Page 91 of Dark Obsession

“No.I remember everything up to the attack, but my memories are spotty during and after.My nightmares have put thoughts and pictures in my head, but I don’t know if they’re real or not.”

“Vicki told us that Scott Ridley was bothering you?”

A sense of confusion hit her for a brief moment.Scott, the weird guy.“Yes, he came into the store a few times and waited for me out back.”

Daniel stiffened.“Why didn’t you say anything?”

She twisted the blanket around her fingers.“I didn’t think about it.I always thought he was harmless, even if he scared me a few times.I could tell he was mentally challenged, so I didn’t consider him a suspect, although I thought about it a few times.”Keira rolled to her side, facing Daniel.“It’s driving me crazy not remembering everything.”

Daniel noticed how stiff and pale she became when she talked about it, and it hurt him to see her struggle.“It will come in time.”

Her eyes strayed to the ceiling.“I think that’s what I’m afraid of sometimes.”

“I don’t blame you.Just remember, I’ll be here.”

Keira turned her head back.“How long can that last, Daniel?You have a life, and I have a life.I want to go back to work, and I have to find a new place to live.I want to get back to normal, but is that even possible?”

“I think it’s going to be a different normal, but one that can still make you happy.After a trauma like you went through, I think it changes something fundamental inside a person, makes them weary but also stronger for surviving.”

Keira stayed silent for a moment.“I like the way you said that.I can live with that.”

“As far as the house goes, I know you won’t be able to live there again.Would you consider us finding a house together closer to work?I don’t think you want to drive forty-five minutes one way every day.”

“Ifwe choose to live together, I’d want to live here.It’s a beautiful house.Besides, did you forget where I came from?I had to ride the subway for over an hour and then walk seven blocks to and from work.A forty-five-minute drive is nothing.”

“That’s fine by me.I don’t care where we live as long as it’s together.”

Keira paused for a silent second.Her first inclination was to say no, but then she thought twice about it.“I’m not sure.I know you think we’re still together, but I still have doubts about why you really want me.Is it love, or is it guilt?And until I know for sure, I don’t think I should li...”

Daniel pressed his hand tighter against her stomach before slowly moving it around in a slow circle, being careful of her injuries.“I need you to believe I want you because I love you.I never stopped.Not for one second.Did you?”he whispered.

Her eyes swept intently over his face.“No,” she said quietly and with honesty.

“Then I don’t want to hear any more about it being guilt.”

Keira watched his expression carefully.“Why did you never invite me here?I’m just curious.”

Daniel was quiet for a moment.“Part of it was the drive.Your place was closer.But mainly, I had one rule I made myself abide by, I would only bring home the woman I saw myself with for the rest of my life.I didn’t want to remember a parade of women in my kitchen or bed, just my future wife.I know there are a lot of things undecided, but I want you with me, and soon, I hope you’ll agree to marry me.”

Keira was shocked.“Marry you?Daniel, isn’t that going a little fast?”

“I’m not saying right now.We can be engaged for a year if you'd like, but I'd prefer you to be here in the meantime.I don’t want us to spend another night apart.”

“I don’t know, Daniel.Can I decide after everything is ...normal?”

Daniel brushed the hair away from her cheek.“Yes, of course.But in the meantime, you’ll be here with me.”One of his hands slid up her back and curled around her neck.“How do your cuts look?I haven’t seen them since yesterday.”

“They look really good.A few are still a little pink.Most of the bruises have faded.”

Daniel lay his head down beside hers on the pillow.“Can I ask you something?”

Keira turned to look at him and realized they were only inches apart, and she could feel his body heat causing a shudder to slide down her back.“Yes.”

“Are you angry at Conner for something?”

Her brows snapped together.“No, why would you say that?”

“We’ve both noticed how you avoid eye contact with him or only answer his direct questions.”

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