Page 30 of His Coveted Obsession

“Do you feel that way about your boyfriend?” he asked.

“His name is Thomas. He’s mine. For as long as he’s mine, if anyone hurts him, they will pay. It’s simply a fact.”

He smiled and bounced excitedly on the couch again. “You’re in love.”

“I don’t love.”

“Of course you do. Just like Sully can. You may not feel it like I do, or my angel does, but youdolove in your own special way. It’s not all about brain chemistry, but what you do for your partner and how you protect and bond with them. Look at Sully and Malik. They are bonded through time, space, and blood. They were destined and have been together for nearly two decades. Sully doesn’t feel love like I do, but he loves Malik all the same.”

I hadn’t thought about it like that. “I feel like if I tell someone I love them, that it would be a lie. Thomas enjoys my honesty, so I give it to him.”

“No one says you have to say the words. Justshowhim.”

I held up the book again. “That’s the plan. I know what to do. I’ve seen it often enough in movies, but I want to read about the feelings inside… feelings I don’t have. If Thomas is happy, he’ll continue to make me happy.”

Luca nodded, his curls bouncing. “Yes, love is given and taken in equal measures. If he gives you something of himself, you need to give him something in return.”

“Thank you, Luca,” I said, knowing he would like those words.

“Oh, you are so welcome, East. I hope Thomas loves you back. We all deserve love, except those who hurt us. They deserve pain and to die.”

I grinned at that because I couldn’t agree more, but it was also such an odd thing for someone like Luca to say, again reminding me of how similar he was to Thomas, although Thomas showed no fear so far.

IsteppedinsideSidand Dalton’s home, the place smelling like Italian pasta. They recently purchased a new house together in Vienna, Virginia. It was a two-story colonial that had five bedrooms, one of which had been mine for a short period before I decided I needed a place of my own.

“Easton!” yelled Owen, who came barreling at me as soon as the door was shut.

I lifted him, and he giggled. I would never understand that child, but his worship of me left me feeling warm.

“Did you have a good day, Owen?” I asked, knowing he liked such questions, as I carried him into the kitchen.

“Yes! I got to read my favorite book, ‘The Adventures of Beekle,’ out loud. Then we got to do some art. I don’t like math much, but Dad says I have to know it.”

I said nothing as Dalton and Sid turned to me, smiling. Owen wiggled out of my arms, and I set him down.

“How was your assignment, Sid?” I asked. Even though he was legally my father on paper, I didn’t call him that. Ididenjoy having his last name instead of my bio-father’s name. Sid had been more of a parent to me than anyone else.

“Good. All went according to plan.”

We didn’t speak about the details for Owen’s benefit.

“We’re having lasagna,” Dalton said.

It was one of my favorites. “Okay.”

“It’s also ready, so everyonego sit down.”

We all gathered at the round table as Dalton plated our food from a casserole dish sitting in the middle.

“Dalton tells me you’re seeing someone?” Sid asked.

“Yes. Thomas.”

“Who’s Thomas?”

“He works at Sweet Bean, serving coffee.”

Sid’s eyes twinkled, and he grinned crookedly. “Seems a little beneath you, East.”

---