Page 19 of The Dark Obsession

I climb into his car. My hair flicks wildly in the wind as he shuts the door behind me.

“Seatbelt.” Rafael grins at me.

The drive is once again silent. He’s peaceful and relaxed. I like that about him. I watch the trees and townhouses pass, thinking of angels. Rafael is as beautiful as an angel. I chuckle to myself.

“So, how long have you and your boyfriend been together?” He asks conversationally, looking neither bothered nor interested.

“I don’t have a boyfriend.” I laugh “He’s just someone I met, barely even dating.”

“Ah, okay. That’s good. Is he from around here?”

I don’t know how to react or what to take from the words, ‘That’s good.’ I don’t answer Rafael as quick as I could, as I try to ascertain the meaning behind this conversation. “Well, from what I can gather, he is. At least, originally, but then he moved away and is back for family reasons. Anyway, what about you? You don’t have a wife—”

“And your brother, you’ve mentioned him. What does he do?”

“Funny story actually, my brother is going to be in a production written by the guy I’m seeing, Dale,” I say with a large grin.

“Cartwright?” Rafael flits his eyes from the road to me.

“Yes, how do you know?”

“I’ve just heard of him before …” Rafael clears his throat.

The car shoots forward, forcing my the back of my head into the headrest. “Hey. Slow down, Mr Lawyer.”

We arrive outside my house, and Rafael seems preoccupied, studying a tree.

“How do you recommend I dress?” My cheeks redden.

“Quite formal will be good.” He forces his eyes from the tree and onto the steering wheel, a frown etching deep into his olive-coloured skin. “I’ll wait here.”

I rush up the stairs, only greeting my brother with a quick hello. I rush into my room, pull off my skirt, and hop to my wardrobe. Formal, I contemplate, then grab a black low-cut dress.

Looking in the mirror, straighteners in one hand, hairbrush in the other, I try to tame my blonde frizz. I stare at myself, proud of what I’ve achieved in ten minutes. The dress is tight, coming to just above the knee. It accentuates my body in the bright light of the bathroom. The neck comes down low and crosses my chest. My hair flows over my shoulders. I have only a couple hours until Dale will expect me at his house.

My heart jumps and flutters. I refocus on the mission at hand. The heels compliment my legs. My dark makeup enhances my blue eyes; they’re bluer than ever this evening. I hurry down the stairs and to the front door to find it wide open.

Benjamin’s talking to Rafael.Oh god.

“Ben!” I say as calmly as possible.

He turns to me, the etchings of laughter all over his face. “Just meeting Rafael. I’ll get out of your way.” He shakes Rafael’s hand and winks at me.

“Sorry, Rafael.” I grin at the floor. “My brother likes to know everyone I talk to.”

“Rosa, no need to apologise. You’re a beautiful woman.” He stares at me, as if just realising I’m a woman. “It’s for a good reason he worries about you …” Rafael places his hand on my upper back and escorts me to the car door.

My shoulders tighten, and my head tilts upwards as I spy him. His grin is undeniably handsome—not handsome like you see in the movies, not handsome like Dale, way beyond that. His manly features, imperfect skin, and messy hair radiate a boyishness in his beauty. Even the stubble on his slightly crooked chin is beautiful.

“Watch your head this time.” He sighs and rests a hand on the top of my head.

I scowl and don’t reply. I can’t help but feel annoyed at my idioticness around him. I just wish I wasn’t so clumsy. He’s in the car by the time I stop cringing at myself. His hands are already clenched around the steering wheel. I stare at my knees, the car’s engine growling to life.

He checks the time on the dashboard. “It’s five thirty. We’ve got just over an hour. I will drop you near Dale’s house when we finish.” His jaw tightens.

“Yes, thanks.” I fixate on the road ahead. “You seem like you know him.”

A slow minute passes as I watch the trees pass.

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