Chapter 7
DENVER
I woke up to the weight of Sasha's body curled against mine, her warmth seeping into my skin like a balm, the faint scent of her filling my nose. Her head rested on my chest, her breath steady and soft, her arm draped loosely over my torso. For a moment, I just lay there, soaking in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Last night had been amazing. It was everything I hadn't realized I needed in my life until now. I pressed a kiss to the top of her head, my chest tightening with something I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years. Not since I'd learned to keep the world at arm's length.
Sasha stirred, her eyelashes fluttering against my skin as she woke. She blinked up at me, her hazel eyes still hazy with sleep, and a soft smile tugged at her lips. "Morning," she murmured, her voice soft and rough around the edges.
"Morning," I replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. My fingers lingered against her cheek, tracing the curve of her jaw. She was breathtaking, not just in the way she looked, but in the way she made me feel. Raw. Exposed. Alive. "Sleep okay?"
She nodded, her cheek nuzzling into my hand. "Better than I have in weeks," she admitted, her voice still heavy with sleep. But then her expression shifted, her brow furrowing slightly as she studied me. "You're thinking too hard again. I can hear it."
I let out a low chuckle, though it didn't quite reach my eyes. "Can't help it. Last night, it changed things."
Her gaze softened, and she propped herself up on one elbow, the sheets slipping down to reveal the curve of her shoulder. "Yeah," she agreed, her voice quiet but steady. "It does."
I hesitated, my thumb brushed over her cheekbone, and I searched her eyes, trying to find the words I'd never been good at saying. "Are you okay? With this? With us?"
She bit her lower lip, her gaze drifting to the window before returning to mine. "I don't know, Denver. I've never felt like this before, and it's a lot. But I believe in us."
Relief washed over me, though it was tempered by an old, familiar ache. I'd never been good at vulnerability, at letting someone in. But with Sasha, it felt different. Necessary. "Me neither," I admitted, my voice rough. "But I need you to know something. Last night wasn't just a moment for me. You're it for me, Sasha. Forever."
Her breath hitched, and for a moment, she just stared at me, her eyes searching mine as if trying to find the truth in my words. Then, without a word, she leaned in, pressing her lips to mine in a kiss that was soft, lingering, and full of promise. When she pulled back, her forehead rested against mine, her breath warm against my skin. "You're it for me too, Denver," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
We stayed like that for a while, wrapped in each other's warmth, until the demands of the day forced us to move. I managed to convince her to shower with me all in the name of conserving water. After we were both as wrinkled as prunes, we got dressed and settled into the soft domesticity of our morning routine.
As we stood in the kitchen, I couldn't help but watch her. Sasha was quiet as she sipped her coffee, her fingers wrapped tightly around her mug as she stared into the distance. I could practically see the gears turning in her head, and I knew what she was thinking before she even spoke.
"Sasha," I said softly, breaking the silence. "Talk to me."
She turned to look at me, her expression conflicted. "We can't keep hiding here, Denver," she said finally, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. "We both have jobs. Lives. I can't just let this stalker dictate everything."
I clenched my jaw, my wolf's instincts roaring to the surface. "Sasha, it's not safe. I'm not risking your safety for anything."
She set her coffee cup down with a little more force than necessary, her eyes flashing. "I get that, Denver. But I can't live like this. We're like prisoners in a gilded cage. I need to go back to work. I need to feel like I'm in control of my own life again. And you need to show up at the office before the board replaces you."
The urge to argue was strong, but I forced myself to take a breath. She was right. I couldn't keep her locked away, no matter how much I wanted to protect her. "Okay," I said finally, my voice tight. "But we're doing this my way. Increased security. I'm not taking any chances."
She nodded, her expression softening. "Thank you," she murmured, her hand reaching out to brush against mine. The touch was brief, but it sent a jolt of warmth through me, a reminder of everything I was fighting for.
When we arrived at the office, the whispers started the moment we stepped off the elevator. I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on us, but I kept my focus on Sasha, my hand resting protectively on the small of her back as we made our way to the design studio.
