Page 7 of Stalked By the Executive

I know it's wrong to care for him like this. But my heart refuses to listen to reason. Every smile, every touch, every glimpse into his complicated soul only deepens my feelings. I'm caught in a riptide, being pulled under with no chance of escape. All I can do is brace myself for what's to come.

My emotions war within me, desire and duty locked in a battle of wills. I want to give in to this spark between us, consequences be damned. I want to lose myself in his embrace and savor the passion I know we could share.

But I can't. I have to stay strong and protect my heart. No matter how badly it hurts. And if working closely with Marcus Wellington ignites a fire inside me, one I'm powerless to extinguish, so be it. I'll simply have to endure the flames.

***

I'm beat as I return home. I headed straight for class after work today, and all I want to do is take a hot shower and crash into bed.

But something isn't right. I know it as soon as I step into my apartment. I don't know how I know, but Iknow. The apartment is eerily silent.

My heart rate ticks up.

My keys jangle in the lock, and the door creaks open. I walk into my apartment cautiously.

But I don't see anything wrong. Everything looks exactly as it should.

I glance toward the bedroom.

I walk slowly toward it. Everything looks fine in here too, except...

I glance at my cracked dresser door. My panty drawer.

Bile rises in my throat I make my way over to the drawer. A quick glance inside shows a pair of my panties missing.

Oh my god, someone was here. And they stole a pair of my panties.

I force myself to breathe in and out. And then I suddenly feel like I'm being watched.

Icy terror washes over me.I'm not alone.

Someone is here.

I spin around, scanning the room. Heart seized in my chest, I peer into the shadows, waiting, listening. Silence envelops me, thick and suffocating. The air itself seems threatening.

Any second, he could emerge. Reach out with rough, calloused hands. Drag me into the darkness.

I have to get out.Now.

I rush for the front door, nearly tripping in my haste. My hands fumble with the lock, refusing to turn. Panic rises in my throat. Almost there...

The door bursts open. I scream.

* * *

A man stands in the doorway, tall and broad-shouldered, his features obscured by the dim light of the hallway.

"Charlotte? Are you alright?" It's Marcus. I recognize his voice, laced with concern.

I stumble back, clutching at the wall. My chest heaves as I struggle for air.

He steps forward, hands raised in a placating gesture.

I don't even ask what he's doing here. I just throw myself in his arms in relief. "Someone was in my apartment. They stole a pair of my panties."

Marcus shushes me and strokes a hand over my hair. "It's okay. I'm here now."

"You shouldn't be alone right now." His tone brooks no argument. "Come home with me tonight."

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