Page 25 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

“I know they are,” he says, his voice low and steady. “The timing of that photo wasn’t a coincidence. Whoever sent it wants us to know we’re being watched.”

I shiver, wrapping my arms around myself. “Why? What do they want?”

He finally looks at me, his piercing blue eyes locking onto mine. “Control. Fear. If they can make us doubt ourselves, make us second-guess every move, they’ve already won.”

“Then why work with me?” I counter. “Why not shut me out completely? Wouldn’t that make things easier for you?”

His gaze doesn’t waver. “Because you’re already involved. If I don’t help you, they’ll use you to get to me. And I won’t let that happen.”

There’s something in his voice—determination mixed with something deeper, something I can’t quite place. I should feel reassured, but all I feel is the weight of the situation pressing down on me.

“I don’t need your protection,” I say, my tone firmer than I feel. “I’ve handled threats before.”

“This isn’t the same,” he says sharply. “These people aren’t bluffing, Eva. They’ve already escalated from threats to action. The break-in, the photos, the messages—this is just the beginning.”

I want to argue, to push back against his arrogance, but the memory of the break-in stops me. Whoever these people are, they’ve already proven how far they’re willing to go.

“What do we do?” I ask finally, my voice quieter now.

Dominic steps away from the window, his expression dark and unreadable. “We stay ahead of them. That means no more lone wolf investigations, no more risks without backup. From now on, we work together.”

The words should feel reassuring, but instead, they set my nerves on edge. Working with Dominic Kane means giving up control, trusting someone who’s spent most of his life keeping people at arm’s length. But as much as I hate to admit it, he’s right. I can’t do this alone.

“Fine,” I say, crossing my arms. “But we do this my way. I’m not some pawn in your game.”

His lips twitch, almost like he’s fighting a smirk. “Agreed. But if I say something is too dangerous, you listen. No arguments.”

“Deal,” I reply, though the word tastes bitter on my tongue.

Before I can second-guess my decision, his phone buzzes. He glances at the screen, his expression hardening. “Adrian’s team found something.”

“What?” I ask, my heart racing.

He holds up a hand, motioning for silence as he presses the phone to his ear. “Adrian, talk to me.”

I watch as his jaw tightens, his body going still. Whatever Adrian is saying, it’s not good.

“When?” Dominic asks sharply. A pause, then, “Keep eyes on him. I’m sending coordinates. Don’t engage until I get there.”

He ends the call, his gaze locking onto mine. “Heller,” he says grimly. “They’ve tracked him to a location downtown. He’s meeting someone, but Adrian’s team hasn’t identified who yet.”

“Do you think it’s the same people who’ve been watching us?” I ask, my pulse quickening.

“It’s likely,” he admits. “Heller’s been on their radar for a while. If he’s meeting with them, this could be our chance to get answers.”

“Then let’s go,” I say, grabbing my bag.

Dominic steps in front of me, his hand on my shoulder. “No. You’re staying here.”

“Like hell I am,” I snap, shrugging off his hand. “This involves me just as much as it involves you.”

“This isn’t up for debate, Eva,” he says, his voice low and firm. “If something goes wrong—”

“Then I’ll deal with it,” I interrupt. “You said we’re working together. That means I don’t sit on the sidelines while you play hero.”

For a moment, he looks like he’s about to argue. But then he sighs, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But if you’re coming, you follow my lead. No improvising.”

I nod, grabbing my jacket. “Deal.”

---