Page 21 of Obsession
But it’s still real right now.
And even temporary grief feels world-ending.
“We’re running out of time,” John interrupts the conversation. “Someone will notice you’re missing soon,” he adds, his eyes glued on me.
Lana’s face twists into a frown on the phone. “One more minute?” she asks, her voice raising an octave as she whines.
“Sorry, Lan, but no.”
“It’s okay.” I try to slip my mask back on, put on a reassuring smile for my cousin. “I’m glad I got to see you.”
“Me too. We’ll see each other soon. I promise.”
I don’t know if she can keep that promise. The future seems bleak, and even though I want to be on her side, my marriage ties me to the enemy.
“Soon,” I assure her anyway, trying to take comfort in the idea, at least.
But something tells me this isn’t going to end the way I want it to.
TWELVE
Adrian
Everything with my new bride is a game.
Two steps forward and one step back.
A kind of twisted tango with two leads fighting for control.
The heels of her shoes click against the refinished hardwoods as she enters my home. For some reason, I feel judged under the scrutiny of her brown eyes. She assesses the living room from my entryway—velvet couch, walls lined with bookcases on one side and windows looking out to Royal Street on the other. One of her dainty fingers swipes across the bookshelf and she examines it for dust like this is all one big test.
Madi might yield to me out in public, when the eyes of others are glued to her. But between these walls, I have a feeling she’s going to make me fight for her compliance. Or regret marrying her.
Is it wrong that a bolt of excitement rushes through me at the thought? This game of ours does something to me, like an electric wire has been corded through my veins, a spark keeping me alive.
“Home sweet home,” I say, shutting the door behind us. Her dark eyes land on me as I lock us in, and when I turn around, she’s still watching me. She looks stunning in the creamy white dress, the silky material clinging to her skin. And while I miss the blue hair, I can’t deny how elegant she looks with the dark locks twisted at the back of her neck.
“So what now?” she asks, pivoting so she’s facing me from across the room.
“Now we livehappily ever after.”
A burst of laughter explodes from Madi’s pink lips, and her hand flies up to cover her mouth. It continues for a long moment before she looks at me again. “Oh, you’re serious?” She calms her laughter long enough to ask, “Do you really believe that, Adrian? You think people likeuscould actually have a happy marriage.”
I let my feet lead me to her, three long steps until I’m standing close enough to touch her, but I keep my hands to myself. “And why can’t we?” I ask.
With her heels on, she’s tall enough that the top of her head hits the middle of mine. Without them, I know it reaches my chin, like she’s made to fit perfectly against me.
She narrows her eyes, bringing her bare arms up so they cross over her chest. “This marriage was cursed the second I said no, but you made me walk down the aisle anyway.”
I bring my finger to my chin like I’m mulling that over. “I think you need a new line, princess. You’ve used that one already.”
Immediately, her eyebrows pinch and frown forms on those perfect lips. “Doesn’t make it any less true.”
“Maybe not.” I shrug. “But it also doesn’t make this marriage any less real.”
“So what is your plan, then, huh?” There’s strength in her tone; she’s always stronger when it’s just the two of us. “Set therules, Adrian.” Her arms uncross, flinging open as she gestures around the room. “Show me around my newcage.”
“Well, if it’s a prison, you have to at least admit it’s aniceone.”
