Page 46 of My Treasured Obsession

“I brought you donuts, by the way,” Hunter informed as soon as he slipped into the driver’s seat and turned on the ignition, the Jaguar humming to life underneath us. “Chocolate-dipped. Your favourites.”

My face fell, guilt pelting me. “But I didn’t get you anything.”

He placed the familiar pink box from Le Petit Moulin in my lap. “Your company is gift enough, sweetheart.”

Oh, I was really swooning now.

“Though maybe you can save one donut for me.” His eyes twinkled as he slid on his seatbelt.

I pursed my lips jestingly. “Maybe I’ll save two for you.”

Hunter released a low, husky chuckle. “Deal.”

This week alone, I’d eaten more donuts than I had in the last season, but I’d never complain, considering the thoughtfulness behind his gesture.

Franco rarely got me anything that didn’t require begging. In fact, he used to go so far as making fun of the fact that I had a sweet tooth—claiming that it was childish—since he preferred savoury treats like a grown-up. Fucking prick.

Meanwhile, here was Hunter, indulging me without me having to ask him.

One boy from my past made me feel like ‘too much’ and one man from my present made me feel like it was an honour to be in my presence.

As Hunter drove us to our destination, I couldn’t stop staring at his profile.

Two realizations sank in.

Firstly, against my better judgement, I’d developed a crush on this man.

Secondly, despite my current circumstances,thiswas the most at peace I’d ever felt in my life.

CHAPTER 12

Perfect Just The Way You Are

Gabriela

Hunter chose a beautiful location for our walk, near a popular canal in the city with a vantage view of the Basilica, which was nestled at a high altitude amongst the darkened sky like a beacon.

Gothic revival architecture surrounded us and the cobblestone path we walked on bore vintage street lamps, food vendors, and buskers. A group of opera singers belted out a haunting rendition of “Caro Mio Ben” that had us doing a double take to watch the performance. Luna’s head peeked out of the tote carrier, mesmerized by the magnificent melody.

A peaceful moment of silence befell us as we strolled and ate our donuts, observing the city’s arresting landscape. Hunter stopped at a stall to grab us caramel apple teas, taking a minute to converse with the jolly old fellow making our drinks. You could tell a lot about a person by the way they treated those in customer serving roles and I really liked how nice Hunter was with everyone he encountered.

I hadn’t realized they still made men like him. Kind. Sweet. Gentlemanly. It felt like they were scarce, or perhaps it was just my bad luck that I had the tendency to encounter the Lord’s most diabolical creatures.

“What’s got you smiling?” Hunter asked, handing me my tea after giving one to Oscar, who thanked him before retreating back a few paces to give us privacy.

That every man I’ve met before you has probably been a gremlin.

“Nothing.” Still smiling, I mouthed, “Thank you,”since I wasn’t allowed to say it aloud, courtesy of his silly rule.

He playfully narrowed his eyes at me in a scolding manner and mouthed back, “You’re welcome.”

We continued walking. “I’m glad you asked me out tonight. I really needed to get some fresh air after the day I’ve had.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

I shrugged. “Academically, everything is fine. Personally? This whole”—I shot a glance over my shoulder to reassure myself that Oscar was still there—“paranoiastemming from the break-in is really doing me in.”

“I get it,” he sympathized and tried to give me an encouraging look. “I hope they find the culprit soon and deal with them accordingly.” Then he frowned. “Please tell me you’re carrying protection when you step out of the house.”