Page 85 of Mutual Obsession (Rivals of Blackthorn #2)

I t’s been three days since we brought Indie home, and she’s doing much better than any of us ever expected. Bree set her up to talk to a therapist called Teigan. She’s Bree’s sister-in-law, and has experience working with women who are victims of abuse.

They have spoken via FaceTime a few times, and although it was hard at first to see Indie so lost and broken after each call, it’s clear they’re helping her.

She’s not bottling up her feelings, and as much as I’d like for her to confide in me or Miles, we’re just grateful she has someone she can trust.

Things have slowly been getting back to normal, though we’ve made sure that either myself or Miles are at home with her at all times. Indie has expressed no desire to leave the apartment, and we haven’t pushed her.

Chloe has been over regularly, and Indie always seems happier after her visits. I know we’re going to have to push her to go outside soon, but we’re giving her time to heal on her own terms.

Well, that was the plan until I received a message from my father, summoning me to a meeting with him. His message made it clear he knows I’m living with Indie, and he wants to meet her. He also insisted that Marcus and Miles attend the meeting, too.

I called him to try and get more information, but he said he wouldn’t discuss anything until the meeting.

I tried to tell him that Indie wasn’t feeling well and wouldn’t be able to make it, but he stated the meeting wouldn’t take place without her, and if she didn’t attend, he’d simply delay it until she’s well enough.

Fucker, he knew the anticipation would kill me, and I wouldn’t want to delay.

Like the coward I am, I haven’t been able to tell Indie about the meeting.

I told myself I didn’t want her to worry, that I was just trying to protect her, but really I’m just scared.

I have no idea what he knows, or what he wants, and after I failed to keep her safe the other day, I can’t bear the thought of that happening again.

Thankfully, Miles agreed to keep it from Indie until the last minute, as he also thought the stress and worry during the buildup to the meeting might be too much for her, but I can’t help but think his reasons are more selfish.

So, once we’d both gotten ready for the meeting, dressed in the suits we wear when attending important events such as this, we both went into the bedroom to tell Indie.

She’d just gotten out of the shower and was blow-drying her hair whilst in nothing but a towel. The sight alone was almost enough to derail our plan.

I freeze at the doorway, taking in her smooth skin that’s barely covered by the fluffy white towel wrapped around her. My cock twitches as Miles presses his hand to my back, forcefully pushing me into the room.

I turn to glare at him, but he just fixes me with a stare that makes it clear I can’t back out of this, or delay it by trying it on with her—no matter how much I may want to.

Indie’s eyes darken with lust as she drags her gaze over our suits, smiling as she pulls her lower lip between her teeth. The flush on her cheeks gives away the dirty thoughts in her head.

“Don’t you two look smart? What’s the occasion?” she asks as she runs a brush through her now-dry long blonde hair.

Silence sits between us as I try to think back to what I planned to say, but words seem to fail me. Miles glares at me, making me wince. “We have a meeting with my father,” I tell her, conveniently not elaborating on who ‘ we ’ are.

“Oh, both of you?” she asks, her gaze flicking between us.

“Actually…” I start, stuttering over my words. “It’s, erm…well, you too.”

“What?” she blurts out, her eyes widening.

Miles rolls his eyes at me as he elaborates. “Jacob’s father has informed him that he knows you’re living here, and he wants to meet you. He’s asked that Marcus and I be present too.

“We tried to get more information, to see if he knows about all three of us, but he’s remained quiet. He implied that the two of you are dating, but that doesn’t explain why he wants Marcus to be present.”

“He thinks it’s just me and you that are together?” she asks, staring straight at me.

I nod. “I’m not sure if he knows about Miles. It doesn’t explain why he’d want Marcus to be there.”

“We just have to go and find out,” Miles adds, shrugging his shoulders like it’s no big deal.

“When?” she asks, her eyes narrowing as she takes in our suits once more.

“We’re leaving in fifteen minutes,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her face twists into a scowl as she yells, “Fifteen fucking minutes? Why the hell are you only telling me now? How the fuck am I supposed to get ready in that time?”

Her breathing speeds up, and it’s clear she’s panicking as she stands, looking around the room frantically. Miles reaches over and places his hands on her shoulders, grounding her and forcing her to look at him.

