SEBASTIAN’S POV
I woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains.
The warm weight of Sasha’s arm draped across my chest kept him grounded, a stark contrast to the turmoil that churned inside my mind.
Last night had been filled with tenderness and passion, a much-needed reprieve after the emotional storm of the party.
But even amidst our intimacy, the image of the photo, the shadowy threat lurking in the background of our lives, remained etched in my mind.
Careful not to wake her, I shifted her arm gently and slipped out of bed. I glanced at her sleeping form, her face serene and untroubled, and vowed silently to keep it that way.
Whatever was happening, whoever was behind the camera, I would handle it. Sasha didn’t need the added weight of worry; she had endured enough.
I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and stepped onto the balcony, the cool morning air brushing against my bare skin.
The city stretched out before me, a labyrinth of opportunities and dangers. This life, with all its power and privilege, was as precarious as it was rewarding.
I dialed Roland’s number, leaning against the railing as I waited for my trusted aide to pick up. Roland answered on the second ring, his voice groggy but alert.
“Boss?” Roland’s tone sharpened immediately, recognizing the early call was likely not for idle chatter.
“We have a problem,” I said, my voice low and steady. I wasn’t one to panic, but I also didn’t downplay threats.
“Last night at the party… Someone sent Sasha a photo. It was taken from a distance, but it’s clear someone’s been watching her.”
There was a moment of silence on the other end. Then Roland’s voice hardened. “Watching her? You mean stalking?”
“Possibly,” I admitted. “I’m not certain if the target is Sasha or if it’s you and your work that’s drawing attention, but either way, I need you to shift priorities.”
“You’ll stay by Sasha’s side from now on. At all times. Your primary duty is her safety.”
“Understood,”
Roland said without hesitation. “But I’ll also find whoever’s behind this. If someone’s daring enough to follow her, they’re playing with fire. I’ll end this before it even becomes a problem.”
I exhaled slowly. I trusted Roland implicitly, but the weight of the situation still pressed down on him. “Good. But listen carefully, I don’t want Sasha knowing about this.”
“Not yet. She’s been through enough lately, and if she starts looking over her shoulder, it’ll only make things worse.”
“Got it,” Roland assured him. “I’ll keep it under wraps. She won’t suspect a thing.”
I nodded to myself, feeling a sliver of relief. “If you notice anything, anyone following her, any unusual activity, I want to know immediately. We’re not taking chances.”
“You have my word,” Roland said. “I’ll handle it.”
As they ended the call, Sebastian stood there for a moment, staring out at the skyline.
The city seemed so peaceful from up here, a facade of calm that masked the undercurrents of danger.
I gripped the railing tightly, my jaw clenching. Whoever had dared to encroach on Sasha’s life would regret it. I would ensure they regretted it.
When I returned to the bedroom, Sasha was still asleep, her dark lashes fanned against her cheeks. I stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her.
She looked so small and fragile in the vast expanse of their bed, but I knew better. Sasha was strong, stronger than anyone gave her credit for. But even the strongest needed protection sometimes.
I moved quietly to the edge of the bed and sat down. My hand reached out almost unconsciously, brushing a strand of hair from her face. She stirred slightly at my touch, a soft sigh escaping her lips, but she didn’t wake.
For a moment, I allowed myself to relax. The photo, the threats, the potential dangers, could wait. Right now, Sasha was here, safe and warm and within my reach. That was all that mattered.
But as much as I wanted to stay in this moment, I couldn’t afford to linger. There were plans to be made, precautions to be taken.
My world was one of constant vigilance, and this latest threat only reinforced that truth.
Later that morning, after Sasha had woken and gone about her day unaware of my concerns, I called Roland again.
This time, they met in person, away from the house. It was a small cafe on the outskirts of the city, nondescript and quiet. Roland arrived on time, my expression grim.
“Boss,” Roland greeted, taking a seat across from me.
I nodded in acknowledgment. “I want a full rundown of everything you’ve found since last night. Any leads? Any suspicions?”
Roland shook his head. “Nothing concrete yet. I’ve been reviewing security footage from the party, trying to identify anyone who looked out of place, but so far, no one stands out. Whoever’s behind this is either very careful or very lucky.”
My jaw tightened. “Luck runs out eventually. Keep digging. Check all the angles, the staff at the party, the guest list, even the location itself. Someone had to have seen something.”
“I’ll get on it,” Roland promised. “But I still think the best course of action is to bait them.”
“Let them think they’re in control while we close in. If they’re bold enough to send photos, they’ll make another move. And when they do”
“We’ll be ready,” I finished talking to him. I leaned back in my chair, my mind already working through the possibilities.
“In the meantime, I want Sasha shadowed at all times. She doesn’t leave the house without you. No exceptions.”
“Understood.”
“And Roland,” I added, my voice dropping to a dangerous tone, “if it comes down to it, if there’s even a hint of a threat you don’t hesitate. Do whatever it takes to neutralize it. Do you understand?”
Roland met my gaze, unflinching. “You don’t need to say it, boss. Whoever this is, they won’t get close to her. You have my word.”
I nodded, satisfied. “Good. And remember, Sasha can’t know. If she finds out, she’ll start asking questions, and the last thing we need is for her to put herself in danger trying to find answers.”
Roland hesitated for a moment before speaking. “You’re sure about that? Sometimes, people are safer when they know what they’re dealing with.”
“Not this time,” I said firmly. “Sasha has been through enough. I won’t let her carry this burden too.”
Roland nodded, accepting my orders. “Alright. I’ll keep her in the dark. But if she starts suspecting something, you’ll need to be ready to explain.”
I didn’t respond immediately. I knew Roland was right. Sasha was perceptive; it was only a matter of time before she picked up on the tension.
But he would cross that bridge when I came to it. For now, my priority was ensuring her safety.
As Roland left to begin his work, I remained seated, his mind racing. The photo was a warning, a reminder that the life he had built with Sasha was not invincible.
But whoever thought they could, threaten her, would soon learn the cost of their mistake.
I was many things, a businessman, a protector, a lover, but above all, I was a man who didn’t take threats lightly.
And I would do whatever it took to keep Sasha safe, even if it meant waging war on the shadows themselves.