Apprehension

Nadia POV: The BBQ is still buzzing with laughter as the sun begins to fade, the air thick with the smell of grilled meats and the cheerful chatter of families enjoying their day. I lean against a wooden post, my wine bottle clutched tightly in my hand, trying to shake off the lingering anxiety I feel in the pit of my stomach. The scene around me is joyful, yet I feel a storm brewing just beneath the surface as my mind races. “Hey, you alright?” Leo’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. He approaches with a concerned look in his eyes, his presence both comforting and grounding. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply, though I can’t quite mask the tension in my voice. He studies me for a moment before speaking. “You look lost in thought for a moment there.” I take a deep breath, knowing I need to explain, after all I had told Jamie I would do just that. “Jamie called earlier, I’m sure Cleo has mentioned him? He told me David’s been asking around about me, trying to find out where I am.” “Who the hell is David?” Leo asks, his brows furrowing in confusion. I can see the concern on his face, and I realise I need to give him the full picture, and fast. “David is my ex,” I begin, my voice steadying as I talk to a man I consider uncle. “He’s dangerous, Leo. When we were together, he tried to be very controlling and manipulative in the very short time we were involved. After I left, he became obsessed.” Leo’s expression hardens. “Obsessed how?” “Like, stalking my friends, making threats. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t take no for an answer. When I moved away, I thought I was free of him,” I explain, feeling the memories rush back. “But now he’s resurfacing, and I can’t shake the feeling that he’ll come looking for me. I just can’t tell if he’s after me or my business” I end with a mutter. Leo’s jaw tightens as he processes my words. “And you think he knows you’re here?” “I don’t think he knows I’m here exactly, I’m good at covering my tracks. But that doesn’t mean he won’t find me” I admit, frustration bubbling beneath my calm facade. “Jamie reminded me that David has connections. I can’t let him find me. I won’t go back to the life he almost forced me into.” “Okay, we need to take this seriously,” Leo says, his tone shifting to one of urgency. “If he’s a threat, we need to make sure you’re safe. We can set up a watch system, have brothers keep an eye on your place.” I appreciate his concern, but I know it’s not that simple. “It’s not just about safety. David has a way of manipulating situations. He can charm his way into people’s lives, and I don’t want anyone getting caught in his web.” “Then we’ll make sure you’re not alone in this,” Leo assures me. “You’ve got family here now, and we’ll protect you.” Just then, Zak approaches, having overheard the last part of our conversation. His expression is serious, concern etched into his features. “What’s going on?” “An ex,” I reply, my voice steady despite the unease that creeps in. “He’s dangerous. A friend warned me he’s been asking about getting shares to my business, I think maybe it a front to find me..but I just don’t know. He had to be escorted off of my work premises which I’m sure won’t have gone down well.” Zak’s brows furrow, and I can sense the protective instinct kick in taking me back a little. “What do you mean by dangerous? What has he done?” I take a deep breath, knowing I need to lay it all out for them. “He was controlling during our relationship. After I left, he became obsessed, stalking me and then my friend and colleagues. He doesn’t accept rejection well—he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants. I won’t let him ruin my life.” Leo’s expression shifts to one of determination as he listens. “I don’t know this guy, but if there is any possibility he’s looking for you, we need to take action. This isn’t just about keeping you safe; it’s about making sure he doesn’t threaten anyone else.” “Exactly,” Zak adds, his tone serious. “We need to keep an eye out for him. You’re not alone in this.” I appreciate their support, but the thought of dragging them into my mess makes me hesitate. “I don’t want to be a burden. I can handle myself” I snap slightly defensively. “Bullshit,” Zak says firmly, his gaze unwavering. “You’re not a burden. You’re family, and we take care of our own. That doesn’t mean you can’t kick some ass.” As they talk, I can feel the tension easing, replaced by an added sense of strength. I may be facing a storm, but I’m not alone in the battle. With Zak and Leo by my side, I feel a flicker of hope that perhaps it won’t get as bad as I first worried. “Let’s get back to the party and enjoy the evening. We’ll figure out our plan later,” Leo states, trying to lighten the mood. “Cleo is home tomorrow” he adds with a smile my way. “Sounds good” I reply, feeling a newfound determination. “I can’t wait to see her” I admit as he looks at me understandingly. Walking back into the thrumming energy of the party, I realise that I’m not just here to confront my past—I’m here to reclaim my future. And with the support of my newfound family, I’m ready to face whatever comes my way. Just as the music starts to lift my spirits, my phone buzzes in my pocket. The sudden vibration sends a jolt of anxiety through me. I pull it out, seeing Jamie’s name flash on the screen. “Hey, Jamie,” I answer, trying to keep my voice steady. “Dia, we need to talk,” he says, his tone serious. “What’s going on?” I ask, my heart racing. “David’s been making calls today, to people who work for you. He’s digging into your past, well he’s trying to, asking questions about your whereabouts and your expected time of returning to the business,” Jamie informs me, his voice laced with concern. “Are you serious?” I gasp, feeling alarm rise in my chest. “How does he get away with asking that though? Surely a director taking time away from working in the business is not that unusual.” “To a man seemingly wanting to invest in the business…it’s not that strange, but I truly doubt that’s his reasoning. I’m concerned, he has so many connections Dia. People talk, especially when money’s involved. I’m extremely worried he might come looking for you,” he warns. “s**t,” I mutter, feeling the walls closing in around me. “I thought I was safe here in a f****d up way” I add with a humourless laugh as I think about the revelations I brought to the club. “I’m sure they’ll protect you, but you need to be careful. Don’t let your guard down,” he stresses. “Can you come back home? I don’t want you to be in a vulnerable position.” “I can’t,” I reply, my voice trembling making me swear inwardly at my show of weakness. “I need to confront my past. I can’t run from it anymore and I truly don’t think home is the safest place for me right now.” “Just promise me you’ll be cautious,” Jamie insists. “I’m going to keep my ear to the ground and let you know if I hear anything else.” “Thanks, Jamie. I appreciate you looking out for me,” I say, my heart heavy with the weight of his words. “Just take care of yourself, Dia. I’ll call you tomorrow,” he says before hanging up. As I stand there, the reality of the situation sinks in. David is perhaps closer than I thought, and the thought sends chills down my spine. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. What if he finds me?