Chapter 38: Chapter XXXVIII
The late autumn breeze brushed through the slightly cracked window in the penthouse living room, carrying in the scent of rain-soaked concrete and the hum of distant Manhattan traffic. Ariana stood barefoot near the tall windows, wrapped in one of Callum’s crisp white shirts. The city looked blurred beyond the glass, as if even Manhattan itself couldn’t see clearly anymore.
But Ariana could. Her instincts had sharpened in the last few days—she felt watched, and though Callum hadn’t said anything directly, she’d seen the way his jaw tensed each time he picked up his phone, how he stepped into the other room for longer conversations with Julian,and how his voice dropped in a way that made her skin crawl.
She wasn’t paranoid. She felt like something was coming.
Callum’s voice stirred her from the glassy silence. “Ari.”
She turned. He was still dressed from the day’s meetings—dark maroon slacks, shirt sleeves rolled up, the silk tie in his hand as he walked toward her. There was exhaustion on his face, but his eyes remained fixed on her, steady, protective.
“Did you eat?” he asked.
“Not hungry.” Her arms tightened around her frame. “I’ve been thinking about Charlie.”
He approached slowly, slipping the tie onto the side table. “Me too. I know you worry about her but I can assure you that I have men that are on guard round the clock.”
Her eyes widened a little in surprise.
“She’s your heart. That makes her my responsibility too.” Callum’s tone was quiet but certain. “We’re flying her here as soon as the hospital gives her a referral for transfer.”
Ariana blinked. “You’re serious?”
“I’ve already spoken to the hospital administrator in Dallas. Julian is arranging a medical transport. She’ll be moved to a private care suite here. Fully monitored. Fully secured.” He paused. “I know something’s coming, Ariana. And I’d rather have her where I can protect both of you.”
Emotion welled in her chest. She swallowed it down, trying to stay composed. “You didn’t need to do that but I'm very grateful for all you've done for us.”
“Yes,” he interrupted gently, reaching for her hand. “I did.”
The vulnerability of the moment softened the air between them. Ariana looked down, voice small. “I’ve been so afraid. I keep thinking... I know they can’t get to you, but what chance do I have?”
He took her chin, raising her gaze to his. “You’re stronger than you think. But strength doesn’t mean standing alone anymore.”
Her voice cracked. “You’ve done so much already. Why?”
Callum hesitated for a beat. Then, almost too quiet: “Because when you’re not around, the world feels... wrong. I need you safe. And maybe, selfishly, I need to stop feeling like I’m one step away from losing you.”
The silence that followed held weight—but not discomfort. Ariana leaned into him, resting her head against his chest. The beat of his heart was steady, calming. Home.
“Does Charlie know?” she asked.
“Julian’s speaking to her doctor directly. She’ll be told when it’s all cleared. But you can call her tonight—tell her it’s your idea.”
Ariana gave a soft laugh. “She’ll believe that.”
They stood in silence for a while before Ariana pulled back slightly. “Callum... what happens next? After the marriage, after Charlie’s here?”
He raised a brow. “You mean when the dust settles?”
She nodded.
He leaned back against the couch, pulling her with him. “I don’t know what a normal life looks like anymore. But if you stay, I’ll build one with you. It’ll be messy. Loud. Complicated. But it will be real.”
Her lips parted, breath hitching. “Stay?”
His hand cupped her jaw. “I’m not asking for forever tonight. But I’m hoping you’re not planning to leave when this is over. We can still be good friends.”
Ariana pressed her forehead to his. “I don’t think I can.”
As their hands laced together, Callum’s phone buzzed on the side table. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
“What is it?” she asked.
“It’s Julian. I need to take this.”
She stood to give him space, walking back to the windows, but watched him out of the corner of her eye.
“Yeah?” Callum said sharply into the phone.
A pause. Then: “What do you mean the address was accessed again? I thought it was wiped. Who the hell—”
Another pause. Ariana’s stomach sank.
Callum’s voice dropped. “Find out if Milanna’s father is involved. If he is, we’re escalating. No more waiting. I need you to get Emilio back to the warehouse. I need to ask him some questions.”
When the call ended, Callum turned to Ariana.
“What happened? Is everything okay?” she asked.
His jaw tightened. “We may have just lost our head start. I need you and Charlie out of reach before anyone moves.”
Ariana nodded, resolve in her eyes. “Then we make sure we’re ready.”