We were twenty minutes into jogging when I noticed another guy watching us, almost blatantly following us from a distance. I increased the tempo, fear transforming into horror. This was getting more serious. We should report this to the police.
I decided to tell Kaelyn after an afternoon outing at the zoo. She took Amelia from the kindergarten, who was beside herself that her mommy was finally going to fulfill her wish to bring her to the zoo. We bought cotton candies and strolled around, but as much as I tried to forget about those men following us, I couldn’t.
We headed to the cages with tigers, and I halted mid-step, finding the guy from last night only twenty feet away from us.
“Oh my God,” I muttered, freaking out.
Kaelyn stopped right next to me, noticing the guy as well. “What’s going on, Saylor? Do you know this guy?”
“I’ll tell you everything, but let’s just go over there first, okay?” I pointed at the security office, feeling we would be somewhat safer there.
We stopped next to the bench that was near two security guards, my eyes on the stalker who didn’t come closer but also didn’t move from his spot.
“That guy followed us last night,” I said quietly so only she could hear me. Amelia was flipping through pages of the children’s book I bought her before we got here, not paying any attention to us.
Kaelyn glanced at him with a frown on her face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. He was in the restaurant and he was also on the street near your apartment. He was staring at us all the time.”
“Why didn’t you tell me anything?”
“Because I didn’t want to scare you. You told me that someone was following you, and now this… I don’t know, Kaelyn, but I don’t think this is a coincidence.”
“But what’s going on? Why would someone follow me?”
A disturbing thought crossed my mind. What if someone was following Kaelyn because of Stone? If Stone was actually dangerous, it would make sense. Maybe he had a lot of enemies, and they were targeting me and now my family as well.
God, no. Anything but that.
I had to tell Kaelyn the truth. She had to know.
“Um, there is something I need to tell you,” I started, blushing hard, and told her everything—from my agreement with Stone to those special agents trying to get me to work for them.
“Wow. Just wow,” was all she said after I finished the story. “I can’t believe this.”
“Tell me about it.”
She gave me an once-over, as if she was seeing me for the first time. “Who would have thought my sister was like that?”
I glanced away, totally ashamed. “Yeah, I know.”
“Hey, girl. I didn’t mean it in a bad way. Actually, it’s pretty interesting if you ask me. I didn’t know you had it in you.” She winked at me, and I buried my face into my hands.
“That’s not the most important thing now, Kaelyn.”
She grew serious. “Right. Look, if Stone is actually a part of bratva, and this is all happening because of him, then the best thing you can do is leave and not look back. He has his bodyguards around him 24/7, which is a red flag. And that background report about you… That is pretty messed up. I’m not sure how to feel about $1 million, but at least you can use it to go somewhere away from Stone and start fresh.”
“The problem is that I’m not sure I can walk away from Stone. I mean, I know he may be bad for me, but it’s like he’s gotten under my skin or something like that. I don’t know.”
She heaved a long sigh. I didn’t like the pity her eyes held. “Well, it’s obvious you have already fallen for him.”
“I’m a fool, right?”
“You’re not a fool. It happens. But let’s say he feels the same way as you do. Can you be with a guy like that?”
I looked in the direction of the guy who was following us, but he was gone. I searched around to spot him anywhere in the crowd, but I couldn’t find him.
“I don’t know. I’m not sure he really is a criminal. I mean, going everywhere with your security is certainly fishy, but he’s a billionaire and owns a large company. I think that anyone in that position would have security following them around. And he never did anything to hurt me. Just as he said, all he did was for our mutual pleasure. So it’s hard for me to picture him as some mafia boss.”
“Then, maybe you should talk to him. I don’t know.” She took my hand. “I don’t trust him. What kind of guy offers someone $1 million to sleep with them?”
“And what kind of woman accepts it?” I bit back.
She glanced at Amelia, who was in her own world as she looked at the pictures in her book.
“An offer like that is tempting. Many people wouldn’t have any trouble accepting it, so don’t feel guilty about it. I understand that even with Seth you couldn’t find what you were looking for. You were intrigued by Stone and wanted to spice up your life. That’s all fine, but I don’t trust that guy at all. Does he always get girls like that? Why is he still single?”
I barked out a laugh. “I’ve already asked myself all those things countless times, and I don’t know.”
“As I told you, you should leave and forget about him. I know this might be hard for you since you feel this way about him, but think about your safety.”
She didn’t mention her and Amelia’s safety, but she didn’t have to. I knew I had to think about my family as well.
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
It was already getting darker, so we stood up and prepared to leave. There was no trace of the guy who had been following us, but I still couldn’t relax. I felt like he was hiding in some dark corner, my senses on high alert.
“We should notify the police about this,” I told her when she was about to leave to return home.
“And tell them—what? You know, maybe Stone hired some bodyguards to follow you around. That could explain why we’re seeing them.”
“But then what about that guy who you saw when you went grocery shopping? I don’t know. Everything is so suspicious.” I caught her hand and looked at her pleadingly. “Please promise me to be safe.”
