Page 73 of Shadows of Obsession

At least something useful is being done with our tax money.

"You don't know how happy I am to hear that good things come to light. This was something I was really passionate about!" he responds, completely flattered, and continues to explain to me the logistics that went into passing this law.

Actually, the man needed public sympathy. I glance at Roman and see him smiling at me. I want to kiss that smile. As if reading my thoughts, his gaze drops to my lips, and our earlier embrace comes to mind.Nope. Not the time. I shift my gaze, although I'm sure I'm blushing.

After another ten minutes of the senator bragging about what other proposals have been approved, I notice Roman tensing.

"And regarding the routes leaving from the Illinois port?"

I have no idea what routes they're referring to, but the senator’s demeanor also turns serious, and several minutes pass during which they discuss transport and routes and smuggling. That specific term isn't used, but you don't have to be a genius to figure out that's what they’ve been talking about.

I excuse myself to go to the bathroom, and Roman's hand tightens on mine. He looks up at someone behind me and nods. When I turn around, I see a man in a suit approaching us.

"Luna, go with Dmitri," he tells me, and I wonder how many other men like Dmitri are here with us without me having any idea. I could have sworn we were alone here, but obviously someone like Roman wouldn't come to such a party without protection.

I exhale and head to the bathroom. You can tell the senator has been lucky in his career by the gold-framed mirrors and the fact that there are vases with flowers even in here. God, how much money some people have.

I'm drying my hands when my phone buzzes, and when I see the notification, I'm glad I'm near the counter so I can lean on it.

?

How the hell does he always know where I am?

Every pore in my body screams to run, to hide in a hole and never come out. Maybe then he'll leave me alone. Because thisharassment is driving me crazy. I feel like after each message like this, a piece of my emotional stability disappears.

I leave the bathroom and see Dmitri standing like a statue waiting for me. I look around but don't see any suspicious figures anywhere. That's even worse. Maybe he's not here, but someone is surely reporting back to him.

The whole way back to Roman, I keep turning the same thoughts over in my head.

I'll never escape him.

I was never safe. What if next time I meet him, he snaps and...

"Luna," Roman's voice breaks me from the avalanche of thoughts.

I try to put a smile on my lips, but it's weak and he sees this.

"Keith, I think it's time to end our discussion. Luna isn't feeling well. I'm counting on those routes remaining undisturbed," he says and, without waiting for a reply, takes my hand and leads me outside.

"We don't have to leave," I tell him, trying to make my voice calm and steady. I don't want to ruin his evening because of this incident.

"What happened?" he asks, and his tone is so gentle, as if he knows that's what I need.

I take out my phone and show him the message, not bothering to lie. What would be the point? As he reads the text, he turns to Dmitri, who's behind us.

"Call Lev. Tell him I want a complete guest list for this party. He won't get near you, Luna."

It's an assurance, but something in me doubts it. Because I know it only takes one moment of distraction. How many times has Aidan been waiting for me when I left work? How manytimes has he waited by my apartment entrance? Too many times.

"Okay," I answer because I can't tell him I don't trust in his power to keep me safe.

"Let's go home."

Roman is silent as he leads me to the car. The entire ride I don't say a word. I try to go through all the faces in my head of the people I saw tonight, somehow hoping I missed Aidan’s. To have an explanation for all the details he knows.

When we finally get home, all I want is to forget about this whole thing. Roman emanates an energy as if he wants to wipe half the planet off the face of the earth. We enter the bedroom and I turn to him.

"Roman," I say, placing my hands on his chest.

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