Deadly Obsession - Chapter 17 (Patreon)

“Charlie!” I gasp awake, my eyes flying open and I sit up immediately in bed. I don’t even have to look around. The moment I wake, Romelo is inches from my face. My heart explodes in my chest, but before I can utter a sound, he snatches me roughly around the throat.

My hands fly up immediately trying to relieve the pressure of his tight grasp, but it’s no use. My heart is in overdrive. And it’s not because he’s choking me. But he’s fucking smiling. His eyes are distant, and empty. Like he’s not really all there.

He left a few days ago for business. Luca wanted him on something urgent. I shudder at the thought of Luca. He killed his own wife’s cousin. These men aren’t men at all they’re monsters. Romelo’s grip tightens and I can feel my airway slowly being crushed.

Whatever Luca had Romelo do, made him completely psychotic. These past two days have been heaven without him around, and I didn’t realize he would be coming back in the middle of the night. I’ve only ever seen Romelo like this three times in my life. Once was the week after he killed his parent’s.

A groan escapes me, and Romelo let’s go. But he’s not done with me. He leans over my body, gazing at me with crazed eyes.

“Let’s play a game. Do you want to play?” he asks. His voice is wicked. And I shudder, reluctantly nodding my head. I know better than to tell him no. He smiles.

“Good.”

* * *

My life has done a complete 180 since Romelo and I became engaged. I have regular contact with my father, I have contact with the outside world, even if it is only with Romelo at my side. But the biggest thing is the fact that Romelo is showing me a side of him that I never knew existed. In front of cameras, he is the perfect man.

He opens doors, he pulls out chairs, he holds my hand. Sometimes, he would even smile at me with love and affection that I longed to be real. The years of abuse and torture can never be forgiven, but something within me, something deep and weak wants to love him again. Like I did all those years ago, before he found out the truth about me. When I saw him not as a monster, but my hero. The one that would always protect me.

I’ve seen Romelo smile more these past few weeks than I have in our lifetime together. Currently, we’re walking in the square, heading to brunch with my father. My return has been a phenomenal push for his campaign. He asks for us to meet him in multiple public outings, hoping for photo ops no doubt.

On the outside, my life may seem to others to be perfect. I’m reunited with my father, and about to marry the love of my life, that rescued me all those years ago. But on the inside, I’m nobody. I’m just a pawn in everyones game. Lately, I even feel that my father has forgotten that I’m his daughter. He uses me more as a campaigning tool. He never wants it to be just me and him, he always wants Romelo with us as well, and in a public place.

Romelo has an arm around my shoulder, with his chin resting atop my head as we walk together. It’s comforting. I’ve tried my hardest not to think about this wedding. Once we’re married, people will expect things of us. I haven’t bothered my entire life to concern myself with anything permanent with Romelo. But now that marriage is a part, the notion of children won’t be far behind.

Two weeks before Romelo started having sex with me, he put me on birth control. He gave me a shot in my arm, and comes home every 3 months with the same shot to give to me himself. But last week, he told me I wasn’t going to be on the shot anymore. Now, I’m going to start taking the pill. So that I can stop at any time when the time comes.

I tried my best the whole day to keep my mood neutral, but that night, I cried. I don’t want children with him. I don’t want children at all. I’m too broken to raise kids and Romelo… what kind of father would he even be?

Will he abuse me in front of our children? Or abuse our child? The reality of what’s happening is beginning to set in and I get a deep sense of dread in my gut each day.

“You’re upset.” Romelo’s soothing voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I look up at him, but his eyes are focused ahead. He knows me so well. I don’t have to say anything for him to know.

“Why?” he asks.

I look down now, not knowing how to answer. Romelo slowly steers us towards a fountain. I gaze at its beauty. It’s magnificent with a large stream of water spewing out of the top. I look around, and so many people are walking by without so much as a second glance. These people that have so much freedom daily, take advantage of the plain beauty in front of them.

We take a seat on the edge of the fountain, the warm sun beaming down on us. Romelo pulls my hand in his, and gazes at it, before rubbing his thumb softly over my knuckles.

“Talk to me, Charlie,” he says. I swallow, my mouth suddenly growing dry. His voice is gentle. I actually believe that he wants me to. I open my mouth and close it again, fear creeping up my spine. Romelo senses my mood, and his clear blue gaze meets mine.

“Talk to me, Charlie.”

“I... I’m just unsure of this wedding.” His eyes narrow slightly, and I grow afraid again.

