Page 42 of Stuck with the Billionaire Celebrity

Grace lets out a shaky breath. I hate that I can do nothing to stop it right now except throw everything I have into protecting her.

"We’ll make sure he can’t touch you."

Her eyes meet mine, and I see the flicker of trust there, but it’s shadowed by fear. She doesn’t believe it yet. And I don’t blame her. Not after everything she’s been through.

"I don’t know how much more I can take," she whispers, barely audible. "I feel like he’s everywhere, like he’s always watching."

I swallow hard, my chest tightening with a mix of anger and helplessness. "You won’t have to go through this much longer," I promise her. "I’ll make sure of it."

Devon steps in again.

"In the meantime, we need to get a message out to the media.

We control the narrative and make it clear that she’s protected.

Whoever this guy is, he needs to know that the whole world will be watching if he tries anything."

Grace tenses beside me, and I know why. She hates the idea of drawing more attention to herself, especially with something this personal. But it might be the best move right now.

"We’ll be careful with the messaging," Devon adds quickly, noticing her hesitation. "But the public pressure could work in our favor. Make him think twice before escalating."

She nods slowly, clearly not thrilled but understanding. "Okay," she says softly. "But I don’t want my life to turn into some spectacle."

"It won’t," I assure her. "We’ll keep it under control. Devon will handle it."

"I’ll put together a draft and run it by you before anything goes out."

The room falls quiet for a moment. There’s so much at stake, and I can see how drained Grace is and how much this is taking out of her. I kneel beside her again, taking both hands in mine, my voice softening.

"We’re going to get through this, Grace. I swear to you."

She looks into my eyes, her own brimming with unshed tears, and I can see the cracks in her resolve. But then she nods, squeezing my hands tight.

"I trust you," she whispers.

9

GRACE

Iswirl the drink in my glass, watching the liquid catch the dim light of the living room as I sit curled up on the couch. The fire crackles in the fireplace, a soft hum that usually calms me.

But tonight, the warmth and the drink aren’t doing much to take the edge off. My nerves are shot, my mind racing with everything that’s been happening.

I try to focus on the soothing rhythm of the flames, but my thoughts keep pulling me back to one thing—one person.

Theo.

He’s been… different lately. Not in a bad way, just—more intense. The way he’s thrown himself into protecting me, into making sure I’m safe, it’s something I’ve never seen in him before.

After the way he acted after we slept together, I thought he hated me.

It’s like he’s become my personal bodyguard. No, more than that. He’spossessiveof my safety like he can’t stand the thought of anyone getting close enough to hurt me.

And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel some kind of way. It’s hard not to when someone shows this much concern and passion for keeping you safe.

I sip my drink, the alcohol warming my throat, and close my eyes for a moment. It’s been a hell of a few days.

The pictures from the stalker, the sudden realization that he knows where I am…

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