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I immediately blocked Emmanuel’snumber.

“I don’t understand. He wasn’t like this before.”

“How was he?”

“Not crazy. Not aggressive.” She shrugged. “Normal. Friendly.”

“Greed changes people. You won’t be receiving any more messages from this number.” Anger rose in me. “Ifyou receive another threatening text, let me know.”

“I blocked him before. He always gets a new phone.” She scowled. “This is my phone. You can’t just block a number without asking me.”

She sounded more annoyed that I had taken over the situation than the act of blocking his number.

“You’re not in the right mindset to think logically. You’re scared. It shows on your face, so I decided for you.” I looked at her. “You’re my fiancée now. Nobody threatens you and gets away with it.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

VANESSA

Attikus pulledinto the parking spot in front of my apartment. “You should pack some of your belongings. I’ll pick you up on Friday.”

I gawked at him. “That’s so soon.”

“Does your ex know where you live and work?”

“Yes.” I couldn’t afford to move and hide. It was hard to find an apartment with a studio space in the same building.

“You shouldn’t be here while he’s blackmailing you.” His nostrils flared. “Desperate people do desperate things. I’m not going to gamble with your safety.”

A fresh wave of emotions overcame me. I was trying my best not to show how unsettled I was after seeing Emmanuel’s threatening text. But Attikus’s concern subdued the nerves. No man had ever displayed genuine concern for me.

We weren’t married yet, so he didn’t need to take on the protective husband role. His quick reaction proved he wasn’t doing this because it was part of a contract. Not that this detail was on it, but it showed a different side of him.

Emmanuel had grown desperate. What if he came to my studio one day when no one was around? Though he’d need a key to enter, that didn’t mean he couldn’t sneak in with a group of people pretending he lived there.

I was used to taking care of myself and doing things on my own. I didn’t know how to react to Attikus handling this situation. He was shouldering some of the weight for me. For the first time, someone had my back.

Sighing, I said, “I’ll be ready on Friday.”

“Are you okay?” He studied me, probably wondering what had transpired in my head, from being angry at his demand to now surrendering to him.

“Yes.” I looked at him, wanting to explain more, but I couldn’t. Not right now.

“Okay. If you need anything, call or text me.”

He stayed in the car, watching me enter the building safely before taking off.

I wasn’t in the mood to finish my painting, so I took the stairs up to my apartment and packed. How many clothes should I bring? One piece of luggage should be fine for now. I could always come back here if I needed more things.

As I shoved toiletries into my makeup bag, my phone buzzed.

Attikus:I have a studio space you can work in. Bring your art supplies.

He didn’t mention this earlier.

Vanessa:Art can get messy. Don’t want to ruin your house.

Attikus:It’s not being used.