Page 18 of His Public Claim
“You know he’s been stalking you?” her mother’s calm voice cuts through the hush.
My heart makes a bid for freedom through my intestines and throat simultaneously.
No.
I tighten my hold on Nicole, fear ripping through me for the first time tonight. Because this really could end me. If I can’t see myshka, I’ll go insane.
I didn’t think anyone knew. I’ve been in the shadows and intent on watching Nicole so long, it’s become a part ofme. Hidden, yes, but in my soul like all my other secrets. I thought I’d been careful.
I never imagined anybody else could see how Nicole takes up all my thoughts. Least of all the shallow parents of my little mouse.
The silence is deep.
Thick.
Black as night.
“Stalking?” David explodes.
Nicole pulls away, and I allow it, remorse clawing at my insides even as I know I couldn’t have stopped myself from following her. She’s my obsession. After having her held to my chest, the air is a thousand knives on my skin.
“Lev, is this true?” Mr Highbury rumbles.
“He photographs her. I saw him follow her,” Nicole’s mother adds. “I’m sorry, darling. But you need to know.”
“That’s quite an accusation,” I say tightly.
But Nicole hears the lack of denial and the reservation in my voice. She touches my forearm and I look down, fear tearing at my insides.
“Did you take photos of me?”
A single nod. I can’t lie to her.
She blinks.
I’m going to lose her. I’m certain of it.
She said she loved me only minutes ago, but I’ve spoiled it with my obsession. I was inside that sweet pussy only hours ago, but it will be once only. Fuck, I hope I bred her. I want something to prove she was mine for just a few hours. I guess she’ll?—
“I like to take photos too.” And she smiles sheepishly.
My stretched-out-to-breaking-point heart springs back together.
“We have that in common.” Hope is a potent drug, andall the more giddy because this is my first dose. I’ve believed for two years that my love was doomed.
But she likes taking photographs too. It’s a thread between us, a line of connection that ties us, like me being her first. Like how long we’ve known each other. And how much I love her, and would do anything for her.
“Is this what you want, Nicole?” her father asks, voice a low rumble, and I remember why I admired him and modelled the Dalston mafia on him rather than my father. He made a mistake with the Essex cartel, but he’s going to fix it with this fresh start, I know without asking.
“Yes.” She’s clear and confident. “I’m staying with Lev.” Nicole moves to my side and when she reaches for my hand, I take hers, lacing our fingers together. Her hand is so small and soft in mine. The joint of her thumb so fragile as I caress it.
This night has been confusing. But one thing is for certain: whatever my girl is offering, I’ll accept. My only priority is her happiness.
And maybe, just maybe, this is the beginning of the rest of our lives.
“And you, Lev?” Mr Highbury asks with gravity. “Do you love my daughter?”
“Nicole has my whole heart.” I look down at her, and she tilts her head to regard me. She takes my breath away with her beauty in the moonlight. “Every beat, every drop of red blood in my body, it’s hers. There has never been anyone else for me, and there never could be. I love her. I always will.”
