Page 26 of Veil of Shadows

“Suit yourself. Just don’t forget to eat,” he warns, walking out but throwing a glance over his shoulder. “And try not to let your mystery man consume you too much.”

I can’t help but chuckle softly at his words, but his humor can’t mask the reality of my situation. The door clicks shut behind him, and I’m left alone again, staring at my case files. The silence feels heavier now, amplifying the weight of my thoughts.

With a huff, I stand and start pacing around the office, running my hands through my hair in frustration. Why can’t I get a grip? My attraction to Viktor is making it impossible to think straight.

Finally, I decide to confront my feelings head-on. If I’m going to continue this investigation, I need to separate my emotions from the facts. I take a deep breath and return to my desk, pulling the photo of the victim closer. I need to channel my energy into something productive.

But the more I focus, the more my thoughts drift. I can’t shake the image of Viktor standing in my apartment, that fierce intensity in his eyes. “Damn it,” I mutter, pushing the photo away. I glance at the clock again—8:00 PM.

“Okay, Alyssa,” I say aloud, trying to rally myself. “Get it together.”

Just as I begin to refocus, my phone buzzes again. It’s a call from Viktor. My heart races. I hesitate for a second, but curiosity compels me to answer.

“Hello?” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Alyssa,” he replies, his voice smooth yet firm. “Are you alone?”

“Yes, I am,” I reply cautiously, my pulse quickening.

“Good. I’m on my way.”

Before I can respond, the line goes dead. I’m left staring at the phone, uncertainty swirling within me. He’s coming. My body reacts instinctively, tension coiling in my stomach.

I pace back and forth in the small office, trying to prepare myself. I need to confront him, to ask him why he keeps interfering. As much as I feel drawn to him, I can’t ignore the dangers he represents.

Moments later, I hear a knock on the door, and I freeze. It’s too late to second-guess myself now. I open the door, and there stands Viktor, his tall frame blocking the light from the hallway.

“Viktor,” I breathe, my heart pounding as I take in the sight of him. He looks serious, but there’s an underlying tension, a heat that stirs within me.

“Can we talk?” he asks, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.

I nod, closing the door behind him and turning to face him. “What do you want?”

He crosses his arms, his eyes locking onto mine, and I feel that familiar electric charge in the air between us. “I wanted to see you. We need to discuss what happened the last time we were together.”

“Do we?” I challenge, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of knowing how much I’ve thought about him.

“Don’t play games, Alyssa,” he replies, his voice dropping to a lower tone that sends shivers down my spine. “You know it’s more complicated than that.”

“I don’t see how it can get any more complicated. You’re trying to scare me away from my investigation,” I fire back, anger flaring in my chest.

Viktor steps closer, invading my space, and I hold my ground. “This isn’t just about your investigation anymore. There are things you don’t understand.”

“Then enlighten me!” I demand, frustration spilling over. “Why are you so invested in stopping me? What is it about me that has you so rattled?”

His gaze softens for a moment, and I can see the conflict within him. “Because you’re in danger,” he finally admits, his tone dropping to a whisper. “And I can’t let anything happen to you.”

“Danger? From who?” I ask, genuinely confused. “You’re the one who’s dangerous!”

He clenches his jaw, frustration evident in his features. “You think I want to hurt you? That’s the last thing I want.”

“Then why can’t you just leave me alone?” I challenge, my voice rising again.

“Because it’s not that simple!” he snaps, and the tension between us thickens.

We stand there, breathing heavily, the air charged with our emotions. I can feel the heat radiating off him, the intensity of his gaze igniting something deep within me. “You don’t getto decide what’s simple for me,” I say quietly, my voice steady despite the chaos within.

“No, I don’t,” he concedes, his expression softening. “But I can’t just stand by while you put yourself in harm’s way.”

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