Lethal Obsession

Breathless

**Monday**

I look ahead into the distance as I feel the reassuring touch of Kale's hand on top of mine. His calloused fingers slowly intertwine with mine.

"Almost there." He tells me this as if trying to convince me I am out of danger's harm. It helps and I feel a small sense of relief. I must admit, most of my alleviation is due to Kale being here with me. I was in such a rush to get away, the few hour drive almost felt like days.

Beck kinks her neck. "Finally!"

We pull down a long stretch of paved road with pine trees in every direction. As we enter the circular driveway, the desolate cabin is still the same as I remember it years ago when I would visit with Kale, Beck and their parents. When we walk in, I notice that the Walker's took no expense in renovating and updating it.

Kale places my bags down in the entryway and notices me staring out of the set of large bay windows in the living room that oversee the dark, endless forest. He see's that I'm lost in thought and notices my apprehension. He comes up behind me, places his hands on my shoulders and whispers into my ear, "Don't worry. Let's get you settled in."

I follow him upstairs into one of the vacant rooms and sit on the queen sized bed. "Thank you for bringing me here."

He places my bags down and sits next to me on the bed. "You are going to get through this and I will be here every step of the way." He gives me a small kiss on the forehead then gets up. "You haven't eaten all day. I'm going to go pick up some take out in town for us since it's pretty late."

I grab his arm and try to hold him back. "Can I go with you? I'm just not ready to tell Beck yet and I can avoid an awkward situation if I come with."

He smiles at me and nods. "No worries. I understand."

Beck decides she wants pizza and it doesn't really matter either way to me since I have no appetite. She asks to stay back to start stocking the pantry and refrigerator while we are gone.

Kale and I start making the twenty minute drive back down to town. I lay my head on the passenger window trying to see anything I can due to the lack of light. It scares me not being able to see into the brush as we pass and I have a bad feeling as we descend down the mountain. I know Nate isn't around but the unsettling pain and fear I feel inside won't vanish. I really don't know what he is capable of at this point considering I didn't think he would do the damage he already has in the short amount of time I let him into my world. I feel so idiotic jumping head first into whatever he and I had as fast as I did. He filled the void I had for so long, it was comforting that he was there for me. Our relationship definitely wasn't based on love, at least on my end. It was purely lust, it had to be. I fell for his trap and then he hurt me, mentally and physically. I can't believe I let myself endure that because I thought I was stronger than I really am. I guess my needs and wants overpowered my strength for resistance.

We pull into the small, isolated pizza parlor. Kale goes up to the counter to order while I take a seat at a booth. I continue to glance over my shoulder at any little noise I hear. I notice a few customers keep staring at the fresh bruises on my arms.

Kale comes back and sits next to me and wraps his arm around my shoulder. He notices how uncomfortable I am and looks in the direction I keep focusing on. He catches some dirty looks but holds the evil glares he is on the receiving end of. "Problem?" After Kale asks them, the customers immediately stop gawking at my marks and continue to mind their own business as they were doing prior to our arrival. He sighs and watches the door as our booth remains silent. 

Our order is ready and we leave the restaurant hand in hand. Kale opens my door to enter the truck. Before I can buckle myself into the passenger seat, he gently pulls me into the middle in the spot next to him. I appreciate his sentiment of trying to make me feel like I'm not alone in all of this. The warmth of his body next to mine gives me a sense of security during this difficult time. His phone vibrates in his pocket and I immediately jump. I worry it could be Nate, knowing he has my phone and access to all of my contacts.