Elise’s words the other night flash into my head. I always knew that Romelo was crazy, but Luca killed Elise’s cousin. Her blood. That is the family I am marrying into. Romelo can’t keep me a secret anymore. So I will be expected to attend things with him, I will be expected to live in the public eye with him.

“In case you haven’t realized it yet, Charlie. You don’t really have a say.” Romelo’s watching me with a small smirk on his face. I look down, not wanting him to see my face.

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I can’t have reservations about it,” I murmur. Romelo’s grasp tightens around mine and I flinch, realizing my mistake.

“Reservations? That’s such a big word, Charlie,” he says placing a soft kiss on my knuckles.

“Tell me why you have...reservations,” He murmurs. I keep my mouth closed, not wanting to make him angry.

“Charlie,” he snaps.

“I...”

“Let me explain something to you, Charlie. Your life has been mine from the moment you decided to lie to me about your true identity. The moment that I murdered my parents, and took you in, your life has been mine. You think that you can just leave me and go be happy with your father? I am the only person in this world that cares for you. I am all you know,” he growls at me.

I stare at him wide eyed, even though I’m in shock of what he said, I know deep down that he’s telling the truth. He leans in closer to me, placing a soft kiss on my cheek. To the public eye we look like a couple in love. If only they could hear the bone chilling words he whispers in my ear.

“You are mine, Charlie. You need me more than you need your next breath. Isn’t that right?” His voice vibrates in my ear. My body shudders.

“Yes,” I whisper. He chuckles in my ear, placing a soft kiss against it.

“I can’t wait to get you home tonight,” he says tucking a stray curl behind my ear. I drop my head as a crushing sadness overwhelms me.

“I just don’t understand why you do the things you do to me,” I whisper.

“Because. I love your screams.”

* * * *

“Charlie. You’re not touching your food.” I look up at my father who is looking at me in concern. When I look to Romelo he’s eyeing me as well feigning concern. But I can see the threat in his gaze. If I do anything to give off who he really is, there will be consequences to pay. And not just my own.

“I’m just not feeling well,” I murmur, looking back down. And I’m not. The warm soup in front of me doesn’t look appetizing in the least.

“Are you sick sweetheart?” I tense when Romelo places his hands gently on my back, rubbing it soothingly. It’s so crazy how well he can act like the perfect gentleman in front of my father. But I know within hours these same hands will be the very cause of my pain.

“I think so,” I say. Anything to get me out of this place. Away from everyone. Romelo looks to my father.

“I can take her home. She’s probably overwhelmed,” he says. My father nods his head, motioning for the waiter. I try and keep the tears from my eyes, but I don’t want to go home. I don’t want to leave the public eye where I know I’ll be safe.

“Cha-” I jump up from the table before my first tear can fall and take off towards the exit of the restaurant. I ignore the sound of my name being called. I just need to get away. And fast. I’m sick of all the press, and my father, and most of all, Romelo and his sadistic ways. I don’t deserve any of it. I have no idea where I’m going, hell I don’t even know where I could possible be, but I keep running. I keep on and keep on until my legs grow weak.

My mouth is dry, and my stomach is cramping from the exertion. I’ve only ever run like that when Romelo makes me run for my life. I look around me in confusion. I have no idea where I am, and I have no idea where I am going. There are people everywhere, going about their daily lives. Or should I say nightly now. I make my way over to a bench, scanning my surroundings, making sure Romelo isn’t anywhere near me.

As I look around, I take note of the couple walking by me. The woman is smiling, talking about something, and her date is staring at her while she speaks with all the love and adoration in the world. I feel my heart breaking at the sight. That’s what I want. Love. Something that I will never have. I know that for a fact.

I don’t know how long I sit here, looking at people around me as they pass on by. But I do take note that the crowd is slowly thinning. There are less and less people commuting around me. I should feel worry, because I don’t know where I am, or how to get home, but I don’t feel anything. I feel like I’ve felt most of my life. Numb. Romelo did this to me. He made me feel numb. And I hate it.

“Excuse me, Ms. Are you ok?” I look up at the sound of a voice. It’s a man. He’s handsome. With blonde hair and warm brown eyes. He’s looking at me with genuine concern.

“I-I’m fine.” I manage. He gives me a questioning gaze.

“You don’t look fine to me,” he says. I let out a biter laugh, looking around the area that I’m in.

“I’m fine, really,” I say. He hesitates in front of me for a moment, looking around.

