Page 55 of Stuck with the Billionaire Celebrity

"It’s him," Theo says, his voice grim. "They’ve got him."

Relief floods through me, but it’s quickly followed by a surge of adrenaline. It’s over. It’s finally over. I turn to Theo, my eyes wide, and before I can think twice, I throw my arms around him, hugging him tightly.

Surprised by the sudden gesture, he stiffens at first, but then he relaxes, his arms wrapping around me in return. We stand there holding onto each other as the chaos swirls around us, and for the first time in weeks, I feel… safe.

"I told you it would work," he murmurs against my hair, his voice laced with amusement.

I pull back just enough to look up at him, my heart still pounding. "I guess you were right."

Looking into his eyes, it feels like the rest of the world is fading away. There’s no stalker, no fake gala, no security teams or flashing cameras.

There’s just us, standing here, caught in this strange, electric connection that neither of us can ignore anymore.

Before I can second-guess myself, I lean in and kiss him again. His lips are warm and inviting, fitting perfectly against mine in a way that feels like fate.

The chaos of the gala fades into the background as we lose ourselves in each other.

For a moment, it's just the two of us, connected in a way that transcends words.

But all too soon, reality comes crashing back in. A loud noise interrupts our stolen moment. With a heavy heart, I pull away, my eyes searching his for understanding.

"We need to go," he says softly. “But we’re going to continue this in private.”

Is that a promise?

He links his fingers with mine just as Tad and a security guard rush up to us. Tad puts his hand on the small of my back, his body shielding me from anyone who could come toward us.

“We got him. We need to get you both upstairs out of the chaos before the paparazzi get here,” Tad says quickly.

“Are you sure it’s him?” I ask.

“It’s him. He’s in handcuffs now.”

“I want to see him, to know he is.”

“Not a chance in Hell,” Theo growls.

“But…”

“Absolutely not. We’re not risking you getting too close. It’s not worth it,” Tad interjects.

We’re out of the room and in an elevator before I can say anything else. Tad is shielding me in such a way that I can’t even turn to look around and see if I recognize my stalker.

I get it, but it’s still irritating.

Theo’s pacing in the living room of the penthouse suite feels like the ticking of a bomb, each step heavier than the last. I can’t remember the last time I saw him this agitated—actually, no.

I take that back. I’ve never seen him this on edge. He’s barely said a word to me since we got back up here.

Devon and Tad took my phone. Told us that they didn’t want us anywhere near social media until the man was apprehended and locked away.

I try to focus on the television, mindlessly channel surfing to calm my nerves, but it’s no use.

“I’m starving. Can we order room service?” I ask.

The security guard at the door shakes his head.

“I didn’t get to eat,” I pout.

---