05.

Aiden’s POV

I was glad Riley accepted my invitation to dinner. I was thrilled but chose to play it cool and not make it too obvious.

I roamed my stare at her, admiring the red dress she wore that hugged every curve elegantly and perfectly.

A pang of attraction hit me.

“I apologize again for Elena’s behavior; she—”

She cut me off, “This is like the fourth time you’ve said this, and I told you, sir, it’s fine,” she said, a smile spreading on her lips.

I paused momentarily before saying. "You see, Riley, Elena’s father was my father's driver. They both died in a car accident when I was just born. I've known Elena since we were kids, and I've always felt responsible for her.”

Her expression changed to sympathy. "I'm so sorry, Mr. Russell. I had no idea."

I nodded, taking a sip of my drink. "Yeah, it was a tough time for all of us. But despite her temper, Elena is incredibly talented. I've tried to ignore her bad behavior as long as she's not too out of control."

Riley nodded, “I get it. She’s lucky to have you as a friend.”

I smiled, letting out a breath.

There was something about her that interested me.

The evening went by like a blur, and I had to drive her home, as we stood outside her apartment, Riley turned to me and smiled. "Thank you for tonight, Mr. Russell. I had a great time."

I chuckled, “Aiden, call me Aiden, please. I believe we’re past the formalities,” I said.

She nodded with a blush that I didn’t miss. God, she was beautiful.

After saying our goodbyes, I proceeded to head home.

As I reached home, I got a call from Diego with regards to the case.

“Aiden, we've hit a snag in the investigation. We need your help to look into Riley's background and see if we can find any clues." He said.

My brows furrowed as I rubbed on my temples.

I liked her, and I wanted to work on our relationship, but on the other hand, I needed to save my grandfather; he is family after all, and the only one I have left.

I took a deep breath, trying to clear my head. "What do you need me to do, Diego?"

"We need you to get close to her, Aiden. See if you can find out anything about her past, her family, or anything that might be relevant to the case."

I agreed to it, cutting off the call.

I felt a pang of guilt; I didn’t want to use Riley, but desperate times.

The following day I decided to arrange a business trip with Riley, a perfect opportunity to ask her some case-related questions, so the trip was just an excuse to get closer to her.

We arrived in Chicago by 8 pm.

We were going to spend a week or so, just enough time to get some answers that could help the case.

As we drove to the hotel we would be residing in, Riley cut through the silence.

“Aiden, I booked the flight and hotel, but there was only one room left at your hotel, so I reserved another room at a nearby hotel for myself," she said, looking at me with a smile.

My face dropped into a scowl, feeling disappointed, but I quickly masked it away.

Sharing a room wasn’t a bad idea, but I guess she’d be uncomfortable.

God, she’s so innocent.

"No problem, Riley. That sounds fine. I'll just meet you at the conference in the morning, then."

The next day after the conference meeting, I decided to take her out to spend a little time away from work and to get information from her.

We went shopping, and although she was not as picky and materialistic as other girls tend to be, which amazed me, I still forced her to pick a few things.

While heading back hotel, I suggested we drop by the bar and get a few drinks.

Riley mentioned not taking alcohol only occasionally, but I compelled her to loosen up and have a few cups.

Just two cups and she was drunk, barely able to put herself together.

As we sipped our drinks, I asked her about her family, trying to make small talk.

But as soon as she mentioned her dad, she went silent. I noticed a change in her expression and a sudden sadness in her eyes.

“What happened?” I asked, not missing the glint of tears that accumulated at the brim of her eyes.

“He... he—“ and then she passed out, her light snores sounding cute to my hearing.

I chuckled amusingly, picking her up and heading out to the car.

She was asleep, and I didn’t know the hotel she had booked for herself, so I decided to take her to mine.

“Aiden…” she whispered as we walked into the room.

I put her down, but she immediately fell onto me, her face nuzzling to my neckline, and I could feel her lips on my skin.

My dick hardens as my jawline tightens, the effect of the contact making me grunt.

God!

This woman will be the end of me.

The light was turned off and took off her coat. I guided her to the bed and placed her on the left side of the bed, deciding to go find something comfortable for her to put on.

But she cut me off, gripping my wrist. “Don’t go.” she said in a low voice.

I sucked in a harsh breath, my thoughts running wild at the thought of actually sleeping with her.

I let out a breath, taking the other side of the bed while undressing and leaving just my boxers on.

As I got on the bed, she snuggled into me, making me more tense and turned on than I already was.

The plan was to stay with her till she fell asleep then take the couch while I let her sleep on the bed, but somehow I fell asleep.

And the next morning, as I stirred up from sleep I met with Riely’s accusing tear-filled gaze.

My brows furrowed, “What? What is it?” I asked in worry.

“Did we have sex?”