Page 5 of The Dark Obsession

“Don’t be embarrassed. Rosa. It happens to the best of us.” He strokes my burning red cheek. “If anything, I’m quite impressed you didn’t scream.” His dark, mysterious eyes peer into mine.

“I, well …” I blush furiously.

His eyebrows furrow as he pulls his gaze away from mine. “Rosa, you were hurting. Don’t hold back on me … I want to know all about you. I want to know the real you …”

He looks at me again, his eyes no longer locking onto mine but scanning my face. He stops on my lips. His hot hands cup my flushing cheeks. He nibbles his lip, and his eyes fill with longing.

My heart skips a beat as I process that he wants me.

“You are so beautiful, Rosa.” His gaze flits from my eyes to my lips.

I hold my breath, frozen to the spot. We’re close enough now that I can smell his alluring sweet scent mixed with what I think is cigarette smoke. I take a deep breath and embrace the smell that’s heightening all my senses.

His dark eyes are shining. His hands fall as his lips falter into a weak smile. “Sorry, I have an uncontrollable desire to kiss you, though I don’t want to be too forward with you. It’s just … you make me feel so …” A defeated look crosses his face.

But I want him too. I want to feel his embrace, to taste his lips. “I, well, I actually have no objections,” I whisper alluringly as I look down and tuck my hair behind my ear. I can feel him smiling.

Again, his hands cup my cheeks, this time a little rougher, as he pulls me in.

Losing all self-control, I wrap my arms around his neck.

His lips close in on mine, and his breathing hitches. Our lips lock and move together in perfect synchronisation.

My heart feels like it will explode, my body trembling with nerves.

His lips part from mine as he takes my hand and looks at me. “You are shaking, Rosa.” The worry in his voice is evident. Concern washes over his bright eyes, his face, flustered, still breathing faster than normal.

“My leg still hurts. Plus, I’m a little nervous. It’s been a while since I got intimate with anyone.” My voice is shaking as I lower my head in embarrassment again.

He wraps his hand around my shoulder and clenches me into his chest. His heart beats fast and strong against my ear. “Don’t be. There’s no rush,” he says, quiet and smooth. He reaches behind him and retrieves a tube of cream and a bandage. “It’s very red, but it’s not blistering, so I think it’ll heal quickly.” He nods at my leg.

“That’s good.” My voice comes out as a squeak as his fingers move along my lower thigh where the burn starts.

“Cream?” he asks and waits for my nod.

He passes me his jacket to put across my body. I lie it across the middle of my skirt, then his fingers move to the hem of my skirt. He raises it, revealing more red and angry skin. His fingers stop when he reaches the top of my thigh where the last of the burns are.

I sit motionless, trying to stop my nervous body from shaking. I’m conflicted as the pain when he applies the cream makes me want to cry out, but somehow, it feels good. I grip his sturdy shoulder as his fingers reach the top of my leg. They move in circular motions for a moment, the cooling effect of the cream helping greatly. He stops much too soon.

“Stand up, and I can wrap this around it.” He holds out a bandage.

My heart is in my throat as I step off the sofa, my skirt a pointless piece of fabric wrapped around my waist.

Dale wraps the fabric around my upper thigh, his fingers trembling.

“You do this well,” I say breathlessly.

He chuckles as he finishes wrapping my leg. He stands and turns away as I yank down my skirt as fast as possible to cover the bandage.

“Come, let me show you my house.” He smiles and proffers his hand.

I take a deep breath and hold his pale, strong hand. We leave the door and enter a large, brightly lit hallway. The rain pounds on the rooftops.

He tightens his grip on my hand as we pass a couple doors. I’m curious as to what is inside. He mentions his parents’ old room and an office, then opens the third door down. We enter a large, square bedroom which contains a large bookcase, a desk with a laptop, two doors to the left of the room, and a grand double bed with red and black bedding. He walks farther inside and sits on the end of the bed.

I follow him.

“Bathroom and wardrobe.” He appears preoccupied as he gestures towards the doors.

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