05

KEIA

The urge to say no to him was almost overpowering, but then I was struck by the thought. I remembered instantly why I was here, why I was doing this job. If this was going to work out, I needed him. Getting close to Sawyer was not just a job perk but it was also a vital part of my plan to make sure I got back to Artemis so I could show him that I wasn't the kind of person he could just use and throw away.

He was going to learn this the hard way, and I would be there to look him in the face once everything began planting out for me. Taking a deep breath, I forced out a smile and nodded.

"Alright. Thank you so much. I'll take the ride." I climbed into the car before settling in the posh seat. He stayed silent, and kept staring ahead at the road. He didn't talk to me, unless. He was quiet most of the time, and that had me wondering why he had offered me the ride in the first place.

I realised another problem as the drive went on. If we both stayed quiet this way, then there was no way I was going to be able to learn something from him. If I wanted to be close to him and understand what he wanted to do, or maybe even get his trust then I needed to make sure I started the conversation myself.

Even if he tried playing the serious character here, I would continue until I somehow managed to break through the walls he'd built around himself. I let out a sigh before I broke the silence. "So... I wanna thank you again. For showing me around today. I really appreciate it because... you know, there's a lot to learn."

He gave me a nod and briefly glanced over. Then he shrugged. "Of course. It's a... demanding job."

I replied with another nod. "I can see that." I said, trying to get the right words. "But um, I was curious about something and thought I should ask."

There was a small pause before he shot me another glance.

"Yeah? Go on?"

"You already had a secretary, right? I mean, why bring in a new one?" Nothing about his expression changed. It almost seemed as if I'd said nothing to him but I noticed how his hands tightened. "I don't work with liars or deceivers."

He didn't hide any emotion when he said that. And the word slammed the breath out of me as they sank in. I felt the guilt return, and this time it felt more painful.

Worst thing was, I couldn't explain myself in the way he would understand. Did he already suspect something about me? I stayed silent and kept looking out the window. For a moment I just tried to let go of it, by reminding myself why I was here.

"Don't feel guilty," I said to myself. "This is not for Sawyer. It's for Artemis. Sawyer is just... collateral."

I whirled around after a few moments and turned back to him, this time I was more than determined to make sure I pushed the guilt and hurt away even though it kept pricking my skin, trying to break through.

"I see. Well, um... honesty is important. That's true." My voice was light now and that sliver of embarrassment wouldn't just let me. "So... how did you start this company, anyway?"

His massaters stretched as he clenched his jaw, before casting another glance my way. He was clearly unimpressed with my question, but I reminded myself that this was the way to go. Small, baby steps, and all this would be over. All it would take was a matter of time and some determination.

"That is not relevant to your job, is it?" His voice was cold.

"Yeah," I said, feeling my heart stir. I fell silent after that. It was very clear from the way he had just spoken that my questions might have made him uncomfortable.

He was uncomfortable talking about himself, so I just figured I'd just allow it... for now, though. However, I was going to keep my eyes open and my ears sharp. The last thing I wanted to do was to rush anything at all. After all, getting to know him and the way he handled his things was only the beginning. There was a lot of time to get what I wanted. The car continued to sail smoothly down the asphalt, and I looked over at him, wondering if I should try one more time. But considering what had just happened, the fear of being insulted struck me. However, I rebuked it instantly. Because I'd rather go through this now and get what I wanted later than do nothing, save the shame and get nothing from it. I didn't want to waste my time. Before I was done with the reverie, I found myself talking again. This time I took it slowly making sure my words were measured and unrushed.

"Are you, um..." I'd started with some hesitation. "Are you married?"

I was well aware that he wasn't, at least not five years ago. A part of me wondered if this life had changed while I was stuck behind bars. But before he could answer the question, the car came to a smooth halt. That's when I realised that we were already in front of my apartment building.

"Looks like we are here," I nodded, not quite pleased with the way things had turned out.

"Oh, right." I replied, unable to hide the disappointment in my voice. It should have been better than this. I was not ready to get out yet, especially when I felt like I'd barely scratched the surface with him.

Sawyer’s expression didn't change one but. It was the same, neutral, with his lips pressed in a thin line. It was very clear that he wasn't the type to ask me to stay or make any small talk. I reached for my purse slowly and hesitated just a moment longer before pushing the door open.

I was doing my best to look a little off balance and pretend that I was going to fall. But he didn't bat an eyelid my way. He just stayed there, perfectly still like some mannequin while looking straight over on the front.

Feeling silly, I got out of the car and clutched my bag. I was embarrassed and angry about all this. Just as i was about to close the door, though, I heard him say something so soft I almost thought I imagined it. But when I turned around to see his lips moving, I knew I wasn't hearing things.

"Welcome back," he whispered.

Then the glass rolled up, before I was met with my baffled face. I blinked, stunned, but by the time I looked back, the door was closed and he was already driving away.

He left me standing there and I couldn't help but wonder if I had heard him right. Or if he had said something else. This was going to be damn hard, but I was equal to the task, every bit of it.