Tantalizing His Obsession

Chapter 6 The Stakes of Desire

Phoebe

Today is my last day off before starting at the Yates house. I wake up still feeling sore between my legs. I hope yoga helps relax my muscles. I take another Tylenol, make some eggs, and put on a purple sports bra and matching leggings, then my black athletic shoes. I put my hair up, making sure it’s out of my face, and grab my purple mat with flowers on it. You can probably tell my favorite color is purple; it makes my red hair pop. Some people say I look like the Little Mermaid but with bigger boobs. I make sure to grab my water bottle and my zip-up jacket that matches my workout attire so I can go out to eat with Cole later. I grab my phone and request an Uber. Gathering all my items, I head downstairs and wait a few minutes until my Uber driver arrives.

"To Dennis park, please," I tell him.

After about 15 minutes, we arrive at the park. I pay him and walk to Bria, setting my mat beside hers. "You look more refreshed," she says with a smile. I laugh. "Yeah, there’s nothing Tylenol and sleep can’t handle."

She laughs too. Just then, our instructor Vanessa starts yelling for everyone to stretch and do different moves. The park is beautiful this morning, with a light breeze rustling the leaves of the tall oak trees that line the jogging path. Birds are chirping, and a few ducks swim lazily in the pond nearby. The grass is a vibrant green, dotted with blooming flowers, and there are a few families enjoying picnics and kids playing on the swings.

After about an hour of working out, Cole shows up. Bria waves to Cole and heads home. I put on my jacket, knowing Cole might not want me walking around in just a sports bra.

"Hey, Cole," I greet him.

He smiles warmly. "Hey, Phoebe. We can go anywhere you want."

"Let’s go get pizza," I suggest. "I know the perfect Italian pizza place—Little Joe’s Pizzeria." Cole laughs. "Of course you pick that place, but I’m not eating pizza. I’ll get their Chicken Alfredo."

I grab my items and get into Cole's sleek black BMW. The interior is immaculate, with black leather seats and a faint scent of his cologne lingering in the air. He drives smoothly, navigating through the city streets with ease.

Lazarus

Matteo calls me. "Boss, she’s leaving the apartment. I followed her to the park."

I tell Matteo to head back to the apartment and send my brother Donovan, who is already near the park. A few minutes later, Donovan calls. "I look like a f*****g creep watching these women work out, but I do gotta say her friend is hot." He laughs. "Lazarus, you picked a flexible one. I bet she was fun."

I ignore Donovan's comment. "Just keep an eye on her."

Donovan, however, is relentless. "Why are you so obsessed with this girl, Lazarus? Come on, there are loads of sexy women out there."

I feel a surge of irritation. "I don't know, I just am. And I took her virginity."

Donovan starts to laugh. "I’ve taken loads of women’s virginities and you don’t see me obsessing over them."

My tone turns firm. "Donovan, stop now."

But he continues, undeterred. "If you’re this obsessed with the girl, why don’t you f*****g brand her already? Since she has no brand, she’s open to anyone. If you’re that worried about the Greeks, just brand her. Then they can’t touch her. The Order will have to protect her since she’s yours."

"I can’t do that yet. I don’t want to rush her, and who knows if she’s even the one. Just follow orders damn it, Donovan, and don’t question me."

He laughs again. "Okay, okay. Oh, f**k, Lazarus. Guess what? Cole is here, and he’s taking her somewhere. They look pretty close. Looks like you’ve got some serious competition."

I clench my jaw. How the f**k does she know Cole Hallas? Is she f*****g Cole? This is just making me pissed off.

Phoebe

We arrive at Little Joe’s Pizzeria, a cozy, family-owned restaurant with checkered tablecloths and the mouthwatering aroma of freshly baked pizza filling the air. The place exudes warmth, with its walls adorned with black-and-white photos of the owner’s family and snapshots of Italy. It’s a place that makes you feel at home the moment you step in.

Cole and I find a table near the window, where the sunlight filters through lace curtains, casting a gentle glow over our faces. The friendly waitress, wearing a vintage apron, brings us menus.

