ALINA’S POV.

I didn’t feel safe.

55 Vouchers

That one phone call didn’t just ruin my day, it ruined my entire week. I didn’t say anything to Lucian because I didn’t want him worrying about me.

I had to talk to Talia, but this wasn’t a conversation to have over the phone. I needed to know if the number could be traced.

“Are you okay?” Lucian’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I lied, cuddling further into him, seeking thefort his warmth brings. !--

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After the day of the phone call, I officially moved my things into Lucian’s room before he returned. To say he was surprised was an understatement.

I didn’t feel safe in my room anymore, and I may just be paranoid, but since the phone call, I always get the feeling of being watched. The unease had settled deep in my bones.

“Are you sure?” He didn’t look like he believed me, his eyes studying my face for any cracks in my facade.

“I am.” I smiled for good measure, hoping to throw him off.

There were a few seconds of silence, and then I broke it.

“How tight is the security in the estate?” I tried to sound casual, keeping my tone light.

“Pretty tight.” He responded, narrowing his eyes slightly at me.

“So nothing can go in and out of the premises without a guard seeing something?” I pushed further.

“Pretty much.” He said. “You are the only one that’s managed to sneak out of this estate without being caught, and that’s because you didn’t

go through any of the gates.” He added with a small re. “I’m still wondering how you aplished that, anyways.”

And you will continue to wonder, I thought, biting the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling.

There was no way in hell I was mentioning the secret passage to him.

“Do you trust every guard that works for you?” I asked again, my voice a little more serious now.

“I don’t trust anyone except for Ace. But I know for a fact that none of my guards are dumb enough to cross me.” He said with confidence, his jaw tightening.

I needed to know, because, what if the caller was disguising as a guard? Maybe that was how he knew what I was doing.

“Why are you asking all of this anyway? If you’re nning to run away, then I advise you to kill that thought because-”

“I’m not nning to run away,” I cut him off quickly before he could start throwing threats. “I just wanted to know, that’s all.”

It was like his whole body rxed at my response, his shoulders easing as he exhaled.

“Are you ready for the g tomorrow?” he asked, changing the topic.

парке ON

“I’ve been ready since a week ago,” I joked, perking up. “I can’t wait to try on my dress.” I added in excitement, my eyes lighting up.

The g was something I was actually excited about-it was an opportunity to not only show off my fashion sense but also scout for partners, investors and customers.

“You’re sure you want to go with me? I won’t be mad if you don’t actually want to. I won’t go with Jessica.” He said gently, like he was trying to give me an out.

He’s been saying this for a week now. He thinks the only reason I want to go is because I didn’t want him to go with Jessica. But that wasn’t it at all.

“For the umpteenth time, I do want to go with you.” I groaned in exasperation, rolling my eyes.

“I was just making sure you haven’t changed your mind.” He said, searching my face for sincerity.

I opened my mouth to retort, but he ced a quick kiss on my lips.

“Sleep.” He ordered, pulling me further into his chest.

I felt safe.

And just like magic, sleep consumed me.

The next morning, Lucian left for work. He had a couple of things to sort out before the g, which was being heldter in the day.

I decided to get some work done before the makeup artist Lucian had arranged, arrived.

I had already texted Mia toe to my room so we could go through the ns. The fashion show was fast approaching, it was in three weeks, and I wanted to make sure everything was perfect for that day.

Mia still stayed at the mansion but would move out after the fashion show. I didn’t want Seraphina bumping into her by mistake and wondering why the face of Alinova was living with me.

She may be dumb, but it doesn’t take much of a brain cell to put two and two together.

I couldn’t risk it.

Mia came in a few minutester, and we got to work.

While we were working, a call came in. At the sound of the ringtone, I got startled, heart racing, and damn near had a panic attack as I stared wide eyes at the ringing phone on the table.