After breakfast, I returned to my room, my mind restless. As I sat on the edge of the bed, thoughts of Aiden flooded me. I hadn't realized how much I missed him until now. He must have missed me, too. Guilt gnawed at me—I had been so caught up in the chaos of this trip that I hadn't thought about him much. I wanted to get him something, a gift to show I'd been thinking of him, but what could I possibly give him when I had nothing?
Pacing around the room, I wracked my brain. What could I get Aiden? I didn't have any money, and the idea of asking Rebecca crossed my mind, but there was no way for me to contact her right now. Should I ask Alex for help? No, he's probably busy. Besides, I hated the idea of needing his help for something so personal.
I glanced at the empty boxes of designer jewelry sitting in the corner of my room. They were pretty, but they were just shells—hollow, meaningless. It reminded me of what I used to do for Aiden on special occasions. On his birthdays, or when he got top marks at school, I would find old boxes, decorate them, and fill them with his favorite candies and little plush toys I'd picked up from thrift stores. It wasn't much, but he always cherished it. The memory made me smile.
But now, I had nothing. No candies, no plushies, no money to buy anything.
Alex.
He was the only option left. I could ask him for help, for some money to get Aiden something. The thought alone made me cringe, but what was worse than not trying? Taking a deep breath, I left my room and headed downstairs, searching for him.
The dining room was empty now, no sign of Alex. I made my way to his study and knocked a few times—no response. Either he wasn't in there, or he was choosing to ignore me. As I turned to leave, my eyes drifted to his bedroom door.
Maybe he was in there.
I hesitated, standing in front of his door for what felt like forever before finally knocking softly. No answer. Another knock, and this time I heard movement behind the door. A few moments later, it clicked open, and there stood Alex.
Shirtless.
My eyes instinctively traveled downward. A gray towel hung loosely around his waist, revealing sleek, toned abs that practically demanded attention. His body was... God, it was like something sculpted by an artist. I had to fight the urge to reach out and—stop it, Ivy! My gaze climbed higher, taking in his muscular chest, smooth and glistening with droplets of water. His hair was wet, strands clinging to his face, and water droplets trailed from his neck down to his chest, then further still.
What was I doing? Staring like a fool at this half-naked man. I quickly shook my head, forcing myself to meet his gaze. His left eyebrow was raised, a silent question hanging in the air.
"I... I want to get a few things for Aiden, but I don't have any money," I confessed, my voice barely steady. "I know our contract says you'll only pay me when my role becomes more relevant to the mission, but I really need it now. I promise I'll repay you... with anything."
Why on earth did I say that? The moment the words left my mouth, I felt heat rise to my face. Alex's expression shifted slightly, something between amusement and surprise flickering in his eyes. Without saying a word, he turned back into his room, leaving the door open.
I stood there, unsure if he was going to help or if I'd just been dismissed. But before I could spiral too much into my thoughts, he returned, holding a sleek, black card in his hand.
He held it out to me, and I took it, feeling like I was holding something far too valuable for my hands. I had never seen a card like this before—black and sophisticated, practically oozing wealth.
"Ask one of the staff to accompany you," he said, his voice even and calm. Then, with a slight smirk, he added, "And about the payment… when do you plan on fulfilling that?"
Oh, no. I instantly regretted my choice of words earlier. But I couldn't backtrack now. "I... I don't know. Just tell me what you want and when. As long as it doesn't put Aiden in harm's way, I'll do it."
He was silent for a moment, his eyes studying me. "I'll let you know when I decide what I want."
I nodded, feeling a bit relieved but also incredibly embarrassed. "Thank you. I'll get going now."
He nodded in response, and I quickly turned on my heel, clutching the card tightly as I walked away. My heart was racing, and I didn't dare look back. I kept my eyes on the card in my hand. I had no idea how to even use it.
All I knew was that Alex had just given me something far more powerful than I was ready for. And as much as I wanted to focus on Aiden and getting his gift, I couldn't shake the feeling that this exchange had just added another layer to the already complicated relationship between Alex and me.