Page 33 of Sexted By a Stranger
"I'll take Sheila," I answered without hesitation.
Lennox hesitated. "Boss, that crowd's all CEOs and senators. For Sheila to be there, isn't that—"
I looked up, voice suddenly cold. "You saying she can't handle it?"
"That's not it, Boss," Lennox explained. "It's just... showing up with her publicly like that? It'll put a target on her back. Given who you are."
He was right.
I could wrap myself in countless halos—investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist—but some people knew what lay beneath those halos.
Sheila didn't know my true identity yet. In her eyes, I was just a mysterious, heavy-handed businessman. I hadn't told her the truth, told her my hands were stained with blood, told her about the omnipresent danger around me.
I was afraid of losing her.
Yes.
I was afraid that once she knew the truth, the love in her eyes would turn to fear, that she'd flee from me like avoiding the plague.
She was too pure. So pure I couldn't bear to let her be tainted by darkness.
"I'll consider it." I finally said. "But besides her, I won't let any other woman stand beside me."
Let it be for now.
I'd build higher walls, deploy the sharpest people. As long as she was safe, as long as she was happy.
"Yes, Boss."
The office door pushed open gently. Sheila carried a plain white envelope and a vinyl album.
"Luca."
She quickly approached my desk, eyes brimming with irrepressible joy. "Thank you—really."
I reached out, naturally pulling her into my lap. Palm against the warmth of her cheek, I responded in a low voice, "As long as you like it."
After a brief silence, I spoke. "There's a business dinner next week. Come as my plus one."
She paused, then grasped the key point. "Will there be many important people?"
My fingertip caressed her earlobe. "I want you beside me."
She thought for a few seconds, then looked directly into my eyes. "What do I need to prepare? Guest backgrounds, etiquette details... I don't want to embarrass you at the event."
Looking at her serious expression, I suddenly realized this was Sheila—she never pitied herself, never ran away, but faced difficulties head-on, finding ways to solve problems.
It was this sharp yet gentle courage that made me willing to bow to her.
"Lennox will prepare all those." I cupped her face. "I'll teach you basic social etiquette. But honestly," I smiled, "your innate elegance and intelligence are already enough for any occasion."
Her eyes curved into soft arcs. "Then I feel more confident. When will I get the materials?"
"First thing tomorrow." I kissed the corner of her lips. "The dress will be delivered too."
"Buying me clothes again?" She feigned annoyance. "Luca, keep this up and I'll be completely unable to leave you."
"That's exactly what I want." My arms tightened, holding her closer. "Sheila. I want you to need me, just as I need you."
