Chapter 6

After dragging my feet to drop off the document like I was supposed to, I walked back to my department with my head in the clouds, my thoughts completely consumed by that mystery stranger. I had so many questions—both sane and insane ones.

Who was he?

Why was he here?

How was he so freaking hot?

And did I really hear him call me cute… or was I just tripping because I got lost in his looks and that dominant aura that clung to him?

Hell, I wasn’t even mad that he assumed I was a hoe. I was far more curious about his identity than some ridiculous label I knew wasn’t true.

When I arrived, I slipped back into my seat and finally let out the biggest sigh I could manage, my eyes drifting toward Conan’s office. He was the only one who might know who that man was. But was I really willing to ask him, knowing he was a sick weirdo who clearly wanted nothing more than to sleep with me?

Yeah. I was still going to ask.

I wasn’t one to shy away from something this interesting. Besides, getting the information out of him might even be easy—he seemed down bad already, which was weird considering we’d just met. But hey, who was I to question how the male mind worked? As long as I found out who that man was, it was good enough.

I didn’t even know what I planned to do once I knew, but maybe this gnawing sense of familiarity would disappear once I had answers.

Work ended before I realized it. I sped off to the parking lot where I knew Jean’s car would be parked. The moment I spotted it, I walked over, motioning for him to open the door. I slipped inside as soon as he did, slamming it shut before turning to him with a dry chuckle.

“So,” he said, “what is it now, girl? What dramatic thing happened to you this time?”

“You would’ve known if you checked your texts, friend,” I replied with a pout. “I was in there fighting for my life while you were out here living your best, oblivious life.”

He dug through his bag for his phone, a guilty smile spreading across his face as he unlocked it.

“In my defense, I was really busy this time—” He stopped short, eyes widening as his gaze snapped to me. “Tell me you’re shitting me.”

“Like I’d joke about something this serious,” I said, stopping his frantic hand waving and pushing it down.

“So that pervert is really the new CEO,” he muttered with a sigh. “Wow. I was right about drama following you around, but this—this is on another level, Aria. What if he makes your work life hell if you don’t give in to him?”

“That’s not even important now, Jean,” I said sharply, turning to face him. “Conan doesn’t bother me. I can handle him.”

I hesitated before continuing. “I met someone else. Someone who actually bothers me.”

Jean raised a brow as I stared out the window. “He felt familiar and distant at the same time. His gaze made me want to submit to him.”

“Uh—can I get more context here?” Jean said, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Let’s get out of here first,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll fill you in on the way.”

He nodded, started the engine, and we pulled out.

“How good did he look to have you this flustered?” Jean muttered after I recounted my meeting with Mr. M—yes, that was what I’d decided to call him. “The Aria I know has never been shaken by a man. You’re always in control.”

“Right?” I groaned, running my hands over my face. “I feel like a high school girl who just saw a hot senior and is going out of her way to find out what class he’s in.”

I laughed softly. “But he was hot. Sharp jaw, a pretty but hard face, lean but built muscles.” I smiled despite myself. “The ideal kind of man to sleep with.”

Jean rolled his eyes as we pulled up in front of my house. “I think your weird dreams and sex-starved ass are the real problem here,” he said calmly as the engine shut off. “You saw him once, and suddenly he feels familiar? Please. You just thought that because he’s hot and you’re craving a good lay.”

I frowned. Way to downplay what I felt.

“Well, if you’re that curious,” he continued, “ask your boss tomorrow. He was in his office anyway.”

“I’m definitely doing that,” I said, wiggling my brows as I unbuckled my seatbelt. “And trust me, I’ll get relevant information.”

“I’ll be waiting for the update,” he replied. “It better be juicy.”

I stepped out and shook my head.

“Say hi to your sister for me.” He yelled.

“I will,” i called back as i walked up to our door.

“I’m home!” I yelled as I stepped inside. After calling out a few more times with no response, I figured Excelle wasn’t home. I dragged my feet to my room and collapsed onto my bed, my mind replaying the entire day.

By entire day, I meant my interaction with Mr. M.

I couldn’t shake how familiar he felt. His eyes seemed like they were trying to tell me something—something I was too slow to understand. I felt small under his gaze, but for the first time, it didn’t bother me.

That said a lot.

Conan was my only lead. If he didn’t give me answers, I might never see that man again.

Somewhere in the middle of my thoughts, sleep claimed me.

That familiar heat crept into my dreams, me pressed against a wall, another stranger behind me. His hands tangled in my hair, his movements heavy and relentless. My moans filled the room, mixing with his low grunts. In that moment, in that dream, I belonged to no one else but him.

But why, why did the face of Mr. M. I met earlier flash through my mind just before the dream faded away?