Obsession: Harmony Falls University, #2

By Lexi Lawton

His obsession is about to turn deadly...

When Carissa Jordan and her long-time boyfriend break up, Danny heads home to visit his injured father, and she takes full advantage of his absence by using her newfound freedom to explore her growing feelings for the sexy, rich Bradley Moore—a co-ed she'd met during a sorority party. The two agree to a trial run, and she heads to Texas with him to attend an exclusive, black-tie fundraiser. She quickly learns he's everything she's ever wanted, and she decides he's the one she wants.

Too bad for her, Danny isn't willing to let her go so easily. During her weekend away, Danny blows up her phone with increasingly threatening messages. Carissa goes to extreme lengths to ignore Danny, but he won't give up. Eventually, he finds her and kidnaps her, forcing her to talk to him about their relationship. Terrified, she tells him whatever he wants to hear, but his obsession turns dangerous, and she'll end up paying the price for not choosing him. 

Don't miss the explosive conclusion to Carissa's story!

• Language: English
• Publisher: FireChicken Press, LLC
• Release date: Jan 4, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215876275

Book preview

Chapter 1

Bradley’s nerves were fried, and he couldn’t sit still even if his life depended on it. Which was why he was currently standing outside of the plane, pacing in front of the stairs. Every few seconds, he’d glance toward the airport, hoping to see Carissa walk out the door that led to the private airfield.

And each time he didn’t see her, disappointment would crash down on him. He’d known there was a possibility she wouldn’t show up, that she’d pick Danny over him. After all, she and Danny had a history. How could Bradley compete with that? Carissa loved Danny, and she was simply attracted to Bradley. If he were her, he’d probably choose love over lust, too.

Still, the thought of her being with Danny had Bradley’s gut twisting with anger and fear. Danny wasn’t a good guy, and if pushed too far, he would hurt Carissa. Bradley was as sure of that as he was of his own name. Part of him considered calling Garrett or Cory and warning them that Carissa hadn’t shown up to go with him. Maybe they could stop her from going with Danny, or at least talk some sense into her.

He doubted that, though. Carissa was strong-willed, and he had a feeling when she made up her mind about something, there would be no changing it. Frowning, he raked his hand through his hair. Unease, dread, disappointment, heartache, and lingering hope were a deadly cocktail brewing in his veins.

He had the urge to call Carissa, to ask her where she was, to demand an explanation as to why she chose Danny, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to make that call. He’d told her she always had a choice, and she’d made hers. He had to live with that now.

Excuse me, Mr. Moore, but if we don’t take off soon, we’ll be delayed with the incoming storm. The co-pilot stood at the top of the stairs, just inside the plane.

Bradley glanced up at the sky, only now realizing the sun had vanished behind dark, angry storm clouds. That’s just perfect, he grumbled and shook his head. He turned toward the co-pilot. Five more minutes, then we’ll take off.

He averted his attention back to the airport, praying with everything he had in him that Carissa would magically appear. She didn’t. He resumed pacing, his steps hard and frustrated. His heart felt like it was dangling on the tip of a pin, wobbling and ready to fall off and shatter beyond repair.

When he’d found out Carissa was single, he’d truly believed he stood a chance, that he could finally show her that he was the right guy—the only guy—for her, but he should’ve known better. He never really had a fair shot, not when she was still in love with another man.

Thunder rumbled in the distance, the sound echoing the destruction of his heart and what little hope he had left. He had to face the facts—Carissa wasn’t coming. She’d chosen Danny. All Bradley could do now was go home, fulfill his commitment to his sister, and then regroup. He honestly had no idea if he’d return to California when this was all over. He’d wanted a fresh start, but he could get that anywhere. Coming back here would be too painful, especially if he had to see Carissa every day.

Sir? We really must go now, the co-pilot said, his tone insistent.

Bradley tossed one final look at the airport. His fate was sealed. He was headed home alone.

With a reluctant sigh, he slowly climbed the stairs, each step heavier than the last. Even though he’d had a bad feeling this would happen, he still couldn’t believe she’d chosen Danny. That guy was a total asshole, and he treated her like shit. Even if Danny was the best boyfriend in the world, how could Carissa so easily ignore and walk away from the connection she had with Bradley?

