Chapter 179: Awake
The next morning, Emma stirred, her body instinctively reaching for the warmth beside her—only to find the space empty.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she frowned slightly when she saw that Alex wasn't in bed.
She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before glancing toward the bathroom. The door was open, and the lights were off Indicating that he wasn't there either.
Pushing the covers aside, she swung her legs over the bed and stood up. Maybe he was in the hallway? Where could he have gone so early in the morning?
Padding toward the door, she stepped out, her bare feet sinking into the plush carpet as she looked around, half expecting to see Alex.
A faint murmur of a voice, however, drifted up from downstairs.
Curious, Emma made her way down, her heart warming at the familiar sound of Alex's deep, steady tone. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she spotted him standing near the living room window, his phone pressed to his ear.
Something about his stance was tense, focused. She stopped, to listen wanting to know the kind of call that had woken him up so early.
"...Yes, I want extra security at the house and wherever she goes."
Hearing that, Emma blinked, realization washing over her as it dawned on her the call was about her.
"I don't care if it seems excessive," Alex continued, his tone firm. "She saw Vanessa. I'm not taking any chances."