Page 73 of Shadows of Obsession

Daniel's touch had always felt possessive; his gaze was cold and controlling. He'd look at me like I was something he owned,something to be managed and monitored. Every touch came with strings attached, conditions, expectations.

Jaxon, on the other hand, seemed genuinely concerned for me. His touch offered comfort, not control. He gave me space when I needed it, pulled me close when I wanted comfort. He asked instead of taking. The difference was staggering.

I knew I needed to heal from my last relationship, knew I should probably give myself more time. But the way Jaxon made me feel was unlike anything I'd known. It was a mix of warmth and excitement, like a spark of something new and hopeful.

It made me wonder if I was ready to open my heart again, or if I should give myself more time to heal.

The words on the page blurred as my thoughts drifted. I closed the book with a sigh, setting it aside as I curled into the cushions.

I wasn't sure what to do with these feelings, or if I should even explore them. The sensible part of me said to wait, to heal completely before thinking about someone new.

But the other part, the one that felt alive when Jaxon was near, that craved his touch and his smile—whispered that maybe healing didn't have to mean being alone.Maybe I don't have to choose between healing and feeling.

One thing was certain: Jaxon had already become someone I trusted. Someone who made me feel alive in a way I hadn't in a long time. Someone who made me want to take a risk, even when everything in my past told me to run.

CHAPTER 22

Anna

I'd already finished my morning tasks, tending to the horses and getting ready for the trip into town. Standing in front of my closet, I deliberately chose a loose-fitting, long-sleeve blouse and jeans. Nothing form-fitting, nothing that would draw Jared's attention. The fabric was soft cotton, breathable enough for the summer heat but covering enough to make me feel protected. I felt as though I was putting on armor.

Now I paced the entryway, my boots clicking softly against the hardwood floor as anxiety churned in my stomach. I heard Jaxon's Jeep pull up outside, the familiar rumble of the engine cutting through the quiet morning, but I remained inside, my feet seemingly rooted to the spot.

The events of the previous day, the fire, the uncertainty, the exhaustion, had been intense enough. Now, the thought of being in close quarters with Jared filled me with an unease I couldn't shake.

The sound of boots on the deck drew my attention, and then Jaxon was pushing through the front door. He was dressed in a plain black T-shirt that stretched across his shoulders and a pair of well-fitting jeans, his keys clipped to his belt. The morning light caught in his dark hair, still slightly damp from his shower.

His steps were measured as he entered, and his expression softened when he took in my body language. I knew what he was seeing, my arms crossed tightly over my chest, my gaze darting toward the window, my lower lip caught between my teeth. I felt terrified.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" Jaxon asked, his voice low and full of concern. "I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want to."

I nodded, trying to muster some confidence, but my eyes dropped to the floor. My fingers fidgeted with each other, twisting and pulling. "It'll make you feel better if I go, right?" My voice came out barely above a whisper.

He nodded slowly.

"Then I'll go," I said.

Jaxon sighed softly, then stepped closer. His hand came up to cup my cheek where the bruise from the accident was barely visible beneath the light dusting of makeup I'd carefully applied that morning.

His thumb brushed over the tender skin, tracing the edges of the fading swelling with such careful reverence that it ignited something warm deep in my chest. The calluses on his thumb were rough against my skin, but his touch was feather-light.

I leaned into his palm, my eyes closing for a moment as I savored the warmth radiating from his hand, the faint scent of his soap, clean and masculine with hints of cedar.

"You know I'll keep you safe," he said softly, his eyes steady and full of reassurance when I opened mine to meet his gaze. "I promise."

I raised my hand, resting it lightly on his chest, feeling the solid warmth of him beneath the soft cotton of his shirt. His heartbeat was steady under my palm—strong, sure, grounding. My smile grew a little as our eyes held.

"I know," I whispered. "I trust you."

The words felt monumental leaving my lips. Trust. Such a simple word that meant everything. And I meant them.

Jaxon studied me for a long moment before nodding and stepping back. "All right," he said quietly, then turned to head outside, grabbing my keys on his way. His confidence seemed to bolster my own, and I followed him to the door.

When he opened it, he paused in the doorway, his broad frame blocking my view of the yard. His shoulders tensed.

"Get in the bed of the truck, Jared," Jaxon said, his tone tight and leaving no room for argument.

Jared muttered something under his breath that I couldn't make out, but even muffled, it carried an ugly edge. Then came the metallic clang of the tailgate dropping, followed by the scrape of a bag and the dull thud of items being loaded.