Chapter 85 BABYSITTING.
\~~~DAMIEN.
I pushed back from the table, standing smoothly. “I need to take this. It’s from work,” I gestured vaguely at the phone, keeping my tone light as I stepped away.
Serena watched me go, but she didn't push. “Okay. Don't be long
I headed down the hallway to my study, closing the door behind me with a soft click. The room was dim, sunlight filtering through half-drawn blinds. I pulled out my phone and dialed Marcus, my head of security. He picked up on the first ring.
“Marcus,’' I said, my voice calm but edged with steel. “I need everything on Gwendolyn Forbes. Full information on how she landed that professor spot at Serena's university. Who pulled strings for her? Dig into her recent movements, contacts, and anything that smells off. She is too close,”
“On it, sir,” Marcus replied, his tone efficient. “Anything else?”
“Shift focus to Serena. Ramp up the watch and increase security around her, but keep it subtle. No tails she can spot, and no obvious shadows. Just eyes, always,” I paced the room, my mind racing. Gwendolyn's timing was impeccable, like she'd been waiting. The drug in Serena's drink at the gala could have been her also.
I don’t know why.
She definitely doesn’t seem like the kind to stoop too low to spike a drink, but, I couldn’t trust anyone. Not right now.
“Understood. I will have prelims on Forbes by the end of day.”
“Good. Make it fast,” I hung up, leaning against the desk. The dots were connecting in my head now with Gwendolyn's messages starting on our honeymoon, her reappearance now, and Serena in the crossfire. It felt planned, a deliberate unraveling. I wouldn't let it touch her.
I took a deep breath, smoothing my shirt before heading back to the dining room. Serena had cleared her bowl and was sipping water, her posture relaxed but her eyes flicking up as I entered.
“Everything sorted?” she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.
“Yeah, just a quick check-in.” I sat down across from her, picking up my own glass. “How is the soup sitting? You look better.”
She shrugged, the tension from earlier easing. “It's good. Thanks for making it. I needed something normal after... everything,” We chatted lightly about her classes, the upcoming exams and safe topics that kept the mood steady. Her laugh came easier, and for a moment, the shadows receded.
But then she set her glass down, her expression turning careful. “Hey, I was thinking... I might go see Maya tonight. You know, catch up, and maybe spend the night. I'll be back tomorrow after school.”
I paused, my fork halfway to my mouth. The words hit like a warning bell. Maya was fine, and a good friend, but the timing?
After the drugging, and with Gwendolyn lurking? No.
My protective instinct surged, a tight knot in my chest.
“Spend the night?’' I echoed, keeping my voice even.
She nodded, fiddling with her napkin. “Yeah, just girl talk. I’ve missed our sleepovers.”
Internally, alarm bells rang. Letting her out there, even for a night, felt like handing her over to whatever game Gwendolyn was playing. The drug incident was fresh and someone had targeted her. They were still targeting her.
I couldn't risk it. But then again, I just couldn’t cut her off from her lifestyle.
“I will drive you,” I said, setting my fork down.
Serena blinked, surprise crossing her face. “What? No, it is okay. I can take a cab or drive myself. It is not far.”
I leaned forward, my gaze steady. “I want to and it will be quick.”
She shook her head, a light laugh escaping. “Damien, I'm fine. You don't have to babysit me.”
“It is not babysitting,” my tone stayed calm, but firm, the kind that brooked no argument. “It is either that or you're not leaving.”
Her eyes widened, and she pouted, crossing her arms. “Seriously? You're being controlling again!” There was irritation in her voice, but I didn’t care.
I held her gaze, not backing down. “Call it what you want, Ena. After last night? I'm not taking chances.”
She huffed, rolling her eyes. “One spiked drink, and now I'm on lockdown? Come on.”
“It is not a lockdown. It is me making sure you are safe,” I reached for her hand, squeezing gently. “Humor me. I will drive you there, and pick you up tomorrow. Deal?'
She sighed, the fight draining out. “Fine. But only because of what just happened. I don’t like the tight leaches,” she rolled her eyes.
“I will go pack a light bag and then we can leave in a bit?”
“Sounds good,” I watched as she stood and headed toward the bedroom, her steps light but purposeful.
As the door clicked shut behind her, I leaned back in my chair, the weight settling heavier.
But I couldn’t shake off any of what was going through my head.
What if the drugging was just the start? I couldn't shake the feeling that eyes were on us, waiting for a slip.
Once I heard the bedroom door close fully, I grabbed my phone again. Marcus answered immediately.
“Double it,” I said, my voice low and controlled, laced with that unyielding protectiveness. “Double the surveillance on my wife. Double the teams. Keep it discreet, but I want eyes on her every moment of the day.”
“Sir?” Marcus paused, but I could hear him shifting gears.
“Nothing must happen to her,” I added, the words a vow. “Understood?”
“Crystal. Consider it done.”
I ended the call, staring at the empty doorway. Serena was my world, and I'd burn everything to keep her safe.
Gwendolyn wanted to drag up the past? Fine. But she'd do it over my dead body if it meant touching what was mine.