Obsession's veil: haunter can always become haunted
In a world of shadows and deception, Nikolai Ivanov-ruthless man who is nothing more than a walking danger but then he meets an innocent woman and that changes his whole life. As their bond deepens...
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I had spent almost every day of the past few weeks shadowing Alejandra, every moment making it harder to focus on my job. My obsession with her was growing—every look, every smile, every fleeting touch. I told myself it was professional, that I was just doing my duty, but that was a lie. The truth was, I couldn't get enough of her.
Alejandra was intoxicating. She had this effortless charm, this natural grace that drew people in. I wasn't immune. Far from it. I found myself wanting to be near her constantly, to feel her presence, to hear her voice. I was starting to lose control, and I knew it.
We were in the garden again, a place she seemed to love. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the manicured lawn. Alejandra was walking ahead of me, her white dress flowing with each step. I could see the outline of her body through the thin fabric, the way it hugged her curves. My eyes trailed down her legs, the smooth skin exposed just enough to make me want more.
I forced myself to look away, trying to regain my composure. "Do you always come out here alone?" I asked, more to distract myself than out of any real curiosity.
Alejandra glanced back at me, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sometimes. It's peaceful. It gives me time to think."
"Think about what?" I asked, stepping closer to her, unable to resist the pull she had on me.
She stopped walking and turned to face me, her expression thoughtful. "Everything, really. My life, my family... you."
I raised an eyebrow at her last word. "Me?"
She nodded, her eyes locking onto mine. "You're a bit of a mystery, Nikolai. I've been trying to figure you out."
I chuckled, though there was a nervous edge to it. "And what have you figured out so far?"
Alejandra stepped closer, closing the gap between us. "That you're not as tough as you pretend to be. That you care more than you let on."
My heart pounded in my chest as she reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against my arm. Her touch sent a jolt through me, a mix of desire and something else—something deeper. "And what else?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.
She tilted her head, her gaze intense. "I think you're trying to protect more than just me. You're protecting yourself."
I swallowed hard, not expecting her to see through me so clearly. "Maybe," I admitted, my voice rough. "But I've got my reasons."
Alejandra's hand moved up my arm, her touch light but firm. "You don't have to protect yourself from me, Nikolai. I'm not the enemy."
I wanted to believe her, to let down my guard, but something held me back. Still, I couldn't deny the pull I felt toward her, the way my body responded to her proximity. "It's not that simple," I said, my eyes locked on hers.
"Why not?" she pressed, stepping even closer, her body almost brushing against mine.
I could feel her breath on my skin, her scent intoxicating. I struggled to find words, to keep my thoughts straight. "Because... because I'm supposed to protect you, not get involved with you."
