Page 82 of Stalk Me

I grip my rifle tighter, unable to tear my gaze from Sofia as she rises from her chair, every inch the Castellano princess she was born to be. The woman I love is becoming someone new before my eyes. Someone who might not need me anymore.

“Hold position,” I whisper, my throat tight. “Continue surveillance only.”

Sofia leans forward, both hands on the table. I see the predatory grace I’ve always admired now turned toward her family’s enemies. “Lucia made her choice when she tried to have me killed. Now she’ll learn what it means to betray a Castellano.”

The steel in her voice matches my own; despite my fears, desire burns through my veins. She’s not just surviving in this world but thriving.

“Why aren’t we moving?” Erik’s voice comes through my earpiece again. “This isn’t the rescue mission we planned.”

I watch Sofia through my scope as she gestures to one of the guards, her movements precise and controlled. “Because she’s not in immediate danger.”

“Sounds more like she’s the danger.” Erik’s dry tone carries a hint of admiration. “Maybe we should let her handle this on her own. She’s clearly capable.”

My finger traces the trigger guard, an old habit when I’m processing. Sofia leans in to examine something Mario hands her, which appears to be documents from how she’s scanning the pages. Her brow furrows in that familiar way that means she’s piecing something together.

“She is capable,” I agree, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “More than I imagined.”

“Then perhaps it’s best you try and get to her alone. See if she even wants extraction.”

He’s right. Of course, he’s right. But watching her command that room, seeing her come into her power... I need to know if there’s still room for me in this new version of her life.

“Agreed. Maintain distance surveillance.”

The dinner starts winding down. Mario rises first, pressing a kiss to Sofia’s temple before leaving with his security detail. Others follow until only Sofia remains, still studying those documents under the warm glow of the chandelier.

“She’s different,” Erik observes. “But she’s still Sofia.”

I lower my rifle, finally allowing myself to breathe. “Yes. She is.”

We watch silently as she gathers her papers, every movement deliberate and controlled. This is no prisoner being held against her will. This is a queen coming into her kingdom.

I move silently through the villa’s shadows, Erik’s team providing coverage from strategic positions. The security system is child’s play for Alexi to bypass since he’s already looped the cameras.

Her bedroom still carries her scent, jasmine and vanilla. I position myself in the darkened corner, letting the shadows conceal me as I wait.

The door opens, and Sofia enters, still in the black dress from dinner. She looks... different. Stronger. More assured. My chest tightens at the sight of her.

“Hello,malishka,” I say softly.

She whirls, hand flying to her throat. “Nikolai.”

I’m on her before she can retreat, my body caging hers as I kiss her with unrestrained hunger. Her response is instant as her fingers claw at my shoulders and she arches into me.

“I’ve missed you,” I growl against her lips.

“You shouldn’t be here.” But her body betrays her words as she presses closer.

“I’ll always come for you.” I slide my hand into her hair, tugging her head back to expose her throat. “You’re mine.”

“Things are different now.” She pushes against my chest, but I hold firm. “I have responsibilities. I have a family...”

“And me.” I bite down on her pulse point, drawing a gasp from her lips. “You have me.”

“A man who stalked me? Kidnapped me?” But her hands are already working on my shirt buttons.

“A man who loves you.” I capture her wrists, pinning them above her head. “Choose, Sofia. Your newfound family... or me.”

She trembles in my grasp, desires to war with duty in those green-gold eyes. “Why can’t I have both?”

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