Page 44 of Dark Obsession

“Not going to happen, Sweetheart.”

“Daniel.I need to concentrate on my li-life right now.Besides, I don’t think this is good for you either.”

“We’re going to talk about this in person, not over the damn phone.You know, I know about the gun permit?”

“Yes.That’s one of the reasons we’re not good for each other.You’ve let your prejudice color the way you think about this relationship, and all it’s going to bring me is sadness.Sad that you don’t trust me, sad you don’t care enough, and sad that you’re taking away everything I’m trying to do to protect myself.I’m not even sure I can call the police now that you’ve made them believe I’m crazy...”

“That’s not fucking true, Keira.I’ve believed you the whole time, and I care more than you think, Honey.”

“No, you don’t.I saw your face when I first told you.Now, I can’t get a gun permit because of what you’ve said.I have never broken the law in my life, don’t even have a speeding ticket, but because of you, I can’t get one.I never expected you to protect me, I would never have asked, but for you to take away any chance I have ...I can’t do it.I can’t be with you right now.”

****

Fear of losing herwas spiking through him.Should he tell her about the cameras?No, not yet, not until the rest of this is settled.“Listen, Honey, I don’t know what you mean about my expressions when you told me about the stalker, but I think you read something into them that wasn’t there.I have nevernotbelieved you, and I want very much for you to let me protect you.Yes, I don’t like the idea of you having a gun, but that’s because I’ve seen firsthand what happens when an inexperienced person tries to use one.Please, let’s talk about this...”his voice softened.

“Daniel, I’m begging you.Please give me time.”

He could hear the extreme anxiety in her voice and was afraid he was partially to blame.“I don’t want you to be alone.”

Keira laughed.“But why?”Her tone was full of heat and sarcasm with a touch of hysteria.

God, he wished he knew what was going through her mind, why she wouldn’t let him in or try to help.“Please let me be there for you.For God’s sake, I used to be a cop and now have a security company, and you can’t trust me to protect you?”

“I don’t believe you, and I’m too tired to deal with this right now.”

“Keira...”

A sob caught in her throat.“If you care about me at all, even a little bit, you’ll let this go for now.”

A cold knot of dread formed in his belly.Dammit.“I’ll do what you say now, but we will talk later.”

“All right.Good night, Daniel.”

Daniel hung up and stared at nothing.He had to figure out a way to protect his woman, and she wasn’t making it easy.

Chapter Twenty-One

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