Page 38 of The Dark Obsession

“They’re looking for me?”

I narrow my eyes at the little sliver of hope in her tone. I’m not about to admit that it bothers me because no matter what Malory hopes for, she’ll never be found.

“They’re doing it discreetly since you haven’t been reported as a missing person yet. Wouldn’t want anything to tarnish your father’s immaculate reputation.”

Her face falls at my words because she knows it’s the truth.

“It’s for the best if your picture isn’t plastered all over the media. That way you’ll remain anonymous and we can go out in public sooner rather than later.”

Malory just nods, turning her back to me as she leaves.

The trees pass around me in a blur of greenery as I speed down the rural road, regretting whatever idiotic notion compelled me to leave her.

I’ve managed to cut the three-hour drive to San Francisco in half and since I change license plates as often as I do shirts, the speed limit is of no consequence to me.

I could have stopped in the nearest small town or even at a fucking gas station, but no. I just had to use this opportunity to tie up some loose ends in the city in case John comes sniffing where he shouldn’t.

The one time I didn’t delegate the clean-up to my brother’s men.

What I didn’t realize though is how much I need Malory’s constant presence until I was gone.

It’s downright impossible to take a full breath, my lungs seizing up when I can’t see her, when I can’t touch her, consumed by the urge to make sure she’s alright.

This is the first time I left Malory by herself since making her mine. Without protection, without a means of contacting me.

What if she tries to leave me? Or worse, what if something happened to her? She’s not the most coordinated person out there.

The steering wheel groans under the force of my crushing grip.

Time and time again have I emphasized how dangerous the woods can be if she takes off on her own. I’m a good tracker but that’s not a risk I’m willing to take.

Pushing the gas pedal to the floor, I ignore the protesting engine as the burning sensation in my chest intensifies.

Fuck, I should have thought this through.

Since when do I make rash decisions? The only reason I’m still alive is because of my inability to act on emotions.

I’ve killed that part of myself a long time ago. That’s what kept me sane all these years.

Cold and calculated, that’s who I am. And nothing can change that.

Until I started fucking things up since last night apparently.

When it comes to this girl, it’s like the ability to act rationally has been stripped away from me, torn to damn shreds.

Finally, the car comes to a screeching halt, and I’m already halfway to the cabin without a second thought about turning off the engine, storming into the living area with a wild expression.

If Malory sees me in this state, she’ll probably jump out of her skin but at this point, I’m past caring about anything other than having her in my arms. Right the fuck now.

My footsteps halt abruptly.

She’s not in her usual spot on the couch.

It’s the afternoon, she’s always in here with a book in hand and her feet tucked under the plaid blanket.

My throat tightens as if something is suddenly choking me.

This doesn’t have to mean anything, she’s probably in her room and I’m making a fool of myself down here.

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