Page 20 of Perfect Stalker

I look back at her. “Yes?”

“Thank you,” she says softly. “For keeping me safe. Even if your methods are...unconventional.”

I offer her a small smile. “Always. Sleep well.”

I close the door behind me, leaving her to settle in for the night. As I make my way to my own bedroom, my mind races with plans and contingencies. Keeping Jenny safe is my top priority, but earning her trust will be a long, difficult process.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, interrupting my thoughts. I pull it out, seeing Marcus’s name on the screen. “What is it?” I ask, keeping my voice low to avoid waking Jenny in the next room.

“We’ve got a problem,” says Marcus, his tone tense. “When I arrived to handle Stephen, I found the two guards knocked out. Stephen’s gone.”

I clench my jaw, anger rising. “What happened?”

“The guards claim Stephen had help. Say other men jumped them, but they can’t provide descriptions.”

“Useless,” I spit out. “Fire them. Send them back to Russia to face the FSB.”

“Understood,” Marcus replies. “What about interrogation? To make sure neither is the mole?”

I pause, considering. The memory of vodka on their breath when they finally arrived after I stopped Stephen’s attack on Jenny flashes through my mind. “Do it. I think they’re just sloppy drunks, but we need to be certain. You handle it. I might kill them if I do it myself.”

“Got it, boss. I’ll take care of it.”

I end the call, my mind running. Stephen’s escape complicates things. I move to the window, gazing out at the city lights. The night air is cool against my skin when I open it slightly, letting in the sounds of traffic below.

My thoughts drift to Jenny, sleeping in the next room. The urge to check on her is strong, but I resist. She needs rest after everything that’s happened.

A soft knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. I open it to find Jenny standing there.

“I heard voices. Is everything okay?”

I debate whether to tell her the truth. Lying would be easier, but it would only damage the fragile trust between us. “Stephen escaped,” I say finally. “My men lost him.”

Her face pales, and she takes a step back. “What? How?”

“It seems he had help. We’re looking into it.”

Jenny wraps her arms around herself, shivering despite the warmth of the apartment. “What does this mean? Is he...coming after me?”

I move closer, fighting the urge to pull her into my arms. “I won’t let that happen. You’re safe here.”

She looks up at me, her eyes wide with fear and something else I can’t quite name. “How can you be sure?”

“Because I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. No one will harm you while you’re under my protection.”

She nods slowly, seeming to draw strength from my words. “I think I’ll go back to my room.”

I watch her go, brooding. I change into more comfortable clothes and pour myself a glass of vodka. The liquid burns pleasantly when I sip it as my thoughts wander. Jenny’s presence in my apartment feels right, like a missing piece falling into place, but the road ahead won’t be easy. Stephen’s threat looms large, and Jenny’s trust in me is fragile at best.

As the night deepens, I pace, unable to settle. Every creak and groan of the building sets me on edge. Is Jenny sleeping peacefully? Or is she lying awake, regretting her decision to stay?

Again, I resist the urge to check on her. She needs space and time to process everything that’s happened. Pushing too hard now could undo any progress we’ve made.

Instead, I settle into my office, pulling up the security feeds from the building. The halls are quiet, with no sign of Stephen or any other threat. As dawn breaks, I finally allow myself to relax slightly. We’ve made it through the night. Now comes the hardpart—convincing Jenny that her place is here, with me, where I can keep her safe.

Whatever she decides, I won’t let her leave because Jenny is mine to protect, mine to cherish, and mine to keep.

CHAPTER 9

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