"What can I get for you two today?" she asks, her smile bright and welcoming.

"I’ll have the Chicken Alfredo," Cole says, handing back the menu.

"And I’ll have the Margherita pizza," I add.

As we wait for our food, Cole leans back in his chair, studying me with concern. "So, how are things going with you, Phoebe? Really?"

I sigh, feeling the weight of everything I’ve been through. "It’s been tough. I broke up with Jack because he was cheating on me, and now I’m about to start working full-time for the Yates family, taking care of Lazarus’ mother."

Cole raises an eyebrow. "Lazarus Yates, huh? That’s... interesting."

"Yeah, it’s a lot of pressure, but the money is too good to pass up."

He nods thoughtfully, his expression softening. "Phoebe, if you need money, I can help."

I quickly shake my head. "No, Cole. I am not taking Hallas money."

Cole looks at me, his eyes pleading. "It’s not Hallas money; it’s my money."

I cross my arms, firm in my decision. "No, Cole. Let me do this on my own."

He sighs, irritation flickering in his eyes. "Fine, but here is a credit card. I want you to use this anytime you need it. It comes from my money. Just keep it. You can use it as much or as little as you want." He hands me the card, and I try to give it back, but he grabs my hand gently. "No, Phoebe, please. Just do this one thing for me. You are my sister, and I want to help you. I love you and want to keep you safe."

I reluctantly take the card. "Fine, I’ll take it, but I am not using it."

He smiles, relief washing over his face. "Thank you. You need to come see Father. I know he would love to see you."

I laugh bitterly. "Cole, no. Last time we spoke, he made sure I knew my place, and that’s not with the family. I’m an embarrassment."

Cole’s expression turns serious. "I know Father can be an ass, but he does care for you. Its not our Father that has an issue its really my mom."

I shake my head. "No, he doesn’t care for me and I know your mom hates me. I’m a stain on their perfect record, the secret they want to keep hidden."

Cole sighs deeply. "You need to be careful around Lazarus. I really wish you would just quit your job. I would hire you."

"I’m not working for you, Cole. I still work for Angel Wings, not Lazarus directly. I’m focusing on his mother, who needs care."

"Fine," he concedes, "but be careful around him. He has a lot of connections and is involved in some dark shit."

"I know," I say, looking out the window. "I’ll be careful."

Our food arrives, and we dig in. The pizza is delicious, with the perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella. Cole’s Alfredo looks equally appetizing, and he seems to enjoy it. The atmosphere is light, filled with the chatter of other patrons and the clinking of cutlery.

After lunch, Cole drives me back to my apartment. "Thanks for lunch," I say, giving him a hug. "It was good to catch up."

"Anytime, Phoebe. Take care of yourself," he says, watching as I head up to my apartment.

Lazarus

I’m sitting at my desk, fuming. Donovan’s words echo in my mind. Branding Phoebe would make things simpler, but it’s a drastic step. I can’t just force her into this world. I need her to come willingly, to see that I can be someone she trusts.

My phone buzzes again. It’s Donovan. "Boss, she’s back at her apartment. Cole dropped her off. They seemed close, but I couldn’t hear what they talked about."

"Thanks, Donovan. Keep watching her and report any new developments."

As I hang up, I stare at Phoebe’s social media profile on my screen. How does she know Cole Hallas? And why does it matter so much to me? I can’t let my emotions cloud my judgment. I need to play this smart and keep her close. The Greeks can’t interfere if she’s already under my protection.

I lean back in my chair, gripping the edge of the desk tightly. Thoughts of Phoebe keep swirling in my mind. Her fiery red hair, her determined spirit. She’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and it’s driving me crazy. I need to find a way to make her see that I’m not her enemy. That I can be someone she can rely on.

Determined, I make a plan. I’ll start by ensuring her safety and showing her that I can be a protector. Phoebe Daniels is going to become a permanent part of my life if she likes it or not. She is mine.