She would also probably hate how much power she held, because she was like that.
Honestly, right now I was just thankful she had accepted the notion that we all wanted to be with her. That was the hurdle I had been most worried about, but she had seemed to accept it easily, probably because she felt what was so clear and obvious to everyone else. How natural it was that the seven of us would be together. Even my cousin, who had been a bit unexpected, but honestly unsurprising.
I should have realized how much Dahlia would have affected him, especially since he and I shared so many similar personality traits. Ones that were a bit obsessively focused on the things we cared about, and in this case, the small pixie-like woman holding my hand with trust as I walked her towards the den of Ross family secrets.
“Something that will make explaining all of this far easier,” I said quietly in response. It would also probably make her realize how dangerous it was, exactly, to be involved with the Ross family. Although it was far too late to change that.
As we neared the door of my father’s office, I stopped and turned towards her, looking down at her soft, expressive features. I ran my fingers down her throat and inhaled, feeling her pulse and loving the connection it provided me to her emotions, to her thoughts and feelings, even if I couldn’t know them exactly. That wasn’t even including the overwhelming urge I had to bite down on her pulse, to mark that spot as mine. Such a fundamental part of keeping her alive, and I wanted to mark it as mine, tattoo my name on it like she had branded my heart so long ago.
“I love you,” I reminded her and seared my lips to hers in a demanding kiss. Instantly she softened against me, and I found myself pressing her up against the doorway of the office, loving the feeling of her trapped between myself and the wall. The urge to dominate Dahlia ran through me like goddamn wildfire, and I promised myself that after I explained everything, I would finally give into this fully.
I had only ever wanted Dahlia. I had thought something was wrong with me for some time because I didn’t find anyone besides Dahlia attractive, but now I knew that my obsession with her only allowed enough space in my heart and head for her.
Which was exactly why I wasn’t going to feel bad about letting loose and showing her just how much I’ve needed her, wanting her from afar for so long.
After all, she was the one who inspired this. It was only fair.
When I pulled back, I immediately opened up the door to my father’s office and led her through the dark space, ignoring the neat bookshelves and large, empty desk that faced two large, empty chairs. The entire space smelled of cigars, and I knew the smell would only grow as we entered the next room.
I came to a bookshelf along the back and pulled out a copy of a dark green book with gold lettering that spelled out our last name. Immediately, a nearly silent puff of air sounded as the air seal released, allowing the bookshelf to move back enough that we could step through and to the side, into a hallway.
Dahlia made a confused noise, but when I looked over at her, she not only seemed curious but excited, making me nearly smile. How was this woman so perfect? I take her into my father’s dark office and down a hallway on the other side of a concealed doorway, and she’s excited. Not scared, cautious, or hesitant, any of which would be acceptable… no, she was excited.
Perfection. This woman was perfect.
The hall was silent and dark as the door behind us closed. Our footsteps were loud, and when we reached another door, I pressed my hand against it, the keypad lighting up as I made a mental note to program her hand in it so that she could always reach this room if needed. It wasn’t made to be a safe room, but in the case of an emergency, it would work perfectly, and that was more than enough reason for me.
As the door opened, her eyes went wide, and I let out a small sigh of relief. Now I didn’t have a fucking choice. Now she would know, and there was something liberating about that.
When I was younger, my father hadn’t let me tell her because it was too serious for someone who wasn’t forced to deal with it, in his mind. Especially someone as sweet as Dahlia. As we had gotten older, I had made the active choice to not tell her because I didn’t want to scare her away. But now that was over.
“King…” Her voice was edged in curiosity and hesitancy.
“You wanted to know why the Ross family has enemies?” I asked softly, my lips pressed to her head as she stepped in front of me. “Thisis why.”