Page 34 of Hidden Obsession

Once she was back behind the desk, her legs gave out, and she fell into the chair. Her brain had trouble remaining in the present and not losing itself in memories and emotions. Would she ever be free of the past? All she wanted to do was live her life and explore what she had with Mason. Her parents were lost to her, but she wanted him to meet her grandmother.

Returning to her work, that thought lingered as she started scanning documents and filing until the team left the conference room.

Mason immediately came to her side. “I need to go see Travis. I’ll ask him for his help. He has access to a couple of databases that might give us more information on Spears’ followers.”

“How come?”

“Years ago, the government started listing possible cults within its territory. Spears and his group might be there.”

Cleo frowned. “The government knows about Spears and what he’s doing to these poor people? And they aren’t doing anything about it?”

Mason lifted his hands in appeasement. “Freedom of religion can’t be touched. So unless he does something criminal…”

“He’s controlling people, stealing their money. He tried to marry an underage girl! Me!!”

“Do you think I’d forgotten about that? That I don’t want to tear him apart for it? It’s eating at me, but the fact is, nothing was filed with the police. That’s why he’s free. You escaped, but those who remain do so willingly.”

Cleo couldn’t believe her ears. “I remember some of the names of Spears’ lieutenants. Maybe they’re still active.”

“That would help, especially if Travis can’t help us. Email them to me, and we’ll start tracking them down, it will speed up the process.” Gently, Mason cupped her cheek, making her look at him. “If I could, I would make all of this go away.”

“Will it ever go away?” Cleo felt so tired now. “If he isn’t the stalker, Spears knows where I am, and he’s not the type of man to let go of what he wants easily.”

Mason’s beautiful face turned dark and menacing. “I love you, and I’ll do everything in my power to protect you. Do you believe me, Cleo?”

She nodded, convinced he would lay his life on the line to do so. He took her into his arms and blurred her mind with the most soul-searing kiss. The warmth and strength of his body overtook her, his scent making her head spin. But it was his unique and addicting taste that she relished most and would never get enough of.

“I’m meeting with Travis in an hour for a chat about that list. Do you want to come?”

Cleo forced herself to smile and shook her head. “No. I still have some work to do, and I’m a bit tired. I wouldn’t be good company. And I don’t want to hear about cults, to be honest.”

His smile returned. “I understand. If you want to go to the apartment, I’m sure the guys would be happy to escort you.”

“Thanks. May I use your office? Normally I don’t mind the noise and people, but I want to get this stuff finished quickly so I can go home. I need peace and quiet to do that with no interruptions.”

With a peck on her lips, he winked at her. “What’s mine is yours, just don’t look at my browser history. Call me if you need anything.”

Cleo watched him disappear through the door. Once more he was her defender. The entire team was, and she was incredibly grateful for it. However, as she looked around, seeing people disappear to accomplish their tasks, diverted from their initial missions because of her, a somber realization came to her. In her mind and soul, the pressure was taking a toll on her, and there was no way she could withstand it anymore without acting upon it. Mason may have confronted Jeffrey, but she was the one who could make this entire nonsense stop.

Waving at Malco as he walked inside, Cleo locked herself in Mason’s office. After a few steadying breaths, unable to sit, she picked up her cell phone and dialed a number she had hoped to forget.

“Spears speaking.”

Only sheer will forced her voice to remain steady. “Spears, it’s Cleo Darwin.”

His voice immediately turned from business to interested. “Well, there’s a voice I’ve dreamed of hearing for a long time. Never thought coming to Miami would bring me so much closer to you. How are you, sweet and elusive, Cleo? I met a very intense man who threatened me and told me to stay away from you. But you know me better than that, don’t you?”

She knew for a fact it would take much more than threats to make him step back, and that was the reason she was calling. “I heard about your sister. I was told your mother is also living in Miami.”

“Are you inquiring about her health? What a sweetheart you are.”

“If I’d known living here meant I risked seeing you again, I would have avoided Miami like the plague.”

“Your loss is my gain. I’m impatient to rekindle our relationship.”

Nausea gripped her stomach at the thought. “We will never have a relationship, get that in that perverted brain of yours. In fact, I’m calling to tell you to back off.”

The laughter that came from the other end of the phone sent shivers down her spine. “If that stupid boyfriend of yours couldn’t convince me to stay away, you’re certainly not going to succeed.”