She gave me a soothing smile. “I’ll be fine. I promise.”
I pulled her and Amelia in my embrace, who was sad that I wouldn’t be spending another night at their place. I assured her I would come to visit them soon again and headed back to my place, deciding to talk to Stone tomorrow.
Chapter 14
Saylor
The next morning, I got up earlier, determined to see Stone as soon as possible. I could barely sleep last night, tossing around in my bed, tormented by my doubts and concerns.
I had just dressed into black jeans and draped shirt, when I heard the front door bursting open. I froze, dropping my purse to the ground in sheer fear. Someone was breaking in!
I rushed across my bedroom to reach my phone that was on my bed, intending to call the police with no clue as to where or how I could hide, but my bedroom door flung open, and my eyes met Edvard’s.
I screamed, dashing to the other side of the room, but he easily intercepted me and wrapped his arms around me to keep me in place.
“Wait! I’m not going to hurt you!”
“Let me go! You just broke into my place!”
“Yes, but believe me, I’m not here to hurt you. Just hear me out!” I felt extremely uncomfortable pressed flush against his body, my heart pounding madly.
“Let go of me.”
“I will, as soon as you promise me you’ll hear me out.”
“Fine. I’ll hear you out. Now, release me.”
As soon as his grip loosened, I backed away from him, his tall figure clad in black terrifying me more than ever. “What do you want?”
He fished some pictures out of the backpack he carried with him. “These are the photos of you being followed along with some others. Take a look.”
I took them with trembling hands, my hair standing up on my neck. I was close to completely flipping out when
I saw photos of myself, Kaelyn, and Amelia during these last few days.
“What the hell is this? Are you following me?”
“No. These are Stone Testova’s photos. Stone is following everyone you care about because he clearly isn’t going to let you go. He’s a dangerous man, Saylor. I can’t stress this enough. He’s highly possessive and he can decide to retaliate if you ever decide to leave him, so be prudent.”
He took a step toward me, and I stepped back, still shaking. If those men were Stone’s staff, and he was following me all these days, taking my photos… Bile climbed up my throat, my stomach twisting with revulsion and fear. Stone had done a background check on me, so why wouldn’t he stalk me and take my photos without my permission as well?
“You have to help draw him out from his security, so we can arrest him,” he continued. “You have to, or you’ll never escape from him.”
Something didn’t sound right. “How did you get these pictures?”
“My team hacked into Stone’s personal computer and found these photos among other incriminating files.”
“So you didn’t get them legally?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “Saylor, sometimes we have to do what we have to do to make things right. Stone is a very dangerous man, so even if I have to bend the law a little to get to him, I will.”
“I’m not sure—”
“Look, I’m risking my FBI career to warn you. I see you’re a good woman, and it would forever be on my consciousness if you get hurt and I can’t do anything to help you.”
I understood what he meant, but I was still skeptical. “Of all people, why me?”
“Because we believe you’re our best bet to bring him down, and we’re running out of time. We’ve received information that Testova is in the middle of an important operation that can put many people’s lives at a huge risk. We can’t let that happen. Think about all those innocent lives that would be at risk if Stone Testova remains free even a day longer.”
I had to sit down on my bed because my legs were giving out on me. It was so difficult for me to comprehend just how bad this was, and it was gut wrenching. I didn’t want to get involved, but I also didn’t want to let other people get hurt. I wouldn’t be able to live with it.
“Okay. Let’s say that I accept to help you. What do you need me to do?”
“We need you to call Stone and tell him to meet you. You’ll be wearing a wire so we can listen to your conversation and record it. Make sure to get him to admit his criminal activities. As soon as he does that, we will step in and arrest him. I assure you that you won’t be in any danger.”
I was afraid of not helping, but at the same time, I wasn’t sure I was doing the right thing. My instinct told me something wasn’t right here, but I was so scared and confused that I didn’t know what was right or wrong any more.
“Alright. I’ll help you.”
A smile I didn’t like at all spread across his face, and he sprung into action. “Good. I’ll fasten on the wire right away, and then you can call him.”
“Wait. What? You mean I have to do it now?”
He looked at me like I was a moron. “We don’t have time, Saylor. We need to do it immediately.”
I wasn’t ready at all for this, but I didn’t protest.
“You need to take off your shirt.” I swallowed with difficulty, not liking this even one bit.
“Okay,” I answered in a shaky voice and removed my shirt, remaining in my bra.
I didn’t miss the way his eyes darkened when his gaze landed on my breasts. To my mortification, his eyes remained there for a few seconds, and I almost covered my breasts with my arms.
He didn’t say anything, fastening the wire starting from my back. He worked quickly, but then he stopped in front of me again and did the most unexpected thing—he cupped my breasts.
“Mmm, these are nice assets. Now I see why Stone got his eyes on you. I bet your nipples are all pink and perky.”
