Next day, Sophie was both relieved and nervous when she got to work. She was shook but determined by what had happened the night before. Though Marcus was now in custody, the threat was not gone. She sensed that. The air heavy with the fallout from treachery, the building seemed strange.
Resolving to keep things somewhat regular, she took a seat at her desk and started going through emails and reports. Her thoughts kept going to Ethan, to their well executed plan. She was struck, in spite of the shadows over his life, by a sense of connection and respect for him.
Ethan texted her in the middle of the morning, saying, "Meeting at my office in 10. Have to talk about future actions."
Her heart accelerated. Getting her notes together, she went to the top level. She could hear Ethan mumble in his office through the open door. She gave a little tap.
Calling, "Come in," was Ethan.
When she walked in, Ethan stood behind his desk, appearing as tough as usual, but when their gazes connected, he softened. By gesture, he motioned for her to sit.
"I appreciate you coming, Sophie," Ethan said. "I wanted to express my gratitude for your bravery in person. We would never have revealed Marcus without you.
Sophie flushed warmly as she grinned. Ethan, all I was doing was going about my business. But accept my gratitude.
Studying her, Ethan leaned back. You went above that, too. You took an awful lot of chances. And I am aware that things have not been easy, particularly in light of recent events.
With a nod, Sophie acknowledged the gravity of his comments. "There's been a lot to absorb, but I'm here to support. Next step for us?
With a serious look, Ethan said. Still untied are certain threads. We must be sure the business is not threatened any more. First though, I had something I wanted to give you.
Curiousity sparked, Sophie lifted an eyebrow. It is what?
Ethan took a stylish black folder out of his desk drawer. You are now formally promoted to Head of Marketing, by me. You have produced excellent work, and I think you can handle the position with ease.
A heartbeat skipped by Sophie. Nothing she could have predicted was this. What to say, Ethan? Many thanks.
You deserve it, smiled Ethan. "Let us now talk about the current chores. Reviewing our security procedures will help to make sure there are no further leaks.
The talk moved easily between professional and more intimate subjects as they got into the specifics. It startled Sophie how easily they spoke. She could feel a draw toward Ethan that was getting stronger.
Following the meeting, Sophie went back to her office, her head buzzing with ideas of her promotion and the developing attraction between her and Ethan. Determining to establish her value, she pushed herself into her task.
Sophie got another text from Ethan later that evening as she was ready to head out: "Would you like to join me for dinner? We must further strategize."
With a little pause, she said, "Sure, where?"
A downtown expensive restaurant's address was what Ethan replied. Sophie showered up fast and headed for the place. Elegant and with a warm, personal atmosphere was the restaurant. At a remote table close to the rear, she noticed Ethan.
Standing as she walked up, Ethan said, "Sophie, glad you could make it."
I appreciate the invitation, Sophie said, settling in.
When the server showed up with menus, Ethan leaned forward and softened his look. I was itching to leave the office and all of the stress. I also reasoned that a more casual environment would be good for our conversation.
With a smile, Sophie let the strain go from her shoulders. "Thank you so much. It has been madness.
It has, Ethan said in agreement. You have, nonetheless, managed it with amazing elegance. Admire that.
Talking about anything from business to more intimate tales, their discussion moved effortlessly along. Ethan gave snippets of his history, including the hardships he encountered establishing Black Enterprises and the betrayals that had hardened him.
Sophie apologized sincerly for having to experience it. It had to be tough.
Yes, Ethan acknowledged. That has, however, also shaped who I am now. I also feel like I can at last begin to trust again.
When he said it, Sophie's heart leaped. A key is trust. Particularly in our area of employment.
Nodding, Ethan fixed his eyes on me. And Sophie, I also trust you. More so than everybody else.
Between them, the admission was packed with unsaid emotion. They continued their lunch, their talk becoming more private and close. Sophie and Ethan had an indisputable connection by the time they left the restaurant.
Ethan looked to her as they emerged into the crisp night air. Are you able to drive home?
Then Sophie nodded after a pause. Indeed, that would be preferable.
With the city lights fading past, they traveled in comfortable quiet. Ethan showed her to the entrance of her flat when they got there.
Sophie expressed a mixture of eagerness and thanks for tonight.
Keeping her gaze, Ethan said, "Thank you, Sophie." To everything.
After a little pause, a heated quiet, Ethan leaned in and planted a gentle, long kiss on her cheek. 'Good night, Sophie.'
Whispering, "Goodnight, Ethan," she watched him go.
The talks and strategic planning that occupied the following several days passed quickly. Thoughts of Ethan kept Sophie from being really present. She could not dispute their magnetism, which appeared to become stronger with every exchange.
Working late one evening, Sophie heard a tap on her office door. When she raised her head, Ethan was standing there, his face serious.
Do you have a moment, he asked?
With a gesture inviting him to enter, Sophie said, "Of course."
Seating across from her, Ethan shut the door behind him. "I have to discuss something with you."
Heart thumping, Sophie said. It is what?
Breathing deeply, Ethan sat. Someone is still employed by the firm to work against us. We have whittled it down, but I need your assistance to apprehend them.
Suddenly determined, Sophie nodded. I am available to assist you with anything.
Ethan lost his hard look. You are the only one I trust with this, even though I realize I'm asking a lot.
Sophie stretched out and laid a hand on his. "We'll work this through together."
Momentarily, the tension between them was evident as their eyes met. Then Ethan leaned in and planted a kiss on her, almost as though he were pulled by an unseen force. Promises and unsaid feelings were all there in the gentle, sensitive kiss.
Sophie was mentally whirling when they eventually separated. I, Ethan,"
Brushing a strand of hair off her cheek, Ethan said, "Shh." This will be handled one step at a time. We have to give the work at hand our whole attention right now.
Heart hammering, Sophie nodded. OK. Come along, traitor.
Secret investigations and tactical meetings occupied the next few days. Working closely together, Sophie and Ethan's relationship became closer every day. Notwithstanding the mayhem all around them, they had secret moments of intimacy and their romance grew.
As they looked over paperwork in Ethan's office one evening, Sophie saw something strange. Numerous unrelated financial transactions. "Ethan, look at this," she remarked, pointing to the screen.
Ethan drew in, wrinkles on his forehead. These transfers—they are not allowed. Money has been taken out by someone.
Mind racing, Sophie thought. Maybe this is our betrayer.
It is feasible, Ethan said. We must follow these transactions and determine the parties involved.
Tracking the digital trail, they worked late into the night. At last, they had a moniker. A little skeptic in her voice, Sophie added, "It's Daniel, one of our senior accountants."
Jerk his jaw. "I believed in him. He has to be confronted, yet gently. Dangerous he may be.
They worked out a scheme the following day to corner Daniel covertly. The strain as they carried out their strategy was nearly intolerable. At last they had Daniel in a conference room with the proof in front of him.
Face paled, Daniel said. "I have no idea what you mean," he said.
Say nothing to us, Ethan said icy. "We have every proof we need."
Sophie briefly thought Daniel may try to flee as his gaze sped about. Then, though, his shoulders slumped in defeat. A fine. You know who it was. That money was needed. I assure you though, I'm not the only one involved.
Ethan glanced at Sophie. With anybody else?
After a moment of hesitation, Daniel mentioned another senior official. Sophie was very cold. Deeper than they had thought, was the treachery.
Ethan promised to address things internally. But Daniel, you are done here.
Sophie and Ethan were left to sort through the fresh information while Daniel was led out. We must exercise caution, Sophie remarked. Should there are more parties engaged...
"We'll find them," a ferocious-looking Ethan cut off. Alone.
Nodding, Sophie felt a rush of resolve. "In concert."