“We didn’t tell you as we didn’t want you to panic during the lead up to the meeting. All you need to do is get changed, and you’ll look perfect. Take some deep breaths, Dee,” he tells her, forcing her to breathe in time with him.

“I can help you pick out a dress, if you’d like?” I tell her, since that’s the only way I can think to be helpful.

She nods, giving me a tight, slightly forced smile. “Please, but make sure it’s conservative. I want to look nice, not slutty. I’m going to quickly put on some make-up.”

“You look beautiful as you are,” Miles tells her, pressing his lips against her cheek.

Even though she smiles at his compliment, she pushes him away as she rolls her eyes, moving over to the vanity mirror in the en-suite, where she now keeps all of her make-up, as I go next door to her closet.

Exactly fifteen minutes later, we’re ready to go. Indie liked the dark-blue sundress I chose for her. It’s full length, hugs her in all the right places to show off her curves without being too tight. The scoop neck shows she has an impressive cleavage, without putting it on display.

She looks beautiful, and both Miles and I tell her that as we walk to the car. Marcus is sitting in the front with his driver, Leo, so we all squeeze into the back, Indie sitting between her men.

When her knee jiggles, I place my hand over it, squeezing just enough to contain her anxious energy, as Miles pulls her into his side. None of us engage in anything more than small talk, as the anticipation and anxiety over the meeting hangs heavily in the car.

You could cut the tension with a knife, and I’m sure we can all feel it. It’s almost like the air is thick enough to suffocate us, and I have to focus on counting my breaths to stop myself from freaking out.

I’ve been summoned by my father many times before, in a similar way to this, and no good has ever come from it.

When he just wants a word with me, he’s much more casual, so him presenting this as an official meeting tells me it isn’t a father-son thing.

This is a mafia leader and his heir thing, and that makes it even more dangerous.

As soon as we pull up to my childhood home, at the end of the long driveway, my father is already waiting with the door open, which sets me on edge even more. He’s dressed in the suit he always wears for business meetings, confirming my suspicion that this is more professional than personal.

His blank expression is unreadable, until he sees Indie climbing out of the car. I’m sure I see his jaw twitch, but otherwise, he’s emotionless. I’m surprised everyone can’t hear my heart beating, given how hard it’s pounding.

Since I no longer need to hide it from him, I lace my fingers with Indie’s once she’s out of the car. She lets out a small gasp and tries to pull away, but I give her a bright, reassuring smile as I hold on tight. I need her close to me, just as much as I need to draw strength from her.

Miles stands on Indie’s other side, though he’s careful not to get too close, as Marcus comes to stand beside me. Leo remains with the car, as the four of us make our way up the steps towards my father.

Caleb Santoro has always been a scary-looking man, and has no problem letting everyone know how powerful and ruthless he is, regardless of your connection to him.

If my father’s domineering, dangerous presence affects Marcus or Miles, they don’t let on, but I can feel Indie trembling beside me.

I lean in close to her, so only she can hear as I whisper in her ear. “You have nothing to be afraid of. I promise, I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

She turns just enough to whisper back to me. “I don’t want him to hurt you, either.”

I give her a small smile, or at least I try, but won’t make her a promise I’m uncertain I can keep. It wouldn’t be the first time my father used violence on me, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I just hope it doesn’t come to that.

Once we’re standing on the threshold in front of him, I step forward ahead of the others, playing the role I was taught from an early age. I plaster a fake smile on my face and use my forced, cheerful voice. “Father, thank you so much for inviting us over. It’s a pleasure to see you, as always.”

I’m sure I hear Marcus snort beside me, but he’s quick to cover it with a cough. My father glances over at him, before dismissing him and turning back to me.

“Yes, thank you for coming. Please, come in, we’re going to my office.”

He stretches his arm wide, gesturing for us to go inside. I lead the way, following the familiar hallways of my childhood home, down the corridor we were rarely allowed in as kids.

Once we reach my father’s office, I stop beside the door, waiting for him to unlock it and go in first.

Father takes the seat behind his large desk, and I motion for Marcus and Indie to take the two chairs opposite. I walk to the side of the room and pull over the extra chair we keep there, sliding it so I can sit beside Indie.

I don’t even bother offering Miles a seat, knowing he’d much prefer to stand. I’m not surprised when I feel him hovering behind Indie, close enough to protect the three of us.