chapter 2_Alexander's pov

     Present Day

I still couldn’t stop thinking about him.

My nameless hot stranger from two weeks ago had taken up space in my head like a squatter who refused to leave. Every time I tried to take him out of my mind by with working, and attending meetings even the ones I'm not really needed at, or another meaningless distraction, he came crawling back like a thief in the night,with a purposeful smirk carved on his lips, his hands on me, eyes like he could see straight through my carefully constructed walls.

It was pathetic. I was pathetic. Alexander Blackwood IV , the man who people lined up to impress is reduced to obsessing over someone whose name I didn’t even know.

And of course, Aiden wouldn’t let me live it down.

“You realize how ridiculous you sound, right?” he asked without looking up from his phone. He was sprawled across my sofa like he owned the place, his legs crossed and phone in hand, completely unbothered. “You didn’t even go all the way with him, and you’re sitting here like some moody high schooler pining after his crush.”

“Not funny,” I muttered, loosening my tie.

“Oh, it’s hilarious,” Aiden countered. He finally looked at me, brows raised. “What exactly do you expect me to do with your ‘hot stranger from two weeks ago who kissed me like a god and then disappeared’? You want me to send out a search party or run a police sketch?”

I glared at him. “I hate you.”

“You say that every time I’m right.”

“I mean it this time.”

He smirked. “Sure you do.”

Aiden and I have been friends since our second year of college. Back then, I had a reputation as the arrogant Blackwood heir, who is untouchable and cold. Aiden had been the first person to look past all of that. He was also the only one who could get away with calling me out without worrying about losing his job. He had been my assistant for years now, which really just meant he had a professional excuse to insult me daily.

“Maybe if you actually slept with someone else, you’d forget about him,” Aiden said casually, like he wasn’t dropping grenades into my already fragile brain.

The thought had crossed my mind. Several times. But every time I pictured someone else’s hands on me, someone else’s mouth, it just felt wrong. My body remembered him. My hot stranger. And no one else compared.

“Get out,” I muttered.

Aiden snorted, standing and stretching like a cat. “Says the man who wants to launch a manhunt with no name, no number, no clue.” He slung his jacket over his arm and headed for the door. “Oh, and I'll be a little late tomorrow morning, so my assistant will be covering for me. Good luck at the meeting, boss.”

“Thank you for absolutely nothing,” I shot back.

His laugh echoed as the door clicked shut behind him.

The next morning, I dressed earlier than usual. A royal blue suit. Perfect coloured tie to match. Today I was standing in for my father at a board meeting, it's something that never failed to put me on edge. My father, Alexander Blackwood III, wasn’t a man. He was an institution. He didn’t raise his voice. He gives command even with his looks. The weight of his presence was enough to bend people to his will.

And me? To the world, I was arrogant, sharp, and impossible. But next to him, I was a candle trying to outshine the sun. I was just another tool to him ,but the difference is I have his blood running in my veins.

The elevator ride down to the lobby was short. My driver was already waiting, except it wasn’t Cass.

“Good morning, Mr. Blackwood,” the man greeted as he opened the back door.

I frowned. He was way younger than Cass. “Where’s Cass?”

“Mr. Cass called in sick, sir. My name is Isaac. I’ll be your driver for today.”

I Hate sudden changes, it makes me feel uncomfortable, and routine mattered. Cass had been with me for years. New faces meant unpredictability. But I was already running late, and my father had zero tolerance for excuses. Irritated, I slid into the car. “ Drive.”

The city streets blurred past the tinted windows. I scrolled through my phone, flipping between emails and the agenda for the board meeting. Aiden sent me a text saying he had change of plans and he will be available this morning. Just as I was about to reply to his text, the car jerked violently to a halt.

“What the...”

A black van screeched to a stop in front of us, blocking the road. My stomach dropped. The doors flew open, and three men hopped out, all wearing black hoodies pulled low. One of them was holding a gun. They were coming towards the direction of my car.

“Stay calm, sir,” Isaac said. His voice was strangely calm and steady. Maybe it was part of his training. I can't be thinking about that right now.

My pulse spiked. Instead of turning the car around and driving us out of danger, Isaac killed the engine.

Confusion hits me “What the fuck are you doing?”

He didn’t answer.

The men moved quickly, boots pounding against the pavement. One yanked open the passenger side door, shouting something muffled. The gunman raised his weapon, aiming it straight at me through the windshield.

This wasn’t a random attack . It was planned.

