Page 80 of Dark Obsession

Daniel looked at Conner over the top of Keira’s head.“Only the last few.It started when she began to remember.”

Conner walked to the bathroom, wet a washcloth, and brought it back, sliding it over her forehead and cheeks.Jesus.Going through it once was traumatic, but having to relive it every night would take down a lesser person.Daniel held her against his chest, murmuring softly to her as his hand ran soothingly up and down her back.“The doctor gave us sedatives if we needed them.”

“No sedatives,” Keira whispered against Daniel’s chest.

His hand swept her hair off her face so he could see her eyes.His heart broke at the tears and anguish in them.“I know, Baby, but if that’s the only way you can get some decent sleep, we have to think about it.”

Keira’s eyes widened when she caught sight of Conner sitting on the bed beside her feet.“Conner, do you realize you’re sitting there in your boxers?”

Daniel and Conner looked down unconcerned.Conner shrugged.“It covers the same a bathing suit would.”

Keira lay her head back down and closed her eyes.

Daniel pulled the blanket up over them when she shivered.“Do you think you can go back to sleep?”

“I’m afraid to, but my body doesn’t have any more energy.I just hope the nightmares stay away for the rest of the night.”Keira lifted herself off Daniel’s chest and tried to slide toward her side of the mattress.

Daniel tightened his arm.“Where are you going?”

“To the other side.I can’t sleep on top of you.”

“Why the hell not?You’ve done that every time we’ve slept together.”

Keira shook her head.“That was before.We’re not, you know, a couple.It’s bad enough I’m sleeping in a bed with you.”

Daniel cupped the back of her head and pressed it against his shoulder.

Conner held up his hands, palms out.“This is my cue to leave.Night, guys.”

Daniel waited until the door closed and the room went dark again.“I can’t take it when you say we’re not together, Keira.I know there’s a lot for us to talk about and some hurdles we have to face, but I’m really hoping you’ll give me another chance.I understand why it’s so hard for you to trust, but I’m hoping eventually you do come to trust me.”

Keira lay with her head tucked into his shoulder and an arm and leg thrown over his body.It felt natural, good, and made her feel safe to be this close to him.

“Keira?”

“I still love you, Daniel, and I always will, but...”

Daniel’s body stiffened.“But what?”

“I think you need time to think about this.Take a step back.Are you here because you love me, or do you just feel guilty?”

“I already know it’s love.”

“We were broken up before this happened, so why now if it’s not guilt?”

“The hell we were broken up.There was never any break between us.You started to push me away, but I didn’t go.”

Keira tilted her head back to look up at him.“What do you mean by that?”

Daniel paused.Did he really want to talk about this now?“The way you were acting.You thought I didn’t believe you at first, but I did, Honey.I don’t know where you got the idea I didn’t.I started checking into some things right away.”

Daniel looked at her.“I put cameras outside your home and sensors at every door.I also added heavy-duty locks to the windows so I could protect you.I had surveillance on you most of the time.The only time I didn’t know was when you were at the shop, and I still had cops going by there several times a day.I never stopped protecting you.You made it hard as hell sometimes, but I never gave up.”

Keira was shocked.He had believed her enough to take those steps.“Who did you have to watch me?I didn’t see anyone.”

“I had my men and the police check on you several times a day, and I sat outside your house at night when you wouldn’t let me in.The last night I was on my way back to town from a job, so I had Conner watch you until I got back to take over.Thank God Conner heard your screams.”

“The sensors didn’t go off?”