Page 99 of Shadowed Obsession

I ball my fists in my lap and will myself not to lunge across this table right now. I know better, and that’s the reason for the sudden need for security on standby.He wants me to be violent and overreact because that’s how he sees us all.

It’s not just Deirdre and Regina that he fears, it’s me too.

“Now, now,” he warns as he observes me, nonchalantly taking another bite of his cookie.

“Wrap it up, won’t you? You don’t have to answer. Obviously you’ll end this and finish your assignment. That is, unlesssheis more important than your reputation. I can trust you’ll make the right decision, mate,” he says with a smug smile as he rounds his desk. “Consider this our debrief for the week, alright? I expect this to be handled by this time next week.”

He places a hand on my shoulder, daring me to do otherwise.

It isn’t until I get in my truck that I consider my options. There is no way out of this that ensures we can be together, and that realization makes my stomach turn.

I’m not a selfish person, and the one time I am, I’m reminded of why I put others’ needs before my own. At least if I consider how my actions affect others, I don’t do shit that’ll blow up in my face.

I exhale, sending off a text to the only person that can find me a way out of the mess I’ve created.

I need your help.

Emiliano

On it.

7:38 p.m. | 2 hours and 4 minutes before ‘the last incident’

“Are you sure about this?” I ask as I shift the truck into park.

A stupid question to ask now that we’re here, but I’ve been on autopilot since the meeting earlier with Dax. Deirdre deserves to hear the truth from me soon.

“I’m sure. My family doesn’t usually attend these anniversary parties. It’ll be fine. One night where we can be out in the open.” She repeats her earlier reassurance with a smile that crushes me.

Our little secret isn’t ours anymore. I stand to lose her either way, and that terrifies me. A few months ago, I wouldn’t believe I’d be in a position like this, and I certainly didn’t expect to be here when I took the case.

I was kidding myself when I kept saying it would be easy to walk away when the job was done, because I never wanted it to end. Now, it has to. I cannot allow myself to let my family suffer, even if it meansIdo for the rest of my life.

She can’t be with someone that she doesn’t trust, and neither can I. It’s unfair after all she’s been through to give her hope, and I will never forgive myself for this.

Deirdre reeled me into her orbit when she didn’t even know I existed. Staying away was impossible, and it made me reckless. If I had stayed in the background, I would have been better off. She would’ve been better off never knowing who I was.

She may not let me live after this, and I wouldn’t blame her. Because what life could I possibly have without seeing her smile again? Not one I care to think about.

“César? What’s wrong?” she asks, waving her hand in front of me.

I clear my throat. “Oh, nothing. I think I may be getting sick.”

She frowns. “Why didn’t you tell me? I wouldn’t have made you come.”

“What’s important to you is important to me.¿Tú me entiendes?” I ask, wrapping an arm around her to press a kiss to the top of her head.

She stiffens when a woman calls out in the distance, “My baby.”

I glance up to find her mom, Dorothea Klarke, rushing toward us with open arms, her gaze locked on my Doe.

She resembles her daughter so much. Her rich brown skin glows in a shimmering gold floor-length gown. Her dark curls are full and defined, framing her beautiful face. Deirdre looks just like her mother.

So, that’s where those eyes come from, I think. I’d seen them in pictures, but pictures don’t do either of these women justice.

She approaches us and engulfs her in a squeezing hug. “Dee, I’ve missed you so much.”

“What are you doing here?” she squeaks.

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