Backstabber

Jasmine stepped into Elijah's home, instantly wrapped in a feeling of warmth and comfort. The small smiles and the soft whispering of staff made her feel safe, loved, and completely at ease. She silently wished she'd experienced this kind of security as a child. It was soothing and raw. 

Untouched and dreamy.

She smiled, but her steps were heavy, and her thoughts raced with the memory of Clara’s venomous words. Seeing Clara wasn’t’ an accidental run in. It was a deliberate, cold confrontation. There was no doubt that Clara had purposely threatened her to crush whatever fleeting hope Jasmine had tried to hold onto. 

The idea that she could be in danger, that she could lose everything she had made her feel hollow. Her guard had been up, but now, it felt like everything was falling apart. The gut feeling of is it worth was sinking in. 

As she entered the livingroom, her two bodyguards exchanged knowing looks with the entire staff. They didn’t need to say anything. It was clear that whatever had transpired earlier had shaken her. 

While they didn’t need to stay close, they stayed alert but silent. One of them pulled Elijah aside as Jasmine headed into the living room. He wanted to inform Elijah of what he had seen. 

"Clara bumped into her outside the university.", Damien explained in a low voice. 

“Bitch.”, Elijah whispered.

"She said something to Jasmine, but we couldn’t make out what. Whatever it was, it upset her. She’s been quiet the whole ride back."

Elijah’s jaw tightened at the news, his protective instincts kicking in immediately. “Why don’t you know what Clara said? I told you to stay close.”, he asked. His tone flat but laced with irritation.

“Jasmine asked us to hang back because we were drawing too much attention to her. We don’t know for sure, sir, but we believe Clara taunted her with the hitman. Jasmine looked all around her but shut down in the car. It’s clear Clara made a point to get to her. We would take a bullet for her, sir. She’s okay, but I think you should talk to her.”

“Thanks.”, Elijah muttered. Nodding at him. He didn’t need any more information. 

“Also, she turned in her thesis today and submitted her application for graduation.”, he added. 

“Does she know that I know about it?”, Elijah asked.

“Doubt it, sir. Her professor submitted her for some paper, but she didn’t see too excited about it.”, Damien said. 

Elijah nodded for him to leave. 

He could feel the storm brewing just beyond the door as he walked into the living room, where Jasmine was already seated. Her eyes downcast. The heaviness in the air was palpable, and Elijah could feel it tightening around him.

Without a word, he moved over to the couch and sat down beside her. Jasmine didn’t look at him right away, but she didn’t try to pull away either. He pulled her closer to him and his warmth provided her with an added layer of security. 

He could see the tension in her posture, the way her shoulders were hunched forward, her hands clasped tightly, and her muscles rigid. She was holding something in, and it was clear that whatever it was, it was tearing her up inside.

His hands moved as he gently placed his hand on waist. She flinched slightly, the tension in her body visible even in the small movement. Elijah’s expression softened, his thumb lightly brushing over her back. He didn’t say anything at first, just offering a silent presence, a comfort, as he waited for her to speak.

"Clara... she threatened my life.", Jasmine finally whispered. Her voice barely above a whisper. 

The words hit Elijah like a blow to the chest, his heart tightening at the realization that his worst fears were coming true. He should have done more to protect her, to shield her from the dangers she didn’t even know how to anticipate. His didn’t move, as to not startle her. 

His brow furrowed as he tightened his grip on her hand. "What exactly did she say to you?”, he asked. His voice controlled but edged with concern.

Jasmine’s eyes flickered up to his for the briefest of moments before she looked away again. 

She sighed, "She... said I wouldn’t be safe, even with all the protection in the world. She said I’m just a target. That it’s only a matter of time before I’m vulnerable and he strikes."

Elijah cursed under his breath. His rage ran wild, and his mind raced through every option, every security measure that could be put into place. "Jasmine, I have a round-the-clock team in place for a reason. You are safe here. You are safe with me. No one is going to hurt you."

But Jasmine didn’t seem comforted by his words. Instead, she looked almost hollow, like the promise of protection couldn’t undo the damage Clara’s threat had done.

"It’s not just that, Elijah.", she said. Her voice trembling slightly, “She brought up Benjamin. I haven’t been able to reach him since Mexico and I have no clue what was in his letter.”

“I’ll have Marshall look into contacting him.”, Elijah assured her. 

“Thank you.”, she said before pausing.

“Is there something else bothering you?”, he asked. 

His question hit her like a ton of bricks. She looked away, "There’s something else. Something I’ve been meaning to tell you."

Elijah tilted his head, studying her face closely. "What is it?"

