Page 11 of The Dark Obsession

I scoff, “He wishes,” and nod at a very drunk Michael.

I hear a cough and the chime of glass. My heart flutters when I turn to see Dale standing in the middle of the room, but before he can talk, I spring from my seat. “Toilet,” I squeak as I exit the room, not looking back. I rush into the bathroom then close the door and taking a deep breath.What is with me? It’s just a man…

My vision is foggy from the whiskey. I feel dizzy and nauseated. I lean closer to the mirror to examine my eyes and brush back my hair. I regain my balance a little and turn to leave.

“Rosa.” I hear him first, then his stunning face comes into view. He shuts the bathroom door behind him. “Is everything okay?”

I stumble backwards in shock; his handsome features stand out, and my heart leaps into my throat. “I didn’t expect to see you tonight.”

He takes my hands and pushes his fingers between mine.

Excitement surges through my body from deep inside to my fingertips.

He pushes me backwards, holds me against the wall, and brings my arms above my head, not taking his eyes off mine. His lips teasingly brush mine, then they reach my neck, kissing and biting, then back to my lips.

My body trembles with each touch. I try to move my hands so I can touch him, but his grip tightens.

He steps closer to me, his body right up against mine, and thrusts his hips, pressing harder against me.

I inhale sharply when we lock lips, his mouth forcing mine to open. I taste the whiskey on his breath. Each time his body pushes against mine, my lower stomach tingles. His soft tongue slips through my lips, and I break my hands free, wrapping them around his neck.

“I didn’t expect to see you either,” he whispers between kisses. He slides his hand into my shirt and caresses me.

I pull him as close as possible and playfully flick my tongue over his. I feel him smile against my lips, my hands now exploring his chest.

His lips travel to my neck and over my collarbone, weakening my body with each kiss. “Hold me,” he says with a moan.

My shaking hand falls to his jeans button, and my heart flutters with excitement, passion surging through me.

His hands grip me tighter, our breathing accelerating as my fingers fumble on the zipper. He bites his lip and suppresses a groan, then puts his lips to my forehead with his eyes closed as I explore his body with my hands.

“Rosa, what are you doing in there?” We both jump at the sound of my brother’s voice.

I yank my hand from Dale’s jeans. “Sorry, was on my phone! One minute!”

Dale grins at me as he pushes back his hair.

As quick as I can, I straighten my hair in the mirror.

Dale puts his hands around my waist from behind. “I’ll come up to you tonight when the guys have gone home. Let’s talk,” he whispers enticingly in my ear.

“No,” I say quietly.

“Please …”

I nod hesitantly, then turn to the door to leave. The front room is still full of chatter when I reenter, my face bright red and rosy. It dawns on me what the others might be thinking about me being in the bathroom for so long. Did they notice Dale’s absence as well? I notice Benjamin staring at me as I sit between him and his best friend, Michael.

“Rosa, come on. Our playwriter, really,” Michael says, disappointment etched across his face.

“What are you talking about?” I reply with a high-pitched voice that I hope will be convincing.

“Rosa, I don’t even know what to say. I told you about him. Why can’t you listen? I don’t even want to know what went on in that bathroom. But don’t come to me when he breaks your heart.” Benjamin’s turns away from me, his jaw set and eyes fixed on his glass.

Dale enters the room, straightening his shirt. His top button’s undone, and his hair is a little scruffier.

My brother scowls in his direction. Michael accompanies him with his narrowing eyes. Benjamin says loudly, obviously wanting Dale to hear, “Smug sonofabi—”

“Just leave it,” I retort, rising from my seat, and wave my goodbyes before marching off across the room.

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