Page 54 of Shadowed Obsession

That couldn’t be further from the truth, but at the same time, I can’t exactly share the real reason I’m here. I’m certain I’ll come to regret this later, but for tonight, I’ll pretend that another little white lie can do more good than harm, when used appropriately.

I promise, I won’t mention it.

You have my word.

Doe

Fine. You can come over, BUT you’re not staying the night.

I could use some company, that’s all.

My keys are in hand right away, jingling as I lock up and beeline for my truck. I settle in and fire off a response before she feels embarrassed and revokes the invitation.

I’m on my way.

I turn up my music to drown out the thoughts telling me to turn around and go back home. The drive is a blur until I turn onto her street.

Coming to her home without sneaking around is…different. Do I pull into the driveway or park on the street as usual? Do I ring the doorbell or let myself in? Could she be waiting on the other side of the door to finish the job, or does she really want to talk? Of course, I didn’t consider any of this until now.

But if I am nothing else, I’m a man of my word. I choose to park in her driveway.As an invited guest should, I think, killing the engine and almost getting out.Shit, my mask, I remind myself before I grab one of my many balaclavas in the glovebox and pull it down until it rests comfortably on my face.

I flip the sun visor in front of me for a good look in the mirror to ensure my face covering doesn’t reveal any part of myself that I don’t wish to be seen.

I’m standing in front of my truck when I text her.

Here

My heart races as my eyes follow those three dots blinking on the screen. She can change her mind, and I’ll respect it. There’s nothing remotely normal about what is happening or could happen here.

Doe

I’m upstairs.

Please remove your shoes at the door.

Yes ma’am.

Reluctantly, I stand at the door while my mind and body war with each other. My mind wants to give it more thought, but my body disagrees as the key turns the lock.

Slowly, I open the door and peer around, fully expecting an armed woman awaiting me, but finding an empty entryway instead. Darkness greets me as I shuffle into the foyer, removing my shoes and setting them aside.

The house is silent, and the staircase seems a mile long. Of all the times I’ve explored her home before, this feels uncertain. As if the space I could navigate blindly in is now uncharted territory, every step feels fatal and ominous, each footfall potentially bringing me closer to my demise.

I stop outside of her bedroom and knock softly, awaiting her invitation. “You can come in,” she says, defeat in her voice, followed by a sniffle.

I twist the doorknob to find red-rimmed doe eyes staring back at me. She beckons me over, patting a space on the mattress beside her, and I oblige. The bed sinks beneath me as I stretch my arm behind her, and to my surprise, she scoots closer.

A relieved sigh escapes her plump lips as she settles into my chest, enveloping me in her decadent fragrance of cherry, jasmine, and vanilla.

We sit in a comfortable silence as I rub small circles on her back. For a moment, this feels natural, as if it should always be this way. I’ve never known what it feels like to come home to someone after a long day and embrace them. If it’s anything like this, I have been missing out.

“Can I ask you something?” I ask, cutting through the silence.

“No,” she answers abruptly.

“Alright then.”

I expected that and won’t ask for more than she’s willing to share. It’s a wonder she even wants me here right now.

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