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Tasha’s heart raced. “What do you mean?” She asked earnestly, dreading that he would say something creepily personal.

“Let us just say that I have been listening,” he said.

“I am simply helping you weigh your options and preventing any rash moves on your part.”

“Appreciate it, but I will be okay. I am marrying Fabian, whether you like it or not,” she snapped, trying hard to be firm for her own sake.

“Really? You think that’s going to solve everything?” Julian pressed further. “This is not just a wedding; there are issues of power, loyalty, and even more importantly, survival.”

Tasha felt as if the walls were closing in. “I can manage it,” she asserted, and yet, his statement resonated.

“Good. But don’t come crying to me when your plans turn out to be messier than you imagined,” he warned her before ending the call.

Tasha remained standing in the middle of her apartment. Her heart was racing and she was furious, hiding it underneath the surface. Why cannot he just leave me alone? She u