Page 104 of Shadows of Obsession

After a few seconds, there's a rustling in the background, and Aidan appears in the frame wearing the most triumphant smile. When I hear his voice, a cold shiver runs down my spine.

I hate his voice. My entire body revolts at the first intonation, but the words are spoken slowly as if he knows I have no choice but to listen.

"Roxy and I would like to have coffee with you, sweetie. And, if possible, have a million dollars on the table. I swear, Luna, if I see you bring anyone with you, Roxy will become just another fentanyl overdose case. Be a smart girl and hurry up."

The video ends with him touching Roxy's face with his fingertips.

I'm going to be sick.

My first reaction is exactly what he wants. I want to run to Roxy as fast as possible, but unlike the Luna he manipulated so many times before, this Luna isn't alone.

I could take a million dollars from Roman's safe because I know the safe code. A warmth squeezes my heart because this man, who doesn't trust people easily, has opened his safe in front of me so many times without hiding. I could create a diversion and slip away from Sergey and the other guards. I could. But I won't. Because Roman is the best solution.

I try calling him, but he's not answering. I close my eyes for a second.Breathe in. Breathe out.Anton. Anton must be with him. I rush from the office to the entryway, where Sergey looks at me with concern.

"Are you okay, Luna?" he asks.

"I need Anton's number," I tell him, and only now do I notice I'm panting. I ran as if the office was on fire. I have no doubt Aidan would hurt Roxy. Somehow his obsession has evolved to the point where I'm sure it's more of a mental illness.

After keying in the number, I wait for it to ring.

Please answer.

For a second, I hate myself. I know they're dealing with Lev. I know he's a priority for them, but Roxy is family to me. She's in this mess because of me. She's unconscious with that psychopath because of me.

Anton's voice rings out when he answers, and I feel myself exhale with relief.

"Anton! I need to talk to Roman. It's urgent!" I tell him, and I hear a scream in the background.

Guilt washes over me, knowing I'm interrupting Roman again. Instead of handling his business, dealing with the traitor who could put his entire organization at risk, he has to deal with my phone calls.

God, I feel so pathetic, but the alternative would have been to run and handle this myself. Because no matter how much I want to deny it, that was my first instinct. To not let anyone deal with my mistakes, to not bother anyone, but a trace of reason remained and Roman is the only one who can help me.

In a few moments, I hear footsteps and know he's taken the phone. As soon as his first breath reaches my ears, I let all my frustration and fear show in my voice.

"He took Roxy."

"I'm coming now. Don't you dare leave the house until I get there, is that clear, Luna?" he says, and his authoritative tone is exactly what I need to keep me rooted in place.

If something happens to Roxy because of me... No. I refuse to believe he'd hurt her…but who am I kidding? I know better than anyone how unstable Aidan is.

If you met him on the street, you'd swear he was the most ordinary person: probably with an office job, a girlfriend, and a puppy waiting at home. People's opinions would change radically if they knew that the same individual who smiles at them cheerfully on the street is the one who sold me to the Polish mafia to pay off his debts.

I feel like I'm about to have a nervous breakdown. I think I've worn holes in the hardwood floor of Roman's office from all my pacing, and there's a physical pain in my chest.

Hold on, Roxy.

After an eternity, which in reality is only eighteen minutes, I hear the sound of a car and see Roman getting out of his SUV. His gaze automatically goes to the office window where I am. I wish I were stronger than this, but when I see him, my eyes turn glassy. This man, who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, always comes when I need him.

My heart is about to burst, partly from the stress of not knowing how I'll convince Aidan to let Roxy go and partly from love. Because even though I haven't told Roman, I know he sees in my eyes that I love him. I have no idea if he recognizes this feeling, but I do. Every time I see him, my heart does this little dance of happiness.

The office door opens, and his presence is enough to charge the entire atmosphere of the room. His gaze stops on my face, and all his features become rigid.

Why is he looking at me like that?

All my doubts start whispering that I've bothered him, that he's angry with me for taking him away from the interrogation of Lev.

"I'm sorry. I wouldn't have bothered you, I swear, but it's..."

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