Page 31 of Stalked By Raiden

He studies me carefully. “Asking that question may change how you see me.”

“I still want the answer.”

He is quiet for a long moment. Then he begins.

“When I was sixteen, my older brother was killed. He was caught in the crossfire during a gang shooting between an Irish gang, the Emerald Serpents, and the Mafia. They arrested the gang leader responsible.”

Raiden’s jaw tightens as he continues. “The arresting officer failed to read him his rights. The confession couldn’t be used. And there wasn’t enough evidence without it. So, he walked.” I stay silent. “My parents buried my brother.” His voice remains calm. “I spent years believing the justice system worked.”

His gaze drifts toward the window. “That’s why I became a prosecutor. I wanted to put people like him behind bars. But eventually, I realized the law doesn’t always protect the people who deserve protecting.”

He meets my eyes again. “Sometimes, it protects the people who know how to manipulate it.”

A chill runs through me.

“So, River. Roman. Royal. Me.” He pauses. “We investigate people the system can’t or won’t stop.”

The implication settles over me. Slowly.

“You go after criminals.”

“The worst of them.”

“Drake.”

“He’s been on our list for a long time, even before he met you. When I realized he had you on his radar, I hid a tracker in your bag. It’s the reason we were able to find you.” He holds my gaze. “I’m sorry, Elodie.”

Our gazes remain locked as I take in everything he just told me. I’m not so naive that I don’t know that criminals and offenders get away with their crimes because they are either influential, rich, or know someone who is.

I’ve been on the receiving end of it too. The drunk driver who hit my parents didn’t serve any real time because he knew someone influential who got him probation instead of prison.

As for the tracker—it seems necessary. After all, he saved me because of it.

“I understand why you started,” I say finally. “And I forgive you for keeping me in the dark.”

Relief colors his tone. “Thank you, baby.”

I smile and cross to his side. “What will happen to Drake?”

“You won’t need to worry about Drake ever again,” he reassures me.

I thread my fingers through his as another face appears in my mind. “What about Teddy? What will happen to him?”

Raiden’s expression softens. “He’s safe. Royal found his mother. Drake forced her out of Atlanta a long time ago. River and Royal are bringing her back.”

Relief floods through me.

Finally, Raiden kneels in front of me. “I need to ask you something.”

I look at him.

“I won’t stop.” His voice is steady. “The work we do. I can’t promise I’ll walk away from it. And if you stay with me, there will always be things I can’t tell you.” He pauses. “I’ll never lie to you. But I won’t tell you everything.”

He holds my gaze, his blue eyes penetrating. “You’re mine, Freckles. It pains me to say this, but you’re going to have to deal with all of me and my baggage. I told you when I claimed you for the first time that I’m never letting you go.” He exhales. “I’ve already staked my claim on you, but what you don’t know is that you own me. I’m yours, Elodie. You’re it for me.”

I smile through tears. “I just want you to come home,” I say softly.

“I can do that.” He gently cups my face.