Page 61 of Stuck with the Billionaire Celebrity

We thought we caught the bastard that’s been stalking her, but he got away again.

It’s like he’s a ghost.

I know that’s insanity, but I don’t know how else to explain all of this.

“I thought…I thought it was over,” she whispers into my chest.

“I know. Me too.”

“How does he keep doing this?”

“I don’t know, but I’ve hired the best guys in the world to find him. It’s only a matter of time before he’s arrested and in jail.”

“I thought this…this was that time.”

“Me too. I know you’re disappointed, but please don’t give up hope. We must keep the faith in all of this.”

“It’s hard. I don’t know if I can.”

“Well, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll do everything I can to keep us both positive.”

“I don’t…I don’t know how I can ever show you how grateful I am. How I’ll ever be able to repay you for all of this.”

“You don’t have to.”

She nods and takes a deep breath. I tug her in even closer to me before I kiss the top of her hair.

Maybe this shouldn’t have happened this way, but I’m glad it did.

15

GRACE

Iwake to the sound of his even breathing beside me, the steady rise and fall of his chest. I feel as though I’ve slept for ten years.

I don’t know if I’ve ever slept that well.

I slept through the night—no tossing, no turning, no waking up drenched in sweat, my heart racing with the phantom echoes of a nightmare.

It’s been months since I’ve felt anything close to this calm, and I know it’s because of Theo.

I smile and inhale slowly. I open my eyes and turn my head slightly to the left. He’s on his back, one arm stretched over his head, the other resting lightly on his stomach.

The morning sun filters through the curtains, casting a golden hue over his tan skin.

He looks peaceful, his dark hair messy, his stubble thicker than usual. I can’t explain it, but there’s something about being near him that makes me feel safe.

Protected.

It’s like he’s created a bubble around me, shielding me from the chaos outside.

I’ve been a prisoner of my own fear for so long that I’d forgotten what it feels like to breathe. To not constantly look over my shoulder, expecting my stalker to appear at any moment.

The nightmares usually come as soon as I close my eyes, vivid and cruel, but last night?

Nothing. Just quiet. Just Theo.

It’s too much to put on him. I know that. He’s put his entire life on hold for me to make sure I’m safe. And while I’m grateful—beyond grateful—the guilt is eating me alive.

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