Page 32 of Beautiful Broken Obsession

“But I didn’t. Why do you always go to the worst-case scenario?” I ask as I make my way out to the balcony, where the table is once again set for us to eat. It’s the same breakfast for me as yesterday, minus the bowl of fruit. Milos has grilled salmon and a spinach soufflé.

“I find it best to prepare for the worst. If it does not happen then it makes it all that much better. Your bowl of fruit was dropped, a new one will be brought in a few minutes.” Milos is somehow ahead of me and pulls out my chair for me.

He’s so close I inhale his scent. That scent that’s haunted me since the last time I saw him. My knees are weak and I nearly fall into my chair.

“Are you all right?” Of course he doesn’t miss a thing.

“I’m fine. I didn’t realize it was a little warm out here.”

Yellow eyes narrow. “We can eat inside.”

“No, I like it out here.” I’m quick to shake my head.

A nod and he flips a switch. Two fans start immediately, a ceiling fan above us and a large fan from the edge of the balcony. “Is that better?”

“Yes, thank you.” I sigh at the cool air rushing over me.

During the day I can see more of the expansive grounds. “What’s that?” I point beyond a line of trees.

“A tennis court, opposite that is a basketball court that saw far more activity than the tennis court ever did.” Milos’s tone is dry. “We wanted to tear the tennis court out and enclose the basketball court. My mother would not hear of it. Despite never using the court herself, she felt it was uncouth to destroy a tennis court.”

I spot a black cat strolling across the lawn. “Is that Koshka?”

He shakes his head. “No, she is far too spoiled to go outside. I believe she remembers her first few weeks on the street and is afraid if she goes out she will not be let back inside. When we are done I will show you her room. I am not sure if she will be in there, as she has full access to the entire house.”

“She has a room?”

A small chuckle. “Yes, as I mentioned I have never had a pet. I might have gone overboard in what I thought she would need to be happy. It was decided she should have all the items in one place. She never uses the running wheel though.”

I’m shocked. “You don’t do anything in half-measures.”

Those yellow eyes are laughing at me. “Never.”

His phone rings. It’s a few minutes where I eat more of the yummy quiche and finish my orange juice with only a few drinks. I had no idea I was so thirsty.

Suddenly the air around him changes. My eyes are drawn to him as he ends the call.

“Is everything all right?”

Shaking his head. “No. The doctor will not be here for several hours. A few of my men were hit in an encounter. One of them is dead and another is fighting for his life. While the doctor is hopeful, he is unsure at this time and cannot leave him.”

“I’m sorry.” I hate how pitiful it sounds.

His sigh is heavy. “The damn motorcycle club is relentless. Between them and the Serbians…” A shake of his head. “I apologize. I should not speak of such things with you.”

“I’ve heard it all and then some from Carlo.” I long to touch him, soothe him in some way. “If you need to leave to go to them, I understand.”

“There is no need. My brother is already seeing to it. Before the night is over the MC will regret their actions today. This means the doctor will not be here for some time.”

I nod. “Okay, if that means you’re willing to let me watch the movie, I’m happy to. As long as you’re sure I’m not bothering you.”

“You are no bother at all. And I am willing to watch the movie.”

We finish lunch talking about our favorite places in the city. Then I’m finally allowed out of the room into a large hallway. The first door out of my room to the left is Koshka’s room. It’s filled with a cat tree, a cat running wheel, a half-dozen toys littering the room as well as perches along the walls. Koshka is nowhere to be found though.

While we were in the room our lunch was cleared away. Milos steers me to the seating area in my room. I pick a corner of the couch and he downloads the movie through an online purchase. Although the couch is large, and Milos is on the other end, it isn’t easy to pay attention to the movie when all I can think of is Milos. Finally the movie captures my interest.

Halfway through the movie Milos hands me a glass of ice water. I don’t bother to argue with him and keep sipping on it. By the time the movie is over, I’m finished with the water and nearly running for the restroom.

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