From her desk, Margot glared at the two of us like she wanted to stab us right then and there. We didn't get far before Victoria cornered us, her expression as sharp and calculating as ever.
"Denver," she said, her tone clipped. "The board is waiting for you."
I glanced at Sasha, who gave me a small nod before heading to her desk. I followed Victoria into the boardroom, where every member who was a significant stakeholder was already waiting. I could feel their judgmental gazes boring into me.
Victoria wasted no time. "What's going on with you and Sasha Bennett? First, you expect us to believe she's your girlfriend, and now you've suddenly disappeared for an entire week during the run-up to Fashion Week. Do you have any idea how this looks? There is chaos in the design department because of the whispers about your romance with a subordinate."
I clenched my jaw, my patience wearing thin. "My personal life is none of your business, Victoria."
She arched a brow, her tone as cold as ice. "It is our business when it affects the company. Your little love affair is causing a distraction, and we cannot afford to have you divide your priorities to protect your lover. The stock price has already dropped heavily and our market cap has fallen below $500 billion. You are absolutely failing to prove your stability and maturity as CEO of this company."
I took a step forward, my voice low and dangerous. "Sasha is one of the most talented designers this company has ever seen. She deserves to be recognized for her work on the new American line. If you have a problem with that, then perhaps this company deserves to go the way of the dinosaurs."
The room fell silent. Margot cleared her throat. "In light of the drop in our stock price, we, the board of directors, demand that you accelerate the launch of the new American line and name a lead designer. You have to stabilize the stock price and reassure the markets. If you fail, your position as CEO will be in jeopardy."
I nodded reluctantly, realizing I didn't have a choice. "Understood. I'll make the announcement at the upcoming press conference."
"That's all we need to hear," Maxwell said with a sharp nod. "Make it happen, Denver. And keep your personal life in check."
I stormed out of the boardroom, my mind racing. Sasha was still at her desk, and I couldn't go to her without creating more rumors at the office. While I was protected from the venomous wagging tongues, Sasha was not established enough in her career to survive the blow to her reputation. With a growl, I went to my office and slammed the door behind me. What I needed most right now was the comfort of my mate.
I paced the length of the room, stopped, pulled out my phone, and fired off a text to Sasha.
Me: "I have good news and bad news."
Sasha: "Give me the good, I guess?"
Me: "It's one and the same. The board wants me to accelerate the launch of the new American line and name a lead designer at the press conference next week. Your chance to shine has come sooner than we planned."
There was a pause. My fingers twitched as I waited for her reply.
Sasha: "That's a lot of pressure. And so soon."
Me: "Yeah. And with your stalker still out there, I don't like the idea of putting you in the spotlight like this."
Sasha: "Denver, I can handle it. I need to handle it. I'm not going to let someone's sick obsession control my life. And you can't let this board dictate what you can or can't do."
Me: "You're right."
Sasha: "I'm always right."
I chuckled and poured myself a drink. My mate was full of surprises.
Later that evening, as we were walking from the office to my car, Sasha's phone buzzed. She froze when she saw the message, her face pale. I glanced over her shoulder, and my blood ran cold. The text was from an unknown number, but the words made it clear who the message was from.
"I'm always watching. You can't hide from me."
Sasha's hands trembled as she clutched her phone. I wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "We're going to figure this out," I promised, my voice low and fierce. "I'm not letting anyone hurt you."
We went home and had a quiet dinner. It had been an exhausting day and neither of us was in the mood to talk much. As we lay in bed, Sasha turned to me, her eyes searching mine. "Denver, I'm scared," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not just of the stalker. I'm scared of screwing things up. Of costing you your position."
My heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice. "Don't worry about me," I said, my voice firm. "You're going to launch this company to new heights. I know it. I've never been as confident in anything as I am in you, Sasha."
Her eyes watered. I continued. "You are the most talented and authentic person I have ever met. I am honored that you have trusted me to be a part of your life. I love you, Sasha Bennett and you will never be rid of me."
She blinked rapidly to clear her eyes and smiled. Her face lit up with joy, erasing the lines of anxiety. "I love you too, Denver."
We held each other close, the world outside fading away. But even as I held her, I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.