Page 54 of Perfect Stalker

I check the inscription, which is accurate.“You’re unforgettable.”

I didn’t know what to say, so I used a phrase he uttered to me first. There were a host of things I’d wanted to put down, but none of them felt right since we haven’t really discussed feelings and a future. He expects me to stay with him, but when I ordered the watch, I wasn’t certain if I would. I just knew I’d never forget him.

Now, things have changed. Our lives will be inexorably linked forever, even if the romance goes sour—though I can’t fathomthat. “It’s beautiful,” I murmur, closing the box carefully. “Thank you.”

Transaction complete, I turn to leave and step out into the chilly Atlanta evening, Andre right behind me. That’s when I see the baby store next door. My feet carry me to the window before I can stop myself. A display of tiny onesies and soft blankets fills my vision. My hand drifts to my still-flat stomach, and suddenly, the reality of my situation hits me full force.

This time next year, I’ll have an infant. Our child will be here, in the world. The thought is simultaneously thrilling and terrifying. I shake my head, forcing myself to look away. I’m not ready to think about this yet.

“Everything all right, Ms. Graham?” asks Andre as he stands behind me, his dark eyes scanning for potential threats before arching a quizzical brow at the baby store window.

“Fine,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Just...admiring the display.”

He nods, but I catch the flicker of concern in his eyes. I wonder if he’s figured out between my clinic visit and sudden interest in the baby store that I’m pregnant. If he has, he doesn’t mention it.

We make our way back to the SUV, where Daniil waits, and my mind whirls with possibilities. How will Ivan react to the news? Will he be happy? Angry? Our relationship is complicated enough without adding a baby to the mix.

I slide into the backseat, cradling the watch box in my lap. For now, this is something I can focus on—a gift for the man I love, even if I’m not quite ready to tell him about the biggest gift of all.

“Home?” asks Daniil from the driver’s seat.

I nod, feeling warm at the word. Ivan’s penthouse has become a home despite my every effort to fight that. “Home.”

I grip the armrest tightly as Daniil prepares to ease the car into the chaotic mall traffic. My heart is still beating erratically occasionally as a dizzying mix of excitement and fear randomly overtakes me each time I suddenly remember again that I’m pregnant.

A flicker of movement catches my attention before Daniil pulls away from the curb. I turn my head, peering out the tinted window. A figure emerges from a nearby alley, shrouded in shadow. My breath catches when I watch him. He stands unnaturally still, and I’m sure he’s fixated on our SUV.

“Andre,” I whisper, trying not to move my lips too much. “Do you see that man in the alley?”

Andre turns his head toward to the alleyway behind the jewelry shop, scanning the area behind us. “Where, Ms. Graham?”

I point, my finger trembling slightly. “There, by the alley. He’s just...standing there.”

Andre shifts to the side, his muscular frame tensing as he follows my gaze. “I don’t see anyone, Ms. Graham. Are you sure?”

I blink, focusing harder on the spot where I saw the figure. The alley is empty now, with no trace of the mysterious watcher. I frown. “I... I could have sworn I saw someone.”

Daniil’s voice cuts through my confusion. “We’re clear to go. Holding up traffic here isn’t safe.”

I nod, and he pulls the SUV away from the curb, merging smoothly into the flow of vehicles. I twist in my seat, craningmy neck to look back at the alley. Nothing. Just shadows and discarded trash.

My hands shake when I turn around, clutching Ivan’s gift like a lifeline. Was it real? Or is the stress of my situation getting to me?

“Are you all right, Ms. Graham?” asks Andre, his gaze meeting mine in the visor mirror. “You look pale.”

I force a smile, willing my whooshing heart to slow. “I’m fine. Just thought I saw something. It’s nothing.”

He nods, but I can see the concern in his expression. “If you’re sure. We can always circle back if you’d like to double-check.”

“No,” I say perhaps too quickly. “No, that’s not necessary. Let’s just go home.”

As we drive away from the mall, the city lights blur into streaks of color outside the window. I can’t shake the feeling of being watched, even now. The figure in the alley...was it Stephen? One of Alexei’s men? Or just a product of my overactive imagination?

I rest a hand on my still-flat stomach, the reality of my pregnancy hitting me anew. How can I bring a child into this world of danger and uncertainty? How will Ivan react when he finds out?

“Ms. Graham?” Daniil’s voice breaks through my spiraling thoughts. “We’re approaching the penthouse. Any stops you’d like to make before we arrive?”

I shake my head, realizing we’ve already traveled across half the city while I was lost in thought. “No, thank you, Daniil. Straight home is fine.”

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