Page 60 of Shadows of Obsession

"I need you to send something to my house. Now!"

Chapter 23

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Luna

The meeting ends fairly quickly and I try to focus on what I need to code today. I have to applaud myself - for someone who was attacked in their own house less than twenty-four hours ago, I seem to be functioning normally. Anuska prepared something for me to eat, although I insisted it wasn't necessary, but after she gave me a look, I understood there was no negotiating with her.

It feels strange to be in Roman's house but not uncomfortable, which I suppose can be considered a plus. I keep thinking about what Roman's trying to discover, namely what you could use this source code for that would justify the effort to steal it. And clearly this isn't about code, but time. Many people can write you the code, but it takes time to cover every bit of functionality.

I'm lost in this train of thought while my fingers fly over the keyboard when I hear a voice shouting, just before the person enters the kitchen.

"I'm going to kill him, Anuska!"

And when I look up to see who's killing whom, my gaze locks on Victoria. Victoria whose monitoring bracelet I set up. Victoria who has a bodyguard. Victoria who has the same eyes that lean toward gray.How did I not look at her last name?

"Hi!" I make the most awkward hand wave in greeting because I'm frozen.

"Luna? What are you..." Her voice is as amazed as mine. She seems to realize why I'm here, and her eyes start to gleam suspiciously.

She's wearing powder-pink leggings and a white turtleneck. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and this only accentuates her resemblance to her brother.

"Victoria, for God's sake. Don't be like that. Luna is..."

I catch Anuska looking my way, and I look back because honestly? No clue what I am to him. His employee? Friend? Pretty sure you don't murder people for just a friend, but 'girlfriend' feels too... official, and we haven't exactly had that talk yet. Still, he did say I'm his, so maybe it's time to do something I haven't done in forever - just trust.

“Roman's girlfriend,” I say, and Victoria's eyes go huge.

Oh God. If I said the wrong thing and Roman gets mad...

Just as the anxiety starts clawing at my chest, Victoria circles the kitchen island and wraps me in a hug.

Okay...wasn't expecting that.

“Good to see you again, Luna. Maybe you can tell me why I've suddenly got two shadows instead of one, because I'm betting it has something to do with you.”

And I'm lost for words again. I know exactly why Roman's doing this, and the guilt hits hard - this whole mess is my fault. These people are turning their lives upside down because I made bad choices, and the anxiety comes rushing back full force. Just like before, when Aidan started showing up uninvited and following me everywhere. Everyone's lives got messed up thentoo, and even though no one blamed me, just knowing I was causing them trouble was enough.

“It’s my fault. I’ve gotten into some trouble and Roman thinks extra security's needed right now.”

Haven't talked to him about it, but it makes sense. After everything that's happened, I'd want to protect my family too.

“Hmm. What kind of trouble? Like...you stole some chips and the cops are after you, or...?”

Anuska practically jumps away from the stove.

“Victoria! You can't just — if your brother sees it as a threat, that should be enough!”

But I see it in Victoria's eyes - that look I know too well. Pain. Rejection. I Know it's not my place to tell her, but maybe if I'm honest, she'll get it. Maybe having the whole picture will make it easier to accept.

"My ex-boyfriend owes money to some people in the mafia. He's done this before, and then I had to pay his debt. Now someone broke into my house, probably for the same reason. An unpaid debt. Anton helped me escape from there, and Roman decided to bring me here."

When I stop talking, I let out a breath and stare at the floor.

Shame burns through me, but that old familiar numbness starts creeping in - the same emptiness that kept me company for months. I accept it all with the same resignation, knowing I don't have many choices. Without Roman, I'd probably be dead by now, or stuck in some police station giving statements.

I can't bring myself to look at Victoria's face, but I feel her hand cover mine, steadying my trembling fingers.

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