The Billionaire's Dangerous Obsession (Nivera) novel Chapter 166

Nivera smoothed down her dress one last time, her reflection in the mirror staring back with faint shadows under her eyes.

The nightmare still clung to her in shreds, but so did Alejandro’s reassurance that he’d protect her.

She inhaled deeply, bracing herself. Today was important–the runway could not wait for her personal chaos.

With her bag slung over her shoulder, she pushed open the door to her room–and stopped short as she nearly jumped out of her skin.

Standing in front of her was Alejandro, who was not in bed where he belonged, not tucked beneath sheets, so his battered body would heal.

No, he was leaning against the wall just outside his door, one arm braced against the frame, his forehead resting on the crook of his elbow. His eyes were closed, his breathing steady but strained.

“Alejandro!” She gasped, hurrying forward, her bag bumping against her hip. “What are you doing out of bed?”

His eyes cracked open slowly, catching hers. A faint smile tugged at his lips despite the bluish swelling along his jaw.

She blinked. “What?”

“So I can see you off.” He shifted slightly, though she could tell the movement cost him. A faint hiss of pain slid through his teeth, but he masked it with a smile. “Then I’ll get ready for the office.”

“The office?” she nearly shrieked, throwing her arms in the air. “Alejandro, are you out of your mind? Look at you! You can barely stand straight!”

“I’m standing now,” he said lightly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “I’ve gone to the office in worse states.”

“That doesn’t make it better!” She scowled, jabbing a finger against his chest before she realized she’d just poked a bruise. His grunt made her gasp, guilt flooding her instantly. “Oh God, sorry–sorry! See? You shouldn’t even be standing here, Come on.”

“I told you-”

“No.” She slipped an arm around his waist before he could argue further. “No office. No playing the gallant wounded hero. No nothing. You’re going back to bed, Alejandro.”

His lips quirked, but he allowed her to steer him back into his room. For a man who thrived on control, he surrendered far too easily, letting her guide him like he weighed nothing.

“Bossy,” he murmured as she nudged him to sit. His body protested with a muffled groan, but the smile on his lips never wavered.

“Practical,” she corrected, ignoring the way her heart tripped at the sound of his low, teasing voice. She

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Chapter 166

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pushed him gently onto the mattress, hands lingering on his shoulders a moment too long before she pulled

away.

Alejandro tilted his head back, watching her with that unreadable expression that always made her feel as though he saw far more than she intended to show.

“You mentioned a runway show earlier,” he said, watching her with an intent gaze that made her feel like a butterfly pinned to a board. “Which one?”

She blinked at the change of subject. “Oh. The runway. Yes. Celeste booked me for a major show this morning. That’s where I’m headed.”

He studied her for a long moment, then smiled faintly. “You seem nervous? Don’t be; you’ll do fine.”

Something about the quiet certainty in his tone made her pulse stumble. She’d expected mockery, or at least a sly remark about her career.

Instead, his words were simple and genuine–and they rooted deep into her soul.

“Thank you,” she whispered before she could stop

herself.

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Good luck, Nivera.”

Her chest squeezed painfully, because damn him, why did he have to say it like that? Like it mattered to him. Like she mattered to him.

He had made it clear that he didn’t care about her career the last time she had tried to talk to him about it. So what changed?

She snapped her composure back together, straightening briskly. “Anyway–you need to stay put. I’ll tell the helper to bring up some food. You’ll eat, you’ll take your medication, and you will rest. And if I hear you’ve so much as glanced at a spreadsheet today—” she jabbed her finger in the air for emphasis “—you’ll have me to deal with.”

His lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Terrifying.”

“Alejandro, I’m serious.”

“I know you are,” he murmured, eyes softening in that way that always disarmed her.

Her glare only made his smirk soften into something infuriatingly warm. He lifted a hand in surrender. “Fine. I promise. Food, medication, rest,”

She studied him for a long moment, wary of his easy compliance. But seeing as she was getting late, she decided it wasn’t worth arguing further.

“Good.” She exhaled, smoothing her blouse as though that could calm the frantic beat of her heart. “See that you do.”

She turned to leave before she did something reckless again, like lean down and kiss him.

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Chapter 166

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But as she stepped out, she glanced back once more–just once. He was still watching her, eyes darker than they had any right to be at this hour, the faintest smile on his lips.

Her stomach flipped, and she quickly walked out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Alejandro waited until her footsteps faded completely before he reached for his phone. He dialed with a speed that belied his bruised body.

“Martins,” he said as soon as the line clicked. “She’s leaving for the runway.” Alejandro instructed, his voice low and deliberate. “But stay out of sight. I don’t want her knowing.”

“Yes, sir,” came the immediate reply.

Alejandro ended the call, leaning back against the pillows with a satisfied exhale. She could scold him all she wanted, but he had no intention of letting her walk through the world unguarded. Not when enemies still circled like vultures. Not when he’d finally tasted the truth of what lingered between them.

Meanwhile, before leaving, Nivera stopped in the kitchen where the helper was arranging breakfast trays. She scribbled her number onto a scrap of paper and pressed it into the woman’s hand.

“Keep an eye on him. And if he makes things difficult–if he refuses his food, his meds, anything–call me. You know what, just call me now so I can check in on him,” she said

The helper’s brows shot up. “Yes, miss.”

“Good.” Nivera grabbed her bag, exhaled once more, and walked out before her nerves unraveled.

****

The studio buzzed with the chaotic energy of show day when she arrived. Assistants hurried with clipboards, makeup artists shouted last–minute instructions, and the air was thick with the scent of hairspray and perfume.

Celeste was waiting, her arms folded, eyes sharp as blades. She spotted her the moment she stepped through

the door.

“You’re almost late,” her manager said flatly.

Nivera winced. “Sorry.”

Celeste didn’t waste time lecturing–her disapproval was evident enough. Instead, she handed over a sleek folder.

“The contract’s been finalized. Our lawyers cleared it. Read it through yourself, sign it, and then straight to prep. No delays.”

Nivera’s throat tightened as she accepted it. The weight of the folder felt heavier than paper–it felt like her second chance, pressed into her hands.

She skimmed quickly, her eyes darting over the lines, relief blooming as she saw nothing alarming. No traps, no hidden clauses that would tie her down. Just a straightforward agreement that secured her spot.

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