Drew's pov
The drive to her house was drenched in silence _ the heavy, suffocating kind. I stole a glance at her but she kept her eyes glued on the road ahead, jaw tight, shoulders stiff. I could tell that she was pissed.
She was angry.
And I deserved it.
I wanted her to know that I really liked her- hell,that I wanted her but I couldn't.
Not when my world is soaked in blood and danger .
I didn't want her getting into trouble because of me.
"its better if she doesn't know what I do". I told myself.
"I won't let her get hurt because of me".
"I'll be out of town for a couple of days ,am sending someone to keep an eye on you just to make sure you'll be safe". I said to her.
"I can take care of myself". I don't need a babysitter. It's not like you care anyway". She muttered under her breath.
I clenched my jaw and returned my focus back to the road. Childish or not, I wasn't in the mood for any more drama , not when my head is already spiraling.
Russia.
My branch there was acting out, and the Russian mob had somehow convinced themselves they could steal my guns and walk away untouched.
They'd forgotten who they were dealing with.
Soon, we pulled up in front of her house. I turned to say something—anything—but she didn't even look at me. She unbuckled, stepped out, and slammed the door shut after a mumbled thank you.
I watched her disappear inside before driving back to my place ,my chest tight.
I hated how she made me feel—exposed, human, weak.
The city lights blurred past Drew's window as the convoy sped toward the private airstrip.
He sat in the back seat, posture relaxed but mind sharp, fingers tapping lightly against the armrest. Leaving Zoey behind was necessary—but it didn't sit right with him.
Nothing ever did when it came to her.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out his phone, scrolling until he found the contact he was looking for. After a single ring, the call was answered.
"Boss."
"Marco," Drew said, his voice low and steady. "I'm boarding in ten minutes."
"I know. The jet's ready."
"That's not why I'm calling." Drew's gaze hardened as he stared out the window. "I want you to keep an eye on Zoey."
There was a brief pause on the other end.
"Of course."
"Discreetly," Drew added. "She doesn't need to know. I don't want her feeling like she's a prisoner."
"Understood."
"No one comes near her without you knowing. If she steps out, you follow from a distance. If anyone even breathes wrong in her direction—"
"I'll handle it." Marco said
Drew exhaled slowly. "Good. I'll be gone a week. Maybe less. Call me if anything feels off."
"Anything at all?"
"Yes."
The call ended, but Drew didn't lower the phone immediately. His jaw tightened as a familiar, dangerous emotion crept in—concern. Attachment. Weakness.
He shoved it down.
Zoey was safe. She had to be.
Zoey's pov
Zoey sat by the window of the guest room, knees pulled to her chest, staring out at the sprawling estate grounds. The sun was warm against her skin, but her thoughts were anything but.
Drew was gone.
"I hadn't expected it to affect me this much". She mumbled to herself
Drew terrified her at first—his cold eyes, his dangerous presence, the way everyone around him moved with fear and respect.
But somewhere along the way, that fear had softened. He had rescued her. Protected her. Given her space when he could've taken advantage of her broken state.
And now he is gone without a proper goodbye.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Zoey?" a gentle voice called.
"Come in". I yelled
Maya stepped inside, my best friend since college, the only person i trust enough to tell the truth.
Drew had arranged for Maya to stay with me temporarily, claiming that I needed familiar company, which at this point, I really needed.
I suspected there was more to it—but I didn't question it.
Maya studied me for a moment. "You've been quiet all morning." She said
I offered a weak smile. "Just thinking."
"About him," Maya said knowingly.
I hesitated, then sighed. "I don't even understand what I'm feeling."
Maya sat beside me on the bed. "Try me." She said
"He's dangerous, Maya andI know that." I said to hern
Everything about him screams red flag."
I swallowed as I said this. "But he saved me. He didn't touch me. Didn't force anything. He looks at me like… like he's carrying something heavy".
Maya raised a brow. "That sounds complicated."
"It is," I whispered. "Sometimes I feel safer here than I ever did out there. And that scares me."
Maya reached for my hand. "You've been through hell sweetheart. Most times It's normal to feel attached to the person who pulled you out." She said.
I nodded, but deep down, I knew it wasn't just mere gratitude. There's more to it than that.
She didn't notice the black SUV parked just outside the gates. Or the man inside it, eyes hidden behind dark glasses, phone pressed to his ear.
"She's fine," Marco murmured into the line. "Calm. No threats."
"Good," Drew replied from thousands of miles away. "Keep it that way."
Marco glanced toward the house once more. "She talks about you."
There was silence on the line.
"Does she?" Drew asked finally.
"Yes."
Another pause.
Then, colder this time, "That changes nothing."
But when the call ended, Drew stared at the dark cabin ceiling, knowing one undeniable truth.