9. Bella #2
“We go to the police station,” Adrian says. “We make sure they’re taking this seriously, that they’re monitoring Marcus’s movements. And we make sure you’re protected.”
“Adrian, I don’t need-”
“Yes, you do,” Adrian interrupts, his voice firm. “Marcus threatened you, Bella. He put his hands on you. And now he’s out on bail, probably furious that we’ve destroyed his life. I’m not taking any chances with your safety.”
I want to argue, want to insist that I can take care of myself. But the truth is, I’m scared. Marcus is unpredictable, and he’s proven he’s capable of violence.
“Okay,” I say quietly. “Okay, we’ll go to the police station.”
Adrian pulls me into his arms, holding me tight. “I’m not going to let him hurt you,” he says fiercely. “I promise, Bella. I will protect you.”
“I know,” I say, burying my face in his chest. “I trust you.”
At the police station, Detective Morrison confirms our worst fears. Marcus is out on bail, and while he’s required to wear an ankle monitor and stay within city limits, there’s not much else the police can do to restrict his movements.
“We’re monitoring him,” Detective Morrison assures us. “If he violates the terms of his bail or attempts to contact Ms. Hayes, we’ll arrest him immediately. But until then, our hands are tied.”
“That’s not good enough,” Adrian says, his voice hard. “Marcus is dangerous. He’s already threatened Bella once. What’s to stop him from trying again?”
“I understand your concern, Mr. Sterling,” Detective Morrison says. “But legally, there’s only so much we can do. Marcus has rights, even as a defendant. The best thing you can do is stay vigilant. If you see Marcus or if he attempts to contact you, call us immediately.”
Adrian looks like he wants to argue further, but I place a hand on his arm. “It’s okay,” I say quietly. “We’ll be careful.”
Detective Morrison gives us her direct number and makes us promise to call if anything seems off. As we leave the station, Adrian is tense, his jaw tight.
“I don’t like this,” he says as we get into his car. “I don’t like that Marcus is out there, free to do whatever he wants.”
“He’s being monitored,” I remind him. “And we’ll be careful. We’ll stay together, we’ll be aware of our surroundings. It’ll be okay.”
Adrian doesn’t look convinced, but he nods. “You’re staying with me,” he says. “No arguments. Until Marcus is back in custody or the trial is over, you’re not leaving my sight.”
I should probably object to his high-handedness, but honestly, I’m relieved. I don’t want to be alone right now. I don’t want to be vulnerable.
“Okay,” I agree. “I’ll stay with you.”
Adrian’s expression softens slightly. “Thank you. I know I’m being overprotective, but-”
“You’re being protective,” I correct. “There’s a difference. And I appreciate it. I feel safer with you.”
Adrian reaches over and takes my hand, bringing it to his lips. “Good. Because keeping you safe is my top priority.”
Over the next few days, Adrian and I fall into a new routine. We work from his penthouse, coordinating with the district attorney’s office via phone and email. Adrian hires a security team to monitor the building, and he insists on having a bodyguard accompany us whenever we leave.
It feels excessive at first, but I quickly realize it’s necessary. Marcus is out there, and he’s angry. The news coverage of his arrest and the revelations about his crimes have destroyed his reputation. His business is gone, his assets are frozen, and he’s facing life in prison.
He has nothing left to lose.
One afternoon, about a week after Marcus made bail, Adrian and I are reviewing documents in his home office when my phone buzzes with a text from an unknown number.
You think you’ve won. But this isn’t over. I’m going to make you pay for what you’ve done.
My blood runs cold. I show the text to Adrian, and his expression darkens.
“That’s Marcus,” he says flatly. “He’s violating the terms of his bail by contacting you.” He immediately calls Detective Morrison, forwarding her the text.
“We’re on it,” Detective Morrison says. “We’ll track the number and see if we can determine where Marcus sent it from. In the meantime, don’t respond. Don’t engage with him at all.”
“We won’t,” Adrian assures her.
After the call ends, Adrian pulls me into his arms. “He’s trying to scare you,” he says. “Don’t let him.”
“I’m not scared,” I say, though it’s not entirely true. “I’m angry. He’s already taken so much from me. I’m not going to let him take my peace of mind too.”
“That’s my girl,” Adrian says, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Strong and fierce.”
But despite my brave words, the text unsettles me. Marcus is out there, watching, waiting. And I can’t shake the feeling that something bad is coming.
That night, as Adrian and I lie in bed, I find myself unable to sleep. My mind keeps replaying the text, Marcus’s words echoing in my head.
I’m going to make you pay.
“You’re thinking about the text,” Adrian says quietly. I didn’t realize he was awake.
“I can’t help it,” I admit. “What if he tries something? What if he-”
“He won’t,” Adrian says firmly, pulling me closer. “I won’t let him. And even if he tries, he won’t succeed. We have security, we have the police monitoring him, and we have each other. Marcus is one man, Bella. And he’s up against all of us.”
“I know,” I say. “But he’s desperate. And desperate people do desperate things.”
“Then we’ll be ready,” Adrian says. “We’ll be vigilant, we’ll be smart, and we’ll make sure he doesn’t get the chance to hurt you.”
I turn in Adrian’s arms to face him. “Promise me something.”
“Anything.”
“Promise me that if something happens - if Marcus does try something - you won’t do anything reckless. You won’t put yourself in danger trying to protect me.”
Adrian’s expression is serious. “I can’t promise that, Bella. Because if it comes down to a choice between your safety and mine, I’m choosing yours. Every time.”
“Adrian-”
“No,” he says, his voice firm. “I love you. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe. That’s not negotiable.”
I feel tears prick my eyes. “I love you too. So much. And I need you to be safe too. I can’t lose you.”
“You won’t,” Adrian promises, kissing me softly. “We’re going to get through this together. And when it’s over, when Marcus is behind bars for good, we’re going to build the life we deserve. A life filled with love and happiness and peace.”
“I want that,” I whisper. “I want that so much.”
“Then trust me,” Adrian says. “Trust that I know what I’m doing. Trust that I will protect you. And trust that we’re going to win.”
I nod, burying my face in his chest. “I trust you.”