Aria kept the card Adrian gave her tucked inside her bag.
She told herself it didn't mean anything.
But she checked to make sure it was there more than once that evening.
After work, she didn't take her usual shortcut home.
Instead, she walked where there were more people, more lights.
She felt silly doing it.
Still, her steps were quicker than normal.
When she reached her apartment, she locked the door and leaned against it, breathing out slowly.
"Nothing happened," she said to herself.
"But something feels off."
Adrian sat in his car across the street, engine off.
He hadn't planned to follow her.
It just… happened.
He watched the lights in her apartment turn on.
"She's safe," he murmured.
But he didn't drive away right away.
The next morning, Aria woke up to a message.
Unknown number:
Did you get home safely?
She stared at the screen for a second, then smiled without meaning to.
Aria:
Yes. Thank you for checking.
A pause.
Then:
Good. Don't ignore that feeling you mentioned yesterday.
Her fingers hovered before replying.
I won't.
She put the phone down, heart a little lighter.
At the office, Adrian was all business again.
Meetings. Calls. Numbers.
But when his head of security walked in, the air shifted.
"We identified the man," the guard said. "He's connected to a former partner of yours."
Adrian's eyes darkened. "I cut ties years ago."
"Yes. And he didn't take it well."
Adrian said nothing.
"This isn't random," the guard added. "She's being used to get to you."
That did it.
"No," Adrian said quietly. "That won't happen."
That evening, Aria stepped out of the café and froze.
The same man stood nearby.
Too close this time.
He smiled. Not friendly. Not warm.
"Nice night," he said.
Her heart raced. "I'm waiting for someone."
She wasn't.
But the words came out anyway.
The man tilted his head. "Funny. I don't see anyone."
"Do you now?"
Adrian's voice cut in.
He stepped beside her, calm but firm.
The man's smile faded. "Mr. Cross."
Adrian didn't blink. "Walk away."
The man hesitated, then turned and disappeared down the street.
Aria let out a shaky breath.
"You okay?" Adrian asked, turning to her.
She nodded, though her hands were trembling.
"I think… I'm starting to understand why you're always so careful," she said quietly.
Adrian looked at her, guilt and concern mixing in his eyes.
"I never wanted you pulled into my world," he said.
Aria met his gaze. "Then don't shut me out. Just be honest."
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he nodded. "Alright. But it won't be simple."
She gave a small smile. "Most real things aren't."
They stood there under the streetlight—closer than before, connected by something neither of them had planned.
And this time, they both knew:
walking away wasn't an option anymore.