Page 49 of Sexted By a Stranger
I was carrying Luca's breakfast down the hallway when the radio chatter drifted clearly into my ears. My steps involuntarily slowed.
Last night, Luca had said those people would protect us, but the scene before me went far beyond simple "protection." Through the sheer curtains overlooking the garden, I could see at least a dozen men in black positioned at various points, their movements sharp and professional, the telltale bulges at their waists barely concealing the shape of weapons.
This wasn't a wealthy estate—it was a heavily fortified military compound.
What kind of "business" required this level of round-the-clock vigilance?
Pushing open the bedroom door, I found Luca propped against the headboard, handling documents. At the sound of my entrance, he looked up, and his deep, cold eyes instantly warmed.
"Breakfast is here." I set the tray on the nightstand.
"Thanks, stellina." He set aside his papers, reaching for the spoon I was offering.
I pulled my hand back, scooping up a spoonful of oatmeal. "I'll feed you. Your wound is still healing—the less you move, the better."
He chuckled. "I injured my left shoulder."
"Moving your arm affects your entire upper body." I kept my expression stern. "Open up."
The warm oatmeal slid past his lips, and I watched him swallow with satisfaction, the domestic warmth of the moment temporarily covering the unease in my heart. At least here in this room, in our little world together, everything was still safe.
After breakfast, I pulled out his medication and poured him some water.
"Time for your pills."
Just as the words left my mouth, muffled commands drifted in from outside the window.
"Sector B… changing guard… all clear."
"…infrared… perimeter… fifty meters… blind spots…"
I instinctively turned toward the window, and my hand holding the water glass trembled slightly, clinking against the edge of the tray with a sharp, jarring sound.
"Scared?" he asked quietly.
"Terrified," I met his gaze. "Scared you'll die on me, Mr. Luca Bellomo." I deliberately drew out the syllables like I was settling a debt. "Who's gonna pay my salary for the rest of my life? I'd be working for free."
Luca's expression froze for a moment, then a smile spread from the corners of his mouth.
"Smart mouth." He snorted with laughter, tilting his head back to swallow the pills, chasing them with water.
I was about to take the glass away when he suddenly grabbed my wrist.
He pulled me closer, leaning forward until his hot breath brushed across my face.
"Then keep an eye on me, stellina." His voice carried a strange, hypnotic quality. "Watch your investment."
My cheeks burned beyond my control, and I stumbled backward.
I picked up the tray, trying to keep my voice steady. "Stay put and don't move around—you'll tear your stitches."
I turned toward the door, my steps quick and slightly chaotic. Before the heavy bedroom door closed completely, I caught the sound of his low, muffled laughter.
The hallway air carried the scent of expensive wood polish, crisp with an undertone of coolness. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, letting the heat in my chest gradually dissipate.
Rounding the corner, two men in black uniforms spotted me and immediately stopped, bowing respectfully in greeting. I instinctively returned the gesture, but that earlier sense of unease crept back up my spine.
Stay calm, Sheila, I told myself. Panic won't solve anything. The man in there who almost died for you is still waiting for you to take care of him.