She fell silent. Contemplating the best way to tell him, but she knew the silence would create frustration. He was patient with her. 

The silence turned from seconds into minutes as she froze. 

He knew what she had to say. Marshall had sent Elijah a draft of her thesis when he found it during his investigation. It didn’t bother him because he knew his life was an enigma worth a study. 

Before she could answer, he took the pressure off of her.

A certain sense of calm determination resonated in his chest, "I know what it is, Jasmine.”

“Wha… what?”, she asked with hesitation.

“Your thesis?”, he asked rhetorically.

Jasmine froze. 

“How?”, she asked while shaking.

“No need to panic. I found out about your thesis months ago. I have employees with unique skills on hand. I only hire the best. That’s why I hired Maya.", he said. His tone calm, but firm and comforting.

The words hit her like a cold gust of wind, as she looked up at him. Her eyes widened as they flickered full of disbelief. Dread and worry spread across her face. She wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved that he already knew or terrified that he would be angry with her for keeping it a secret.

"I am so sorry. Seriously, I understand if you hate me. I used you…”, she said as he cut her off.

“Calm down. I am not mad, I am impressed.”, he said as he looked into her eyes. 

“I thought you would be mad.", she admitted quietly. Her voice betraying her anxiety, "I didn’t know how to tell you. I thought maybe you would judge me for it. I tried to tell you so many times."

Elijah shook his head, "Shh. I could care less about your thesis, Jasmine. I care about you. I want you to do whatever makes you happy. That’s all that matters to me."

Jasmine blinked. She was surprised. The weight she had been carrying for months seemed to lift a little, though she still felt a pang of uncertainty in her chest. 

"You’re sure that you’re not mad?", she asked. Her voice small.

"Mad? Why would I be mad?", Elijah’s voice was calm. 

His hand still holding hers, " You’ve got a brilliant mind, Jasmine. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. Besides…", he paused. He chuckled softly, "I’m sure I’d get into trouble if I didn’t support my girlfriend’s professional and academic work."

Jasmine smiled at the mention of girlfriend, though the unease inside her still lingered. 

She wasn’t sure what to make of the way her heart fluttered at his words. She had expected judgment, but instead, Elijah had shown nothing but understanding. And the more she thought about it, the more she realized how much that meant to her.

"But... it made me feel like a backstabber.", she admitted. She looked down, "I thought maybe you would see me differently, or worse, that you would think I was trying to hurt you and end this."

Elijah’s expression softened. He gently cupped her chin, lifting her gaze back to his. "You’re not a backstabber, Jasmine. You’re not trying to hurt me. And if it makes you feel any better, your thesis is actually really good."

Jasmine’s eyes widened slightly, "You’ve read it?"

He gave her a smirk, one that spoke of knowing more than he was letting on. "I did. It helped me realize a few things about myself.”, he teased.

She let out a small giggle, feeling the last remnants of her anxiety melt away. 

"Really?", she asked with a smile. Shaking her head, "I hope everyone learns something from it."

Elijah smiled back, a genuine warmth in his expression. 

"You’re going to change the world.”, he said. Smiling and winking at her, "But seriously, Jasmine, your work is impressive. And I’m proud of you. No matter what happens next, I’ve got your back."

The reassurance settled into her heart. For the first time in weeks, Jasmine felt as if her world weren’t falling apart… at least, not yet.

To lighten the mood, Elijah stood up and extended his hand to her. 

"How about we get out of here for a bit? I know you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, and you deserve a little celebration. How about a congratulations dinner for graduating college?", he spoke suggestively.

Jasmine looked at him with a slight frown. 

"I haven’t graduated yet.", she reminded him. Though her heart fluttered at the idea.

Elijah shrugged. His confidence evident, "Your application will be approved. Trust me.”

Jasmine laughed softly.

"Of course you know. And I do trust you. Completely.", she said. 

Elijah always seemed to know what to do. He was skilled in knowing how to handle things before they even got out of hand. And somehow, that made her feel safer, more certain of the path ahead.

With a smile, she took his hand and allowed him to lead her toward the door. "Alright, I’m in. But only if I get to choose the place."

Elijah raised an eyebrow in mock surprise, "You’re going to pick? I don’t know about that."

"I’ve got taste.", she teased back. Her smile growing wider.

Elijah chuckled, "We’ll see about that."

As they walked toward the garage, Jasmine couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. It was as if the night had washed away some of the heaviness she had been carrying. Whatever secrets lay ahead, whatever challenges they might face, she knew one thing for sure…

Elijah was by her side, and that was enough for now.