Page 55 of Perfect Stalker

As we pull into the underground parking garage, I exhale slowly, trying to center myself. The figure in the alley was nothing. Just a trick of the light, or a manifestation of my fears. I have to believe that.

The elevator ride up to the penthouse is silent, save for the soft ding of passing floors. Andre and Daniil flank me, their presence both comforting and suffocating. As we reach our floor, I straighten my spine, plastering on a neutral expression.

The doors slide open, revealing the opulent foyer of Ivan’s penthouse. Home, or at least the closest thing I have to it now. I step out. “Thank you both,” I say, turning to Andre and Daniil. “I appreciate your escort today. I’ll be ready to leave for the party in an hour or so, if Ivan isn’t home yet.”

They nod in unison, ever the professionals. As they retreat back into the elevator, I’m left alone in the vast, empty space. The silence is deafening.

I make my way to the bedroom, clutching Ivan’s gift tightly to my chest. When I set it down on the dresser, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I look...different. Scared, yes, but there’s something else. A glow, perhaps? Or is that just my imagination too?

I put my hand over my stomach again. I’m pregnant. With Ivan Markov’s child. The most dangerous man I know is going to be a father. I’m finally starting to accept and believe it.

A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat, and I clamp a hand over my mouth to stifle it. What am I going to do? How can I tell him? And more importantly, how can I keep this child safe in his world?

I sink onto the edge of the bed, my legs suddenly too weak to support me. I close my eyes, trying to steady my breathing.One problem at a time, Jenny.I need to tell Ivan about the pregnancy so we can figure out the rest together. Later though. First, I need to get ready for the Christmas party.

I standin front of the full-length mirror, smoothing down the red velvet of my dress. The white faux fur trim tickles my skin. I look festive, which is a stark contrast to the nausea churning in my stomach. I’ve layered on makeup like armor, hoping to conceal the anxiety that threatens to bubble to the surface.

I reach for the locket Ivan gave me, but the color is wrong, and the style doesn’t suit this dress. At the last moment, I substitute a teardrop ruby necklace. It nestles perfectly in the modest décolletage of the dress and matches well.

My phone buzzes. I snatch it up, hoping to see Ivan’s name. It’s just an invitation to extend the warranty on my car. The silence from him only amplifies my unease. I type out a quick message:“On my way to the party. Wish you were here.”

I stare at the screen, willing a response to appear. Seconds tick by. Nothing. With a sigh, I tuck the phone into my clutch and give myself one last once-over in the mirror. The woman staring back at me looks confident, festive, and ready to take on the world. If only I felt that way on the inside.

“You’ve got this, Jenny,” I mutter to my reflection. “It’s just a party. Nothing to worry about.” I make my way out of the bedroom and down the hallway. The click of my white heels on the hardwood echoes in the empty apartment. As I reach theelevator, a shiver of dread makes me tremble. I shake it off, chalking it up to nerves.

When the doors open, Daniil and Andre are waiting. I step inside to join them, and the descent to the lobby feels interminable. When the doors finally slide open, I plaster on a smile and step out. The cheerful decorations in the lobby do little to lift my spirits. Tinsel and twinkling lights mock my inner turmoil. I’m halfway across the lobby when I see him.

Stephen.

He stands near the entrance, a predatory smile on his lips. I stumble, nearly falling. This can’t be happening.

“Jenny,” he calls out, his voice smooth as silk but dangerous. “Don’t you look merry.”

I freeze but my gaze darts around the lobby. Andre and Daniil step forward, standing on either side of me.

“Ms. Graham,” says Andre quietly but with urgency, “We need to get you out of here.”

I nod, unable to form words. We turn toward the back exit, but Stephen’s voice stops us cold.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

The sound of multiple safeties clicking off fills the air. Men in black tactical gear emerge from the shadows, weapons trained on us. Andre and Daniil move to shield me, but it’s too late.

Two sharp cracks split the air. Andre and Daniil crumple to the ground. I can’t tell if they’re breathing. My scream catches in my throat as rough hands grab me. The random thought flashes through my mind that I should have worn the locket. Now, howwill Ivan find me? It’s obvious Stephen and his goons are going to kidnap me.

“Stop!” The doorman’s voice rings out. “What’s going on here?”

I lock gazes with him, seeing the phone in his hand. He’s calling for help, though he can’t see Daniil and Andre’s fallen forms from his vantage points. More gunshots could mean more casualties. I can’t let that happen.

“It’s okay,” I call out, my voice steadier than I feel. “Everything’s fine. Just...a misunderstanding.”

The doorman hesitates, his finger hovering over the call button. I give him what I hope is a reassuring smile and a small wave. He lowers the phone, looking confused. I have no doubt he’ll investigate and call for help as soon as we’re out, assuming Stephen and his goon squad don’t kill him too.

Stephen puts his arm tightly around my waist, pulling me close. His breath is hot on my ear as he whispers, “Smart girl. Let’s go for a little ride, shall we?”

As they drag me from the building, I cast one last glance at Andre and Daniil’s still forms.Please, let them be alive.The cold night air hits me like a slap, and I stumble on the sidewalk. Stephen’s grip tightens, keeping me upright.

“Watch your step, darling,” he says, his voice dripping with false concern. “We wouldn’t want you to ruin that pretty dress.”

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