Page 26 of Dark Obsession

Chapter Thirteen

The next morning, Keirarolled over only to gasp as she was brought back against a warm, slightly hairy chest.Her eyes flew open.She was shocked and confused for one dazed second before she realized Daniel was behind her with an arm wrapped tightly around her waist.She tried to lift his arm.

“Where are you going, Honey?”

She bit back a moan when the morning gruffness of his voice raced through her, instantly warming and softening her core.Keira cleared her throat.“We have to get ready for work.”

Daniel cracked open one eye and tried to focus on the alarm clock before closing it again.“We have some time.Will you let me hold you a little longer?”

Keira relaxed back against him as her pulsating heartbeat started to slow in her chest.Oh God, he felt so good.He made her feel warm and safe.

Several minutes later, Daniel rolled her onto her back and leaned over her.“Good morning.”

Keira smiled, reached up, and cupped his cheek.“Good morning to you, too.”She couldn’t get over the overwhelming feeling of rightness being with Daniel.

Every day she spent with him, her feelings increased, and their relationship grew a little bit stronger.If she let herself really think about it when she sat quiet and alone, a burning ball of anxiety would start to develop in her stomach until panic tried to overwhelm her emotions for him.

Her anxiety of relationships and opening herself up to another person was something she’d had to deal with since childhood.When she acknowledged her weakness and undeniable fear, some of the tension would free her and let her move forward with him instead of back.One day at a time.That’s all she could do.She’d give it one day at a time.

“We better get going,” she said and pressed a light kiss to his lips.

“Yeah.I agree because if we spend any more time in bed, I’ll have you under me again, and then we’ll both be late.”

She saw him off and rushed to get ready for work.

Keira pushed aside her makeup containers and bottles, looking for her favorite perfume.She pulled out drawers, thinking it might have fallen in one.She searched her bedroom while her heart sped up, making it hard for her to take a full breath.“Settle down,” she told herself.“You’ve just misplaced it.”

Her hand pressed on her stomach where true anxiety started to take root.She’d misplaced a comb, a jacket, eyeshadow, panties, and bras.She didn’t want to think the worst, that someone came into her house when she wasn’t here.But how?She locked the doors every time.Her heart stopped as stark fear raced down her spine ...unless they had a key.

She decided to call a locksmith that day, but right now she had to finish getting ready for work.She’d call when she got to the shop and ask them to put an extra lock on the doors and windows.Hopefully, they could get it done today so she could sleep tonight.

She was lucky they had an opening and could be there that day.Now, she had to wait and act calm so her sister didn’t see her stress at work.

****

Keira glanced at theclock.“Hey guys, I have to run home.Can I pick up lunch on my way back?”

“Is something wrong, Kiki?”Layla asked as she walked up beside her.

Keira moved some candles around on a shelf and kept her face turned from her sister.“No, I just need to make a call to my old landlord to confirm I've taken care of everything and will receive my deposit back.I’d call him here, but I have the papers at home.”Keira took a quick breath and pasted on a smile before she turned to her sister.

Layla eyed her suspiciously.“Okay, take your time.”

Keira relaxed.“I’ll be back soon,” she said, grabbed her purse, and hurried to meet the locksmith at her house.She knew Layla could see right through her, but she refused to talk about this with her.The last thing she wanted was Layla worrying about her when she was on her honeymoon.

The afternoon ran by quickly, and working with these women helped push aside her worries and let her fears recede for the time being.At least for a while, she could feel a measure of safety.

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