Page 56 of Hidden Obsession

Cleo didn’t know what to say, but her heart settled, warming her entire chest with the same certainty she saw in his eyes. “I promise I don’t have any other bad guys hidden in my closet.”

A smile tugged at her lips. “And I don’t have any other spurned lovers. That I know of, at least.”

“Good.” Cleo leaned in to kiss him when someone coughed behind the closed door.

“Hey! Caitlin called and your grandmother used her phone. We’re the closest to her current location. We need to move, now.”

* * *

When she sawher nana sitting on a bench under a palm tree, seemingly admiring the vast ocean before her, Cleo almost fell to her knees. Surrounded by Mason, Malco, and Shane, she took a deep breath to steady herself and quietly asked them all to stay back.

At this time of day, the beach was starting to fill with people, kids laughing and running around as their parents wobbled toward the water like pack mules.

Cleo didn’t say a word when she sat beside her nana, and grandmother smiled. “It seems I got lost, my dear child. Thank you for finding me. I tried to call, but I think I left your phone number on the kitchen counter.”

“Nana… why did you leave like that? You gave me the scare of my life! On that note, I’m guessing you were going after Spears. I was beside myself thinking you could be standing in front of that psycho right now.”

There was no apology on her grandmother’s face when she turned to look at her. Instead, she saw a blazing intensity in her normally warm gaze. “No need to guess, that’s exactly what I intended to do. My goal this morning was to find and confront him. I wanted him to know how his actions uprooted my life, destroyed my family, and hurt you, my precious girl. I wanted him to understand the consequences of his actions. I’ve been wanting to do exactly that for so long.” She sighed. “I just miscalculated how big Miami was.”

As she talked, her voice started trembling, and tears shimmered, toning down the fire. Cleo instinctively took her hand in hers and scooted closer to put her chin on her shoulder. For the first time, Cleo understood how Spears’ actions hadn’t only hurt her, but also destroyed her family. Lost in her own suffering and fear, she had forgotten to look out for her grandmother. “I’m sorry for your loss, Nana. I wish I could make all this disappear. I wish I hadn’t brought you into my mess.”

Mrs. Darwin shook her head and turned to look deep into her granddaughter’s eyes. “Cleo, my darling. We’re not responsible for the actions of others. I had nothing to do with my son and your mother being drawn into this evil man’s clutches and choosing to stay there. Our only role is to survive and fight. That’s why I wanted to find Spears. You’re my blood. Of course, I want to protect you. And I guess you want the same for me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent me that good looking cowboy back in Mesa or the handsome Malco to protect me.”

Lightness slowly returned to Cleo’s heart as her grandmother continued talking. “And I’m not a fool. I doubt Spears would see the light, and even if he is arrested, my family will never be the same. I pray for my son every day, but I’m under no illusions. This confrontation was mostly for me. A way to let out all the pain and fear that’s accumulated over the years.”

Cleo nodded, understanding perfectly. “I wish I could do that too. Unfortunately, I doubt Spears will ever see the light. He’s dangerous. Please don’t try to find him. I couldn’t bear it if he hurt you. I can’t lose you, Nana. You’re the only family I have.”

As she had so many times, her grandmother gathered her in her arms, her familiar warmth and calming perfume surrounded Cleo. “You’re my blood, child. I would do anything for you. And you’re creating a family of your own. From the way your man looks at you, cares about you, he has the same ideas as you. I’m happy for you, my baby girl.”

Cleo’s heart somersaulted at the thought of building a future with Mason. It was both frightening and exciting, full of possibilities. They sat together on the bench, in a tight hug, as the world bustled around them. Cleo remained there for a long time, cherishing what she had, but knowing it wasn’t yet over. “Nana? Until the team makes sure Spears is no longer a threat, please stay with Malco or whoever else is in charge of your protection. No more escaping, okay?”

With a kiss, her grandmother laughed softly. “I promise. And with those gorgeous men you’re sending to look after me, why would I want to leave? I should probably cook another meal for dear Malco, so he forgives me.”

They both giggled and hugged some more. “Speaking of which, I like it here, with the sea and the palm trees. Do you think you would mind if I found a little place of my own nearby? Would your young man mind?”

Right then, her grandmother answered her silent prayer. Cleo knew she couldn’t move back to Mesa, not with Mason, the Agency, and her job. Her only reply was her arms tightening around her.

Enjoying this connection a little longer, Cleo knew she had to get back to reality in the next few minutes. The world would start spinning again, and she had her family to protect. Deep down in her soul, she knew for that to happen, Spears had to be taken down so she could start the next chapter of her life with Mason.