He'd never felt such an intense attraction to anyone in his life, and he guessed Carissa hadn’t, either. Maybe that’s why she chose Danny—because her true feelings for Bradley terrified her so much. Not that her reasons mattered all that much. Bradley didn’t have any intention of seeing or speaking to Carissa Jordan ever again.

By the time Carissa fought downtown traffic, found a parking spot, wrestled her luggage from the trunk, and got inside the airport, she was out of breath—and running late. Shit.

On the drive here, she’d come up with a plan, something that would let her make the choice she desperately wanted to make while also not disappointing Bradley or Danny. But now, she wasn’t sure she’d have enough time.

She stood just inside the airport, heart pounding, adrenaline thick in her veins. Glancing from one side to the other, she chewed on her bottom lip, indecision heavy in her gut. If she ran, she might be able to salvage her plan and not miss the flight that she was sure would change her life.

Quickly checking in and printing a boarding pass, she got in the security line. Thankfully, the line wasn’t crazy long, and she was through security within minutes. Filling her lungs with air, she took off on a run through the airport. Fellow travelers gave her dirty looks and shouted at her to slow down, but she ignored all of them. She was on a mission, and nothing was going to stop her.

The gate she needed wasn’t too far away, and she reached the terminal in record time. Gasping for breath, she scanned the crowd of passengers waiting to board the flight. Danny stood near the window overlooking the runway.

Carissa took several deep, calming breaths, then slowly approached. Hey, she said, gently touching his shoulder.

Danny turned, eyes wide. I honestly didn’t think you were going to show up. He smiled.

She panted and licked her dry lips. I wanted a chance to see you before you left, she said.

What? Danny gave her a strange look, his gaze darting to her suitcase, then back to her face. What do you mean? Aren’t you coming with me?

She shook her head, her heart hammering. No. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. I’m sorry, Danny, but I can’t go with you. Her voice was surprisingly steady, all things considered.

You’re not making any sense. He crossed his arms over his chest. If you’re not coming with me, then why are you here? And why do you have a packed suitcase?

We both agreed we needed to work on ourselves before we could work on us as a couple, right?

He nodded.

I don’t think going with you is a good idea. It will only complicate things between us, and I don’t want that to happen. I know you’re scared and upset about your dad. She reached for his hands and held them in hers. And I meant it when I said I was here for you. I am. All you have to do is call, and I’ll be there for you.

Danny gave her hands a gentle squeeze. Maybe this time together, away from here, away from our friends and family and school and all our other distractions will be good for us.

Tears pooled in her eyes. I don’t think so, she whispered. I’m sorry, Danny. I really am, but I’m not going. She cleared the emotion clogging her throat. I love you, and I only want the best for you, but this is something I have to do for me. She rose up on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his lips. I’ll be here when you get back. Slipping her hands from his, she grabbed her suitcase handle and took a few steps back. Call me when you land, okay? And let me know how your dad is doing.

Carissa! Danny went after her. Wait! You can’t just leave. I need you.

The pain in his voice made her hesitate. If one of her parents were in critical condition, she’d need all of her friends for support—Danny included, probably—but this was one thing she just couldn’t do for him.

Tears cascaded down her cheeks. I’m sorry, she repeated, shaking her head.

Don’t be sorry, he said, his voice turning hard. Be here for me. I need you, Carissa, and you’re just going to walk away like this? He pointed at his chest. His eyes darkened, and his jaw tensed.

Yes. Her voice wavered, but she refused to back down. Besides, she was in a packed airport, and Danny wouldn’t dare try anything here in front of all these people, so she felt relatively safe.

You’re unbelievable. He huffed. My father could die, and you’re going to go find yourself? His tone was tight with anger. I never realized you were so damn selfish.

If she’d been unsure of her choice before, she certainly wasn’t now. Danny was making this very easy for her. Despite her feelings for him, she knew not going with him was the best decision she could’ve made. Her friends had been right, and she was glad she’d taken their advice seriously.

I’m not being selfish, she said. I’m trying to do what’s best for both of us.

