“Let me know if there’s anything else I can do.”
I thank him and disconnect the call, staring at the gift box. On cue, my phone vibrates, and another message pops up.
Is this what you want, Abella?
Taking the bait, I bite my lip and peek inside the box, only to find a printout of my account activity from the reading app I use. As I examine it, a knot tightens my stomach.
It isn’t random. The custom shelves and tags he’s printed out expose all my darkest desires. Every unhinged fantasy I’ve ever harbored is on display, and as I imagine my stalker reading through this list, heat rushes to the surface of my skin. It’s like an open door to my most intimate thoughts, and I think this may be his biggest violation yet. But then again, he’s already proven he has no boundaries.
He’s been inside my home. My bedroom. My office. He’s touched my things, and even stolen a few—namely my pistachio body butter, a bottle of perfume, and the necklace Matteo gifted me for my birthday last year.
He’s proven that he’s willing to push my limits, but this feels different. The lines between a real and imagined threat have blurred, and I can’t tell the difference anymore. How far am I going to let this go?
After today’s events, the thought crossed my mind that if he’s watching me too closely, he might witness something that endangers my friends or the women we help. Protecting the Aegis network is my top priority, and now, I’ve become a liability … because of him.
Fighting the familiar urge to let him pull me deeper into this darkness, I do something I should have done a long time ago. I tap on his message and hover over the block button.
As I’m considering it, another text pops up.
Don’t do it, Abella.
My heart beats a chaotic rhythm as I stare at the screen, hand trembling. He has to be monitoring my activity through the phone. That’s the only explanation. Tony checks my office weekly for cameras or bugs as standard protocol, and he’s turned up nothing.
Either way, this has gone too far, and I have to put a stop to it.
With a shaky breath, I stab at the block button and turn off my phone. ThenI sit down at my desk and rouse my computer from its slumber, determined to focus on my work. But as I scroll through the lookbook for my client, searching for fresh inspiration, a different image comes to mind.
Grant Ellison’s bloody face.
2
ABELLA
Gathering up my purse, briefcase, and phone, I step into the reception area in my suite to find it empty. A quick glance around confirms Tony is MIA, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s rubbing one out in the bathroom. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard him watching cam girls when he thinks nobody will notice.
Exhaustion weighs heavy on me as I turn my phone on to text him. But when I do, I have no signal. I give it a minute to see if anything changes, but it doesn’t, so I restart it. While I’m waiting for that, I head toward the public restroom on my floor and pause next to the men’s side, calling out for Tony.
He doesn’t respond, and I don’t hear anyone inside, which means Tony broke the rules again and left me alone while he takes a smoke break.
Annoyed, I head for the elevator. IfIVI headquarters knew Tony kept leaving me alone, they’d have his job. But given that my father was the one who approved this detail after my last guard retired, I don’t bother to complain. He only hired him after a lengthy rant about me getting married so my husband can take on this responsibility. Because in theCosa Nostra, it’s notacceptable to let your daughters roam unprotected. And while I’m sure some fathers hire protection out of love, mine is more concerned about his asset.
After a long descent, the elevator doors open to a gleaming lobby that’s notably empty. Eugene, the night security for the building, is also absent from his desk. It’s not unusual for him to take a smoke break with Tony, so I don’t give it much thought. But as I approach the glass door and peer outside, I don’t see either of them.
A resigned feeling settles over me as I check my phone. It’s powered up again, and I have service now. But just as I’m about to dial Tony, the power in the building cuts off and everything around me goes dark.
A primal awareness sinks into my gut as goosebumps ripple over my exposed arms. My phone chimes, making me jump, and I nearly drop it as I glance at the message. It’s from a different number, but there’s no question who it is.
Want to guess where I am, Abella?
The air leaves my lungs in a rush as I spin around in a circle, fear grabbing me by the throat. He’s toying with me, and I have no doubt he’s watching me from somewhere in the building. But where the hell are Tony and Eugene?
Suddenly, this game between us doesn’t feel so harmless.
My first instinct is to run to the front doors, but when I try to push them open, I’m met with the terrifying realization that they’re locked. A cold sweat settles over my skin as I try to remember how to breathe.
He has me trapped, and the elevator is no longer an option with the power off. That leaves me two choices. Wait for him to come to the lobby, where there’s nowhere to hide, or chance the stairwell, knowing he could very well be in there already. As I’m considering it, another message comes through.
Tick tock, cara. Time’s almost up.
