Page 46 of Shadows of Obsession

"No, and we don't want him to be. We need answers."

I nod and go to the kitchen to get some coffee because I know I won't close an eye all night. The nearest police station is about twelve minutes by car, and by my calculations they should be here any minute, taking statements.

God, how am I going to explain this madness?

After I've removed the few shards of glass from my hand and poured myself some coffee with lots of milk, I return to the living room and feel an exhaustion like I've never felt before. My adrenaline has clearly gone to sleep, and now the full impact of the evening has hit me in the head.

There's blood splattered on the floor, the couch is good for burning, and I'm staring at an individual with a bullet lodged in his left shoulder. Anton quickly sends some messages, and in thirty seconds, the door opens. Four men enter, dressed as if for an epidemic - with protective gowns, masks, and each carrying a medical kit.

Two of them lift the attacker and carry him out the door, at which point I find myself almost shouting at them.

"Heeey, wait, where are you taking him? The police will come here and take him." As the words leave my mouth, I look at Anton and realization dawns.

"The police aren't coming," I whisper, more to myself.

The two continue carrying the attacker, and I don't know why, but I feel the need to tell Anton, "There are cameras in the stairwell."

A smile appears on his lips as he answers me.

"For the next hour they're deactivated. Stay calm, miss."

Ha, calm. What a joke. I haven't been calm for two years.The other two men have started cleaning the floor, and my anxiety level is at an all-time high. What if the neighbors heard something, what if Roxy's call was recorded anyway, what if someone reports the attacker missing?

CLEARLY, LUNA!

I return to the kitchen, trying to calm my breathing.How did I end up in this situation?

The front door opens again, but I assume it's the two men returning. Suddenly I hear his voice, and I never knew a sound could bring me so much comfort.

"Luna," Roman's voice sounds from the living room.

Coming out of the kitchen, I catch sight of him in completely relaxed attire - jeans, gray sweater, boots, and hair tousled as if from sleep - and I feel my heart do a little leap of joy in my chest.

Okay, it's a big leap.

I don't analyze my actions because my feet instinctively carry me toward him until I'm in front of him. His gaze examines me from head to toe, assessing the severity of my injuries, but I don't give him more time and throw myself at him to hug him. It's not quite a complete hug because his arms remain blocked at his sides, and I feel a sting of rejection when he doesn't respond to my gesture, but I desperately need physical contact with him and don't care about consequences.

I don't want to constantly feel fear anymore, and when he's in the room, I know that whatever happens, I'll be safe. I keep my eyes closed and try to calm my pulse, which I'm sure he feels with how tightly I'm pressed against him, when I feel his lips lightly touch the top of my head and his palm settle protectively at the base of my neck.

I feel a slight trembling in his hand, and for a moment I could swear his heartbeats synchronize with mine.

"Roman, his name is Nolan and he's Devin's cousin," Anton's voice sounds.

Suddenly I tear myself from Roman's arms and step back several paces, feeling my face burning with embarrassment.

How the hell did you manage to jump on him within seconds of him entering the house?

Roman looks at me and once again I feel his gaze taking in the marks on my body. I probably have some bruises on my arms from being shoved into the chest of drawers. Without taking his eyes off me, he answers.

“Luna needs to change, then she's coming with me. Take him to the warehouse.”

He motions toward the bedroom for me to follow.

“Get into something comfortable and pack for a few days,” he says, closing the door behind us.

“Roman, I can't stay at your place. I appreciate it, but I have too many questions to just walk away. Why was Anton guarding outside? Where are the police? And how did you even know to come here?” I let out a breath.

Sure, I'm relieved he's here, and deep down I always knew he wasn't just a CEO, but I need straight answers. Black and white facts, not maybes.

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