Whatever. He waved his hand dismissively. Thanks for nothing. He spun on his heel and stormed back toward the window. His luggage was piled on the floor, and he kicked it, knocking over the largest suitcase.

Instinct told her to go to him, to comfort him, to apologize, to do whatever was necessary to smooth things over. But lately, her instincts had been wrong, so she ignored it and listened to herself for once.

With a final look at Danny, she turned and rushed away from the terminal. The private airfield was clear on the other side of the airport, away from all the commercial flights. Even running faster than humanly possible, she wasn’t sure she’d make it on time. She could always take a moment to text Bradley, let him know she was on her way but running late. Though, if he was already on the plane…

No, she just had to get there as fast as she could.

Pushing herself harder than ever before, she hauled ass through the airport, dodging other people with luggage carts and strollers. Her lungs burned from the exertion and the lack of oxygen, but she refused to slow down. Her entire future hung on her making that flight with Bradley.

While she had no idea how the weekend would go, if she and Bradley would grow closer or find out they really weren’t compatible, she needed to be able to find out. She wanted to give him the consideration he was due, and she desperately wanted that for herself, too.

Hey! Stop! airport security shouted.

Carissa froze, heart thundering. Her face was flushed, and her chest heaved with hard, shallow breaths. Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. No way would she catch Bradley now. Her shoulders slumped with defeat, and she slowly turned to face the security guard.

Are you in trouble? the guard asked, his gaze suspicious.

What? She gasped. No. I’m running late for a flight.

Our security cameras have caught you running through the airport. First to terminal 4A, and now toward the opposite end. If you’re in danger, you can tell me, he said, giving her a knowing look.

I swear, I’m not in danger. She took a second to draw in a deep breath, then continued, I’m supposed to be meeting a friend at the private airfield, and I’m late. I’m worried he’s going to leave without me. Her voice cracked, and she wiped her tears. See? She snatched the folded sheet of paper from her pocket and held it out to him.

Thank God she’d printed the email Bradley forwarded to her with all the flight information.

The guard took the paper, studied it and her intently for a moment, then he reached for his walkie-talkie. He spoke low and fast, making his words incomprehensible to Carissa. Not that what he said mattered—she’d already missed her chance with Bradley. All she could do now was go home and pray Bradley would understand. Maybe if she begged him, he’d forgive her. Or maybe she should go buy a plane ticket to Texas and meet him there.

Alright, miss, come with me. The guard nodded at her.

Am I being arrested or something? Panic laced her words.

No. The guard chuckled. I’m going to escort you to the airfield so you don’t end up hurting yourself or someone else.

Relief flooded Carissa. She might still be too late to catch the plane, but at least she could try. All hope wasn’t lost yet. She hurried after the guard, more determined than ever to take control of her future.

Chapter 2

Bradley stared out the small airplane window, a permanent frown marring his face. He drummed his fingers on the arm of the seat, aggravated, disappointed, and a little angry, too. Carissa wasn’t stupid. So, why was she making the worst decision of her life by choosing Danny?

Sighing, Bradley shifted in his chair, then glanced toward the cockpit. Why hadn’t they taken off yet? He stood and walked down the center aisle. He’d only taken a few steps when the flight attendant intercepted him.

Can I get you something, Mr. Moore? she asked in a sweet but professional tone.

No. Is there a problem with the plane or something? Bradley asked. Why haven’t we left yet?

I’m not sure. Let me check. She smiled, spun on her heel, and walked away.

More like sashayed, which didn’t have the intended effect she probably hoped for. All her swaying hips did was make Bradley think of Carissa. He blew out a heavy breath and contemplated making up some excuse as to why he couldn’t go home. His mother and sister would be very upset with him, but he wasn’t in any mood to deal with family drama. Then again, staying here wasn’t a much better option.

I’m sorry, Mr. Moore, but we haven’t been cleared to take off, the flight attendant said with an apologetic frown.

Why not? Bradley’s last nerve snapped, and he was seconds away from losing his last shred of sanity.

I don’t know. I’m sorry.

If she apologized one more time… spinning away from her, Bradley rubbed his hands over his face. Would every little thing remind him of Carissa? He needed to shake away all thoughts of her and focus on getting through the weekend with his family—and an inevitable date with a woman he didn’t know and didn’t want to go out with in the first place.

