Page 81 of The Dark Obsession

Rafael stiffens and halts, his hands still holding my hips. “I can’t,” he whispers.

“Please!”

“Not like this. Never like this.” He kisses my cheek.

“I don’t want to die.” I burst into tears.

Rafael falls back onto the bed and wraps his arms around me, steadying my shaking body.

I hold him tight, tuck my head into his side and inhale deeply, desperate to hold onto him, to not lose another second with him. The pain of losing my parents is completely fresh, the wounds in my heart searing. I can’t think without my brain aching and throbbing. I rub my eyebrow, trying to loosen the tension held there.

“The old house …” Rafael almost shouts.

“What?”

“Before Dale’s family bought the big house …” Rafael sits me upright and takes a deep breath. “Before they bought it, they had a farmhouse. It’s still there and in Dale’s name.” Rafael catches his breath.

I stare wildly at him, fear rising in my chest again. “Let’s go!” I stand and straighten my shirt.

“Not yet. We need to wait. I need you to wait.”

“What, wait for my brother to be murdered?” I shout.

Rafael stands and grabs the kettle from the dressing table. Two paper cups and some old-looking teabags rest on the side. He disappears into the bathroom with the kettle and returns. “We must wait. We need to plan this,” Rafael says louder above the loud hum of the kettle.

“Right. You’re right, of course.” I stand, my legs wobbly, to help make the tea. I glance in the mirror opposite the dresser and see mascara marking my cheeks. I run into the bathroom and turn on the hot water. The steam flows into the air, clouding the mirror above. I dip my fingers in and rub my cheeks and stare at myself. My head feels like it’s spinning dangerously. I scrub my cheeks to get rid of the makeup that’s smudged down my face. I scrub until my skin feels raw, not stopping until it’s completely gone.

“Doll, your tea is ready!”

I sit on the bed, and my hands clench the hot paper cup.

Rafael brushes my loose fringe off my face and pushes it behind my ear. “Rosalie, I don’t think you realise how dangerous this is.”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?”

Rafael’s forehead creases. “No, I think I want to keep you safe.”

“And I think I want to protect my brother. I’ve already lost my parents.” I huff loudly, angry tears spilling over my cheeks.

“Okay, but please. I beg you to keep quiet this time and do as I say.” Rafael falls to his knees and holds my hands. His lips touch my hands once, his head bowing, then he leans on my shaking knees. “I can’t see you hurt, I can’t break anymore watching your pain.” His voice breaks.

I watch his back rise and fall with each heavy breath he takes, his eyes smouldering with passion and sorrow. “I will.” I finally accept.

“When we’re there, I want you behind me at all times. If I say run, you get the hell out.”

I nod and squeeze his large hand.

“Come.” He stands with watery eyes.

“Your gun,” I whisper, my chest filling with a breath I can’t let out.

Rafael takes the gun and hands it to me.

My hand shakes; the gun weighs more than I could have ever guessed.

“You need it.” He stops, choking on his words. “You need this. I need you to protect me this time, Rose.” Rafael’s face is pale as we turn towards the door. His lips graze my forehead.

I glance at the untouched room and pull the door shut behind me.

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