IN HIS ARMS

Rowan continued pacing around his office.

“What’s this?” Aiden asked, arching a brow. “You searched for… who’s Rida Rage?”

“That’s him,” Rowan said, suddenly turning to face Aiden, his shoes tapping restlessly against the floor.

“So?” Aiden rose to his feet. “I see you aren’t ready to talk now. Call me when you are.”

“No, wait, man. I called you here to…” Rowan paused, breathing heavily.

“…to speak to you. I wanted to show you his online account, how ruthless and dangerous he is, but suddenly…” Rowan staggered toward his chair and sank into it, clenching his fist at his side.

“Suddenly what?” Aiden asked, sitting down as well.

“All his accounts are gone! There’s no record of him, not even a trace!” Rowan slammed his hand on the desk, making the files, laptop, and computer tremble.

“Easy!” Aiden exclaimed, grabbing the laptop before it could fall.

“How could he erase everything?” Rowan muttered, more to himself than to Aiden, before meeting his gaze.

“As I said earlier, I believe you, but I’m afraid… because you’re going crazy,” Aiden blurted.

“Crazy? What part of ‘the stranger isn’t who you think he is’ do you not understand?” Rowan shot back, struggling to steady his breath.

Aiden clasped his hands together as he watched Rowan carefully.

“Honestly, man, I’m serious,” Rowan exhaled shakily.

“Of course we are,” Aiden nodded, barely holding back his laughter.

“I need you to join me. Let’s make Mum see reason that the stranger isn’t who we think he is…” He paused, studying Aiden. “Or, if possible, let’s set him up. Anything to make him leave our house.”

Aiden widened his eyes. “Set him up? An innocent man? Has it gotten to that?” he pressed.

“It has, before this generates a problem,” Rowan said firmly.

“I don’t see a problem here. I just see someone burning with hatred for a man he barely knows,” Aiden declared.

“And if you have nothing else to say, I’ll take my leave,” he muttered, standing.

“Fine, you can leave. It’s completely obvious you’re blind and can’t see clearly. To you, he’s so innocent he wouldn’t hurt a fly… but very soon, you’ll understand what I’m saying,” Rowan said.

Aiden sniffed dismissively and walked out.

He took the elevator down to his office, where he found Kai resting his head on the desk.

“Such an innocent man,” he muttered.

He settled into his chair and continued working.

*An hour later*

Aiden’s phone began ringing, making Kai lift his head quickly, he hadn’t even realized Aiden had returned.

“Oh” Kai’s breath hitched as Aiden glanced at the caller ID. It was their mum.

“Hello, Mum,” he answered.

“Hi, I’m done for the day. Is Kai there?” she asked.

“Yes, Mum,” Aiden replied, meeting Kai’s gaze as Kai wiped his face and covered his mouth while yawning.

“Alright then. Once you’re done with work, you can both return home. I have questions to ask Kai.”

“Questions?” Aiden whispered.

“Yes, see you both at home,” she said before ending the call.

“What questions?” Aiden murmured to himself.

“Welcome back,” Kai said softly, almost like a greeting.

“Thank you,” Aiden replied, setting his phone down.

“Do you mind taking a walk around the company? I could show you around,” Aiden offered.

“That sounds good… but you’re busy with work,” Kai said, his lips curling into his usual gentle smile.

“I can continue later,” Aiden insisted as he rose to his feet.

“Are you sure?” Kai asked softly.

“Of course.” Aiden nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.

He grabbed Kai’s hand and gently pulled him up.

“I don’t think your brother would like that idea,” Kai pointed out.

“His opinion isn’t needed,” Aiden replied, releasing his hand once he was standing. “But if you don’t want to, I can’t force you.” His expression hardened slightly as he turned back toward his chair.

“No, I do want this,” Kai said at last, a small smile forming though he tried to hide it.

“Let’s go, then,” Aiden announced, closing the laptop and placing it carefully on a pile of files. Kai walked toward the door, and Aiden joined him as they stepped out.

“Let’s take the stairs instead, that way I can show you more,” Aiden suggested, leading the way.

The staircase spiraled through the heart of the massive fashion company; the walls were lined with framed runway photographs: models draped in breathtaking couture, shimmering gowns beneath golden spotlights, and sharply tailored suits. Through the transparent railings, they could see the different departments below: designers bent over sketchpads, seamstresses guiding silk beneath humming machines, stylists arranging fabrics on mannequins, and assistants hurried past them carrying garment bags and folders, offering polite nods as they passed.

Aiden continued explaining each section with quiet pride, but as they climbed higher, he began sweating as wipes his face.

“The staircase seemed longer than I remembered”. Aiden admitted as exhaustion crept into his legs but Kai felt the opposite, still walking actively.

“This is whole, I'm fascinated”. Kai admitted, his words encouraging Aiden to show more.

“Let's see more”. Aiden said as he went further, suddenly Aiden's foot slipped against the smooth edge of a step, making him lose his balance, his body tilting backward but Kai reacted swiftly. He reached out, wrapping an arm firmly around Aiden’s waist while his other hand caught Aiden’s wrist. The force pulled them close, their bodies colliding gently.

Aiden’s breath hitched as he found himself inches away from Kai’s face. Kai’s hand remained secure around his waist, steady and protective. Their eyes locked, Aiden widened his eyes as Kai’s dark gaze softened with concern.

“You should be careful,” Kai murmured, his voice low and warm.

Aiden swallowed, he could feel Kai’s steady heartbeat, the warmth of his touch lingering against him.