9. Grace
9
GRACE
I swirl the drink in my glass, watching the liquid catch the dim light of the living room as I sit curled up on the couch. The fire crackles in the fireplace, a soft hum that usually calms me.
But tonight, the warmth and the drink aren’t doing much to take the edge off. My nerves are shot, my mind racing with everything that’s been happening.
I try to focus on the soothing rhythm of the flames, but my thoughts keep pulling me back to one thing—one person.
Theo.
He’s been… different lately. Not in a bad way, just—more intense. The way he’s thrown himself into protecting me, into making sure I’m safe, it’s something I’ve never seen in him before.
After the way he acted after we slept together, I thought he hated me.
It’s like he’s become my personal bodyguard. No, more than that. He’s possessive of my safety like he can’t stand the thought of anyone getting close enough to hurt me.
And I’d be lying if I said it didn’t make me feel some kind of way. It’s hard not to when someone shows this much concern and passion for keeping you safe.
I sip my drink, the alcohol warming my throat, and close my eyes for a moment. It’s been a hell of a few days.
The pictures from the stalker, the sudden realization that he knows where I am…
It’s overwhelming. Suffocating, really.
But then there’s Theo, standing between me and the danger, making all these decisions about security and protection like it’s his personal mission to keep me safe.
Part of me wants to resist it, to push back against the walls he’s starting to build around me. I don’t want to feel like a prisoner in my own life.
But another part of me… likes it. Likes him this way. Fierce, determined, focused on me in a way that no one ever has been before.
I glance at the door, wondering where he is right now. He left hours ago and hasn’t returned.
Probably talking to Tad or Devon, making more plans to reinforce the security around the house. He’s been so relentless about it all, barely stopping to breathe, let alone talking to me about anything unrelated to my stalker.
But I don’t want to think about that tonight. Not right now. I just want a moment of peace, a break from the fear and the anxiety that’s been gnawing at me.
The door creaks open, and I look up, half-expecting to see one of the guards or maybe Devon coming to give me an update. But it’s Theo.
He steps into the room, his expression softer than it’s been all day, but his eyes still have that edge of intensity.
"You okay?" he asks, his voice low, almost hesitant.
I nod, giving him a small smile. "Just… trying to relax."
He walks over to the bar cart, pours himself a drink, and then comes to sit beside me on the couch. The space between us is small, but it feels like there’s something unspoken between us.
"You’ve been quiet," he says, sipping his drink. "I know this has been hard on you."
I laugh softly, shaking my head. "That’s an understatement. But I’m managing."
He turns to me, his gaze steady, searching. "You don’t have to pretend with me, Grace. I know you’re scared."
I sigh, resting my head against the back of the couch. "I am scared. But not just of him."
His brow furrows. "What do you mean?"
I hesitate momentarily, wondering if I should even say what’s been on my mind. But something about the way he’s looking at me makes me feel safe enough to be honest.
"I’m scared of losing myself in all of this. I don’t want to be defined by what’s happening, by him. I don’t want to feel like I’m a prisoner in my own life."
He sets his drink down on the coffee table, leaning in closer to me. His presence is grounding, solid, like a shield against everything swirling around us. "You won’t be. I won’t let that happen."
There’s a certainty in his voice. I look up at him, and I see something different in his eyes. Something more than just concern or protectiveness. It’s deeper than that, something that makes the air between us feel charged.
“It’s not for you to protect me from.”
"I mean it, Grace," he says softly, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. "I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
The touch of his fingers sends a heat shock straight to my center, and suddenly, the room feels smaller and warmer. My heart starts to race, and I find myself leaning into him, drawn to the way he makes me feel—safe, protected, wanted.
"I know you will," I whisper as my eyes lock onto his.
Before I can think better of it, I lean forward, closing the distance between us. Our lips meet in a soft, tentative kiss, and the world outside—the fear, the threats, the stalker—disappears.
All I can focus on is the feel of his lips against mine, the way his hand cups the back of my neck, pulling me closer.
