Page 8 of Vow of Obsession

“Was that ordered too?”

“Rochelle called and asked.” She and Mom have always gotten along well, but my mom gets along with everyone.

“So kind of an order?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart. I’m sorry.”

“Mom.” I stand up. “Stop apologizing. It’s going to be okay.”

My whole life, my mom has always put my dad and me first. Her life has always centered around us. She’d do anything to make sure we are taken care of. I bet if I asked her to help me run away, she’d even do that. Which isn’t a thing I’d ask her. That would get my parents in a world of trouble, I’m sure.

“I’ll do my best.” Mom gives me a hug. “Seven.”

“Seven,” I repeat before she leaves my room. I close the door behind her, letting out a breath. I can make it through this. I might as well make the best of it for myself. What I won’t be doing is going out of my way for War anymore.

I go in search of an outfit. I decide on a white dress I’d gotten a few months ago. I haven’t had a chance to wear it yet. It was strapless, but I added pink silk ribbons that you tie into bows for straps. I also added adorable pockets, placing matching bows on them as well. The dress goes well with a pair of pink ballet flats I have.

I check myself over in the mirror. It’s cute, but I’m not sure it’s up to par for this dinner party. I decide that I don’t reallycare. There’s nothing I can do about it at this point. It is what it is. I start playing with my hair and makeup before growing bored. I debate putting in my contacts, but hate wearing them. It doesn’t matter. I’m not trying to impress War. Those days are over.

Digging through my nightstand, I find my Kindle. I smile when I see a pre-order has hit my library for a book I’ve been dying to come out. Hopefully I’ll be able to sneak away, find a corner, and dive in. It shouldn’t be hard. It’s not like War will be paying attention. He ignores me most of the time, so I hope that carries over to tonight.

I roll over to my side. I’ll only read the first chapter. There is more than enough time for that.

I should have known better. It’s never only one chapter.

Chapter Six

WARREN

What the fuck is wrong with me? I have been staring at myself in the mirror for the past five minutes, debating whether this is the right shirt to wear this evening. It’s a black button-up. My normal. There is nothing to debate, but I find myself wondering what Tova will think.

Checking my watch, I know I need to get downstairs before my mom comes searching for me. I have been doing my best to avoid her since she arrived yesterday. I’ve been in a pissed-off mood after my encounter with Tova a few days ago. It is all that has dominated my thoughts.

Usually, being around people is the last fucking thing I want to do. All of the niceties, dressing up, and socializing. The thought alone would usually have me steering clear of this entire situation. But this unfortunately comes with the territory. It’s the road that needs to be traveled in order for me to take over for my father and push our family business in a new direction.

No matter how many times I try to convince myself that I’ve been staring in this mirror, trying to look perfect for business reasons, I know deep down inside it’s for my little mouse. There’s a spark of excitement in me that only she can ignite. Thatonly grew more with the way she defied me at the pond the other day. The mere thought has me reaching down to adjust my cock.

I’ve been hard since my encounter with her. Since I felt the softness of her hair pass through my fingertips and how her pillowy lips set in a hard line to defy me.

The last few nights I’ve jerked my cock more than I’m willing to admit, picturing my hands entangled in her hair as she wrapped those pillows around my cock, her delicate hand stroking it. Those gorgeous eyes of hers looking up at me as she took me inch by inch, deep into her throat. Fuck. I need to focus or I’m never going to leave this room.

Tova may not want to marry me, but she’s mine regardless. Her destiny was set in stone long before my father ever devised this marriage plan. From the moment I laid eyes on her, she’s been mine. I thought of her that way even when I was sure I could never have her.

I can’t say I blame her. The man staring back at me doesn’t scream the marriage type. My size alone is intimidating. My broody mood doesn’t help. Then there are the tattoos that cover most of my upper body. I decide to keep the top button of my shirt undone. I refuse to fully hide who I am, especially from her. My little mouse needs to know exactly what she is getting herself into.

“War!” My mom greets me as I enter the parlor. The only time this room is ever used is for events like this one. When it’s only family, we are far more casual, often not even using the dining room for dinner. We all gather in the kitchen for the most part.

“Mom.” I give her a curt nod. “You look lovely this evening.”

“Oh hush.” Mom rolls her eyes. “Lean down here.” I do as I’m told so my mom can place a kiss on each of my cheeks.

Mom has always been the affectionate type. I can’t recall a time when I was completely comfortable with it. It neverfelt natural to me. I’m different from the rest of my family. I understood that from a young age. I simply process things differently and might be missing a few key parts upstairs, but it’s never been a problem before.

“Come and say hello to everyone.” There are a handful of guests here from other high-ranking families. I make my rounds, greeting everyone. My eyes keep lingering toward the doorway as I pretend to sip on my scotch. Where the hell is she?

Her parents are here already. Mom told me she’d invited them early to have drinks. Tova’s mother Becca continues to stare at me when she thinks no one is watching. The woman wants me dead. She’ll have to get in line.

“Are you avoiding the parents?” Ronan comes to stand beside me. “The in-laws.” He shakes his head. They will be my in-laws. Ronan cocks his head toward me, waiting for an answer that won’t be coming because once he asked the question, I realized he was right. I was avoiding them.

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