All Chapters of When I Stopped Running : Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Chapter 12Jake's POV The city looked calm from up here. I stood by the glass window in my office, one hand tucked into my pocket while the other held my phone tightly.The sky above New York was dull and grey, the kind that usually came before rain.But my attention wasn't on the weather. It was on the image of Jessica displayed on my screen.The security footage from the hotel cafeteria had been sent barely five minutes ago, yet I had already watched it more times than I could count.I watched the exact moment her body stiffened after reading my message. Watched the panic rise in her eyes and how she looked around the cafeteria like she couldn't breathe.I noticed she was scared and that part twisted something ugly within my chest.Jessica was afraid of me and the thoughts alone made my jaw clenched. Slowly I replayed the footage again."You looked scared." I remembered typing those words. At that moment, I thought I wanted her attention, enough to make her unsettled while thinkin

Jessica's POV The moment Jake turned around, my entire body froze. Those grey eyes settled on me immediately, dark with something dangerous. I could perceive affection, desire and relief all together in his gaze.He looked at me like he had found something he lost.A slow smile spread across his face, and for a second, I hated the way my heart reacted to it.His eyes travelled over me without shame, taking in every detail like he was trying to memorize me again.The air around me suddenly felt too hot and heavy. I forced my face blank and looked away instantly, pretending I didn't know him or that this man hadn't once been my husband or shattered me two years ago."Mr Stone," I greeted professionally. Jake's brows lifted for a brief second, amusement flashing across his face almost immediately. "Miss Wilson," he replied smoothly. I could sense he wanted to play and I was fine with it.The sound of my name on his lips sent unwanted memories crashing into my head, but I ignored it.

Jessica's POV The knock at the door came like salvation.I pulled back from Jake instantly, my breath uneven, my lips still tingling from the kiss I swore I hadn't wanted. Relief flooded me, sharp and cold, because the interruption saved me from the dangerous moment that had almost swallowed me whole.Jake's face darkened immediately, his irritation was obvious, his jaw tight and his eyes flashing with possessiveness. He hated interruptions when it came to me. That alone terrified me more than the kiss.The knock came again, steady and patient.Jake moved to the door, his movements sharp with annoyance, then he yanked it open.When the door opened, I looked at the strange man that stared at us.I didn't know him, not really but I had seen his name once in a company file, heard it whispered in connection to Stones Construction Enterprise. But standing there in the doorway, he was impossible to ignore.He was tall, composed, a calm smile resting easily on his lips. His suit was expen

Roman's POV The city glowed beneath my office window, restless and alive. I sat behind my desk, calm as ever, when the door opened. Two of my men stepped inside, waiting for orders."Lock it," I ordered, my voice stern.The taller one obeyed me, the click resounding in the silence. I leaned forward, voice steady. "Her name is Jessica Wilson. I want her watched. Ensure you're quiet and there should be no mistake," I explained.The shorter one frowned. "You want us to follow her?" He asked, his uncertainty apparent."Not follow," I corrected. "Observe. She must never feel you near. But I want to know everything, where she goes, who she meets, what she hides," I uttered, my tone glinting with clear warning.The taller man nodded. "Understood."I poured a drink, the glass catching the light. "Jake thinks he can protect her. He doesn't realise protection is another kind of prison. And prisons are easy to break," I said aloud.The shorter man moved a bit. "Sir, if Mr Stone sees us..."He

Jessica's POV "Jessica.... are you even listening to me?" Rolda questioned sharply.Her words instantly brought me back to reality. I blinked and looked up from the note clenched tightly in my hand.Rolda stood by the kitchen entrance with her arms folded across her chest, concern written all over her face."You've been staring at that paper for almost ten minutes," she muttered.I looked back down at the words again. It was just one sentence, yet it had managed to destroy every bit of peace I had left."I don't like this," I whispered. Rolda walked closer and took the note gently from my hand before reading it again."Maybe it's Jake," she said carefully."It is Jake," I replied immediately. I didn't have to think about it. Jake is the only one that will send such message to me. Rolda sighed and dropped the note on the table. "Then ignore him," She advised."It's not that simple," my voice came out strained.This had gone beyond ignoring Jake. I couldn't stop thinking about how th