CHAPTER 42

Chapter 42: A Love Worth Protecting

The weight of Isabella's father's warning hung heavy in the air. Alexander had spent years fighting battles in the shadows, but this time, the danger wasn't just coming for him—it was coming for her.

And that was something he could never allow.

Isabella stood in front of him, her hands gripping his as she searched his face for answers. "I need to know everything," she whispered. "What exactly did my father say?"

Alexander exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "He said Viktor Romanov has a plan—one that involves you. He wouldn't give me details, but he made one thing clear: they'll come for you, Bella."

She swallowed hard, but instead of fear, a quiet determination flickered in her eyes. "Then let them come," she said. "I refuse to be a damsel waiting to be saved, Alexander. I want to stand beside you in this fight."

His heart clenched at her bravery. She had no idea how much he wanted to shield her from all of this—to lock her away in a world where no danger could ever touch her. But he also knew Isabella was not the kind of woman to be caged.

He cupped her face, his thumb tracing over her soft lips. "I will protect you with everything I have. But promise me, Bella… if things get too dangerous, you'll trust me enough to listen."

Her eyes softened. "I trust you more than anything."

Their lips met in a slow, lingering kiss—one filled with silent promises and desperate love. The taste of her, the warmth of her body against his, was the only thing grounding him in a world that was quickly spiraling into chaos.

And he swore, in that moment, that no one would take her away from him.

A Warning That Comes Too Late

The next morning, Ethan stormed into Alexander's office, his face pale. "We have a problem."

Alexander straightened. "What happened?"

Ethan threw a folder onto the desk. "Romanov isn't waiting for you to make the first move. He already did."

Alexander flipped the folder open, his stomach tightening at the contents. Pictures. Of Isabella. Taken from a distance, from different places—some outside their home, some from the streets, and one that made his blood run cold.

It was taken from inside the penthouse.

"They were inside," he growled, his grip tightening on the paper.

Ethan nodded grimly. "He's sending a message. You can't protect her forever."

Alexander clenched his jaw. "Watch me."

But as he stormed toward the door, determined to hunt down Romanov himself, Isabella stepped in his path.

"I saw the pictures," she said softly.

His heart squeezed. "Bella—"

"I'm not leaving," she interrupted. "I know what you're about to say, but you don't get to push me away to protect me. Not this time."

He let out a harsh breath. "I can't lose you."

She took his face in her hands, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against his lips. "Then don't."

At that moment, Alexander realized something.

He wasn't just fighting for her anymore.

He was fighting with her.

And together, they would win.

To be continued…