Page 46 of Bound to the Bodyguard

I excused myself with a gesture that spoke of a need for fresh air more than any words could. Stepping through the sliding glass doors, I emerged onto Raven's balcony.

"Come on, Pete," I said softly, thumbing the contact and bringing the phone to my ear. The dial tone hummed—a countdown to the moment I'd break the silence that had enveloped my past since I'd left the service. The call connected, and the ringing stopped abruptly.

"Jerome? What's up?" came the voice on the other end, clear and alert.

"Hey, Pete. I need you to look into something for me." The words were measured, every syllable laced with a blend of urgency and determination that left no room for argument.

"Anything, you know that. What do you need?" Pete responded with the readiness of a man who understood the stakes without needing them spelled out.

"Background check. Deep dive. There's someone that might be a threat. Raven's ex-husband might be more than just a nuisance. I need to know what we're dealing with."

"Understood. You think he had something to do with the break-in?" Pete's voice was both inquisitive and efficient, the sound of keystrokes punctuating his words.

“Honestly, it could’ve been him. We need to cover our bases.”

"Got it. You think this guy's capable of escalating things?"

"Can't rule it out. And I can't let her get hurt, Pete."

"Hey, you know I've got your back. 'll pull everything I can find on the guy. Anything for Raven's safety—and yours."

"Thanks, man. I'm counting on you."

"Keep your phone close. I'll update you ASAP." With those final words of assurance, Pete ended the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Raven was inside, unaware of the lengths to which I'd go to keep her safe. In that moment, I felt the full gravity of my role—not just as a protector, but as someone who had inadvertently stepped into the crosshairs alongside her.

With a deep breath, I reentered the living room.

Raven glanced up from where she sat. "Everything okay?"

"Better than okay," I assured her, offering a smile that reached my eyes. I took a seat beside her, feeling the subtle shift of the cushions. "I made a promise to keep you safe, Raven. It's more than a job—it's personal now."

She searched my face, her eyes reflecting a mix of appreciation and something else that I couldn’t quite decipher. "You don't have to do this alone, you know. I'm not just a damsel in distress."

"I know," I replied, tone softening. "But it's hard to shake off old habits. Protection is what I do. It’s who I am."

"Even protectors need someone to lean on sometimes," Raven countered, her hand finding its way to rest lightly on my arm. "We're in this together."

Together. The word resonated with me, warming me more than any shield from the evening chill could. I nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "Together.”

Chapter 29

Raven

My pulse thrummed a frantic rhythm against my temples as I pushed open the heavy door to Dr. Johnson’s office, the click of the latch echoing ominously in my ears. The stalker’s shadow seemed to trail just behind me, etched into my every thought, an uninvited specter that unsettled the very fabric of my life.

“Ms. Fields. Dr. Johnson will be with you shortly,” the receptionist offered a reassuring smile.

“Thank” — I cleared my throat — “thank you.”

My gaze flitted from corner to corner, half-expecting to see a pair of eyes lurking, watching. I shook my head slightly, chiding myself for letting fear seep so deeply into my bones. I was safe here. At least, that’s what I had to believe.

With measured steps, I made my way across the room, each footfall a muted thud on the plush carpeting. I settled into the deep embrace of a comfortable armchair, its cushions a stark contrast to the tension coiled within.

In this room, I wasn’t Raven Fields, the self-made icon draped in success. Here, I was just Raven—vulnerable, hunted, desperate for a semblance of control over my unraveling reality.

“Raven?” a gentle voice cut through. Dr. Johnson stood at the doorway of her office, her gaze kind, patient. “Come in. Let’s talk about what’s been happening.”

I rose, resolve knitting itself back together, thread by trembling thread. This was the first step—a small yet significant stride toward facing the darkness. I moved towards the inviting open door of her office, leaving the imagined watcher in the waiting room, if only for now.

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