4. Darius Reid.

Rachel’s POV

I walked out of the kitchen, still dressed in my silk knee-length nightie, carrying a tray laden with pancakes and juice that Mrs. Johnson had prepared for breakfast.

The morning sunlight was light and friendly for a fleeting moment, forgetting the tragedy that had happened and the one that is yet to.

I barely got some sleep last night; I had cried myself in regret.

If only I could go back in time and right my wrongs.

My steps came to a halt as I set eyes on him.

My father's words from last night echoed in my mind: "Darius Reid will come by with some files." I had completely forgotten. And now, standing in my foyer was the man himself.

My footsteps faltered, and the tray wobbled in my hands. I froze, taking in the imposing figure before me. Tall, broad-shouldered, and chiseled, Darius Reid exuded an aura of confidence and power. His piercing steel-grey eyes seemed to bore into my very soul, making me feel small and vulnerable under his gaze.

I felt a flutter in my chest, and my cheeks warmed as I struggled to compose myself. How could I have forgotten?

Dammi

His gaze roamed around my figure, his Adam’s apple bulbing before it occurred to me what I was wearing.

Shit!

Shit!

Shit!

"Good morning," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. "M-morning."

His gaze swept over me yet again, taking in my disheveled state, and I felt a surge of self-consciousness. My nightie seemed suddenly transparent, and I wished I had taken it off and dressed more decently before coming down for breakfast.

"Darius Reid," he introduced himself, his eyes never leaving mine.

I nodded, still entranced. "Rachel."

The air was thick with tension as we stood there, silence befalling us. "Uhm... I am just going to go change.”

He nods and musters the remaining courage left in me, walking away while spilling curses underneath my breath.

How was I supposed to work with this man? This man who seemed to see right through me? A man that is this devilishly hot!

As his name goes, so does his presence.

Fuck!

I got back to the room munching on my pancakes; halfway through, I got changed and decided to get going, not keep him waiting.

I met him at the Gazebo, engrossed in studying the files ahead of him.

I cleared my throat, signifying my presence. He looked up, clicking my legs, suddenly feeling wobbly.

Gosh!

What is the matter with me?

"Shall we?” He asks, to which I nod before settling down.

"So, Mr. Reid," I began, attempting to sound professional even though deep down I was intimidated by his presence.

"Call me Darius," he corrected, his deep voice firm but gentle.

"Darius, then. What's the plan?"

"We're going undercover at Smithson Industries," he explained, pulling out a folder filled with documents. "Your ex-husband, Andrew, has been involved in some shady dealings, which has them merging with Dulex. They’ve embezzled funds from your father’s company. We need to gather evidence and stop their illegal activities."

I felt a pang in my chest, but I pushed it aside. "What kind of activities? Aside from the embezzlement"

"Insider trading... they've stolen millions from investors, which has cost your father’s company a lot. Dulex worked under your father’s company; your father had shares in the company, but they had outsmarted him... or so they think," Darius said, his expression grim. "We need to take back the stolen stocks, and only then would you be given the CEO of Beaumont Industries, as your father would be retiring very soon."

I nodded, even though the thought of working for Andrew didn’t sit well with me; it would only remind me of the disappointment and betrayal I went through. “What's my role?"

"I'll be posing as a new marketing executive," Darius explained. “You’ll be my 'business partner.' We'll work together to gather intelligence and dismantle their operation from the inside."

I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the memories of Andrew and our failed marriage. "Got it."

"Darius? I asked, looking up at him.

"Yes?"

"Did my father hire you to be my babysitter while working?" he cuts me off.

"Let's focus on the matter at hand... And you must know not to put your past relationship into the mission; all that can come after all this is done.

I nodded, feigning okay-ness, but inside, I was still reeling from the past.

I forced a smile, hiding the hurt. "I can handle it."

Darius's gaze searched mine as if seeking reassurance. "Good. We'll start next week. Be ready."

I nod memories of Andrew and Victoria washing over me like a wave of nostalgia.

My heart clenched, feeling the bitterness afresh. All of a sudden, my eyes began to sting. I bit on my lower lip as my lips quivered.

I could feel Darius’s stare on me, and god, I felt his gaze rip through me, my body shivering in discomfort suddenly bolting up.

"If that’s it—“

He gets up, "Yes... looking forward to working with you, Ms. Beaumont,” he says, extending his hand for a shake.

I placed my hands into him, feeling a flame ignite within me as our hands came into contact.

I looked up, meeting his piercing gaze.

His hands felt so cold and warm; for a moment it felt like he was seeing through, which made unfamiliar emotions rise.

I pulled back instantly, "Uh, I should go,” I said, not wasting a second, turning on my shoe and walking away.