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I place a steadying hand on her shoulder. “Hey, we're going to keep you safe. But I need to stay close from now on. So, I'll be moving in.”
Her head jerks up sharply. “Moving in? Stay here 24/7?
I nod, my eyes never leaving hers. “24/7 personal security. It's the only way I can fully guarantee your safety.”
“Don't be ridiculous,” she snaps. “It's a stupid note. I'm not letting some creep dictate my life on top of everything else.”
I flinch, stung by her words, even though I know it's not personal. She's lashing out from fear and the suffocating loss of control over her own life. But her barbs still cut deep, dredging up old insecurities about not being enough to keep her safe.
Sensing she's gone too far, Gemma's expression softens. “It's not you. I'm frustrated because I feel like I'm being controlled by everyone. My father can't manage his business and needs to sell me into marriage. Some creep is watching me. You're bossing me around.”
Her voice catches on a sob. “I just want to be normal. I want to go out with my college friends, get stinking drunk, fall over, and go on a date like a normal 23-year-old woman. What's wrong with that?”
My chest aches seeing her so distraught. “I want to give you that peace of mind back. I'm working 24/7 to make that happen. Get it?”
Fresh tears spill down Gemma's cheeks. “I feel so bad; I'm not easy to work with.”
“Who would be under these circumstances?” I counter gently. “Give yourself a break. We're in this together.”
She manages a watery smile at that, scrubbing the tears from her face. “Together,” Gemma repeats. “I like the sound of that.”
Keeping her close is the only way I'll rest easy. “You won't even know I'm here,” I promise.
Some of the weight on my shoulders lifts. We're both struggling, but if we support each other, we'll get through this. I vow in that moment to be more understanding of her perspective. We're on the same side.
Gemma stifles a yawn behind her hand. It's been an emotionally draining day. “Why don't you try to get some rest?” I suggest. “Things will look better in the morning.”
She nods, moving toward her bedroom. At the doorway, she pauses, looking back. “Dylan? Thank you for staying. I'll sleep better knowing you're close by.” I nod, touched by the sincerity in her voice. “Sleep well. You're safe.”
I settle into a chair in the hallway, watching her door.
While I wait for new leads to come in, I review the case files again, combing through the data and looking for any clue I might have missed. The stalker has left no trace, no discernible pattern to his intrusions. Frustration wells up. I slam the file shut and rake a hand through my hair. Chasing shadows is getting me nowhere.
This latest breach means it's time to fully leverage my training and connections to hunt down her stalker. As an ex-SEAL, I know how to track high-value targets. Gemma's stalker has managed to stay hidden, but his time is running out. After talking to my brother earlier, I will call in a few favors from friends still active in the special ops community.
“Thorne, I need your help finding someone, no questions asked,” I say by way of greeting, skipping any pretense. Words were always sparse between me and my wild former SEAL brother, never needing to hash the small stuff.
“A woman?”comes the expected ribbing reply.
I grunt, unwilling to play into his baiting or drag old wounds to the surface. “Remember last winter when I wrecked my truck out near Thunder Mountain? That loner Carter hauled my ass through a blizzard to his off-grid cabin.”
I hear Thorne whistle low through the phone. “Shit, are you trying to repay a life debt or something?”
“Or something,” I mutter, raking a hand through my hair in agitation as Gemma's tear-filled eyes flash through my mind again. “No one would think to look for someone out there. I need to return to that cabin with the girl I'm protecting.”
“Shady business for a private security contractor.” I can picture Thorne's raised brow and calculating gaze all too clearly. “Who's this girl you're so gung-ho about?”
I exhale heavily, knowing further details will only deepen his curiosity. But I need his wilderness navigation expertise if we hope to find Carter's remote hideaway. “I’ll explain more when I see you. For now, you in or out?”
A weighty pause follows. “When do we saddle up?” I can sense his smile even through the phone.
Protecting Gemma rattles me in a way no mission ever has. I swore to protect Gemma, but I let my guard down. Let myself be distracted. I won't make that mistake again. Next time this psycho makes a move, he'll have me to deal with. And that's a confrontation he won't walk away from.
Gemma
Dylan's going to be living with me? In my home? Having him follow me all day is one thing, but relocating is too much.
The way he explains things makes it sound logical, so I reluctantly agree, but I find it hard to believe Dylan's promise that it will be like he isn't even here. His commanding presence can fill any room.