The kiss deepens, and suddenly, it’s like everything we’ve been holding back comes rushing to the surface. The tension, the worry, the need for something solid in the middle of all this chaos—it all pours out in that kiss.
When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. I close my eyes, trying to steady my racing heart, but all I can think about is how much I need him right now.
Not just as my protector but as someone who can make me feel grounded, and alive.
I pull away slightly, biting my lip. "Theo… I don’t know if this is a good idea."
He looks at me, his eyes dark and intense. "Why not?"
"Because everything is so… complicated right now. I don’t want to make things worse."
He shakes his head, his hand still resting on my neck. "You’re not making anything worse. If anything, this is the only thing that feels right."
I want to believe him, but my head is spinning. I’m not sure what’s right or wrong anymore. All I know is that I’m scared—of the stalker, of what’s happening to my life, and now, of how much I’m starting to feel for Theo.
He freaked out when we had sex. It was humiliating! How can I still feel anything for him right now?
"I just… need time to think," I say softly, pulling away completely and standing up.
He nods, though I can see the flicker of disappointment in his eyes. "I get it. Just know that I’m here. For whatever you need."
I give him a small smile, grateful for his understanding, but my mind is still racing. I need space to process everything—especially what just happened between us.
Especially since all I can think about is crawling in his lap, straddling him, and riding him until everything else in the world disappears.
The next morning, I wake up to the sound of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Groaning, I reach for it, squinting at the screen. It’s a notification from one of the news apps I follow.
My stomach drops as I read the headline: "Stalker Escalates Threats: New Details Emerge."
I sit up in bed, my heart racing as I quickly tap on the article. My eyes scan the words, each one making my blood run colder.
“The stalker, who has been sending threatening messages and photos to the actress, has reportedly escalated his activity in recent days, raising concerns for her safety.
Sources close to the situation reveal that he may have hacked into her personal accounts, gaining access to her confidential information.”
I drop the phone, my hands shaking.
How did he get my personal information? Who leaked that? Why didn’t anyone tell me?
There's a knock on my bedroom door before I can even think about what to do next. Theo steps in, looking grim. "You saw the news?"
"How… no one told me that he got my personal information."
“I think they meant your location. As far as I know, he doesn’t have your social security number or accounts, nothing like that.”
I blow out a breath and feel my body relax a little.
“Devon said he’d tell me before anything was released to the media.”
“I know. I think he was trying to strike quickly before the guy came at us with anything else. It’ll be okay. If the rest of the world knows this man is stalking you, then it means many people will be more vigilant about finding shady characters when you’re out in public.
“I didn’t think of it like that.”
“Reddit has some of the best detectives in the world who are not employed for them,” he teases.
“That’s true,” I giggle as I lean into him.
“We’re already doubling down on security—extra guards, tighter surveillance. We’re not taking any chances. The paparazzi will be swarming. While annoying, it will be safer for you, I promise."
“I don’t want to live like this. I don’t want to feel like I’m trapped or that you’re trapped in your own house."
He sighs, his expression softening. "I know. But right now, this is the best way to keep you safe. I’m not going to let anything happen to you."
I know he means well, but the thought of being locked away, surrounded by guards and cameras, makes me feel like I’m suffocating. I can’t keep living in this constant state of fear.
"I need air," I say abruptly, standing up and heading for the door.
"Grace, wait—" he starts, but I’m already halfway down the hall.
I step outside, the cool morning air hitting my face as I stand on the porch. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.
But no matter how hard I try, the fear, the anxiety, the feeling of being watched—it’s all still there, gnawing at me.
I hear the door open behind me, and I know without looking that it’s Theo. He steps up beside me, silent for a moment as we both stare out at the expansive property, now swarming with security personnel.
"I hate this," I admit quietly.
He nods, his voice low. "I know. But it’s what is best right now."
I look over at him, and despite everything, I feel a small flicker of hope. Maybe he’s right. Maybe we will get through this.
But right now, all I can feel is the weight of the walls closing in around me. And no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not just running from a stalker—I’m running from my own life.