Page 128 of Abundance of Obsession

Thank you, God.

Chapter 32

Zoe

Mixed feelings flood through me as we drive to the location.

My hands tremble as I press them between my thighs and the car seat. Eli shouldn’t see them shaking. Controlling my racing heart and breath seems hard enough.

This is my first time leaving the apartment since I returned from the yacht, aside from that one time we went to the clinic for a check-up. For me, it’s a big deal. A huge one.

I was almost certain that the moment I stepped outside the apartment, I would panic. The first step, then the second… But nothing happened. It’s safe. Turns out I’m stronger than my worries suggest. Fear has a nasty habit of rearing its head the moment you show even a shred of courage.

Eli’s hand drops onto my knee. Does he understand what I’m going through? My focus shifts to that spot, to the warmth of his hand. And my heart slows down, my breathing steadies.

I gaze at him as he drives. He’s concentrated, face impassive. If he knows what that touch does for me, he doesn’t let on.

Eli is with me all the time. He’s here despite everything and against all logic. Calmness and renewed strength rush through me.

“You’re my rock, a support I never expected. Thank you. I haven’t said it yet, but I’m saying it now. For everything you’ve done for me. Your presence is helping me heal my deepest wound.”

Eli gives me a quick glance. “You don’t have to thank me. God knows I doubted myself every day, wondering if what I was doing helped. But Raven, to be clear, my loyalty lies deeply with you. You’re the priority of my life. And I realize we’re not only creating something beautiful together but also something strong.”

I love you, Eli Montgomery.

Pulling my hand from under my thigh, I place it on his and intertwine our fingers. This simple gesture speaks louder than a thousand words.

Soon, we reach an abandoned warehouse. At least, that’s what it looks like.

Even in the dark, Eli guides me with ease through the grounds, then through the warehouse itself, to the basement.

I can easily ignore the dirty, cobweb-filled corridors, the musty air with its strange odor, and the dampness settling on my face. All my attention is on the hand guiding me.

We step down from the last stair, and Eli stops.

“Are you sure you’re ready? If not, that’s fine. We can turn back; we don’t have to do this,” he says, looking deep into my eyes.

His need to make sure I’m okay makes me fall in love with him a little bit more. How is that even possible?

The last hint of hesitation vanishes from my thoughts. “I’m ready.”

Eli opens the door for me, and we cross the threshold side by side. Two steps farther in, I stop.

Chains stretch Damien’s arms upward and pulls them to the ceiling. His head hangs limply, bloodied with many cuts. Two of his fingers have been severed. The open knee fracture and twisted foot are definitely Theo’s handiwork. From what I’ve heard, he has a healthy—or unhealthy—penchant for breaking bones. And judging by the missing body parts and stab wounds, Ryker was also artistically inclined.

Boxer shorts are the only thing he’s wearing. He’s dirty, cut up, and bruised in more than a few places. I can smell him from a distance. He’s more like a homeless person than the Damien I remember.

It’s a beautiful disaster, revealing the darkest sides of humanity.

“What’s been going on here all this time?” I whisper to Eli.

“As far as I’m aware, he was a feeding ground for my brothers’ demons. They could do whatever they wanted to him as long as they kept him alive. He didn’t say a word about Veirix or Aisling. They tortured him, starved him, reduced his humanity to an absolute minimum.”

“You didn’t want to be here with them? Didn’t you want revenge?” I ask, growing more and more curious.

Eli’s eyes bore into mine as he answers. “Of course I wanted revenge. But you’re more important.”

Being with me was more important than revenge… That’s what he’s trying to tell me. I see it clearly.