“Get out,” Isaac said. His tone was cold now.

My chest tightened, Realization washing away the confusion. He was in on it. How much is he getting to throw his life away like this.

Adrenaline surged. My mind raced through possibilities, who would want me gone, i tried to think of names, the enemies or rivals. Could it be one of My father’s competitors ? Or one of my own?

Isaac reached back, his hand closing around my sleeve. Reflex took over. I jerked my arm free and slammed my fist into the back of his headrest, hard enough to daze him. He cursed, twisting to grab me again.

In the same heartbeat, I shoved the door open and bolted.

Shouts erupted. “Grab him!”

"Don't let him get away"

I ran. My heart pounding against my ribs like it wanted to break free. People around screamed and scattered. The van’s engine roared as it lurched forward, trying to cut me off.

A gunshot cracked the air. The sound tore through me, but no pain followed. For a moment I thought of stopping cause Maybe they weren't trying to kill me. I would love to see my father's face when he is told I have been kidnapped. Maybe he wouldn't care, not like he ever did.

People dove for cover. Chaos exploded around me. I ducked into a side alley, My legs were burning and my lungs screaming for air. Thank God for gym which I visited frequently , I would have been caught by now. Every nerve in my body begged me to keep moving.

“Blackwood! Stop or I shot.” one of them shouted from behind.

They knew exactly who I was.

I stumbled forward, shoving past trash bins, searching desperately for an exit. My thoughts raced,if they got me, no one would see me again. My company, my life

It would all be gone. I haven't even gotten the chance to see my hot stranger yet. If I wasn't running for my life I would have laughed out loud to that last part.

A delivery truck rumbled at the far end of the alley. Without thinking, I dashed toward it, waving my arms like a madman.

The driver slammed the brakes. Horn blaring. “who are ...”

“Drive!” I shouted, yanking the door open. “Now!” not giving him the opportunity to finish his question.

He hesitated for a split second, eyes widening in recognition. Then he slammed the gas. The alley blurred behind us, the van shrinking into the distance.

I collapsed against the seat, my chest heaving, my head is banging so hard . " Shit'. My body was trembling, every muscle tight with leftover fear.

My life had almost ended. And yet, in the chaos, one insane thought had cut through the panic like a knife non stop:

My hot stranger.

Christ. Something must be really wrong with my brain.

I hated myself for it. But even in near death, my mind had gone to him. His smirk. His mouth. His grip on me like I belonged to him.

By the time the truck dropped me off near my office, I had pulled myself together. Or at least, I looked like I had. I thanked the driver and gave him a all the cash . I straightened my suit and adjusted my tie. I tried my best to fix my now messy hair . I walk with confidence, Chin up high.

But inside, my hands still shook.

Aiden was waiting for me in the lobby, coffee in hand. He froze when he saw me, eyes narrowing. “You look like shit.”

“Thanks,” I muttered, brushing past him toward the elevator.

He followed, his expression darkening as he caught on. “What happened?”

“Nothing.” I say as we stepped into the elevator. He waited for us to get to my office before he continues.

“Bullshit.” He grabbed my arm stopping me. “Talk.”

I clenched my jaw. My instinct was to shut him out, to control the narrative. But his grip was steady, his eyes sharp. He wasn’t just my assistant right now. He was my friend.

“I was almost kidnapped,” I said quietly.

The color drained from his face. “What?”

“yeah, men with guns." I said " My driver was in on it too.” I forced the words out like they were just another report, not my life flashing before my eyes.

Aiden swore under his breath. “Jesus, Alex. Are you okay?”

“I escaped.”

“Barely.” His jaw tightened. “This isn’t nothing. I've wanted you to get extra protection for awhile now but you keep refusing. You need protection. Real protection.”

I shook my head. “I don’t need...”

“Yes, you do,” he snapped, cutting me off. “Your father might not give a damn if you get snatched, but I do. You’re hiring security. End of discussion.”

"The only thing my father will care about is me not giving him grandkids for him to control like he is doing to me, if I'm gone"

"Stop it, Alex"

I opened my mouth to argue, but stopped. Because he was right.

For the first time in my life, I had felt powerless. And I hated it. And I won't let it be about my father.

“Fine,” I muttered.

Aiden’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “Good. I already know someone. He has the best security team in in the city. I’ll set it up.”

I didn’t bother to ask any questions. I was tired. And at that moment, I just wanted to forget All the event of today.

And I needed a drink .