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“Alex, you’re my Head of Security, not my babysitter. I can’t have you hovering over me every moment.”
A muscle in his jaw jumps, and I wish I hadn’t saidhovering.
“This world we’re in, it’s more dangerous than ever. Damian, Viktor, the Eclipse Society… We’re surrounded by enemies.”
“That’s why I need you at your best. I need you focused on our security, not clouded by personal worries.”
He runs a hand through his hair. “It’s not just about security, Vanessa. It’s about us. I care about you, and sometimes I feel like I’m on the sidelines, watching you dance with danger.”
I melt. “Alex, you’re not on the sidelines. You’re an integral part of this operation.”
Alex looks away again. “I just... I need to know where I stand. In your life, in all of this.”
I walk around my desk and hug him. “Alex, you stand right beside me. We can’t let fear control us. We face these challenges head-on, together.”
He meets my gaze. “It’s just hard, Vanessa. Seeing you negotiate with people like Damian and Viktor, it makes my blood boil.”
I place a hand on his cheek. “I know it’s hard, Alex, but we can’t let these circumstances tear us apart. If anything, we should draw strength from each other.”
He leans into my touch. “I just want to keep you safe, Vanessa. I can’t help but worry.”
I beam at him. “I appreciate that, Alex, but worrying won’t change our reality. We have to be smart, strategic, and stay true to what we’re building here.”
“I’m with you, Vanessa. No matter what comes our way, I’m with you.”
I lift onto my toes to kiss him. “That’s what I need to hear, Alex. We face this world together, unyielding.”
“Should I lock the door?” he murmurs, hugging me tightly, his one hand reaching down to grab my ass.
“So long as we’re quick about it.”
He groans. “I don’t want to be quick.”
“Quick now, longer later.”
“Is that a promise?”
“A promise and a threat.”
He chuckles as he locks the door.
While Alex is worried about my safety, Dylan especially has been pushing for bolder actions. His protective instincts clash with my calculated approach, and the reluctance to confront Damian directly strains our alliance. The delicate balance between our roles in this dangerous game becomes increasingly fragile.
After Alex leaves, I handle my affairs until Dylan arrives, having been relieved of his duties for the mayor for the rest of the day.
“Dylan, we need to talk about our approach. This war with Damian and the Eclipse Society requires a careful strategy.”
He crosses his arms. “We can’t keep playing defense. We need to go after them, make them think twice before coming after you again.”
“Rushing into things could lead to unnecessary risks. We need to be calculated.”
“Vanessa, they’ve already shown they’re not holding back. Damian himself came after you.”
“And we dealt with it, but escalating the situation without a plan will only make things worse. We can’t afford to act impulsively.”
“Vanessa, I’ve sworn to protect you, but I can’t do that if you won’t let me take the fight to them.”
I meet his gaze, not backing down. “Dylan, your role is crucial. I need you to protect me, but I also need your level-headedness. We can’t let emotions cloud our judgment.”
