Page 38 of Stuck with My Billionaire Protector

A tender smile graces his lips as he leans back slightly to meet my gaze. “I promise you, Jocelyn, I won’t let fear or anything else stand in the way of what we could have together.”

He leans in, cupping my face in his hands, and kisses me softly. He then pulls back. With his usual business-like demeanor, he surveys the room. “Now let’s pack up anything you need or want to take with you because there’s no way in hell you’re staying here tonight.”

“But Dylan, I can’t just leave. Shouldn’t I call the police?”

“Don’t worry about it, Jocelyn. I’ll take care of it. Right now, I just want to get you back to my place where I know you’ll be safe. Unless you’d prefer to go to a hotel?”

I shake my head. I quickly move toward him and fold myself back into his warm embrace.

Chapter 23

Dylan

Istandbythewindow in my study and watch as the sun begins its descent, casting a warm golden glow across the city. Jocelyn is in the other room, resting on the couch. It seems the events of the day are finally catching up to her. It has been a whirlwind of emotions, from the discovery of her vandalized apartment to the revelation of the emails from her old boss. I couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt for suspecting her, even for a brief moment. However, I now have to focus on ensuring her safety and getting to the bottom of this mystery.

I reach for my phone and dial Parker’s number. As the call connects, I explain the situation and request his assistance in contacting the police to investigate the break-in and vandalism at Jocelyn’s apartment. Parker assures me he will take care of it.

“Parker, I’d also like you to hire private security for Jocelyn. She’ll be staying with me indefinitely, and she’s safe enough here. However, when she goes out, I want someone watching her at all times. I don’t want her to know about it since she’s so headstrong, I know she’d refuse the protection.”

“Of course, Dylan. I’ll get on it as soon as I’m done with the police. I’m sure they’ll want to talk to Jocelyn at some point, so I’ll set up a meeting and text you the details. In the meantime, take care of yourself and Jocelyn.”

“I will. Thanks for doing all of this, Parker. Also, thanks for being a good friend and always having my back.”

Once I end the call, I make my way back to the living room. Jocelyn looks up and her eyes are filled with a mixture of vulnerability and gratitude. I can’t help but be drawn to her. I want to shield her from any harm that might come her way. This mystery has taken a dark turn, and I’m determined to uncover the truth. However, Jocelyn’s safety is now my utmost priority.

Taking a seat beside her, I reach out and gently take her hand. “Jocelyn, I won’t rest until we find out who’s behind all of this. I promise you, we’ll get to the bottom of it and make sure they’re held accountable.”

She squeezes my hand. “Dylan, do you think the sabotage at the office, the text messages, and the vandalism at my apartment are all connected? And what about the emails from Donald? Could he somehow be behind it all?”

“I honestly don’t know, but I will do whatever it takes to find out and whoever is behind it will rue the day they threatened you!”

“It seems like you’re always saving me from someone or something,” she says with a smile.

“And I always will, Jocelyn. Ialwayswill.”

She moves closer, snuggles into me, and rests her head on my chest. I take her in my arms, smiling softly. My heart is swelling with a sense of protectiveness and affection. We stay like that, in companionable silence, for a while until finally my phone buzzes in my pocket and interrupts the solitude.

I pull the phone from my pocket as Jocelyn looks at me inquiringly.

“It’s a text from Parker. The police have sealed off your apartment and will come by the office tomorrow to take our statements. He also thought we might have forgotten about dinner and is sending over Chinese delivery.”

Just then, the house phone rings, announcing the arrival of the food.

As the evening progresses, we enjoy our meal and spend time together. We talk about the events that have unfolded and brainstorm potential leads in the mystery. While we know we won’t solve it overnight, we’re determined to gather information and work together to expose the saboteur and the culprit behind Jocelyn’s harassment.

After dinner, we clean up the kitchen together, finding solace in this mundane chore. Jocelyn looks dead on her feet, clearly drained from the emotional turmoil of the day. I take her hand as she stifles a yawn. “I’ll show you to my bedroom unless you’d rather take a guest room?”

“No!” she exclaims quickly. “I want to stay with you.”

I lead her down the hall and into my room. I then show her where everything is in the ensuite bathroom. As I turn to leave, she gives me an uncertain look.

“I’m just going to give Parker a quick call and see if there are any updates. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” I kiss her lightly on the forehead, leave the room, and close the door softly behind me.

Back in my study, I call Parker. I’m not really expecting any updates on the investigation this quickly. I mainly just want to make sure the extra security I ordered has been put in place. Parker informs me that it’s taken care of and there will be discreet security professionals keeping an eye on Jocelyn whenever she leaves. Satisfied that I’ve done all I can for the night, I return to the bedroom to find Jocelyn fast asleep. I quickly undress, brush my teeth, slip into the bed next to her, and wrap my arms around her.

Within moments, I am also fast asleep.

The room is cloaked in darkness, the only illumination coming from the moon casting its gentle glow through the window. As I lie beside Jocelyn, the weight of my fears and past struggles manifest in the form of a haunting nightmare. In the depths of my sleep, I thrash about, moaning and shouting, trapped within the clutches of my own subconscious torment.

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