The Heartthrob's Dark Obsession Part 2

Chapter 29

Chapter 29:

Steve was going to get himself killed. Nori watched in horror as Theo stood up, reaching for the gun in his waistband. She couldn't let that happen. She wasn't going to watch a man die because he had the misfortune of recognizing her and Theo.

She jumped up.

"Steve, what on Earth are you talking about?" asked Nori.

Everyone turned to her in surprise. If she could she would turn to herself in surprise. But she was now in charge of this.

Steve stammered, "Well, I...you...you look exactly like that missing girl. And...and he looks like Theo Masterson."

"Don't you think if I was here against my will that I'd be begging you for help. Jesus, you can't go accusing people of stuff like that."

"But, you look exactly like her!"

"They say everyone has seven people who look like them. I am well aware of my similarities to Honoria Fintan, but I can assure you that I am just me," said Nori. She couldn't believe she was saying this. But what other choice did she have. Too many people had already died trying to help her.

Theo's hand drifted away from his waist band and he wrapped his arm around Nori. "Steve, I know you're trying to do something noble, but this is just a baseless accusation."

Steve pulled his phone out. He held up a picture of Theo and Nori side by side from a year earlier when the trial was going on. 

"Look, Steve. I can see why you are saying we look similar. But honestly, I'm fine. I'm not this girl. So can we just sit down and enjoy New Years Eve. Please. The ball's going to drop soon."

Amy said in a gruff voice, "Three minutes." She picked up the Switch and started playing her game again.

"I'm sorry," said Steve. "You're right. I guess I'm just being paranoid."

He slumped his shoulders forward and pulled Imogen into his arms. "I'm sorry, babe."

"It's okay," said Imogen. "I told you that you were overreacting. Next time you should try listening to me."

"You're right." Everyone sat down waiting for the clock to tick down. No one bothered talking. How could they. There was too much tension in the air from the accusations. The very true accusations. And while Steve didn't know it, Nori had saved his life.

Finally, the countdown started and the awkward silence was broken as Theo and Imogen started counting with the TV. Nori, Amy, and Steve joined in without even thinking about it.

"Five, four, three, two, one." Theo's lips descended on Nori, with aggressive need. He couldn't get enough of her lips in that moment and she just let it happen. She had to. She couldn't let Steve think that she was anything other than a happy wife.

"Happy New Year everyone!" said Steve, his jovial mood returned. Nori pulled away from Theo, confident that she'd let him kiss her long enough. She could see the growing lust in his eyes. It made her feel dirty and wrong.

She knew that if she ever escaped that people would use this moment as evidence for Stockholm Syndrome. It was crazy to think how many decisions made from self preservation or even from a place of need mimicked love. But she wasn't in love with Theo.

She couldn't even sympathize with him. She hated him. She was so afraid of what he would do that she had to make decisions at the expense of her possible freedom. But that was the price she would have to pay to keep the blood off her hands.

"We should honestly get going," said Theo.

"Are you sure you can't stay?" asked Steve

"We've got quite the drive. But I'm sure we will see you both again especially with the baby on the way."