting closer, unsure whether I’m imagining things, I gently lift his short sleeve and sure enough, his upper arm and shoulder are covered in long, protruding welts.

“T-tyson?” My voice is barely a whimper as my vision starts to blur.

“My father was fond of his belt, or any other sharp object in his vicinity.” He has gone completely still, carefully gauging my reaction like he’s expecting me to recoil from him at any time.

“I-I’m so s-sorry…” I sob.

“Don’t be, little one.” His expression softens into something I haven’t seen before. “It led me to where I am today.It led me to you.”

Tears gather in my eyes as I lean over, softly pressing my lips to the biggest scar in the crook of his elbow.

I don’t dare looking up as I hear Tyson’s breath hitch, continuing to kiss my way down his arm, softly caressing every single mark with my mouth.

“Malory…” It comes out choked as if he’s hurting, making me finally lift my gaze only to find him already looking at me with an unreadable expression.

“If you don’t stop,” His eyes burn into mine with unbridled lust, every muscle in his body taunt. “I won’t be able to hold back much longer.”

I don’t know what compels me to say it, but locked in this moment, I don’t think about my parents, societal norms, or even basic morals.

There’s only us.

“Then don’t.” I whisper, my tongue subconsciously darting out to wet my quivering lips.

His hands fist the fabric of his pants, his white knuckles threatening to burst as he follows the movement, his gaze fixated on my mouth.

“Fuck, little one.” The man groans and then he’s on me.

One hand grabbing me by the throat while the other palms my cheek, dominating yet gentle at the same time.

He pushes my back into the couch, letting me feel his weight without crushing me beneath him. Tyson’s chest heaving inches from mine, breathing heavily as he brings our foreheads together.

We don’t move.

---