Page 26 of Throne of Obsession

“I’ve arranged for your mortgage to be paid for a year,” I inform her, hating we’re sharing the same air. My skin crawls with the need to get out of this run-down house as fast as I can.

“Is it true Savio is sleeping with the enemy? I’ll pray for his soul.”

I pinch at the bridge of my nose, unwilling to give her an inch regarding any of my brothers.

“Goodbye, Mother. This time, I’m the kind one. Take this as a sign from God.”

I leave, hating that I even had to step foot here. I look around the crummy neighborhood, boarded-up windows staring back at me, lawns overgrown with weeds. If I was a regular person, I might have been scared to walk down the street.

I get into my car, seeing some teen boys eyeing my ride with tools in their hands, ready to steal my hub caps.

Hitting my Bluetooth, I squeal my tires out of the driveway. “I need confirmation on the wife. Has she left the house?” I ask of my surveillance team.

“The target is at home and the wife is out with her girlfriends. I have my eyes on her right now.”

Sienna

Maxisstandingonthe corner of my street, watching my window. I spotted him the moment I waved goodbye to Dante. I pop a Cheezie into my mouth as we stare at each other. Once Dante disappeared, he stepped under the streetlamp and continued to look upward.

A light splatter of rain dribbles down my window, and I wonder how long he plans to stay out there. It’s not like him to stand on the outside when it’s just him and me. He normally makes himself at home, much to my annoyance.

My hand dips into the bag, finding it empty. I just ate an entire bag in one sitting, and it killed my craving perfectly.Delicious. My thumb dips into my mouth, sucking off the cheesy goodness, before I toss the bag onto the table.

He’s still just standing there, like a madman. I worry something bad has happened and my heart wants to ask him about it, but I shut it down. Max is a bad man, and bad things happen to people like him. He knows where I am if he wants to make an appearance. Let’s face it, he did what he wanted all the other times.

I change into my pajamas and slide into bed. It takes a few minutes to make the pillows perfect to support my back while I sit up and read.

I could call Max to see what’s the matter.

It’s unlike him, and I hate that my fingers hover over my phone, ready to pounce the moment I give them permission. No, he’s a big boy who can handle himself. I put my phone down on the table and pick up my paperback.

The words jumble together, my focus shot. I haven’t made it past the second page yet, despite my best attempts.

“You going to keep pretending to read that book?”

I scream and drop my book from the sudden voice. “I didn’t hear you come in.” My heart is going crazy from the scare.

“You never do.” He smirks, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. They’re sad, in a way I’ve never seen before.

He walks in, picking the book up from the floor. “I can see why you picked this one. I like how the girl fell for her stalker,” he says, handing me the paperback.

My cheeks warm at his observation. “I’m hardly ten percent in, I have no idea what this book is about.”

“It took me a night to finish it. I liked it.” He rolls his head and cracks his neck on each side. For the first time, I notice he has dark circles under his eyes.

I pat the bed beside me. He stays leaning against my wall, refusing to listen to my silent command.

“You okay?” I ask hesitantly.

His head lolls, looking like he’s searching for an answer.

“It’s too warm of a night to be cuddling Brute, so you might as well lay here until I fall asleep.” Here I go, inviting the stalker into my bed. Some girls have no sense of self-preservation.

It’s me, I’m some girls.

He steps forward, looking uncertain for the first time ever. He reminds me of a lost puppy you need to coax to come closer. “Might as well get comfortable. Take off the jeans and shirt.”

Max’s body freezes, his lips pursed, before he takes off his shirt. Sweet Lord, I’ve never seen a stomach as beautiful and toned as his. His hand begins to undo his belt, but his eyes stay on me, watching to see if I change my mind.

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