Page 14 of Perfect Stalker

“We need to focus on finding that mole,” I say, forcing my attention back to the matter at hand. “Double-check everyone’s backgrounds, especially new hires, and increase security at all our properties. If Alexei’s planning something, I want to be ready.”

He nods, already pulling out his phone to relay the orders. As he speaks in hushed tones, I think about Jenny again.

I turn back to Marcus, pushing aside thoughts of Jenny. We have work to do, and I can’t afford any distractions with Alexei Morozov lurking in the shadows, waiting for his chance to strike.

I watch Marcus end his phone call, and he nods to me. The moment he hangs up, says, “Handled.”

I incline my head in acknowledgement.

He’s silent for a moment, clearly wanting to say something.

I sigh. “What?”

“Any progress with Jenny?” he asks.

I shake my head, the memory of her storming out still fresh in my mind. “No. She’s...resistant.”

Almost reflexively, my gaze drifts to the monitor displaying the live feed from the office. Jenny’s office is empty, but she’s probably composing herself in the restroom. Even if she thinks she quit, and I won’t allow that, she can’t have left yet.

Her reaction to our earlier meeting lingers in my thoughts. There’s something about Jenny’s fiery spirit that draws me in. She seems submissive, but there’s a tiger underneath. She just needs to unleash it, and I want to be there when she does. The thought of that is intoxicating. Dangerous.

Marcus clears his throat, pulling me from my reverie. “We need to focus on the mole, Ivan. I have a few ideas on how we can flush them out.”

I nod, forcing my attention back to the matter at hand. “Go on.”

As Marcus outlines his plan, I try to focus, but my thoughts drift back to Jenny. The way she looked at me before she left has me more worried than I care to admit. I need to see her, to explain, and to make her understand.

“Ivan?” Marcus’s voice cuts through my thoughts. “Are you listening?”

I blink, refocusing on my head of security. “Yes, of course. Your plan sounds solid. Implement it immediately.”

He nods, but I can see lingering concern. He knows me too well. “What about you? What’s your next move?”

I stand, straightening my jacket. “I’m going to talk to Jenny. Make sure she’s calm after our meeting.”

He raises an eyebrow but doesn’t comment. He knows better than to question me, especially when it comes to Jenny. Moments later, he returns to his tasks, and I try to focus on the work before me. The stack of reports on my desk demands attention, but my mind wanders. I tap my pen against the polished wood, gaze drifting to the security monitors lining the wall.

Jenny’s office remains empty. I frown, checking my watch. She should have returned by now. I shift position to easier scan the other camera feeds. No sign of her in the hallways or common areas. A knot forms in my stomach, tightening with each passing moment.

I press the button and say through the intercom. “Natalia, has Ms. Graham returned from her break?”

There’s a pause before Natalia’s voice crackles through. “No, Mr. Markov. I saw her leave about an hour ago. She said she wasn’t feeling well and declined the offer of a car.”

My jaw clenches. “Why wasn’t I informed immediately?”

She sounds startled that I’m so concerned about my personal assistant’s movements, but she doesn’t know the full extent of my feelings for Jenny. “I’m sorry, sir. I assumed she’d cleared it with you.”

I exhale slowly, reining in my frustration. “It’s fine, Natalia. Thank you.”

The intercom clicks off, and I’m left with the oppressive silence of my office. My mind races, conjuring images of Jenny alone and vulnerable on the streets of Atlanta. I press the intercom again, selecting a different extension. “Marcus, track Ms. Graham’s location immediately.”

“On it, boss,” comes the swift reply.

I stand, pacing the length of my office. The city sprawls below, a maze of streets and shadows where anything could happen. Whereshecould be anywhere.

My intercom buzzes. Marcus’s voice comes through, terse and professional. “We’ve got a location on Ms. Graham. She’s at her apartment complex. Kosov and Biril followed her home.”

Relief rushes through me, but it’s short-lived. I have to see for myself that she’s all right. “I’m heading there now. Keep me updated on any movement.” I grab my jacket, striding out of the office.

---