Page 43 of My Treasured Obsession

“Swear to us that you’ll tell your parents what really happened between you two,” Anna beseeched, pulling her long blond waves into a messy bun on top of her head. “Let your dad look into Franco to see if he has any connections to this ordeal.”

“Please, Gabriela,” Layla supplicated. “Don’t rule him out until you know for sure.”

There were over four million people in the city and it could be anyone. However, if we were to narrow down the search, Franco was a good place to start.

With a resigned exhale, I concurred, “Fine. I’ll tell them.”

The sooner we resolved this intruder situation, the better.

Because what if there was a next time and the damage was more than just hateful words scrawled across my wall?

CHAPTER 11

Crushing On You

Gabriela

Adull ache yanked at my muscles as I shuttled home from Vesta University, transported in my guard’s car like a prized possession being couriered from one destination to another. After a long day of classes and a late afternoon meeting with my WIB team to ensure everything was set for our upcoming event, all I wanted was rest from my exhaustive day, from the paranoia that followed me around like a shadow, and from the bickering happening downstairs between my parents on the phone, which I steadfastly chose to flout.

The first thing on my to-do list was giving my Luna some kisses before hopping in the shower. I let the hot water rule my stiff body into relaxation and did some breathing exercises while inhaling my eucalyptus essential oil.

When I finished scarfing down a plate of Mamma’s pasta after my shower, I got an impromptu text from Hunter.

We hadn’t spoken since I rudely dashed out of the classroom Monday afternoon and though I wasn’t avoiding him, I’d felt a slight noose tightening around my throat the longer we went without communicating. Not only because we had an assignment due next Monday that we needed to get started on ASAP, but because…I missed him.

It was the first time I felt too much in my head, unable to start a conversation with someone. There was something aboutHunter that twisted my insides into knots. I’d never experienced anything like this with another individual.

When I read his text, a smile à la cat who ate the canary style blossomed over my face.

I bought a ticket to your mixer. —Hunter

I replied quickly.

Are you serious? —Gabby

You asked me to come. —Hunter

Are you reneging now? —Hunter

Don’t say yes, sweetheart. You’ll break my heart. —Hunter

Filled with surmounting giddiness, I fell back on my bed, resisting the urge to kick my feet with a squeal as I texted him back.

Wouldn’t dream of breaking your heart, pretty boy. —Gabby

I’m happy you bought a ticket. I can’t wait to see you—Gabby

Do you promise to hang with me so I don’t get lonely hiding in the corner? —Hunter

Yes, I promise. —Gabby

Good girl. —Hunter

I promise I won’t drink beer either. —Hunter

I almost dropped my phone on my face.

Oh my God. I couldn’t believe he’d actually said that to me.