Page 82 of Risky Obsession

“Because I couldn’t understandwhyshe doesn’t trust you when I . . .” She seemed to inflate in the passenger seat.

“What?” I’d lost the fight in my tone.

“It’s stupid because I barely know you, but I feel like you’re one of the most honest people I’ve met.”

I let out a slow breath. “Why do I feel like it hurt you to say that?”

She turned her gaze out the window and the hand on her leg curled into a fist.

“You can talk to me. I know someone hurt you, and?—”

“You don’t know anything.” Her voice wobbled.

“So tell me. We need to trust each other.”

“I do trust you, you dumbhead.”

“Dumbhead?” I chuckled.

“Yeah. Dumbhead. And why do you have to be so nice?” She wiped her cheek.

Shit. She’s crying.

“Do you want me to pull over? I can give you a hug.”

“Oh my god. Will you just . . . just give me a minute.”

I would give her an hour. Hell, I was prepared to give her whatever time she needed. The barrier she had created around her was so strong, I didn’t expect to break through it with one discussion. And revealing to her my ugly truth could have gone either way.

Her turmoil gave me the impression that it had gone the right way, though.

The sun broke through a patch of dark clouds. Maybe it was a sign that I may have pierced some of Tory’s resolve.

At the top of a rise, a sprawling stone fence lined the right-hand side of the road. Beyond the fence, past a field of pristine lawn, was a magnificent-looking villa nestled amongst centuries-old trees. Large pillars marked the entrance, and above the arch was a sign naming the property, Villa Rosenheim, and an additional sign,Zimmer frei Exklusive Unterkunft.

I slammed on the brakes.

“Jesus!” Tory braced her hand on the dashboard. “What are you doing?”

“Looks like they have a vacancy.” As I turned into the lavish entrance, towering oak trees flanked the driveway, creating a green canopy overhead. Around a bend in the driveway, the true grandeur of the villa came into full view. The sprawling, three-story structure was constructed of weathered gray stone, with intricate arched windows and ornate, carved details adorning the facade.

“Kane, this is too expensive.”

“Let me worry about that.”

“No, I’m serious. I’m happy to stay in the car if we have to.”

“Do you plan to get dressed into your ball gown in the car, too?”

She groaned.

“Will you stop worrying about money?”

“Normal people worry about money.”

“Yeah, well, as you pointed out, I’m not normal.”

“I never said that.”