Page 148 of Brutal Obsession

It’s stupid how much I want Violet all to myself. And maybe that’s something akin to caring about her. I want her so badly, it hurts when I’m not near her. But is that possessiveness or something else? Do I want her because of everything we’ve been through, and everything she means, or because ofher?

I’ve never loved anyone.

I don’t know what it feels like or if I’m feeling itright. All I know is what my father has taught me. And my mother… she tried, but she taught me that sometimes even love isn’t enough. She left us, and then she died.

It takes dedication on top of the love. It takes a willingness to fight to stay together.

And that’s exactly what I want. I want to get so close to Violet, I inhabit her skin. I want to wear her scent on my clothes. I want to lock her away so no man ever fucking looks at her again.

Vi

Want to make a bet?

You’ve got me intrigued, Reece.

You ever score a hat trick?

Look at her, learning all these fancy hockey terms. Have I personally scored a hat trick? Well, it was definitely easier when I was younger, up against less experienced teams. Nowadays, it’s few and far between. And in the tournament? Up against a well-known team?

A few times…

Do that tonight, and I’ll do whatever you want… until midnight.

My cock stirs.

Fuck.

And if I don’t?

Well, I guess we could try celibacy…

I laugh. Loudly. I’m pretty sure I’m the last one lingering in the locker room, because no one bothers me. I shake my head at my phone.

You’ll pay for that.

Will I?

Saucy thing.

Yes. When I win this bet, I’ll fuck you on the table in front of the team.

I say it because I know she likes the thrill of being watched. Well, I don’tknow, but it’s a good fucking hunch. Sure enough, she types and erases twice more. Poor Violet is flustered, and now I can’t get the thought of her spread open for me out of my head.

You wouldn’t…

She’s curious, though. I don’t respond—I’d rather just prove to her what I would or wouldn’t do. After I score a hat trick—three goals—against one of the best teams in the national fucking tournament.

But for her, I’m not sure there’s anything I wouldn’t do.

44

VIOLET

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

This time, I don’t brush off the sensation. I stop, my shoulders inching higher. I can’t relax enough to lower them, to pretend that everything is normal. I glance down at my phone, wondering what to do. Text Greyson? Video while I rotate in a circle?

I scan the street, but I don’t see anything out of the ordinary. No one obviously watching me anyway. My gaze lifts to the windows of the shops and the apartments above them. Still nothing. It’s as quiet as can be expected on Friday, mid-afternoon.

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