Page 105 of Desperate People

I press my fingers to the cool glass and try to breathe past the weight pressing down on my chest.

I didn’t marry him because I was forced to. Not really.

I married him because he made me feel safe. Wanted. Seen.

And now?

Now I’m afraid of wanting too much.

Because I don’t want to be just a responsibility he’s taken on out of guilt or obsession or duty. I don’t want to be a footnote in the life of a man like Balor Cruz.

I want to be his forever.

And the terrifying truth is—I’m already in love with him.

In love with the way he moves.

The way he watches me like I’m the only thing in his universe.

The way he cooks for me, touches me, says my name like it’s a prayer.

But what if I’m fooling myself?

What if I’m living in a dream that’s destined to end?

God. Why does life have to be so complicated?

Why can’t love—real love—be simple?

I open a suitcase and pull out one of the sundresses I wore nearly every day while we honeymooned at his Puerto Rican villa.

Balor doesn’t brag about his wealth or success—even though I know for a fact he has both.

He doesn’t have to flex.

It’s in the way he moves, the quiet confidence, the subtle way he handles problems without breaking a sweat.

No designer labels or flashy cars needed. He is the power in the room.

Which is wild, considering I work for Volkov Industries too. Not that most people realize it. When I’m not juggling press, dodging stalkers, or pretending to smile for a camera, I actually prefer being buried in work.

The office is where I thrive.

Negotiating, smoothing over egos, encouraging positive relationships with the people who keep the wheels of Volkov Industries turning—that’s what I’m good at.

That’s where I shine.

Not posing for cameras or twirling in designer gowns at influencer luncheons, pretending I belong in that world.

But I do it anyway. Smile pretty. Stand still. Look the part.

Because sometimes, being a Volkov means knowing when to play the role—even if it doesn’t fit.

And maybe that’s what’s always drawn me to Balor.

He doesn’t want the role. He is the role.

Cyber king. Hacker extraordinaire. Genius coder.

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