Page 21 of Sexted By a Stranger
Her fingers twisted and released, gaze occasionally drifting out the window, clearly unable to stop worrying.
The car stopped in the back alley of Celestial. I didn't get out immediately. In the shadows at the distant street corner, a figure in a baseball cap quickly shrank back. Connor's people were indeed still watching.
"Wait." I pressed my hand on Sheila's wrist as she moved to open the door.
"What?" She turned her head, confusion in her eyes.
"Might be a little trouble," I said in a low voice, gaze still locked on where that figure disappeared. "Stay in the car. Lock the doors."
"No." She objected almost immediately, grabbing my arm in return. Not forcefully, but firmly. "I can't let you go alone. What if there's danger?"
This instinctive protectiveness sent ripples through my heart again. I pulled back my gaze, suppressing the urge to press her against the seat and kiss her senseless.
"Then we go together. Stay close to me."
Madeline was waiting in her office. Seeing me accompany Sheila, she immediately stood and straightened her clothes.
"Sheila, Mr. Bellomo." Her attitude was respectful. "It's an honor to meet you."
I nodded in acknowledgment.
"Please sit." Madeline gestured to us. "Sheila has told me about her resignation."
"Yes." Sheila nodded.
"I'm very happy for you, Sheila." Madeline's voice became warm. "You've found a better opportunity. This is good. I support your decision and wish you luck in the future."
The paperwork process went smoothly, mostly just simple document signing.
Sheila kept her head down, carefully signing her name. When she finished the last form, she let out a relieved breath and looked up, giving Madeline a genuine smile. "Thank you, Madeline. Thank you for taking care of me all this time."
Madeline stepped forward to hug Sheila. "Mr. Bellomo," Madeline's voice carried pleading, "Sheila is a good girl. Her family situation is rather special. I hope you'll take good care of her."
"Of course," I said seriously. "I will."
Just then, the office door pushed open. Connor's figure appeared in the doorway.
"Well, well, if it isn't Mr. Bellomo?" His face wore a fake smile. "What a rare guest."
Sheila instinctively started to rise, but I pressed her down.
"Connor." My voice was ice. "Something you need?"
"Nothing major." Connor's gaze slithered like a greasy snake over Sheila. "Heard Sheila was leaving. Came to say goodbye."
"Already said." Sheila's voice carried barely detectable trembling, her body tensing slightly. She was clearly terrified of him.
"Leaving so soon?" Connor pressed forward a step, splitting into a nauseating grin. "Sheila, you've been here so long. Everyone will miss you. You should think twice."
"Let's go." I gripped Sheila's hand, walking straight toward the door, using my body to block Connor's view.
"He's so creepy," she whispered beside me, breath unsteady. "Luca, thank you for coming with me."
I opened the car door for her, voice firm as steel. "From now on, he won't bother you again."
As the car left the club, Connor's figure appeared in the rearview mirror, standing in the doorway, watching our departure with venom.
"Luca." Sheila turned abruptly, her gaze locking onto mine with an edge of scrutiny. "I've been meaning to ask. What exactly is your business?"
