12. Jerome

Chapter 12

Jerome

A s I walked into the restaurant, Mack, Bishop, and Knox were already seated at our usual table, their camaraderie clear in their easy banter and shared laughter. My battle buddies from the military, each one a trusted comrade-in-arms, had become a big part of my life.

Raven, ever perceptive to my need for privacy with my friends, had chosen a table nearby but positioned so that I could keep a close eye on her. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her piercing green eyes always locking with me.

As we delved into conversation, I stole glances at Raven now and then. And as I scanned the room discreetly, searching for any sign of her stalker's unwelcome appearance, I tried to stay present in the moment. My job never stopped. Raven trusted me to protect her around the clock and I was honored.

"So not to dive right into issues, but this stalker situation… it just keeps getting worse for her. Raven has barely been sleeping. She's afraid to get out of the house."

"Shit, can you blame her? Whoever it is has stolen her peace of mind. She won't feel safe anywhere until they are caught," Mack said.

I had to track down this stalker soon before the situation escalated further. Taking a sip of my drink, I glanced over at Raven again. Her eyes met mine, a mixture of appreciation and worry reflecting in their depths. I gave her a reassuring nod before turning back to my friends.

"We need to step up our game on this one. I won't rest until Raven can feel safe again," I said.

I listened to my friends' concerns about Raven's safety, grateful for their unwavering support. The weight of responsibility sat on my shoulders as I contemplated the depth of Raven's vulnerability in the face of this unknown threat. Despite our efforts to keep her safe, the stalker seemed to always be one step ahead.

As the conversation shifted to possible solutions and strategies, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered in the air. Raven's well-being was paramount, and every fiber of my being was dedicated to ensuring that she remained out of harm's way.

"We will catch this bastard," I said. "Raven deserves to reclaim her peace, and I won't rest until we bring this stalker to justice."

With a shared nod from my battle buddies, a silent vow passed between us—a promise to stand united in protecting Raven.

"Has she gotten any more threats?" Bishop asked.

"It's escalated to the point where she hardly sleeps, afraid of what might happen next."

Mack's jaw clenched in anger, her protective instincts flaring up. "And you think it's someone from her past? An obsessed fan? What's your gut telling you?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair in frustration. "I'm not sure, but I can't shake this feeling that it's someone close to her. Someone who knows her well enough to anticipate her every move."

Bishop leaned forward, his gaze intense. "We'll do whatever it takes to help you get to the bottom of this."

My friends were the best and always had my back on the battlefield and in civilian life. The transition after getting out was rough, but easier with them by my side. Sometimes I still miss it, but for my sanity, it was best to get out while I could.

"The poor girl just keeps looking around. She doesn't even feel safe here with us," Mack said, watching Raven.

"I told you. This has wrecked her. I'm gonna try to get her out of the house more. Besides the workout she does in the morning, we barely leave the house."

"So, what's the story? I mean, I know she's a famous actress, but you seem more… protective than normal?" Knox asked.

Honestly, the story behind us was best kept as a secret, but I'd tell them a little. "We went to school together. Grew up down the street. Her life is much different now. She's changed too."

The old Raven was coming back to me, slowly but surely, and once she was revealed, I'd make sure to keep it that way. The stress of this stalker had completely shattered her world.

Knox, usually the voice of reason among us, spoke up. "We need to act fast. The longer this goes on, the more damage it does to Raven. We can't let this stalker dictate her life like this."

I glanced over at Raven once more, noticing the slight furrow of her brow as she absently toyed with the straw in her drink. It was clear that the weight of the situation was taking its toll on her, despite her efforts to remain composed. I knew that behind that fa?ade of strength and resilience lay a vulnerable soul, yearning for peace and security.

As our conversation continued, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were missing something crucial in our attempts to unravel the mystery of Raven's stalker. It felt like chasing shadows in the dark, with each lead leading us to dead ends.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed silently in my pocket, pulling me out of my thoughts. Glancing down at the screen, I saw a text message from a random number. My heart quickened as I read the ominous words displayed on the screen: "I see you're trying to protect her. But can you really keep her safe?"

A chill ran down my spine as I looked up from my phone, meeting Raven's worried gaze across the room.

Without missing a beat, I motioned for Raven to join us at the table. They were now going after me, too. They had no fucking idea who they were messing with and would regret it.

Raven walked over to the table, her eyes darting between me and my friends.

"Jerome, what's going on? Who was that text from?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what needed to be said. "It's from the stalker. They're watching us, trying to instill fear. But they don't know who they're dealing with."

Mack's jaw clenched in anger as she glared around the room, searching for any sign of suspicious activity. "We need to get you out of here, Raven. This place isn't safe anymore."

I nodded. "Let's go back to your place. It's too risky to stay out in the open like this."

Whoever was doing this hadn't met me and my friends, and soon enough, they would feel my wrath. Until then, game on!

"Let's go. Get in."

She hopped into my SUV and we took off toward her house. It might not be the safest place to be, but where else would we go right now?

"So I'm thinking maybe we should go somewhere else."

Raven glanced over at me. "Like where?" They will find me wherever I go."

She was right. Now that I had been sucked into this, we were officially in this together.

Within ten minutes, we were pulled up in the driveway with my friends pulling behind us. They wanted Raven to be protected as much as I did. Only difference was I had a selfish reason. If we find whoever was responsible, maybe I could shoot my shot with her. She was way out of my league, but I'd be kicking myself in the ass if I didn't at least ask her out after all these years.

Mack jumped out of her jeep. Bishop and Knox got out of their trucks. We all walked inside together and I alarmed the system.

"Whoever this is… they are getting ballsy now. Who threatens an ex-military sniper? Someone with a death wish…" Knox laughed.

Raven went straight into the kitchen. "Anyone want a drink? I'm thinking this calls for vodka."

As someone who knew how important it was to be sharp at all times, I had to decline. The others did too.

"Fine. Whatever. Guess I'll drink for all of us then."

She came and sat in the living room with the whole bottle. This truly showed me how out of pocket she felt. This was shattering her. There was nowhere where she felt safe anymore. Not even next to me.

"You know, you might want to get out while you can. They are proving they are willing to hurt me if given the chance. Why put your life on the line for me?" Raven's eyes locked on mine.

My jaw tensed. She was out of her fucking mind if she thought I was leaving her alone. "No amount of bodily harm could ever make me leave you. Period. Don't ever fucking say that again."

Knox, Bishop and Mack awkwardly looked around the room, not wanting to get in the middle.

"I'm just saying… it's only a matter of time. At this point, they know where I'm at and what I'm wearing… I'm gonna wake up with some man's hand around my throat."

I cracked my neck. Hearing those words come out of her mouth was fucking killing me. "The only man that will ever have their hands around your neck is me… and not to hurt you."

The room was now in complete silence. Nothing would ever stop me from protecting her. Ever.