*Kane's POV*
The week flew by surprisingly, Alias had landed herself in my office every single day this week. As crazy as it may seem, it made the day a little more exciting. She is the only person to ever work for me to manage to continually break the rules- and still keep her job. I must admit, she lives up to the rumors, her work is impeccable, but I couldn't tell her that and allow her to get anymore headstrong than she already is.
Though, the rumors never mentioned the absolute brat that is Alias Star. She has no regard for anyone, and absolutely will tell you exactly how she feels without batting an eye. Not to mention, she toys with me calling me sir despite my warnings, throwing puppy dog eyes every time I lecture her on the rules. Tonight would put her in her place, I was sure of it. I have considered many times that it may be overwhelming for her, but she's incredibly tough as I've seen this past week. I figure she will understand a bit more about me and respect my rules from then on. I heard Alias on the other side of the door, groaning to Silvia, my assistant, about how I should create a rule book just for her. That wasn't a terrible idea. I chuckled to myself and put on my stern face as I approached the door to let Alias in.
"Ms. Star," I had to fight a smile as I stepped to the side to allow her to come in. This time, she brought donuts for her team despite the no eating anywhere except the cafeteria rule. I wasn't really angry with her, but I enjoyed watching her take my scolding day after day before she catches her little attitude and storms out. Plus, who can truly be mad about donuts?
"This is really getting old, Alias," she mocked me as she took a seat.
"Take the words right out of my mouth," I tried not to seem amused by her mockery.
"I'm not apologizing for bringing donuts, sir," she replied showing no concern for the two rules she was now breaking.
She drove me crazy. I so badly wanted to correct her, but I won't have too after tonight.
"Alias."
"Kane."
"You cannot bring donuts."
"Because you hate happiness," she rolled her eyes. Fucking brat.
"Because it is a distraction."
"It's Friday, though! I wanted everybody to have a nice treat for a hard weeks work!"
"You cannot bring donuts," I tried to continue lecturing her, but thoughts of her in the outfit I chose slipped into my mind. I scrunched my brows and huffed away my thoughts and my nerves.
"Are you okay?" she seemed genuinely concerned about me.
"I'm fine, Alias. Do you understand the no donuts rule?" I tried to change the subject off myself.
"No, I don't. Forget that though, what's up with you?" Of course, she was persistent.
"Nothing is up with me," I couldn't explain it to her.
"Liar. You're grumpier than usual."
"Alias, please go back to your office and complete the budgets for the companies we are signing on next week."
She glared at me with pure frustration, not wanting to follow my instructions before stomping out of my office, per usual Alias. Wait for it-
"Yes, sir!" thick hints of attitude came through her words as she yelled what seem to be her favorite words. Predictable. I knew she only did it because I told her not too.
I went back to answering emails and looking over reports, but my mind kept trailing back to images of her tonight. I probably played fifty different scenarios through my mind, trying to be prepared for however she reacted. The day flew while I spent the majority of it fantasizing unrealistic outcomes. I locked up my office and headed downstairs. I stopped by my front desk and asked Delilah if Alias had clocked out and gone home for the day since it was 6 p.m. already. To my surprise, she hadn't left yet. She better not be late, but I certainly didn't put it past her.
Damion was waiting out front for me per usual. I slid into the backseat and reached over the seat to pat his shoulder.
"You excited for your date?" Damion teased.
"It is most certainly not a date," I tried to brush him off.
"No, no of course not. Just showing the girl you have a crush on a part of your life that you hide from everyone else," he joked, but he was serious.
"I don't have a crush on Alias, Damion. This isn't high school."
"You talk about her an awful lot," he looked at me through the rearview mirror with a raised eyebrow.
"Because she breaks my rules daily."
"Because you let her."
I scoffed, but he wasn't entirely wrong. I did let Alias break my rules more than anyone in years. She made me rethink them at times, but I made my rules for good reason.
"What if she runs and tells the world what I show her?" I asked seriously.
"I've only met her once, Kane, but she doesn't seem like that type of person. She didn't build her success tearing people down," he explained, "Plus, you know what I always say. He parked the car in front of my building and turned to look at me.
"Yeah, yeah. The whole me for me thing," I resisted rolling my eyes as I stepped out of the car.
I ran up to my penthouse to change into a suit I hadn't worn in quite a while. I almost thought it would be retired, yet I was glad to have a chance to wear it again, especially with her. She wouldn't understand the significance, but I do.
I went back downstairs to meet Damion and head over to Alias's place. We were quiet most of the ride, and I appreciated the time to myself to think. We arrived at 8:25, with no sign of Alias- of course. I'd bet my last dollar she was going to be late.
