Page 62 of Perfect Stalker

His jaw tightens, and a muscle ticks in his cheek. “Because I’ll kill anyone who tries.”

The words should shock me. They should send me running for the hills. Instead, I lean into him. “I saw what you did to Stephen and Alexei. You didn’t hesitate.”

“No.” His tone matter-of-fact. “I didn’t.”

I swallow hard, forcing myself to ask the question that’s been burning in my mind since we left the warehouse. “Have you...have you done that before?”

Ivan is silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the city lights blurring past the window. When he finally speaks, his voice is controlled. “Yes.”

The single word hangs between us. I should be horrified. I should be scrambling to get as far away from this man as possible. Instead, I’m comforted by his honesty.

“Does that scare you?” he asks.

I consider lying, but something in his gaze compels me to tell the truth. “Not as much as it probably should.”

A ghost of a smile touches his lips. “Good.”

We lapse into silence as the car weaves through the late-night traffic. I’m hyper-aware of every point of contact between us—his arm around my shoulders, the press of his thigh against mine, and the warmth of his breath on my skin when he leans close. It feels good to be with him like this, and I try not to overthink it while savoring the moment.

CHAPTER 23

IVAN

The elevator doors slide open, revealing the opulent interior of my penthouse. Jenny steps out first, her shoulders tense, and her movements hesitant. I follow closely behind, resting my hand lightly on her back. The adrenaline from our narrow escape still courses through my veins, making every sensation more intense.

“Are you all right?” I ask, studying her face. Her skin is pale, and her eyes are wide with lingering fear.

She nods, but her voice trembles slightly. “I’m fine. Just...managing everything that happened.”

I guide her to the living room, where the windows offer a breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline. Jenny stands before the glass, arms wrapped tightly around herself. I want nothing more than to pull her into my embrace and shield her from the dangers that threaten to tear us apart.

Instead, I move to the bar and pour two drinks. The clear liquid splashes against the crystal, and the sound is unnaturally loud in the quiet room. I return to her side, offering her the glass intended for her. She takes it with a grateful smile, brushing her fingers against mine.

“Drink,” I say softly. “It will help calm your nerves.”

Jenny raises the glass to her lips, taking a small sip, and some of the tension leaves her shoulders. I down my own vodka in one swift motion, welcoming the familiar warmth that spreads through my chest.

“I thought...” Jenny breaks the silence. She turns to face me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “I thought we were going to die back there.”

The vulnerability in her voice makes my heart clench. I set aside my empty glass and step closer, cupping her face in my hands. Her skin is soft beneath my calloused palms, and I’m struck once again by how delicate she is. How precious. “I would never let that happen. Do you understand? I will always protect you, Jenny. Always.”

A single tear escapes, trailing down her cheek. I brush it away with my thumb, marveling at how such a small gesture can feel so intimate. She leans into my touch, closing her eyelids briefly. “Why?” she whispers. “Why do you care so much?”

The question hangs in the air between us, heavy with unspoken truths and long-buried emotions. This moment could change everything. “Because I love you. Not just desire or obsession. I love you, Jenny. Completely and irrevocably.”

Her eyes fly open, and she looks shocked. “Ivan...”

I press on, needing her to understand. “Everything I’ve done, every measure I’ve taken to keep you safe... It’s all been because I love you. I know I’ve made mistakes. I’ve frightened you at times, but please believe me when I say you are the most important thing in my world.”

I watch her face intently while she processes my declaration of love. Her eyes widen, and for a moment, I fear I’ve said too much.

Then her expression softens, and she takes a shaky breath. Her voice is thick with emotion. “I love you too.” My heart soars at her words, but she’s not finished. She places a trembling hand on her stomach, never looking away from me. “And...I’m pregnant. With your child.”

The world stops spinning for a moment. I stare at her, processing this revelation. A child. My child. Our child. A rush of emotions floods through me—joy, fear, excitement, and protectiveness. I pull her closer, cradling her face in my hands. “A baby.” I grin. “Our baby.”

She nods. “I want to be with you, Ivan. I want us to be a family.”

I press my forehead against hers, overwhelmed by the depth of my love for this woman. “Nothing would make me happier,moya lyubov.” A thought occurs to me, and I chuckle.

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