Black Forever (Obsidian 4)

And I knew I fucked up.

When I arrived at her office later that afternoon, she wasn’t there.

Her computer was shut down, her purse was gone, and the lights were out.

Fuck.

I immediately walked to the elevator and did my best to appear calm to my employees. I wanted to sprint to the elevator but forced myself to walk. I itched to grab my phone and call her right then and there, but that wouldn’t be smart either.

Once I was in the elevator with the doors closed, I called her.

No answer.

“Fuck.” I called her again, feeling the terror form inside my stomach. I didn’t care that she was pissed at me. Once I got my hands on her, I’d kiss her and fuck her until she forgave me.

But I was worried about her.

Anytime I wasn’t with her, she was vulnerable. Hank could make a move at any moment, possibly preparing for the instant she and I let our guards down. And if something happened to her because of my stupidity, I’d literally murder him.

I called her again, but there was no answer so I left a message.

I texted her. Just tell me you’re safe.

I stared at the phone and waited for the three dots to appear. But nothing came on the screen.

Goddammit, Rome. Just tell me if you’re home or not. The elevator hit the bottom floor, and I walked out, flustered and furious.

The three dots lit up.

Thank fucking god.

I’m home. I suggest you find somewhere else to go because you aren’t coming here.

I never thought I would be so happy to hear her sass me like that. Relief flooded through me like incoming waves from the ocean. Thank you. I’d never meant those two words so sincerely before. Knowing she was safe made up for the terror I felt in my heart.

Of course, I went home anyway. Even though she was safe inside the house, the only thing that could truly make her safe was me. I was the single barrier that nobody could cross. It didn’t matter if Hank had a knife or gun. None of that shit could get through me.

Tom dropped me off at the house, and I used my key to get inside.

“What did I say?” She sat on the couch with her legs crossed, her Kindle sitting on her lap.

“You shouldn’t have taken off like that.” My relief at her safety quickly wore off when I remembered the little number she pulled. “Something could have happened to you.”

“What?” she snapped. “Trip on the sidewalk?”

My eyes narrowed. “Don’t be a smartass right now.”

“Don’t be a jackass right now.”

I wanted to fuck her so hard. I was pissed, but my cock was at full mast at the exact same time. “Whatever happens between us, taking off on your own isn’t the solution. Hank could have done something.”

“Hank is no longer a problem, and you know it.”

“We’ll never know that until he’s fucking dead.” I walked farther into the living room, feeling my hands form into fists. My need for control was outweighing my need for logic. I was thinking emotionally, not objectively. When it came to Rome, I couldn’t see straight. “So don’t pull that stunt again. I mean it.”

“I can do whatever the hell I want, Calloway. You aren’t the boss of me.”

I’d give anything to be the boss of her. I wanted to flip her over and spank the shit out of her. Now it was all I could think about, making her cheeks rosy red and inflamed. My fists tightened until my knuckles turned white.

I knew I should apologize, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I knew exactly why I acted the way I did earlier, not that the reason justified the action. But the second she took off, she sucked away all my sympathy. “I mean it, Rome. Don’t ever do that again. You can be mad all you want, but don’t put yourself in jeopardy.”

“Don’t be a bitch-face, and I won’t take off.”

“A bitch-face?” I snapped. “What the hell is that?”

“You.” She threw her Kindle down, showing her small rampage. “Why did you make a big scene like that at work?”

“How can it be a scene if no one is around?”

“Your assistant could have heard you.”

“Who gives a shit if she did?” I threw my arm down. “It’s my building. It’s my office. And you’re my woman. I do what I want—no questions asked.”

She rolled her eyes. “Get over yourself, Calloway. You aren’t the king of the world.”

I wanted to pin her down right on the couch. “All I wanted was for you to know that you’re the most important woman in my life. If you need something, you walk in there. I don’t give a shit what I’m doing or who I’m speaking to. You’re my priority, and you always come first. Sorry if that’s so offensive, but I fucking love you, and that’s how I goddamn show it.” I barely got a glimpse of her before I turned around and stormed out of the house. I slammed the door so hard the hinges nearly broke off. I hadn’t changed out of my suit or even taken off my watch. I knew exactly where I was going, and nothing was going to stop me.