Page 28 of Red Obsession

“What do you even do?” Gabriel asks, his eyes narrowing at me.

My eyes flicker towards Izel, wondering if I should tell him the same thing I already told her.

When it appears that I have no idea what to say or do, Izel smiles back at her brother.

“He’s a hunter.”

Gabriel doesn’t look like he believes her but doesn’t comment before he pushes the door open and slams it shut behind him.

“I really need to come up with a nickname for you.”

“You’ve called me plenty of names.”

“Sure, but I don’t think I should call you ogre or mammoth out in public. I mean, unless you’re fine with that. Then I don’t mind.” Laughing, she shrugs her shoulders.

Frowning over at her, Izel just gives me the biggest smile.

“Or I could call you giant, because no one would even think the name was odd because you’re so big.”

“Yeah, and you’re fucking tiny,” I blurt out.

“It’s genetics,” she hisses. “Alright come on, show me this big house…Pup.” Izel giggles, swinging the door open.

Pup?

What is it with these fucking nicknames she insists on giving me?

I’m known for only one thing: The Butcher, the hitman who murders those without a care. And yet I let this five-foot three, redhead, who has more sass than anyone I’ve ever met call me ogre, giraffe, and more. And now pup.

She has me by my fucking balls.

Shaking my head, I peer out the windshield finding Gabriel and Izel standing next to each other looking at me. Gabriel is frowning at me, his arms crossed over his chest, while Izel smiles big at me, her eyes softening as our eyes meet. And that does something to my chest.

I want her eyes on me all the time. I like them. And for the millionth time, I’m seconds away from ripping my mask off and never wanting to wear it again. But would she like me, just old regular me?

Izel begins to frown, her shoulders falling as we stare at each other. Pushing out of the truck, I grab her hand and unlock the garage door to the house.

Leading them from the mudroom into the kitchen, I can hear both gasp as they take in the kitchen. Besides my bedroom and workroom, the kitchen is the only other place I was very specific on what I wanted. High ceilings, with dark wood cabinets, marble countertops. A large island in the middle that holds six barstools. Not that I ever needed that much space. I just love the idea of an open kitchen where I can cook and enjoy being myself.

You can cook for Izel.

The idea pops into my head. I almost drop to my knees in the quick realization that I want that. I may not know Izel, or anything much about her. But I want to keep her close and to always be around her.

“So, yeah, this is the kitchen.” I motion around, trying my best to get the image of Izel and I out of my head.Who knew if she even wanted that?

“You going to cook for us?” Izel asks, her eyes swinging to me.

“Of course,” I find myself saying. Not that it’s hard, I find myself itching to cook for her now.

“Great, because I don’t know how.” She laughs walking past me towards the living room.

Following Gabriel and Izel throughout the house, I show them the living room and the library which Izel fell in love with. Upstairs, I show them both of their rooms they can stay in, thankfully on the opposite side of where my room is. I don’t need the temptation of knowing Izel is right there.

“You’re really letting us stay here?” Gabriel asks, unsure of himself. He glances around the room, taking it in. It’s nothing much, a queen bed, a dresser with a TV on top, and a small walk-in closet with a decent-sized bathroom connected. It’s all cool tones of blue and gray. But the way Gabriel is staring at the room, it’s like Christmas morning.

“Yes, you both can stay as long as you need.” I make sure to look over at Izel, so she knows I meant it. They can stay as long as they needed, preferably forever. I want them here and safe.

“Thank you,” Izel mumbles as she walks over to Gabriel.

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