Page 69 of The Dark Obsession

“She’s not here, Dale.”

“Lies.” A heavy wind blows down the phone.

“Where are you?”

“Rosalie, my beautiful princess. Why would you let him touch you?”

I hold my breath and stare at the window in front of us.

“That’s right, baby. I’m here.”

Adriel and Rafael run to the window.

My head spins; a tidal wave of nausea hits me.

“Prove it,” Rafael taunts.

“Rosalie, let us just talk. Let me have you.” His voice cracks, and with one last gust of wind, the call drops.

Adriel pulls across the white curtains. He puts his hand in his pockets. His blue jeans aren’t tight like his brothers, and his white deep-neck t-shirt doesn’t cling to his skin.

I shake my head. “Is he playing some sort of sick game?”

Rafael stomps around the room, circling the sofa I’m sat on several times, then sits next to me. “Adriel, what do you think about taking a little walk with me? Just around the house, make sure he’s not actually here.” Rafael smiles mischievously, but I can see the concern behind his smile.

“I’ve seen that smile before,” Adriel says with a grin. “Let’s do it.”

I sit still, my head tilting to the left. “What?”

“Go to my room, lock the door, and wait in there,” Rafael says, not looking at me and heading towards the door.

“Go, Rosalie,” Adriel says gently, grabbing my hand, and pulling me towards the stairs. “I really don’t think he’s here, Rose. It’s just precautionary,” Adriel adds, trying to reassure me, though his voice is quieter than usual.

I watch Rafael, waiting for him to acknowledge me, to say a simple goodbye or even give a weak smile.

He doesn’t. His fists clench when he walks out the door into the darkening night.

I waste no time downstairs. The hairs on my arms prickle endlessly. I run up the stairs, tears brimming in my eyes. If they find Dale, will they hurt him? I laugh at my own idiocy. Of course, they’ll hurt him. My lip trembles when I burst through the bedroom door and lock it.

I lean my head against the cold wood, and as much as I try not to, I feel responsible for Dale. A tear rolls down my cheek, and I wipe it off hastily before my panic for Rafael’s safety starts.

His passionate green eyes stare into my own through my closed eyes. The simple thought of anyone hurting him forces me onto my knees.

I turn around in the dark room and stare at his bed. A cold breeze swirls in the darkness. My eyes burn, the rest of the house seems completely still except for this room. This room buzzes with an energy, my overwhelming panic causing a static I’m sure anyone could hear. I hold my body flat against the door and scan every inch of the room. I’m paranoid, I tell myself repeatedly, until my gaze reaches the balcony door.

I squint through the darkness and force myself to stand and step forward, my eyes adjusting to the dark. I concentrate on the balcony door and freeze when another gust of wind blows through the room. The chilly air burns against my hot cheeks.

The balcony door is open a few inches. I hold myself even flatter against the door, my teeth chatter loudly. I hold my breath when, in my peripheral, something moves fast.

“Don’t say a word,” Dale whispers in my ear.

I shake beneath his hands which wrap tight around my chest, pinning my arms at my sides. “Dale,” I whisper. “Please.” The fear rising in my chest is nothing compared to the relief I feel knowing Rafael won’t get hurt. My knees bang painfully against each other as his arms tighten around me.

“Now, if you resist me, my love, I’ll gut you.”

I stare around the darkness. Even if I scream, no one would get here in time.

Dale’s breath is hot on my face, and his arms loosen. His fingers pinch the buttons on my shirt, then he slides my shirt over my shoulders and down my arms.

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