Used By My Billionaire Boss

chapter 8

The Chase Begins

Back at the estate, Leon is a storm imprisoned in a room, his rage so evident that it seems to be making the tension in the air crackle. His jaw is clenched and his fists are clenched as he paces his office. His frightening, dark eyes gaze at the floor as though he were asking it to provide him with some answers.

"How did she manage to escape?" Leon turns to his security crew and speaks in a low, somewhat growling voice. No one has a plausible explanation, but the men and women stand at attention. The mansion was where they last saw her. She ought to have been in their hands, right there. But, she is no longer there. Disappeared.

As his annoyance grows, Leon punches his fist into the desk, scattering a few papers on the floor. Although he is angry, there is a profound, nagging panic beneath that anger. He will not tolerate losing Stephanie since it is not only a betrayal but also a threat to his authority.

He grits his teeth and whispers, "She won't remain hidden for long." His eyes flash with a mixture of rage and resolve. No matter what, he won't stop until he finds her. He won't allow her to escape his hold.

Leon isn't listening as his crew begins to discuss a plan in whispered tones. The image of her fleeing from him and growing more and more distant consumes his mind. He will not permit it in any manner. He will pursue her. He's going to drag her back.

For now, we are safe.

Stephanie and Jake are driving toward a small town on the outskirts of nowhere, distant from the mayhem at the mansion. In sharp contrast to the life she has just departed, this location is serene. She searches for some sort of safety by sweeping her gaze around the tiny community. She feels as though she is always watching over her shoulder, hoping to spot Leon's face hiding in every corner.

Jake continues, "This place will keep you safe," in a calm but slightly worried tone. He is aware that this town is not infallible. There can be no location. But for the time being, it's their best choice.

Stephanie takes a while to reply. She only nods as she takes in the serene, calm streets, a slight wave of relief passing over her. There are only modest homes, a few stores, and people who don't appear to be aware of her past—no opulence, no tall mansions, no fancy automobiles.

She is restless because her fear is still present and is gnawing at her skin. She feels a little safer here, though, for the first time in days. She is concealed. For the time being.

On the outskirts of town, Jake drives into a little inn. Although it isn't particularly glitzy, it is sufficiently clean and functional. Offering his arm as she exits, he exits and opens the door for her. After hesitating, Stephanie accepts it, feeling as though everything that has transpired is weighing down on her chest.

Jake tells her, "You're going to be fine," in a kind but strong tone.

Stephanie smiles at him a little, appreciatively. "I hope so."

The cool evening air that clings to her skin as they enter serves as a reminder of both her progress and her losses. The existence she had with Leon seems like a different lifetime. The comforts of being his wife, the assurance of security, and the promise of stability. But it was all a lie. She never truly owned any of it.

She takes a deep breath, forcing him from her thoughts. She cannot afford to think about the man who made her feel like a prize that needs to be won. Far from the mansion and the people who dictated her every action, she is now here. She's not bound.

She believes she is, anyway.

Stephanie sits on the edge of the bed with her bag next to her as they get inside their room for the night. The bulb on the nightstand is the only source of light in the tiny space. The noises of a distant car passing by and the chirping of night crickets may be heard through the cracked window.

The silence is almost soothing for a time. In an attempt to re-center herself, she inhales the clean air.

Then the darkness comes in, as it usually does. She is powerless to stop it. Her thoughts return to Leon. By the way, he treated her as though she were merely an item that might be owned. She recalls how she had believed he was the one who would keep her safe and put things right. She recalls how she used to cling to him, blindly trusting him, thinking that everything could be fixed by love.

But, was it never love? Control was the issue.

Feeling the pain in her heart once more, Stephanie brings her knees to her chest. The man she previously believed to be the one who held her, kissed her and vowed to always look out for her still makes a tiny part of her hurt. Now, it seems like a different lifetime, a dream that has been irreparably broken. She is aware that she shouldn't be sad for him. She shouldn't give him any thought. But, it's difficult to forget someone who was once really important to you.

Although no one is around to hear, she whispers, "I won't let him control me anymore," in a gruff voice. She has vowed to uphold the promise she made to herself. Not anymore. Never again.

But, she feels a knot in her chest as she utters the words, a voice in the back of her head asking, "What if he changes? What if he returns and expresses regret? What if?

No. She is unable to. That won't fool her again.

She is startled out of her reverie by the buzzing sound of her phone on the nightstand. She glances at it rapidly, and when she realizes it's an unknown number, her pulse skips a beat.

Stephanie's throat tightens with each breath. Is he the one? Is Leon the culprit?

Her fingertips linger over the screen as she looks at the phone. What if he is the one? What if he has already located her?

The decision weighs heavily on her chest as she hesitates. Should she respond to it? Given what he is capable of, should she take the chance of allowing him back into her life?

Her hand is shaking as her finger lingers over the screen. She is unsure of what to do.

The sharp sound of the phone buzzing again breaks the stillness of the room. Stephanie's mind is racing, and her heart is thumping in her chest. Is Leon the culprit? Or is it another person? Must she respond? Is she supposed to run?