Page 20 of Sexted By a Stranger
Bullshit.
The bone-deep despair when she endured massive humiliation for her family couldn't be faked. The design sketches piled high in her apartment, soaked with sweat and dreams, couldn't be false. These past days, she'd been practically glued to my side, never even touched my phone, and even hesitated at my gifts. She absolutely couldn't be a plant.
I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, they were bottomless pools of ice.
"Ragnar."
"Boss."
"Dig into it." My voice regained its steadiness. "Turn over every stone. Find the rat. Tear them to pieces. As for Connor, that maggot—you take two teams. 24/7 surveillance. Every breath. Every piss. Every whisper. Also," my voice went colder, "since he wants to play big, we'll play to the end. Round up all district heads. Meeting tonight at the usual place."
"Yes," Ragnar responded deeply, bloodthirsty ferocity blazing in his eyes.
"As for Sheila," I sat back in my chair, gaze profound. "Lennox, do a detailed investigation. Put ghosts on her—our best. Shield her from Connor's fleas. Her brother's side, too—arrange our people for increased protection."
Surprise flashed through Lennox's eyes before he responded, "Copy that, Boss."
"Remember," I turned, gaze sharp. "She doesn't get a scratch. I don't want her frightened in any way."
"Yes."
After they left, I picked up the vibrating phone on my desk. Seeing Sheila's number on the screen, I answered.
"Luca, I have good news." Sheila's voice sounded excited. "I've already told Madeline about resigning. She supported my decision and told me to come handle the paperwork. And Leon's surgery went smoothly. My mom said thank you."
"Good." My voice unconsciously softened. "When are you going to handle the paperwork?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"I'll go with you," I said.
"You don't have to, it's just simple paperwork—"
"I'll go with you," I interrupted. "Connor's people are still out there."
The other end went quiet for a few seconds, then she said softly, "Okay, thank you."
"What time?"
"Ten in the morning."
"I'll pick you up at nine-thirty."
"Okay."
The next day, I arrived at Sheila's apartment building on time.
The window rolled down as I watched her hurry out from the narrow stairwell. Simple white shirt, black pants, hair neatly tied back, revealing her smooth forehead and graceful neckline. Morning light outlined her slender but straight figure, fresh as a white gardenia with morning dew.
She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat, bringing a faint, clean scent of soap.
"Good morning." She smiled at me, amber eyes clear as crystal.
"Good morning." I started the car, pulling out smoothly. "Sleep well?"
"Okay." She buckled her seatbelt, fingers unconsciously twisting together. "It's just... Leon starts observation for rejection reactions today. I'm a bit nervous." Her brows furrowed slightly, all concern for her loved one.
"It'll go smoothly," I reassured. "Top medical team watching over him. Don't worry."
