Alex wakes up to a pounding headache, the remnants of last night's drinks hammering through her skull. She groans, shielding her eyes from the morning light streaming through her window. Beside her, Taylor is already awake, scrolling through her phone.
"Good morning, sunshine," Taylor chirps, barely glancing up.
Alex winces at the brightness of her voice. "Morning. What happened last night? My head feels like there's a house party in there."
Taylor laughs, setting her phone down. "You, my dear, had quite the adventure. We went to that fancy club, remember? You got to see some real high-society action. Met some interesting people too."
Alex frowns, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. "Interesting people?"
Taylor nods enthusiastically. "Yeah, you even chatted with Jordan Knight, the guy from Knight Security Services. You two seemed to hit it off."
A vague image of Jordan's piercing eyes and warm smile flashes in Alex's mind. "Right. And then what?"
Taylor shrugs. "Nothing much. We left shortly after. Glad we got home safely."
Alex rubs her temples, feeling a bit uneasy. "That's it? No other details I should know about?"
Taylor grins, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "That's all, Alex. Now, get dressed. You're late for work."
—
At the office, Alex tries to focus, but her mind keeps drifting back to the club and the elusive details of her encounter with Jordan. The newsroom is its usual frenzy, and Alex barely notices the time passing until her boss, Tom Harris, calls her into his office.
"Alex, have a seat," Harris says, his tone unusually serious.
She sits, her stomach knotting. "What's up, Mr. Harris?"
He sighs, taking off his spectacles and massaging his eyes. "Your latest piece has been reviewed by the board and editors. They have opted not to publish it.
Alex feels the inside of him fall. But why? It's a solid narrative. It has the capacity to bring important concerns to light."
Harris gives a shake of his head. "I agree. However, they believe it could be detrimental to both the firm and the individuals involved. It's too dangerous."
Alex tightens her fists, anger rising within her. "So, is that it? Several months of hard work, simply canceled?"
"I'm afraid so," Harris admits, his voice full of remorse. "I apologize, Alex. Keep your head up. There will be other stories."
---
Back at her desk, Alex's phone buzzes. It's an unknown number, but she answers it anyway.
"Hello?"
"Alex? It's Jordan Knight. We met last night."
Her heart skips a beat. "Oh, hi, Jordan. How did you get my number?"
"A mutual friend," he replies smoothly. "I was wondering if you'd like to join me for lunch. I thought we could talk more. You seemed interested in what I do."
Alex hesitates, her mind racing. "Lunch sounds good. Where should we meet?"
---
The restaurant Jordan chooses is upscale but comfortable, a place where deals are made over fine wine and good food. Alex feels slightly out of place but pushes the feeling aside as Jordan waves her over to a corner table.
"Alex, good to see you again," he greets her warmly, standing up to pull out her chair.
"Thanks, Jordan. This place is... impressive," she says, taking her seat.
"It's one of my favorites," Jordan replies. "I wished for some privacy so we can chat."
As they order and settle in, Alex finds herself relaxing, the conversation flowing easily. They talk about work, about the intricacies of security and journalism. Jordan shares stories from his time in the military, his eyes lighting up with passion.
"There was this one time," he says, leaning forward. "We were in enemy territory ,about to rescue some hostages. It was scary, but we managed to get everyone out safely. It's experiences like that which led me to start Knight Security."
Alex listens, captivated. "That's incredible, Jordan. You've done so much."
He smiles, his gaze softening. "And you, Alex, are chasing the truth. I admire that. Which is why I wanted to invite you to a rally we're securing. It just might give you the story you need."
Alex shakes her head, the frustration of her rejected story still fresh. "Thanks, but I'm not sure it's what i want."
Jordan nods, his expression understanding. "The offer stands. Anytime you change your mind."
Alex takes a deep breath. "It's just... I've been working on this story for months, and now it's been shelved. Feels like everything I worked for is slipping away."
Jordan leans back, considering her words. "I understand that frustration. When I retired from the military, I didn't know what i was going to be . All those skills, all that experience, and suddenly, it felt like none of it mattered. But I found my way. You will too."
His words offer some comfort, and Alex finds herself opening up more. "I became a journalist because of my father. He was one of the best in the business but fell from grace after a bad call on a story. I've always wanted to prove that I could do better, to restore our family name."
Jordan nods thoughtfully. "That's a heavy burden to carry. On the other hand, it appears that you are acting responsibly. Just don't lose sight of why you started."
Their conversation continues, growing more personal and engaging. By the time lunch is over, Alex feels like she's known Jordan for much longer than just a couple of days.
---
Back at the office, Alex finds a note tucked under her keyboard. Her breath catches as she reads it:
We saw you. We know you.
Her hands tremble, the words blurring as fear sets in. She looks around, half-expecting to see someone watching her. She needs help. Without thinking, she dials Jordan's number.
"Hi, Jordan. This is Alex. I really need to see you. Could you come over?"
Jordan's voice is calm and comforting. "Of course. "I'll be there soon."
---
Jordan arrives at Alex's apartment, his appearance calm but alert. "What's going on, Alex?"
She hands him the note, her voice shaking. "I found this at my desk. I think it's about the drug deal I saw at the club."
Jordan's eyes narrow as he reads the note. "This is serious. You're not safe here alone. I'll stay with you tonight."
Alex feels a wave of relief. "Thank you, Jordan. I was in doubt on who else to contact."
"Don't worry," he says, his voice firm. "We'll figure this out."
---
As the evening wears on, the tension slowly eases. They share a simple dinner, their conversation drifting to lighter topics. Jordan's presence is a comfort, his calm confidence grounding her.
Later, as they sit on the couch, the air between them shifts. Alex looks at Jordan, her heart pounding. "Thank you for being here. It means a lot."
Jordan smiles, his gaze holding hers. "I'm glad I could help."
The moment stretches, the air thick with unspoken words. Without thinking, Alex leans in, her lips brushing his. Jordan responds instantly, his kiss gentle but insistent.
They move to the bedroom, their movements a dance of passion and urgency. Clothes are discarded, hands exploring, breaths mingling. Jordan's touch is both tender and demanding, a careful blend of strength and gentleness. His hands trace every contour of her body, eliciting shivers of pleasure.
Alex gasps as his lips find the sensitive skin of her neck, a moan escaping her lips. She runs her hands over his muscled back, pulling him closer, needing to feel every inch of him against her. Their bodies move together, perfectly in sync, each touch, each kiss, driving them closer to the edge.
The world outside fades away, leaving only the two of them, lost in a sea of desire. When they finally come together, it's a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss, an explosion of sensation that leaves them both breathless.
Later, they lie tangled in each other's arms, the night outside quiet and still. Alex's head rests on Jordan's chest, his heartbeat steady beneath her ear. She feels safe, cherished.
Jordan's fingers trace patterns on her back, his voice a low murmur. "Whatever happens, Alex, I've got your back. We'll face this together."
Alex smiles, her eyes drifting closed. She finds hope for the first time in a long time.