Page 42 of Perfect Stalker

I step inside. He’s standing by the windows, his broad shoulders tense beneath his tailored suit. The sight of him still makes my heart skip a beat, despite my frustration. “You wanted to see me?” I ask, closing the door behind me.

He turns, staring at me. “Jenny,” he says, his voice softening slightly. “Thank you for coming. Please, sit.”

I perch on the edge of a leather chair, my back straight. “What’s this about, Ivan?”

He moves to his desk, leaning against it instead of sitting behind it. “I wanted to discuss the current security situation.”

I can’t help the sigh that escapes me. “What now? More bodyguards? A bulletproof bubble?”

A flicker of amusement crosses his face before it’s replaced by his usual stoic expression. “I understand this has been...difficult for you.”

“Difficult?” I repeat, incredulous. “Ivan, I feel like a prisoner. I can’t go anywhere without an armed escort. I can’t even get coffee without someone watching my every move.”

He frowns, tightening his jaw. “It’s for your own safety, Jenny. Stephen?—”

“I know about Stephen,” I interrupt, standing up. “I lived through his abuse, remember? I don’t need constant reminders.”

His eyes flash dangerously. “And I won’t let him hurt you again.”

We stare at each other for a moment. Part of me wants to throw myself into his arms, to let him shield me from the world. Another part, the part that’s fought so hard for independence, rebels against the idea. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do,” I say finally, softening my voice, “But this isn’t sustainable, Ivan. I can’t live like this forever.”

He pushes off the desk, closing the distance between us. He reaches out, hesitating for a moment before cupping my cheek. “What would you have me do,solnishko? I can’t lose you.”

The endearment, spoken so tenderly, shakes my resolve. I lean into his touch, closing my eyelids briefly. “We need to find a balance,” I murmur. “I need some freedom, Ivan. Something normal.”

He’s quiet for a long moment. “I’ll consider it, but you must understand your safety is non-negotiable.”

I open my eyes, meeting his gaze. “And what about your safety? You’re just as much a target as I am.”

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “I’ve survived this long,solnishko. I know how to handle myself.”

“So do I,” I counter, stepping back from his touch, though that’s not entirely true. Physically, I can’t fight off Stephen, which I know from experience. It still chafes to have Ivan constantly hovering though. “You can’t protect me from everything, Ivan.”

His expression darkens, a storm brewing in those gray eyes. “Jenny?—”

A sharp knock at the door interrupts whatever he was about to say. We both turn as Marcus enters, his face grim.

“We have a situation,” he says, his gaze flicking briefly to me before focusing on Ivan.

Ivan straightens, all traces of softness vanishing from his demeanor. “What is it?”

Marcus hesitates, glancing at me again. “Perhaps we should discuss this privately.”

“No,” I say firmly, crossing my arms. “If this involves me, I have a right to know.”

Ivan and Marcus exchange a look, having one of their silent conversations. Finally, Ivan nods. “Go ahead, Marcus.”

He clears his throat. “We’ve received intelligence that Alexei Morozov has been spotted in the city again.”

I shudder slightly.

Ivan’s reaction is immediate and fierce. He clenches his hands into fists at his sides, and a muscle ticks in his jaw. “Where?”

“Downtown, near the financial district. We’re still gathering information, but it seems he’s been making inquiries about...certain individuals.”

Ivan’s gaze snaps to me, and I know without a doubt that I’m one of those “certain individuals.”

“Increase security at all locations,” he orders, his voice cold and commanding. “I want to know where Alexei is at all times. Jenny—” He turns to me, his expression softening slightly. “You’re not to leave this building without my express permission. Understood?”

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