Page 35 of Her Dark Obsession

My dad stops outside the living room. He wraps his arms around me. “For the record, I love you, princess. And I’m so fucking proud that you’re my daughter. I’m proud of you,” he whispers.

“Thanks, Papa. I love you too,” I tell him. Holding him a little tighter than I normally would. I then walk into the living room, where my mom is waiting on the sofa and my brother Lorenzo’s face is blown-up on the television screen. “Family meeting?”

“Aurora, we just want to debrief with you and make sure you’re okay.” Mom stands and hugs me. Enzo lets go of my hand and moves over to the sofa.

“It wasn’t her fault,” Enzo repeats. “She didn’t have a choice.”

“You had a choice not to fucking take her with you in the first place. You had a choice not to leave your sister alone whileyou went God knows where with Alessandro. She shouldn’t have been alone!” My dad yells at my brother. “Do you have any idea what could have happened to her?”

“Stop yelling at Enzo. It’s not his fault either. I wasn’t alone. I was with Dante and Orlando. And I’m not some damsel, in case you’ve all forgotten.” I’m not letting them blame my brother for something I did.

“Aurora, sweetheart, calm down. No one is blaming anyone. Right, Matteo?” Mom directs to Dad.

“Right,” he grunts.

“We are just concerned about you. Maybe we should make an appointment so you can talk to someone,” Mom says.

“No. I don’t need a shrink. I’m fine,” I tell her.

“This is the first time you’ve killed someone, Aurora. It can take a toll on your mind,” Lorenzo says. “It is the first time, right?”

“Yes, it’s the first time. But again, I’m fine. I appreciate your concern. I really do. But if and when I need help, I’ll let you all know. Until then, I’m going to go shower and climb into bed.”

“Okay, sweetheart. I’ll bring you up a hot chocolate,” Mom says.

“Thanks, Mom. Love you.” I hug her and then move on to my dad before making my escape upstairs.

I sit in the shower until my fingers turn wrinkly. I really am fine. I wasn’t lying to my parents. I don’t think I’m going to lose any sleep over what I did. In fact, I didn’t exactly hate it. Of course, I can’t say that because they really would have me in with a shrink. Probably in a nice white jacket too.

After wrapping myself in a fluffy robe, I walk back into my room and find a cup of hot chocolate on my nightstand and my mom on my bed. “I wanted to make sure you were okay,” she says.

“Thanks.” I lower myself onto the bed and pull the covers up over my knees. “I really am okay.”

“You know, when we were sixteen, your dad came to my house the first time he… well, the first time it happened for him. He wasn’t okay. And it’s completely fine for you to not be too,” she says.

“What if I am, though?”

“Then I’m glad. You didn’t do anything wrong, baby. You saved a life. But for the love of God, please don’t make this a habit.”

“I won’t,” I tell her.

She sighs as she reaches out to stroke my hair like she used to do when I was little. “When I found out I was having a girl, I was ecstatic. After two boys, I was finally getting my girl. But that joy turned to fear because, while I’ll always worry about the boys, I knew they’d be able to take care of themselves. But a girl? I didn’t want her to have to fight for her life. Ever. I didn’t want her to have to experience violence and evil. And your father made me a promise that no matter what, he would teach our little girl everything she needed to know to protect herself. To never have to rely on a man for anything.” Mom pauses. “And he did, and for that, I’m really glad. I still worry even though I know you can take care of yourself. I will never not worry because horrible things happen to women in this world.”

“I know, Mom. And you and Papa and everyone else have taught me everything I need to know. I promise I will always be careful.” As I say the words, Connor’s face pops into my head. I have literally been sleeping with the enemy. I’m a traitor. “Mom, how did you know you were in love? With Papa?”

“Well, he didn’t really give me much choice.” Mom laughs. “I’m kidding. I knew because when I thought about losing him, I felt like my life was going to be over. Plus, it helps that he’s hot as sin.”

“Ew, gross.” I make a gagging sound, and my mom laughs.

“Are you seeing someone?” she asks.

“Not really,” I say.

“So,sort ofthen? But you don’t want the family to know yet.”

I nod my head.

“Okay, well, when you’re ready, I can’t wait to hear all about him. Until then, make sure you’re safe,” she says. “I can stop your father and brothers from doing a lot of things, but killing the boy who knocks you up? Not even Nonna could stop them from doing that.”

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