"What do you want to do?"
"Nothing." I lean back. "Let him make his move. I want to see what he wants."
He's inside for ten minutes. I watch through the window as he talks to Seraphina. As she shows him books. As her body language shifts from professional to tense.
When he leaves, she immediately disappears into the back room.
She's scared.
Good.
Fear will make her easier to protect.
Two more weeks pass.
The Morozov tail stays, and the other man—John—is nowhere to be seen. Seems he has fled the city.
Not that I believe that.
The surveillance reports are concerning.
Subject left work early. Appeared unwell.
Subject vomited in trash can outside building.
Subject declined lunch. Third time this week.
I watch the footage. She's losing weight. Dark circles under her eyes. Pale.
She's either sick or terrified.
Probably both.
On Tuesday morning, I make a decision.
"I'm going to approach her today," I tell Leo.
"How?"
"I'll figure it out." I check my watch. 2:00 PM. "Just make sure the team is ready. If anything goes wrong?—"
"Adrian." Leo's voice is sharp. "The Morozov guys have been getting more aggressive. If they make a move?—"
"Then I'll handle it."
"You can't just?—"
"I can do whatever the fuck I want, Leo." My voice drops. Gets dangerous. "She's mine. And anyone who touches her will learn that very quickly."
Leo stares at me. "You're obsessed with her."
"I'm protective of what's mine."
"She doesn't know she's yours."
"She will."
I leave before he can argue further.
