Page 76 of The Dark Obsession

“I’m so sorry,” I cry out to Adriel.

He takes my hand and holds it between his hands. “You’re special to my brother. You’re special to me.” He delicately wipes a tear from my face and forces a smile. “It’s okay, Rosalie. We will protect you.”

The lights flash on, and I see blood pouring from Adriel’s swollen lip. His eye is bright red, with a lump forming on his upper cheek. I suck in a deep breath as I notice the blood-covered floor.

“It’s not all mine, don’t worry. I got a few in before I went down,” Adriel whispers. I know he’d be smiling if his face wasn’t so swollen.

Rafael’s at my side again, his features dangerous as he evaluates Adriel’s injuries. Small cuts cover Rafael’s chest; his hands are bloody and bruised. He holds a wet towel in one hand and works on his brother’s face. “It looks worse than it is,” Rafael reassures me, his brother’s face clear of blood now except for his still pouring nose and lip. Rafael helps Adriel stand. “He’s much weaker than I’d expected.”

Adriel tries to grin but winces.

I can’t speak; I’m unable to form words. Each time I try to think of what to say, I panic. I reach for Rafael, but pain radiates into my shoulder. I wince, shoving my pain aside, not worthy of attention after what Adriel has endured. “Police,” I manage to whisper, and Adriel nods.

“Let’s go into the kitchen. We can call from in there,” Rafael says.

Adriel leans on Rafael as we move down the hallway and into the kitchen. I stare in disbelief at the mess; smashed glass and chairs lie scattered across the floor.

“What happened in here?” I clench Rafael’s arm.

“The kitchen door was open when I came in, so I started for the door, thought Adriel had left it open. On my way out, something hit me in the face and locked me out.” He gestures towards the shattered window. “Had to smash my way back in.”

I hold my breath as I survey Rafael’s knuckles.

“Reinforced glass.” He sighs and sets Adriel on a chair. His phone vibrates in his pocket, and his hand flicks fast to answer it within seconds. “On my way,” he says and rushes out the kitchen. He’s back seconds later with a groggy Lucy, sitting babylike in his arms.

“What’s going on?” She removes her headphones and scans the glass-glittered kitchen.

“I need you to tend to Adriel. Call the police and an ambulance to check him over. Tell them there was a break-in, and Adriel will explain when they arrive.” He puts down Lucy, her wide eyes and pale face terrified.

“Are you okay, sir?” She examines Rafael’s bare chest for injury.

Rafael grabs my hand. “I’m fine. Now call the police.” He leads me from the kitchen and almost runs me up the stairs. “Are you okay?” He doesn’t look at my face as he pulls me into his room. He grabs a white button-up shirt from his wardrobe without looking and covers his blood-stained body.

“I’m not hurt.” I answer and stare at an angry bruise on his forehead.

“Please.” He pushes away my hand as I reach for his face. “Just put this on and follow me.” He throws some clothes into a backpack and hands me one of my flannel shirts and my leather jacket, before he approaches the door and holds it open.

I follow him through the house.

He takes my hand as we descend the stairs and head through the front door. He pulls me in, completely shielding me on the short walk to the car. He releases me into his car and runs around to get into the front seat.

“What’s going on?” I ask, staring at his colourless face.

He doesn’t acknowledge me; his eyes are narrowed against the empty road that flies by at a speed I’m sure is illegal.

“Rafael!”

He clears his throat and slows the car. “Your father.”

My ears pound in my head, waiting for the next words to spill from Rafael’s mouth.

“He’s been attacked, Rose.” Rafael regards me now and grabs my hand. “And Ben’s missing.”

His words vibrate through my aching head, sending a searing pain into my eyes. “A-attacked?”

Rafael’s hand tightens around mine. “Murdered,” he corrects as a tear falls from his cheek.

My chest collapses. I can’t breathe. I can’t see.

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