Against the odds

14# Into the Fire

Emily barely had time to process what was happening before Jack’s security team arrived. Four men in dark suits, earpieces in place, moved through her apartment with military-like efficiency. One checked the locks on her doors, another scanned her windows, while the others spoke quietly with Jack.

“This is insane,” Emily muttered, hugging herself as she watched them work.

Jack turned to her, his expression unreadable. “This is necessary.”

She sighed. “So what happens now?”

One of the security men, a tall, intimidating man named Ryan, answered. “We’ve traced the messages. The phone number used was a burner, but we’re working on tracking the IP address. For now, we recommend relocating you to a more secure location.”

Emily blinked. “You mean… leaving my apartment?”

Ryan nodded. “At least until we know more.”

Emily’s stomach twisted. This was her home. The idea of leaving because some faceless stranger wanted to scare her felt like giving in.

Jack must have sensed her hesitation because he gently took her hand. “It’s just temporary. Until we know who’s behind this.”

Emily searched his face, seeing the concern in his eyes. Jack wasn’t just being protective—he was afraid for her.

She exhaled. “Okay. But I’m not going into hiding forever.”

Jack smirked slightly. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

---

That night, Emily found herself in a penthouse suite of a luxury hotel, courtesy of Jack’s team. The view was breathtaking, but she barely noticed.

She sat curled up on the couch, staring at her phone. The threats hadn’t stopped. If anything, they’d gotten worse.

You should have listened.

You don’t belong with him.

Leave now, before it’s too late.

A shiver ran down her spine. Who was this person? A jealous fan? A tabloid journalist trying to scare her into talking? Or something worse?

Jack sat down beside her, pulling the phone from her hands. “Enough,” he said firmly. “You’re not dealing with this alone anymore.”

She looked at him. “But what if this never stops? What if being with you means always living in fear?”

Jack’s jaw tightened. “Then we fight back.”

Emily let out a bitter laugh. “Against what? The entire world?”

Jack reached for her hands, threading their fingers together. “Against whoever’s trying to scare you. And if the whole world has a problem with us?” His lips curved slightly. “Then we give them a reason to talk.”

Emily couldn’t help but smile at that. Even in the middle of chaos, Jack still found a way to make her feel safe.

She leaned against him, closing her eyes as he held her close.

No matter what was coming, she wasn’t alone.

And that made all the difference.

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