An Act of Obsession (Acts of Honor Book 3) by K.C. Lynn Page B

you need anything before I go? Do you sleep with a light on or anything?”
    He stiffens, offended by the question. “What do I look like to you? A sissy? No, I don’t need no damn light on.”
    I chuckle. “Just checking, kid. I’ll see you in the morning.”
    Shutting off the light, I begin to close the door when he calls out to me. “Hey, Kolan?”
    I swing it back open, surprised he used my name. “Yeah?”
    “Thanks…for everything. Especially for taking care of my mom,” he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.
    “No problem.”
    I leave the door open a crack before heading into my room. Stripping my clothes off, I climb in the shower, hoping the hot water will loosen the tightness in my muscles. Seeing how scared Benny was when he came running into the gym tonight reminded me so much of myself, even if my circumstances were different. His fear and helplessness is something I used to know well, especially when it came to worrying about my sister. Which is why I’ll make sure to do whatever I need to for him, because no ten-year-old should have to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.

CHAPTER TEN
    Sophie
    I t’s been two days since I’ve seen or spoken to Kolan. Two days that feel like weeks. I’ve gotten so used to his company that being without him these past couple of days have been lonelier than usual. Actually, it’s been absolute torture.
    I don’t know how this happened, especially in such a short amount of time. For the last fifteen months I’ve been doing okay on my own. Not great but okay. I had accepted that this was my life. But now…not so much. At least when it comes to Kolan. When I’m not around him, I miss him and am constantly thinking about him. Maybe being alone for so long has finally taken its toll. Whatever it is, it’s not good, especially for my wounded heart.
    The thought of going another day without seeing him was too much to bear, so I decided to stop by the gym on my way home from work. Hopefully, if I check in to see how he and Benny are doing, I’ll feel better about going home and being alone tonight. It’s doubtful but worth a try.
    The moment I arrive at the gym, my heart rate kicks up, both in excitement and nerves.
    You got this, Sophie. Just play it cool. In and out.
    Feeling a little more confident, I straighten my shoulders and reach for the door, only to have it swing open at the same time and nail me in the head. A painful gasp escapes me as I stumble back and cover my face.
    “Oh shit, Lia, are you okay?” Kolan’s next to me in an instant. He pulls me against him, cradling my head to his chest. “Fuck, I’m so sorry.”
    Seriously, did it have to be him?
    Humiliation outweighs the pain, making me wish I could go back in time and change the last sixty seconds.
    “Way to go, Einstein,” Benny cuts in. “You’re supposed to make women fall for you, not have them drop to the ground in agony.”
    I laugh but it quickly turns into a groan when pain radiates through my head.
    “Benny, now is not the time,” Kolan growls. “Lia, baby, look at me. Let me see.” Framing my face between his large hands, he forces my gaze to his.
    The moment our eyes lock, my heart misses a beat.
    “How do you always do that to me?” I whisper, speaking my thoughts without meaning to.
    His eyes darken further with guilt. “Jesus, I’m so sorry. I was looking behind me when I pushed it open.”
    “No, it’s fine. I’m okay,” I assure him.
    He doesn’t believe me and begins probing at my forehead where it’s sore, asking me questions. I answer them all to appease him but even then he doesn’t seem convinced.
    “Trust me. I’m fine. Well, maybe not my pride, but physically, I’m okay.”
    “If I were you, I would kiss it better just to make sure,” Benny adds, putting in his two cents.
    Kolan glares over at him only to receive a cheeky grin.
    “Hi, Benny,” I greet him with a smile.
    “Hey, Lia.”
    Kolan brings my attention back to him, his