I didn't sleep that night.
Not because of exhaustion. Not because of Aldrich.
Because I was sure something was coming for him.
Okay, I believe I've begun lying to myself. It was because of him - Aldrich. My heart raced. Why had I been so stupid?
Not in the sense you may think. More like… during the meeting back during the day, I should have been more careful… more observant. I was too busy taking things with levity and now, there was trouble lurking at all corners.
I had never worked in a business setting. But was this what it felt like? Making plans without knowing that the people you were supposedly doing business with had nothing good in mind for you?
The moment I overheard that conversation, my entire mind went into overdrive. I kept seeing it play out in my head—Aldrich blindsided, Kingsport falling, something happening to him before he even realized what was going on.
I had spent years running from danger.
I knew how it worked.
And something about those men told me they weren't just here for a business deal. At least, now that I had placed down my senses well enough to listen.
That's how I found myself shadowing Aldrich's every move like a lunatic.
I wasn't smooth about it either.
At breakfast, I sat a table away from him, pretending to read a menu while blatantly staring at every single person who walked past.
At the lobby, I lingered by the elevators, watching as Aldrich made calls, my eyes darting toward anyone who came close.
Around morning the next day, I was busy at the reception aligning Aldrich's busy schedule with some of the hotel's lodging plans. It was at this time I saw the same two men from the conference walking toward the elevator, my chest tightened.
They were heading toward Aldrich's floor!
I didn't think. I ran. Went ahead of them.
I slammed into Aldrich's door, knocking frantically.
Nothing.
I knocked again. "Aldrich, open up!"
The door swung open, and there he was—standing there in a black shirt, clearly irritated.
Before he could say a word, I shoved past him, slamming the door shut behind me.
His brows shot up. "The hell is wrong with you?"
I turned to him, out of breath. "You need to hide."
Aldrich stared at me blankly. "Excuse me?"
"There are two men—dangerous men—coming. I don't know what they want, but I overheard something yesterday, and I swear they're after you."
His face didn't change. "Kahlan, it's eight in the morning. If you're planning on getting fired, just say that instead of breaking into my—"
I grabbed his arm, yanked him toward the wardrobe, and shoved him inside before he could argue.
He barely had time to react before I slammed the door shut.
The knock came a second later.
I took a deep breath, composed myself, and opened the door.
The two men stood there, their expressions unreadable.
"Mr. Maximus?" one of them asked.
I shook my head immediately. "He's not here."
A beat of silence.
"Where then did he go?" One of the men asked.
"Um…" I sputtered. "The boss isn't in!" I simply shot back at them. "Now, if you don't mind, leave!"
A deep voice from behind me. "You have got to be kidding me."
I turned slowly to see Aldrich stepping out of the wardrobe, staring at me like I had lost my mind.
The two men looked at him, then at me.
And burst into laughter.
Aldrich ran a hand down his face before exhaling sharply. "Get out."
I opened my mouth. "But—"
"Not them. You."
I stiffened.
Aldrich turned to the men. "Gentlemen, my new secretary here has been watching too many spy movies. Don't mind her."
They laughed again.
Aldrich turned to me, his expression cold. "I don't pay you to run around playing security officer. Do your damn job and stay out of my business."
I felt heat rise to my face. "I was just trying to—"
"I don't need you to try anything," he cut in. "Now, leave."
I swallowed down my embarrassment and stormed out.
"Stupid..." One of the businessmen had added casually, brushing me off.
By the time I reached my room, I wanted to crawl into a hole and die.
But of course, that wasn't the end of my suffering.
The next day, I barely had time to recover from my humiliation before Aldrich pulled me into one meeting after another.
Each time, I was forced to carry stacks of files, run between departments, and take notes while Aldrich threw instructions left and right.
By the fourth meeting, my legs ached, my hands were sore, and I was running on nothing but pure hatred.
I was trying to keep up. I really was.
But as soon as we left the last meeting, Aldrich turned to me, his patience clearly wearing thin.
"You're exhausted already?" he asked, watching me struggle to carry another file.
I clenched my teeth. "I'm fine."
He raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Because you look like you might drop dead before we even reach the next floor."
"I'm. Fine."
Aldrich hummed, unconvinced. "You can quit anytime, you know."
I glared at him. "I don't quit."
He smirked slightly before turning away. "Good. Because you're following me to a business party tonight."
I blinked. "A party?"
"Yes. A formal event. That's the keyword. Everyone will be dressed appropriately so at least, try to look like you belong."
With that, he walked off.
I stood there, too tired to even react.
A party.
With Aldrich.
I was already dreading it.
The problem?
I had no idea what to wear.
That evening, I stared at my suitcase, trying to find something remotely elegant.
Everything I owned was either too casual or too official. The hell? Who goes to parties on a business trip?
Or was I the problem?
I growled in anger and frustration as I swept through the clothes.
In the end, I settled for a black pantsuit. It was formal, neat, and professional.
When I finally stepped out to meet Aldrich, he took one glance at me—and stared.
Not in a good way.