Page 86 of Shadows of Obsession

Jaxon's mouth curved into a wolfish grin that sent heat pooling low in my belly. His lips trailed along the sensitive line of my jaw, his stubble scraping deliciously against my throat. When he reached my ear, his whispered growl raised a fresh wave of shivers down my spine.

"I don't care."

Of course,he wouldn't care.

I groaned, half frustrated, half enthralled by his brazen disregard for propriety. Part of me, a dangerous, growingpart, didn't care either. But the sensible part knew we needed to be cautious, at least until we figured out how to tell Connor.

I pressed a soft kiss to his scruffy cheek, breathing in his scent one more time before reluctantly pushing myself off his lap. My legs were unsteady as I stood. Though Jaxon clearly didn't want to let go, his hands steadied me at my waist, his touch lingering even after I stepped back.

He cleared his throat and rose, towering over me. The height difference had never bothered me. With Daniel, it had felt threatening, a weapon meant to intimidate. But with Jaxon, it felt... protective.

"I need to grab a couple of things from my house," he said, his voice still rough with lingering desire as he fished his keys from his pocket. The metal jingled softly in his hand. "Want to come with?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice. The flutter in my chest refused to calm, my pulse still racing from his kiss. I turned and started down the porch steps, hyperaware of the weight of his gaze following me. He was still watching me, always watching.

We drove down the narrow path in companionable silence, the rhythmic crunch of tires over gravel a soothing backdrop to my still-racing thoughts. The windows were down, the warm summer breeze rushing in and tangling my hair. I rested my arm on the doorframe, letting the wind cool my flushed skin as I gazed out at the passing trees.

The scent of pine and fresh grass filled the air, mingling with the earthy smell of sun-warmed dirt from the trail. Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy overhead, painting shifting patterns of light and shadow. The steady sway of the Jeep and the rustle of the leaves made me feel content and whole in a way I hadn't in a long time.

When we reached the cabin, Jaxon quickly stepped out and moved to my side before I could even fully open the passenger door. He took my hand, his palm warm and solid against mine, and pulled me into his chest. His lips brushed against mine in a quick kiss that still managed to make my toes curl in my boots.

Then, with a grin that was pure mischief, he lifted me off my feet. I squeaked in surprise as my legs instinctively crossed behind his hips, my arms wrapping around his neck for support. Laughter bubbled out of me at the suddenness of it, bright and carefree.

"Is this better?" he asked, one brow arched, his playful expression hinting at the privacy he clearly intended to take advantage of. "No one's around to see us."

His tone was light, teasing, as he carried me toward the stairs. His steps were slow and deliberate, and I could feel the flex of his muscles with each movement, the effortless strength in his arms as he held me like I weighed nothing.

I chuckled, my fingers sliding into the back of his hair, gently massaging his scalp the way I'd learned he liked. "Much better," I murmured against his ear, pressing a kiss to his temple.

Jaxon took his time ascending the wooden steps, savoring the moment, his hands secure beneath my thighs. When we reached the porch, he set me down gently, though his fingers lingered at my waist, reluctant to let go completely.

"Maybe—" I began, turning toward the door.

Crunch.

My foot landed on something that gave way with a sharp, crystalline sound. I frowned and looked down, lifting my boot. Scattered across the porch were fragments of glass, glittering in the afternoon sunlight like tiny diamonds. That wasn’t right.

I stepped back carefully, hearing another faint crunch beneath my heel. "What the hell..." I murmured, a sudden chill racing down my spine despite the warm air.

Jaxon moved past me toward the door, and I watched as his entire demeanor shifted. His expression hardened, his shoulders tensing, every line of his body going rigid as he saw what I was only now noticing.

The window beside the door handle was shattered, jagged shards still clinging to the frame like broken teeth. The hole was large enough for someone to slip their hand through and unlock the door from the inside.

Someone had broken in.

My heart rate spiked, adrenaline flooding my system as the reality of what I was seeing sank in. The peaceful contentment from moments ago evaporated, replaced by cold, creeping dread. Someone had been here. In Jaxon's home. His sanctuary. I wondered with mounting fear if they were still inside.

Jaxon carefully pushed the door open, the wood creaking ominously on its hinges. The sound made me flinch, my nerves already frayed. I followed close behind him, my hand resting lightly on his back, to let him know I was there, to ground both of us.

The air inside the cabin was still, yet it carried a palpable tension, as if the space itself held its breath. Everything felt wrong.

As we stepped inside, my stomach dropped.

The scene was in shambles. Furniture lay overturned, cushions ripped open with stuffing spilling out like entrails. Broken glass littered the floor, crunching beneath our boots with each step. Jaxon moved through the room with grim determination, his jaw clenched tight, each step revealing more destruction. I felt a pang of horror, wondering who would’ve done this.

It was clear the cabin had been ransacked. This tranquil retreat I'd come to associate with peace and safety had been transformed into chaos. My heart hammered against my ribs as I took it all in, the violation of this space feeling almost physical.

Jaxon didn't waste any time. He headed straight for the stairs, taking them two at a time, his muscles coiled with urgency. I followed him, my footsteps echoing softly against the wooden steps, my hand trailing along the banister for balance.