*Kane's POV*
It was a cloudy Sunday morning in the city. My mood matched the gloominess of the outside world. As I drank my coffee, I tried to wrap my mind around the entirety of this week. I bumped into a lady on the street, who would turn out to be the marketing manager I needed to get my project on its feet. I took her to breakfast, allowed her to break my rules, and even showed her a part of me I hardly showed anyone. I thought about the things she said last night and the way we left things. I remembered her getting into a taxi and watching the tail lights fade in the distance. I considered briefly she might have been right about me.
It was possible that I was, in fact, the one acting like a brat. Granted, tricking everyone to get into her apartment to prove a point was definitely a brat move. I should have let her stay here last night, but again... probably another dick move making her leave when she hurt my feelings. I grabbed my phone and sent her a text asking if she was alright. I should have asked her last night, but I was so astounded she left me standing in the street. I was angry with her all night, but sleep always provides clarity. This morning, I knew I had probably royally fucked up what could have been at the very least a friendship.
A part of me wanted to stand by my choice to remain professional because honestly I didn't know if I could simply be her friend. Within one week of knowing her, I already felt an emotional attachment developing. There was something captivating about her that made me want all of her all of the time. I have never been in a situation similar to this before. Ironically, I had very strict rules to not associate myself with employees. I didn't even eat in the cafeteria in my building to avoid it at all costs, even on a friendly level.
Alias read my message, but didn't respond. It wasn't surprising considering everything. For once, I would let it slide. She was angry with me understandably so, but I decided for now this was best. At least until I could navigate my own emotions enough to be able to handle hers.
I spent the remainder of the day in my study working on the upcoming week's reports. Though, I couldn't get much work done as my mind kept going back to her. I so badly wanted to go to her apartment and tell her I was wrong, but I fought off the urge. A tall glass of whiskey will solve my problems- or so one would think.
I kicked my feet up on the coffee table as I sat on the sofa where she sat the night before. I sighed into my glass as I continued to attempt to convince myself I made the right choice. The more I drank, the less I felt like it was right. You shouldn't have to convince yourself it's better to be without someone, but I'd be damned before I admitted I needed her. I don't need her, or anyone for that matter. But fuck, I wanted her. I wanted to know her. The real her.
Between the whiskey and sad thoughts, I dozed off to sleep, dreading the week ahead.
____________________________________
I woke to Damion literally screaming at me, which caused me to roll straight off the sofa onto the ground below. I groaned from the combination of hitting the floor and the hangover causing my head to pound.
"Damion, please, what is it?" I mumbled, still groaning.
"You haven't passed out drunk in who knows how long. The fuck is wrong with you?" He lectured me.
"Rough night, please quiet down," I pleaded as his voice rang through my ears.
He went over to the kitchen and grabbed a glass of water and some aspirin. I graciously accepted as I stood up to stretch my tense muscles.
"I'll fix myself breakfast while you get ready," he motioned toward my room signaling me I should shower. I probably reeked of whiskey. I nodded back at him before heading to the bathroom.
The hot shower brought me all the way back to reality where I realized I'd have to face Alias today. I wondered if she would come in or if she had already resigned. I hoped she wasn't the type of woman to let something like this make her quit her job. Knowing Alias, she probably brought donuts for everyone just to spite me. I laughed slightly through the sadness knowing I would have to start treating her like the rest of my employees despite my feelings.
I threw on a navy blue suit and grabbed a granola bar as Damion and I made our way downstairs.
"What a balanced breakfast," he teased.
I rolled my eyes as I hopped into the car. I typically did have a very balanced breakfast, but given the previous events, one granola bar was all I had time for today. We made our way to the office, and Damion dropped me off at the front doors per usual. I greeted my employees as I strolled through the lobby. I stepped onto the elevator and pressed the button to the top floor. I let out one last sigh of frustration before gathering my composure. I just had to put her out of my mind and go back to the monotony of my day to day life before her. The elevator doors opened, and I said hello to Silvia before my eyes landed on Alias sitting in one of the chairs outside of my office.
Fuck. How am I supposed to stop thinking about her? She was in a navy pantsuit herself, and I swallowed my words before I made a remark about how she matched me today. She looked beautiful as always, though she had a look of utter irritation across her face. I realized I had been staring for a moment too long and cleared my throat.
"Ms. Star, good morning. Follow me," I said kindly, trying to be cordial. I waited for the 'Yes, Sir' that usually followed, but felt myself fill with disappointment when she simply nodded and entered my office behind me. I couldn't be disappointed though, for once Alias was following my rules- I reminded myself as I took a seat.
"How can I help you?" I asked, attempting to maintain my composure.
"I locked myself out of my office," she seemed angry to have to be here in my office. I was the only person in the entire building with a universal key to all doors, so she truly had no choice but to come to me.
"No problem, I'll unlock it for you," I smiled, but she wasn't even looking at me. She had been staring at the floor the whole time. I desperately wanted her to look up at me, but I understand why she feels the way she does.
