Page 86 of The Dark Obsession

“Why was your father so obsessed with angels?” I ask; all the questions I’ve wanted to ask since meeting him flood my mind.

“Well, he believed angels could be born from mortals, that they’d roam the earth, protectors of the weak and sinful humans. He was a priest, though I have my suspicions he wasn’t a very good one. He gave me and my brother the names of angels. Rafael is actually an archangel.”

I spy the tattoo on Rafael’s arm, invisible in the dark car.

He, too, glances at it, then refocuses on the road.

“Wow, he was right.”

Rafael eyes me, his knuckles white against his skin, his hand tensed on the wheel. “What do you mean?”

“Well, you’re protecting me. You are my angel.”

He smiles and rests his hand on my leg. “And you, my love, are mine.”

My heart thuds at his words, and I almost forget my train of thought. “Is your father still alive?”

“He is … but I don’t really know where he is.”

I ache for Rafael as his words leave his mouth. I don’t know so much about this man who’s ready to risk it all for me. “Rafael … if I get out of this alive …”

“You will, Rosalie!”

I shock myself, speaking so candidly about my own death. “Just, listen. If I survive, will you still want me?” I mutter, staring at my fingers.

The car jerks to a stop. Rafael’s lips are pressed into a tight line, his beautiful face furious. “What do you think?” He turns his body to face me. “Do you think my feelings will dissolve the second I know you’re safe? Or … or that I’m just doing this out ofpity?”

I stare at him, my mouth hanging open. My throat closes, and with tear-filled eyes, I study my hands.

“I don’t know how I can make this clearer. How can I make you believe me …?” Unexpectedly, his unnaturally burning hot lips fix onto mine, the heat leaving his lips and filling my broken body. The kiss ends much too soon, and he starts the car and drives again, fixated on the road.

“I can’t wait to learn all about you.” I smile, a tear rolling down my face.

“You too, amor.” Rafael smiles. “Rose, five minutes, baby. We’re getting your brother back.”

My heart jumps into my throat, and with effort, I unclench my fist enough to stop my nails from digging into my throbbing palm.

The car crawls by a large empty field, Rafael squeezes my thigh and turns off the headlights. “Okay,” he says, pulling into a little entryway on the side of the field, “it’s time.” With a thud, he stops the car.

The silence is deafening. The hairs on my arms prickle. I look out the window at the dark, cloudy sky and, in the distance, see a single light shining.

“It’s a couple minutes’ walk. I’ll be right behind you. You must walk alone.” He grips tighter to my leg.

“I’ll be fine,” I whisper, adrenalin pulsing through my veins.

“I know.” He puts the gun on my lap, grazes my lips, and forces a smile. His usual bright green eyes are almost black. “Go. You need to be convincing. Call him when you’re walking. Tell him you’ve tried, but you can’t fall out of love with him.”

I scrunch my face and gaze into his eyes. I know when I leave the safety of Rafael’s side, I’ll be terrified.

“You’re as beautiful as a rose. I won’t ever quit on you, not for one second. Don’t forget that.”

A shiver runs down my back. His words whistle sweetly in my ear, and I open the door, leaving my safety behind. The night is empty. The long grass on either side blows soundlessly in the breeze. The rain that poured through the early night has gone, leaving the road I walk along muddy. It’s ominous, walking alone. Not only alone but it’s a night that happens to be void of noise, not even a birds cry. It’s as if even the animals have abandoned the area surrounding Dale. My shoes squelch with each step, the rhythm of my heart like a drum.Benjamin—my thoughts keep my feet moving. I glance back, hoping to see Rafael’s outline, but the dark night has engulfed him. It seems Rafael has taken all my courage with him.Dale.Panicking, I dispel that thought; I don’t want to think of what he’ll do. I’ll do anything, absolutely anything, to save my brother.

I close in on the rundown farmhouse, and a small and desolate barn sits beside it. A light shines bleakly from one of the front dusty windows. The shape of a tall man moves across the netted window and out of sight. My knees jerk. I force myself to not turn around. Each step feels painful now as I urge myself down the driveway. I look back one last time, heat rushing up my chest.What if he’s left me?I hyperventilate and take another step.Calm, Rosa.I look wide-eyed at the grubby brown front door.

The heat from inside my pocket rushes to the tips of my fingers as I reach for my phone and dial Dale’s number. For several long rings, I wait, my anxious heels clicking.

“Rosalie,” a soft voice answers.

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