With a shriek, I jumped away from him, staring at him in pure shock. All of a sudden, everything became clear to me. He wasn’t an FBI agent at all. And Gordon Tran, his “colleague”, was a fake one as well.
“Get away from me! You’re not an FBI agent!” I tried to take off the wire, but he was damn quick, capturing my wrists and shoving me against the wall.
He dropped his act, his face twisting with menace and hostility. “Listen here, you stupid bitch. I’m done with playing nice. You will lure Stone out to me, or I’ll kill your niece and then your sister.”
Oh. My. God. I stared at him with wide eyes, my mind racing to understand the gravity of what he was saying. He wasn’t an FBI agent. He was a cold-blooded killer who wouldn’t think twice about hurting the people I loved. How stupid I had been all this time not to figure him out?
“Y-You can’t do that.”
“Yes, I can, and I will. My people are watching us right now and just waiting for my order.”
At that, I looked through the window, but all I saw were the windows from the building next to mine. I couldn’t see any people through them, which scared the hell out of me. They were hiding out there, watching everything that was happening in my place…
“So you better listen to me if you want to keep your sister and niece alive.” He smirked and cupped my breast again. A wave of disgust hit me, my shaking intensifying by the second. I tried to kick him, but he blocked me easily.
“Don’t even try it, honey.” His fingers traced my skin, roaming across my breast and neck until they reached my face. “I promise I’m going to show you a good time when you’re done with your part. I’ll reward you.”
He rubbed against me, and it was too much. I tried to kick him again, but this time not only did he block me, but he also slapped me across my face. I was temporarily blinded with pain, tears pooling in my eyes.
Gripping my upper arm, he got into my face and sneered at me. “The next time you try that, I’ll break your arm, so you better think twice about what you are going to do. If you think I give empty threats, think again.”
He yanked my arm and dragged me across the room. I stood no chance against his brute strength. All I could do was hope this wouldn’t end badly. He dropped me on a chair in front of my vanity mirror.
“You’re going to apply a heavy coat of makeup to hide that red area on your face.”
I didn’t dare oppose him. I worked quietly, my distressed expression in the mirror almost unrecognizable. I was pale, and my eyes showed exactly how I felt.
He grabbed my chin and leaned in to inspect my work. I tightened my jaw, revolted by his touch and nearness. “The mark is still visible. Apply it one more time.”
I did what I was told, wanting to hurt him badly. However, even if I managed to injure him and escape him, his men were watching us, and I was sure they would catch me and then punish my family and me.
When he was finally satisfied, he tugged me up to my feet and shoved my phone into my hand.
“Now you will call Stone and tell him to meet you in Central Park in thirty minutes. Tell him it’s urgent and to come alone.”
For a second, I couldn’t move, afraid for Stone’s safety. This was all a ploy to get to Stone, but now that I knew what this man was actually capable of, I didn’t doubt that he would hurt Stone too.
But what could I do? I didn’t have a choice.
“What are you waiting for? And here’s a reminder—don’t even try to fool us and attempt to drop a hint to Stone through the phone. Remember that your sister and niece’s life are in danger.”
I didn’t see the way out of this mess. I had to do this. With a huge lump in my throat, I nodded and called Stone, trying to ignore the painful breaking of my heart that was going to change me forever.
Chapter 15
Stone
I didn’t need to see Saylor standing in the distance with her arms wrapped around her body to conclude that something was off with her. She didn’t sound like herself when she called me, and I coul
d swear her voice was trembling.
She asked me to come alone so we could talk, so I decided to leave my security detail behind, but there was no actual way I would come here with zero protection. I left them in the car and with their eyes on me the whole time.
I was wary as I approached her, baffled as to why we had to meet here.
“Hello, Saylor,” I said, stopping right behind her, and she twirled around, her eyes widening before they met mine.
“Stone!” She placed her hand over her chest, letting out a nervous chuckle. “You came.”
I wanted to kiss her, but something told me that wouldn’t be a good idea at all. “Yes. I missed you, and I really hoped we could talk.” She just giggled at that, her gaze darting around. “Are you alright?”
“Yes. Sure.” She looked around her again. “Um, listen. Let’s go back to my place and talk.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that. I came here alone, but my security is watching me from the car.” I pointed in the car’s direction. “I promised Aaron, my head of security, I’d stay in sight of my guards.”
She didn’t reply anything, her face paling.
“How about a walk around the park? We can talk while walking.”
She nodded without even looking at me. “Yes. That… That we can do.”
The first few minutes neither of us said a word, and I used the silence to put together my thoughts. She was definitely afraid about something, and the only conclusion I could come up with was that it was because of her feelings. She had experienced something that was apparently too much for her, and now she was trying to back out of our arrangement.
“I’ve been thinking,” I started. “It seems that both you and I feel conflicted about our feelings. It turns out that this arrangement means more to us than I’ve ever imagined it could.”
I glanced at her and saw something close to a conflict on her face. She still didn’t look at me, her gaze set on the ground. “What do you mean?” she asked in a tiny voice.
Love Affair with the Billionaire Page 8