Page 52 of The Dark Obsession

“A coworker, Rafael? You shouldn’t shit where you eat.” Adriel laughs and pats Rafael’s leg.

“Number one, it doesn’t matter where I chose to shit, Adriel,” Rafael says with a scowl. “Number two, we aren’t together.” Rafael’s eyes flitter to mine so fast I can’t tell if he really looked at me.

Adriel’s grin becomes seductive as he drapes his arm over my shoulder. “Then, you won’t have a problem with me getting to know her better?”

“Adriel,” Rafael says with a sigh, frowning. “I’m glad you’re here. I actually need your help.”

“Baby brother needs my help?” Adriel coos but sits rigid in a businesslike position, his heavy arm still draped around my shoulder.

“Well, I would appreciate it if you’d listen,” Rafael snaps, the authority in his voice sounding harsh. He shifts in his seat, his eyes darting from Adriel’s hand on my shoulder to my face.

“Rosa, do you mind if I mention some details to my brother?” he asks, studying my reaction.

“I don’t mind.”

Adriel’s eyes widen at me.

“I know you can pull strings, Adriel. I need you to ask for details, and as many as possible, about a man named Dale Cartwright.” Rafael leans forward towards his brother. “This man has been harassing Rosalie. Her mother was murdered a few nights ago, and Dale doesn’t seem right to me.”

Adriel lifts his arm from my shoulder and takes a long drink from his cup. “Raf …” He leans in. “You must not mess. Let the police deal with it.”

Rafael’s eyes are piercing, glinting dangerously in the bright room. “Please.”

“I’ll look. But that’s it. I won’t involve myself.” Adriel spies me again.

“Bottoms up?” Rafael smiles and swallows his whiskey.

A gentle knock comes from the door, and Lucy enters, squinting at me. “Adriel, can I show you to your room before you settle in down here?” Lucy flashes him cheeky smirk on her pretty face.

Adriel chuckles before standing and following her out the door.

Rafael stares at Adriel’s back as he leaves the room. He looks at me, his facial features relaxing, and flashes that smile that lights up the room. “Sorry, Rosalie.” He grins. “My brother thinks a lot of himself.”

“I can see that. You look alike.” I smile at Rafael’s raising eyebrows. “You though are more muscular,” I say in hopes of making him feel better.

The difference, now that I think of it, is staggering. Maybe they have similar features, like their olive-coloured skin and slight accents. The curly hair matches, but the major differences are in eye colour, the darker tones to Adriel’s skin, and his slim and tall build against Rafael’s lighter skin and bulkier body. I stare at him for a while before I realise he is watching me.

“Rosa, sweet. Are you okay?”

My heart thuds foolishly when he calls me sweet. Something about the sincerity in his eyes holds me together as I face the truth of my words. “I’m scared.”

Rafael leans forward and tenderly wraps his arms around me. His shaking breath blows across my face, and I notice I, too, am shaking.

“Don’t be scared. You’re with me. Nothing will happen to you,” he whispers and gently lifts my chin, his rough fingers cold against my rapidly heating face.

I try to stop myself,I know I shouldn’t. I know I need to give myself space. My body struggles against my mind. With closed eyes, I take a deep breath and before I can move back, my lips press against his for the second time this evening. This time, it feels different. His lips mould to mine without hesitation and in perfect harmony. My fingers move around his back and onto his neck, and I lean deeper into our kiss. His fingers tickle nervously down my spine and stop on my lower back.

A cough shocks us apart. I stare for a second, dizzy from excitement, and notice Adriel grinning.

“I thought you said you weren’t shitting and eating.” Adriel faces Rafael, who is sitting stiffly on the stool, his skin reddening.

“And what I said was true. We’re nottogether.” Rafael wipes the corner of his lip with his thumb.

“Lucy mentioned you’ve been sleeping together for the last couple nights.” Adriel takes a large gulp from his glass. He sits back, comfortable again, and puts his arm around me.

Rafael hands out refilled glasses of whiskey, and our glasses meet awkwardly in the middle. Yes, Adriel, she sleeps with me. Not like that though. You should know Lucy can be a bit dramatic when it comes to my life.”

“Why does she care so much if we’re in the same room?” I ask.

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