Page 78 of The Dark Obsession

“I’m sorry,” I whisper into his ear, my cheek resting on his face. My throat’s so dry as I try to swallow, my eyes stinging and my body shivering.Dad, please, wake up.I bury my head into his chest and cry. “Daddy, please wake up!”

Rafael’s shaking breath is loud behind me, he places a hand on my shoulder and squeezes lightly. The sensation feels so far away, everything feels so far away as my head rests on my fathers chest. My heart can’t beat right now, not when it’s so broken and worn. My cries are not enough, my pain fills me up inside and thumps against my chest so hard I lose my breath.

Please,I gasp. I scream in my head but all that leaves my lips are breathless sobs and painful heaves. I hold onto silence, hoping to hear his heart beat or to feel his chest rise. The seconds tick by like hours and stillness is all that is left.

I close my eyes and suppress my sobs.

Rafael pulls me close and stands, lifting me off the floor with him.

I reach out, longing for more time. “He can’t be dead!”

Rafael holds me up, his hands now wrapped tight around my chest. He steps towards the door, my kicking and grabbing having no effect.

I scan the kitchen through my sore eyes, finally beholding the shattered glass and red spots littering the floor. A huddle of people stand in the corner. A young lady police officer, who’s in the front, covers her tear-filled eyes and turns away.

“Ben,” I shout as Rafael pulls me from the kitchen and out the house that was once my haven.

“That is where we are going now.” Rafael moves faster and opens the car door for me. “Wait here, two seconds.”

My tears stream uncontrollably when I let myself realise that both of my parents are dead. The ache in my chest worsens, and I hyperventilate and heave as I stare out the window.

Rafael outstretches his hand, and the officer he first spoke to hands him a package with weary eyes. Rafael returns to the car, not looking back but staring blankly ahead.

“Where will we start?” I ask him in the fiercest voice I can muster.

“Iwill start at Dale’s house.”

“We!Wewill start at Dale’s house, because Ben ismybrother.”

Rafael stares at me, my anger and spirit catching him off guard. He doesn’t say a word his fingers tap the steering wheel, as if willing the car to go faster. “Rose. Please, you must stay close to me. I can’t handle losing you.”

I stare out the window, tears staining my cheek. The coffeeshop where Dale and I had our first date flies by, with memories of an easier time. “There is no way you’ll lose me,” I whisper, my anger and hatred, smeared with betrayal, heats my face.

Rafael slows the car to a halt, and his hands unexpectedly grip my face. “I’m serious, Rose.” His lips collide into mine, my lips forming perfectly against his.

My arms wrap around his neck, and I hold him as close to me as possible. My cheeks are fiery, and for a second, I forget everything. I see him and only him.

His fingers trail down my back, and he pulls me into a tight hug.

“I’m stronger than you think,” I say, dread hitting me like a brick.

Rafael’s shaky cool breath hits me as if it is the first time—or maybe the last time.

With a scorching pain forcing its way into my heart, I let him go. “Come on.”

Rafael grimaces, then reaches for the package the police officer gave him. He tears through the paper, checks for any onlookers, and removes a gun.

“Holy shit, Raf.” I move back into my seat.

“This man has killed, and he has your brother. This is best to protect you from that motherfucker.”

I forget to blink as my thoughts rush, knowing each passing second could be the one that saves my brother.

Rafael grabs his phone and dials 9-9-9. “Police, there’s been a crime at Dale Cartwright’s place.” He drops his phone and opens his door.

“Yes, you’re right. Come on.” I exit the car.

Rafael runs to my side and puts his hand on the small of my back. He guides me to the big house around the corner.

---