Page 6 of The Dark Obsession

I notice a desk clock reading 17:30.

He puts a hand on my leg, and his eyes shine at me once more.

My heart rate quickens as his hand trails up and down my good thigh, the other continues to throb and I swallow back the pain.

“My room when I was a kid. I grew up in this house, so many fond memories here …”

I put my hand on his before I stand. “I have to go, Dale. It’s quite late already. My brother will be wondering where I am.”

He rises too and holds out a hand again, and I take it. He guides me into him and kisses my head. “Can I see you again?” He finally looks back into my eyes, excitement rising through my body.

“I’m free all day tomorrow.” I smile at him.

His smile breaks into a glorious grin. “Tomorrow ten a.m., meet me here? I will make us breakfast, and we can take a walk.” He’s smiling as he leads me out the bedroom and down the long hallway to a winding staircase. He releases my hand and nods towards the stair bannister for me to hold and smirks. “I noticed you can be a little clumsy.”

I scowl, but he doesn’t notice. We come to a large double front door, and he opens it. We step outside into the thrashing rain.

“The coffeeshop shop is just behind my house. I’ll drive you; this rain is heavy.”

“No, I’m fine. My car is just outside the shop. Besides, I like the rain,” I lie. “See you tomorrow, then, Dale,” I say slowly, secretly hoping for him to pull me back inside in a strong embrace and lead me to his bedroom.

Instead, he kisses my head once more. “Until tomorrow, beautiful.”

I can’t contain my smile.

A troubled look sweeps across his face.

I regard him with a questioning expression.

“I’m fine. I just … well, never mind. We can talk tomorrow,” he says and lets me go.

I turn and self-consciously walk out of his huge driveway, not noticing the rain’s force. Instead, I notice two cars parked neatly in line—a large black Bentley and a neat white Jaguar. I wonder which one is his.

I arrive at the corner and see my car waiting for me.Did I do something?I glance back once more, wondering how I never paid more attention to this big house in the middle of the centre. Ensuring I am out of sight, I run towards my car, regretting not letting him drive me. The rain is getting heavier. I am absolutely drenched, and the thunderous wind is blustering. I shake my hair like a dog as I pull my car door open and crank the heating to full. A shiver rolls through my body as I pull off, leaving the town behind.

Of course, my brother is curious about where I have been, what’s taken me so long, why am I so giggly, and why the hell I have a bandage wrapped around my leg.

“So, my interview went all right.” I sigh, feigning sadness.

“Aww, what did they say?”

“That there are no positions left for environmental law. Luckily, Mr Alcazar himself was looking for someone to work for him, and it’s me!” I squeal.

We discuss me getting a trial at Alcazars’ Lawyers and how different the owner is from what everyone expects.

“What about your leg?” Ben frowns.

“Well, I met with Dale, and we were drinking coffee, and the waitress spilled some on my leg.”

“Dale? You mean Dale Cartwright?” Benjamin’s eyebrows cross with disapproval.

“How do you know?” I study Ben’s reaction.

“He is the writer of our script for our next production. He comes in sometimes and does a bit of directing.” He flashes a grim smile.

My cheeks heat up, which seems to be a common occurrence today. “Oh, so … you see him a lot?”

“No, barely ever. He’s always too busy. He’s a bit old for you anyway, Rosa.” His eyebrows crease.

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