Page 71 of Arranged Obsession
Instead, I had them leave it in front of our neighbor’s place. Which is why Cormac didn’t say a thing this morning when he left to do whatever he does (murder, mayhem, etc.), while I stayed behind and told him I was working from home.
I’m getting something done, at least.
It takes me half the afternoon to get my room arranged. The bed’s a pain in the ass, but I manage to have the frame prepped and ready. I couldn’t get a mattress from the shop—I’m desperate, but notthatdesperate—and so I have one ordered and on the way.
I just have to hope I can sneak it inside without Cormac realizing.
I’m nearly finished unpacking my boxes when I hear the door open downstairs. An excited thrill runs into my belly. I’m not sure how my husband’s going to react, but I’m positive it’s not going to be good.
Still, fuck him. Staying in the office for lunch is a reasonable request, and if that’s all he wanted, I would’ve happily complied. I really am fucked up and worried about those Bratva thugs. No part of me thinks that’s the last time they’ll try to kill me.
But this room thing has been an issue. His whole excuse about keeping me close so he can make sure I’m protected reeks of total crap.
This is about control.
That’s how our relationship’s always been for him. Cormac decided when to sneak into my room, what to take, when to leave. He controlled everything.
Now he’s dealing with me. Not with the version of me he saw when he rummaged through my things and watched me while I slept. No, this is an actual human being, and I think he’s struggling with how to deal with it.
Especially when I don’t want to give him what he wants.
I hear him come up the stairs. I try not to look up from where I’m putting away the last of my shirts as he walks over and stops in my doorway.
My heart’s racing. I know he’s standing there. Probably staring at the bed and seething.
“What’s this?” he asks softly.
“I don’t know what you mean.” I do my very best impression of someone innocent. I think it’ll piss him off even more.
“The room.”
“You told me I could get furniture.” I slowly turn, afraid of what I’ll find. “And I did.”
His face is bleak. His eyes burn into mine. Cormac’s so handsome it takes away my breath and makes my heart race. He’s looking at me like a demon staring at his next meal. He even licks his lips and steps forward. Veins bulge on his forearms.
“I said you could have a dresser, a bureau, places to put away your clothes.” His voice is a husky whisper. I can’t tell if he’s aroused or about to strangle me. I think it’s both. “But instead, you got a bed. You disobeyed me.”
“Let’s be clear about something.” Anger flushes into my chest. I’m deeply triggered now and not thinking straight. I should be careful, but when I get this pissed, it’s like all sense floods away and all I want is to burn everything around me. “I donothave toobeyyou.”
Our eyes lock. I don’t back down. If I do, he’ll keep on thinking he can do whatever he wants, and fuck that.
This is my life. I’ll follow reasonable rules. I’m not stupid, and I’m definitely not suicidal.
But I sleep where I want.
“You like games, don’t you?” he says, coming toward me.
“No, actually, what I like is a husband that doesn’t act like a total prick all the time.”
He shakes his head menacingly. “No, feather. I think you like pissing me off. I think youenjoyit. The little power trip you get.”
I put my fists on my hips. “Maybe I do. What are you going to do about it?”
He comes at me. I yelp in shock and stagger backwards, but I’m much too slow. Cormac’s a demon. He’s a beast from another world. I don’t know how a human that big can move so quickly and gracefully.
One second, I’m glaring at him, defiant and strong.
The next he’s got me pinned to the wall with my hands above my head.
