05

Kat’s POV

I woke up with a pounding headache, the kind that made my skull feel like it had been caught in a vice. My eyes fluttered open, blinking against the morning light filtering through a window I didn’t recognize. The room smelled faintly of cologne — warm, musky, and unfamiliar.

I sat up, groaning as my head throbbed. Memories from last night slammed into me — the bar, the shots of sangria, bragging like an idiot about my high school drinking days.

And then... the bathroom.

My stomach twisted. That man — the one who tried to corner me. The one who almost...

I shivered. Someone saved me. A man.

I turned my head — and froze.

My black lingerie hung over a nearby couch.

Panic shot through me. Oh God. Had I slept with that man?

I pressed my fingers to my temple, trying to push through the fog in my brain. Vague flashes flickered — giggling in the bathroom, staggering into the room, a man’s hands steadying me... then...

Oh no.

I bolted out of bed, my breath ragged. My purse was on the couch next to my underwear and my crumpled dress. My stomach twisted again. The memories sharpened — me, half-dressed, showering in his bathroom... his hands... kisses...

I had sex with him.

Heart racing, I grabbed my bra, hooked it in place, and yanked my dress over my head, tossing aside the oversized polo I’d woken up in. Zipping up my dress, I spun toward the door.

Then I saw him.

The man from the bar — and from the plane.

He stood in the doorway, a tray in hand, his messy hair falling over his forehead. His sharp features softened when he smiled.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice warm.

I bolted past him before he could say another word.

“Wait!” he shouted after me.

I didn’t stop. The house was massive, but I spotted the staircase and took the steps two at a time. The moment I hit the front door, I practically crashed into the gatekeeper.

“Open it!” I barked.

The gate swung open, and as if the universe pitied me, a cab appeared right on cue. I dived in, slamming the door behind me.

“Drive!” I snapped.

The cab sped off.

---

Aiden’s POV

“Asshole!” I barked at the gatekeeper. “Why the hell did you let her go?”

“She seemed upset... I thought—”

“Don’t think,” I snapped.

I turned back toward the house, frustration bubbling like lava. My pulse hammered in my temples. I grabbed the nearest thing — a small sculpture — and hurled it at the TV. Glass exploded, shards raining down on the floor.

“Shit!” I snarled, kicking the fragments. The sting in my foot barely registered.

The maids rushed in.

“Out!” I barked. “Get the hell out!”

They scattered like startled birds.

“I want her,” I muttered. “I need to see her.”

Footsteps thumped behind me.

“What the hell, man?” Gavin’s voice cut through my rage. “Did a hurricane hit this place?”

He grabbed my arm, forcing me to sit.

“I was close,” I growled. “So damn close.”

“We’ll find her,” Gavin promised, reaching for the first aid kit. As he started pulling glass shards from my foot, he added, “I’ve got news.”

I scowled. “If this is about work—”

“It’s about your girl.”

That caught my attention.

“Her name’s Kathleen Garrido,” Gavin said. “She lives with her best friend on East Pine Street.”

My heart thumped harder.

“Boyfriend?” I asked.

“He moved to India. Rumor is they broke up before she left. She’s a therapist — or was — but her boss might not take her back after she quit.”

“She’s single?”

“Yeah.”

I exhaled, tension slipping from my chest.

“Good work,” I muttered, giving him a rare nod of approval.

“Anytime,” Gavin grinned. Then he smirked. “Did you... you know?”

“No.”

His eyes widened. “Wait — you didn’t?”

“I couldn’t,” I admitted. “She was too drunk.”

Gavin’s laughter burst out of him. “You? Turning down a drunk, sexy woman? Now that’s a first.”

“I’m serious,” I snapped. “I couldn’t do it. She’s... different.”

“She probably ran because she thought you did,” Gavin mused. “Hell, the gatekeeper probably assumed she was one of your—”

“Don’t,” I warned.

He chuckled. “Alright, alright. So, what’s the plan?”

I smirked. “I know exactly how to make her mine.”

---

Kat’s POV

“Thank God,” I muttered, digging through my purse. My cash was still there. I handed a few bills to the driver and stumbled out of the cab.

By the time I reached my apartment, my head was still spinning.

“Morning, sunshine!” Noelle chirped from the kitchen, setting down a plate of eggs and bacon.

I shot her a glare.

“Don’t ‘morning’ me,” I snapped, walking past her to my room.

I dropped my purse on the bed and reached for my earrings — only to realize they were missing. Probably lost them in the bar… or his house.

The door creaked, and Noelle peeked in.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly. “I didn’t mean to ditch you.”

I turned, her guilty expression softening my anger.

“I was drunk too,” she added.

“That’s no excuse,” I muttered.

“I know,” she whispered. Silence stretched between us before she asked,

“Where did you sleep last night?”

I hesitated. Hell no. I wasn’t telling her I’d ended up in some stranger’s house, half-naked, convinced I’d made a massive mistake.

“A friend’s place,” I lied.

Noelle didn’t push. She knew better.

“I made breakfast,” she offered instead. “Come eat?”

I forced a smile. “I’ll brush my teeth first.”

In the bathroom, I scrubbed my mouth clean, trying to erase the lingering memories — his hands on my waist, the warmth of his breath on my skin.

By the time I sat across from Noelle, I was calmer.

“I’m sorry for snapping,” I said softly. “You weren’t at fault.”

“You sure?” She reached over and squeezed my hand.

“I am,” I assured her.

Her eyes narrowed. “So... what really happened in India?”

I froze, my fingers clenching the edge of the table.

She dropped her spoon and held my hand tighter, her gaze locked on mine. “Tell me,” she said softly. “What really happened in India?”

I didn’t know when a tear slipped down my cheek. I sniffed and wiped it away with the back of my hand.

“He cheated, Elle.”

She didn’t look surprised, so I kept going.

“You know that lady he said was his sister…”

“Titai,” she answered.

I nodded, my breath shaky.

Her eyes widened. She clapped a hand over her mouth. “He cheated with his sister?” she whispered in disbelief.

“How am I even sure she was his sister?” I choked out. My voice broke, and my chest tightened.

“Oh my God,” Noelle murmured, shaking her head. Her face twisted with anger. “That bastard…”

“I was stupid,” I muttered. “I should’ve seen the signs.”

“No,” she said firmly. “He was the one who screwed up — not you.”

I let out a trembling breath.

“Forget him,” she added. “You’ll find someone better.”

I gave her a shaky smile, even though I wasn’t sure I believed that.

“Are you going back to work?” she asked.

“Maybe. If Mrs. Marcel will take me back.”

“Take today off,” Noelle said. “Rest. Tomorrow, we’ll figure it out.”

“Thanks,” I said quietly.

She stood and held out her arms. “Come here. You need one of my magical hugs.”

I laughed despite myself and fell into her embrace. For the first time that morning, I felt a little less broken.