“Do you need a ride maybe? Or I can call you a cab?” he asks. I look at him in confusion. A cab? I don’t even know what that is. But I just feign knowing, and look him in the eyes.

“I said I’m fine,” I say with determination. I stand up, not waiting for his response, and leave the area that I’m in. I don’t know where I’m going, so I just follow the direction of the sun. It’s nice to be on my own. To pretend I have the same business as everyone else in this world.

I continue my trek for I don’t know how long. The sun slowly disappears, as does the light of day, turning day into night. It’s not until I hear the deep rumble of thunder that I start to feel despair. The world around me all fall into unison, pulling out umbrellas as the first drops cascade from the sky. But I walk in the rain, not knowing my destination. It’s a bitter twist on things. I’m far away, I’m somewhat free, yet I need Romelo. I don’t know how to live without him. I depend on him like I depend on my next breath. He’s right. He’s always right.

The rain is coming down hard and fast, the water drenching me and causing my clothes to cling to my skin. I’m beginning to shake from the cold that is seeping into my bones.

And it all clicks into perspective for me when I reach the curb, and a black SUV is waiting. I don’t have to have X-Ray vision to know who’s in the car. The door slowly opens, and Romelo’s cold eyes are locked on me. He doesn’t speak. Doesn’t make a sound or a move that indicates his current emotional state. And that frightens me all the more. His face is blank of any emotion. He stands on the outside of the car, with an umbrella as he waits for me to approach.

He holds out his hand to me as I near him. I reach out, placing my hand in his and he closes his hand around mine. The warmth from his body immediately seeps into my own. And I strangely feel at home. He pulls me into the car, not uttering a word, as we pull off and back to my prison that I call home.

Romelo lets me lay on his chest. I can hear his heartbeat. It’s strangely comforting. He’s rubbing my soaked hair, focusing ahead.

“Did you enjoy your little adventure?” His voice fills the silent car. I don’t look up. Don’t move.

“No,” I murmur. It was just a horrible reminder of the life I will never have. And the life that depends on the man that makes it a living hell. He laughs softly above me, placing a soft kiss on my head.

“You made quite the scene on your way out. You know I can’t let you get away with that.” His tone is cold and empty. I feel tears welling up in my vision, and spill over. I let in a shaky breath. Romelo trails his fingers along my cheek.

“I don’t know if it’s the change of lifestyle, but you seem to have a notion in your head that things between us will be different,” he says. I sense the underlying danger in his tone. He’s angry. Furious. His finger pinches my chin, and he forces my gaze to meet his. Even in the dim interior of the car, I can see those cold blue eyes. So fucking cold.

He leans down, pressing a soft kiss on my lips.

“Maybe you just need a reminder,” he says.

We reach the house in record time, and as Romelo leads me through the living room and past the dining room, I feel myself shaking in fear. He’s leading me to his playroom. The one place on Earth I fear more than his bedroom. He keeps a firm grip on my hand as he pulls me along.

“Please, Romelo... I’m sorry... I won’t do it again,” I sob out.

He chuckles in front of me, typing in the code to the room. My feet stop moving, planting me firmly to the ground. He immediately senses my hesitation, and turns on me, yanking me roughly by the arm, forcing me to fall into his chest. His eyes are terrifying.

“See. This right here is what I’m talking about. This disobedience. It’s something I will not tolerate, Charlie,” he growls.

I sob, nodding my head, trying to deter his mood. But I know deep down in my heart it won’t work. I know that Romelo and I will never have anything considered normal, because Romelo is a monster. And nothing in the world can change that.

Romelo leads me over to the metal table, and I keep my gaze down, knowing that begging will only anger him further. He stands over me, and reaches for my clothing. His fingers slowly unzip my dress before he pushes it off my shoulders, the fabric hitting the floor. He rubs his thumb lightly over my shoulder, and places a gentle kiss there. I keep my gaze trained down, not wanting to see the deranged look in his eyes. He pushes my hair over my shoulder, pulling me to the table where he lays me down.

Tears are falling hard and fast down my face, but I still keep my gaze trained on something else.

“You’re avoiding my gaze,” he says in the silence. He reaches around me, locking my arms and legs in place, preventing me from moving.

“Are you afraid, Charlie?” He asks. I tilt my head, looking at his face, and sure enough I see the monster lurking there.

“I’m always afraid,” I whisper. A light smile pulls at his lips. He leans over my body, pushing my hair out of my face. His eyes sweep over my face, lingering on my lips.

“Good.”