Lightning lit up the sky, the electric flash momentarily filling the cabin. A crack of thunder sounded much closer than before. Maybe the weather delayed us, he mumbled and bent forward to peer out the window.

His heart stopped, and his eyes widened. Was he really seeing what he thought he was? Or had his mind finally spiraled into insanity? He abruptly straightened, then rushed for the door. His hands shook as he fought to get the heavy door open, and he was bounding down the steps as fast as his legs would carry him.

Carissa? His voice was drowned out by another boom of thunder.

Her head was down, her hair whipping around her face thanks to the sudden uptick in the wind. She was dragging a suitcase behind her, and she had an airport security guard by her side. What the hell was going on? Was she in trouble? He ran toward her, eager to find out what was happening.

Carissa! he called again, and she glanced up briefly before turning her attention to the guard.

She nodded, smiled, said something he couldn’t hear, and then the guard left. Okay, clearly she wasn’t in trouble, which eased some of the concern sitting on his chest, but he was still confused.

Bradley, she said, breathless, as she came to a stop in front of him. I thought I was too late.

He laughed—probably not the most appropriate reaction, but he was downright giddy at the sight of her standing before him. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were red and puffy, and her lips were perfectly pink and plump. And all he could do was stand there and stare at her like some lovesick fool.

She was really here. With him. She hadn’t chosen Danny after all.

So, you still need a fake girlfriend for the weekend? she asked, her smile teasing and flirty. Or did you offer to pay some other girl for her services?

He grinned, her snark music to his ears. You’re the only fake girlfriend I want.

Bradley reached for her, and she willingly stepped into his arms. If he had his way, she wouldn’t be his fake girlfriend for the weekend—she’d be his real girlfriend for the rest of his life.

Heart hammering, he lowered his mouth to hers, and she leaned into him, welcoming his kiss. Her breath was a hot contrast to the cool wind blowing around them, and he teased her bottom lip with his tongue, nipping and licking until he finally took a long, deep taste.

Her soft moan spurred him on, and he groaned as he yanked her closer. She released her hold on the suitcase handle and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. Her body was pressed so close to his he could feel how hard her nipples were, and another groan tore from his chest.

Excuse me, Mr. Moore?

Reluctantly, Bradley broke away from Carissa’s mouth, but he didn’t release her—he wasn’t sure he’d be able to let go of her ever again.

Sorry to interrupt, but we’ve been cleared to take off. If we don’t leave now, we’ll never beat this storm. The flight attendant’s friendly tone had disappeared, replaced with a hint of contempt.

C’mon. Bradley took hold of Carissa’s hand, laced their fingers, and grabbed her suitcase with his free hand.

They boarded the plane, and he led her to seats near the back. Securing her luggage in an overhead compartment, he nodded for her to sit. She did and fastened her seat belt. Bradley planted himself next to her and did the same. Then, he once again took hold of her hand and kissed her knuckles.

Thank you, he said, his tone thick with sincere emotion.

For what? She tilted her head, a smile flirting across her lips.

For showing up. I honestly didn’t think you would. He shook his head. I thought for sure you’d left with Danny. He searched her eyes for any indication of what she was thinking or feeling. Gently, he brushed a few stray strands of hair from her face and cupped her cheek in his palm. You’ve been crying again.

She sighed. If you only knew what I’ve been through to get here.

Then tell me. He caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, his gaze steady on her. I want to hear every little detail.

For starters, I had to get past Tiffany just to get out of my room. She once again threatened to call Garrett and my brother and my father and the police… Shit. Carissa shifted to the side and retrieved her cell from her back pocket. I promised I’d let her know where I was headed. Hang on a sec.

Bradley waited while Carissa sent a rather long text message. Her words tumbled around in his brain. Why would Tiffany try to stop Carissa from leaving if her intention was to meet him? Last he knew, Tiffany didn’t have any issues with him.

Okay. Carissa tucked her phone beneath her leg and turned her full attention to Bradley. Her big hazel eyes were vibrant and full of excitement. Sorry about that. She laughed lightly. "What was