Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0282

Chase POV

Sitting outside Knox's door, I leaned my back against the wall, legs crossed and head resting on my knees. The coolness of the hallway floor seeped through my pants, a stark reminder of how long I'd been here. The dim light cast long shadows, and the silence of the night was punctuated only by the soft murmurs coming from behind the closed door.

Exhaustion tugged at me, but sleep was elusive. My muscles ached from the awkward position, yet I didn't dare move. I was here for a reason to give Lottie and Knox some much-needed space. They deserved this time together, away from prying eyes and the weight of the world. Yet I needed to know the threats she seemed oblivious to were kept away.

"You're going to have a crick in your neck come morning," Thor remarked dryly.

"Probably," I mumbled aloud, shifting slightly to ease the stiffness.

"You could always find a more comfortable spot. Maybe a bed?" he suggested with a hint of amusement.

"I need to be here. Just in case." I sighed heavily. Unease gnawed at me like a persistent itch. Leaving Lottie felt wrong-dangerous, even. Too many enemies lurked in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. I was scared that something or someone would hurt her. With her memories gone, she was oblivious to the threats that circled her like vultures.

"In case of what? That they need a cheering squad?" Thor chuckled. Frustration flared inside me. How could he not see the risks? Lottie was the heir, making her a target for Lilly and Bash and, of course, Connie and the twins' family, who I had heard resented her. Then there was Asatroth and the moon goddess herself, who I knew had her own plans. Her list of enemies was a mile long, and with her memories missing in action, she was utterly defenceless. I wanted Thor to understand why I was being so suffocating, why I couldn't let my guard down-not even for a moment.

beneath it lay a layer of understanding. He knew my inner struggle, even if he didn't fully agree with it. "Perhaps," I admitted. "But can you

and then added, "You know, you're a bit of a prude, right?" I rolled my eyes

for not wanting to

Bumping uglies?"

like that. I scrunched my nose, trying to block out the unwanted images his words conjured. "Brothers should be happy their sisters are

sound like when they're... happy," I groaned, feeling my cheeks heat

too easy to tease." Thor's laughter echoed in my mind. Another

torture," I moaned, covering my ears as if that

They're having a great

Should she

shot back, irritated. Concern tightened my chest. What if she overexerted herself? What if something happened to her or the babies? The thought

Thor reminded me gently. "Besides, it's good for her

know," I conceded. "I

about her safety, her health, her memories. The weight of it pressed down on me, a heavy

should focus on something else. Count sheep or