"We might as well get comfortable. She's notoriously late," I joked as Damion and I leaned against the passenger side of the car.
I spotted her scurrying through the glass doors of her building. She stopped on the top step to look for us. I would have called out to her, but I was speechless at the sight in front of me. Her thigh high red suede boots perfectly matched the designs in my blazer. To my dismay, she had a coat on tied tightly around her waist, prevent me from seeing the outfit I chose for her. I must have gotten lost in my thoughts, Damion's voice reminding me this was reality.
"Good evening, Alias. You look very nice," Damion spoke for me as I was still at a loss for words.
"You as well, Damion," her smile was breathtaking. I had to say something to not seem rude.
"Alias, you were late," I scolded her a little.
"Kane, my apologies for keeping you waiting," she looked at me with distaste. Way to not seem rude, I scolded myself.
"You look ravishing," That was an understatement. I desperately wanted to see her outfit, "You can't wear the jacket though." I was hoping she would take it off right then.
"Please, Kane?" she begged me, wrapping her arms around herself. It's hard to believe a woman as confident as Alias is also so insecure about herself.
"No. The choker was a very nice touch though." I instinctively reached up to the diamond necklace that perfectly hugged her throat. I noticed her breathing shift as I purposely brushed my fingers on the small part of her exposed chest.
"Why do you want to wear the jacket?" I couldn't understand why she was hiding behind the comfort of a coat.
"Insecurity. I don't wear anything like this," she looked away from me as her cheeks turned pink. I couldn't fathom someone as beautiful as her being insecure.
"Why would you be insecure, Alias? You're beautiful," I tried to reassure her, and she blushed at my words.
"Where are going anyway?" She didn't seem like she wanted to discuss the matter so I dropped it and allowed her to change the subject.
"You will see," I looked out the window trying to quiet the million thoughts running through my mind.
____________________________________
As we arrived at the club, I looked over to see a very concerned look across Alias's face. I suppose as a first timer, this place would seem to be abandoned.
"There's no one here?" she asked me nervously.
"There's tons of people here," I smiled knowingly. My nerves seemed to fade as we became closer to the place where I most felt myself.
"I don't see them?" She looked around trying to spot signs of people.
"You can't park here, and the building is designed to prevent light or sound from escaping. Think of it as a secret club," I explained to her.
As we exited the car, I stopped Alias. It might be a beginner night, but she would stick out like sore thumb in here with a jacket on. Not to mention, I still hadn't gotten to see the outfit I chose on her.
"Take off your jacket," I wasn't letting her take another step until she did.
"But Kane," she started, but I cut her off. No bratting now, Alias.
"No buts, you cannot wear the jacket. Take it off now."
She huffed deeply in frustration as she began untying the knot at her waist and let the jacket slip teasingly down her arms. She turned slightly to throw the jacket in the car, and I felt my mouth water at the sight of her. I resisted every urge in me to not grab her by the hips and kiss her right here, right now.
I placed my hand protectively on her lower back and guided her to the door. I pressed the intercom and whispered the password. I kept Alias close to me. I knew she would be okay, but I wanted her to feel safe with me.
"Stay with me at all times, do you understand?" I know how other people in the club can be if there's a new person caught alone.
"Ah, yes sir. Of course," She sarcastically agreed. It was for her own good, even if she didn't know that.
The doors open to reveal Tara on the other side beaming with joy as usual. I knew her well, she has worked her for many years, even since I first came myself.
"Mr. Rhodes! Welcome, surprised to see you here tonight. And you brought someone, wow!" She definitely could have left out the last part. I never brought anyone, and I hadn't been to a beginner night in a very long time.
"Tara, always lovely to see you," I smiled as we walked past Tara and continued to guide Alias toward the lounging area. The closer we got, the more nervous I became. I didn't want Alias to think badly of me, but I want to show her this part of me. Why, I wasn't exactly sure. I had this feeling as if I could trust her enough to show her without any logical reasoning. I guess I would find out if I was right or not soon enough.
"Would you like to order a drink?" I asked, hoping the alcohol would calm my nerves. I noticed Alias looking around in awe at the bar and a little relief washed over me as she didn't seem to mind the atmosphere.
"Absolutely," she seemed as nervous as I am.
"Two tequila shots, please!" She yelled to Steven, the bartender. I knew she would get a few glances, most of the time women don't order the drinks for the man. I chuckled at her boldness.
"I didn't want a a tequila shot, Alias," I joked. I was more of a whisky man myself.
"Good because they were both for me," She turned around and beamed at me with a proud smile. I threw up my hands in defense, I definitely wouldn't have taken Alias for a double shot kind of girl. She never failed to surprise me this far though.
