Chapter 17 Guarding my heart
"No. But I'll have my team trace it." Adrian looked up, his gaze intense. "I'll make sure this won't happen again, Eva. I promise you."
"How can you promise that? You don't even know who sent this. It might be anyone."
"Whoever it might be, I don't need to know who sent it." His voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "I just need to make sure they can never reach you again."
He turned to one of his men and spoke quickly, giving orders and making arrangements. Within minutes, the house was being secured with new locks, alarm systems, and cameras.
Eva watched it all, grateful for Adrian's help but overwhelmed by how quickly everything was changing.
Her chest grew tight as the bodyguards moved from room to room, putting in locks and setting up alarms.
The noise of drills and strange footsteps made her nervous, her hands shaking each time they went to another window.
She pressed her back against the wall, her heart racing, and it felt like the house she once felt safe in was now closing in on her.
Suddenly, all the security made her feel watched and unsafe.
Every new safety measure reminded her just how unprotected she was now.
"Adrian," she said quietly.
He turned to her immediately. "Yes?"
"Thanks for your help. But I think this is too much."
"Nonsense, it's not enough." He stepped closer, and she caught the scent of his cologne, the same one from seven years ago. "Someone threatened you, Eva. In your own home. I won't let that happen. If I could do as I please, I would have asked you to move into my house."
"What? But—"
"No buts." He took her hands, his grip warm and steady. "I know you're not ready for that, which is why I didn't ask. But I can't relax knowing you're in a house with so many security problems. Let me do this, for my peace of mind and your safety."
His face softened. "You're not alone anymore, Eva. Now you have me. And whatever happens, we'll face it together." He gently pulled her into a comforting hug.
Eva stared up at him, her heart pounding.
Eva knows she should have pulled away. Should have insisted on maintaining boundaries. Should have reminded herself that she barely knew this man.
But she didn't.
Instead, she leaned into him, just enough to feel his warmth and the steady beat of his heart.
"Okay," she whispered.
Adrian's eyes softened.
For a long moment, they stood together, hands intertwined, as the chaos of the world faded away.
Then, reluctantly, Eva stepped back.
"The children," she said. "I need to check on them."
"Of course." Adrian released her hands. "Go. I'll be here when you get back."
Eva nodded and headed upstairs.
When she glanced back from the landing, Adrian was still watching her. The hallway light caught his face, and in his eyes, she thought she saw the whole tangle of regret and hope, longing and concern.
Eva hesitated, her breath quick and light as the moment stretched between them, full of things they hadn't said and doubt.
She felt a flutter in her chest. It wasn't just fear; there was anticipation too, as if her heart was torn between running away from him and running into his arms.
There was something in his eyes she couldn't name, and it left her feeling exposed and wanting more.
Eva woke to the smell of coffee.
For a moment, she felt confused. The events of the previous night seemed like a fever dream: the threatening messages, Adrian's arrival, and the security team moving through her house like an army.
But as her eyes adjusted to the morning light, reality settled back in.
It had all been real.
She climbed out of bed, wrapped a cardigan around her shoulders, and went downstairs. The house was quiet except for soft voices coming from the kitchen. Mrs. Chen was probably preparing breakfast.
But when Eva reached the living room, she stopped short.
Adrian was there.
On her couch.
Asleep.
He was still wearing his suit from the night before, though his jacket had been discarded and his tie loosened. His usually perfect hair was tousled, falling across his forehead, making him look younger. More handsome.
Eva stood frozen, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest.
He had stayed.
All night, he had stayed, watching over her and her children while she slept. This man ran huge businesses and could have been anywhere in the world, but he chose to spend the night on her couch.
Something stirred in Eva's chest. Something warm and fragile and terrifying.
She quickly pushed it down.
Don't, she told herself. Don't let yourself feel this.
But it was too late.
The walls she had built around her heart were already crumbling.
Adrian's eyes fluttered open, as if sensing her presence. For a brief moment, he looked disoriented—then his gaze found hers, and clarity returned.
"Eva." His voice was rough with sleep. "What time is it?"
"A little after seven." Eva clasped her hands together, suddenly uncertain of what to do with them. "You stayed."
"I said I would." Adrian sat up slowly, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Did you sleep well?"
"A little." She hesitated. "You should have used a guest room. The couch can't be comfortable."
"I've slept in worse places." A hint of a smile crossed his face. "Besides, I wanted to be close. In case anything happened."
Eva's throat tightened.
When was the last time someone had worried about her like this? When was the last time anyone had put her safety above their own comfort?
She couldn't remember.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Adrian's smile softened. "You don't need to thank me."
Before she could respond, the sound of small footsteps thundered down the stairs.
"Mommy! Mommy!"
Eva turned just in time to catch Lily as her daughter launched herself into her arms. Ethan followed close behind, slightly more reserved but equally excited.
"We heard voices!" Lily exclaimed. "Is someone here?"