As I walked out the front door, I felt heavy. Very heavy. I was just so sure that Alex saw me as an insane person. I mean, who cries because of invisible creeps in the shadows? Clearly, I was a walking comedy show, and he was probably taking notes for his next thriller.
I spotted Alex standing close to the limo in the convoy with a guy I'd seen around several times. The guy was clad in unusual black clothes that screamed "bodyguard chic," but there was a playful glint in his eyes that suggested he was more than just muscle. His demeanor made it clear that the two were too familiar to be just boss and bodyguard, even if Alex still had that stoic face of his on. It was like he was wearing a mask made of ice, and I couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath.
Mischief flickered in the bodyguard's eyes as he caught sight of me, and Alex looked… I don't know, tense? He could have been posing for a statue, but I bet even marble would crack under the weight of his internal thoughts.
"Hey, Ivy! Looking fabulous!" the bodyguard called, grinning. I wasn't sure if he was being sarcastic or genuinely complimentary, but his teasing tone made me chuckle. "You sure you're not going to start crying again? I could lend you my shoulder. It's very broad."
Alex shot him a glare that could have frozen the sun, but Ryker just laughed, clearly enjoying himself. "Relax, boss! I'm just trying to lighten the mood. This isn't a funeral, after all."
I couldn't help but grin at their banter. It was nice to see a little humanity creeping into Alex's world of seriousness, even if it was at his expense. "You're right, Ryker! I could use a good laugh!" I replied, trying to match his energy. "Maybe next time, I'll bring a clown to keep things interesting."
Ryker winked at me. "I'll hold you to that. Just make sure it's not one of those creepy clowns. Those things haunt my dreams."
As I approached, I noticed how Alex's posture shifted slightly. Was that him trying to shield me from Ryker's teasing? It was hard to tell, but my heart fluttered at the thought. "Ready to go, Ivy?" Alex asked, his voice steady but softer than I remembered.
"Ready as I'll ever be!" I replied, hopping into the limo, feeling the weight of the day ahead pressing down on me.
As we settled in, I glanced out the window, watching the scenery change as we left the resort. The mountains seemed to loom behind us, their peaks shrouded in mist, as if they were witnesses to the chaos of my life. I could still feel the embarrassment creeping up from yesterday—the tears, the fear, the way I had clung to Alex like he was a lifebuoy in a storm. How could I face him after that?
The ride felt longer than it should, mostly because I was lost in my thoughts, replaying every awkward moment in my head like a movie on repeat. Just as I began to spiral down the rabbit hole of embarrassment, Alex leaned forward, breaking my reverie.
"We're stopping at Evans Corporation before heading to the mansion," he said, his tone neutral but his eyes seemed to search mine for something. "I have a meeting with my associate there."
"Great! I can't wait to meet this associate of yours," I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic. "Do I need to prepare for any corporate espionage or dramatic confrontations?"
He smirked, the tiniest hint of amusement flickering across his features. "Only if you plan on throwing paperweights at him. Otherwise, you'll be safe."
Ryker chuckled from the front seat. "I like this one, Alex. She's got spunk. Keep her around."
"Trust me, I'm trying," Alex shot back, but I could see the corner of his mouth twitching, fighting a smile.
Before long, we pulled up to the sleek glass building of Evans Corporation. It was even more imposing than I had imagined, towering over us like a corporate fortress. I could feel my heart race as we exited the limo, the energy shifting around us. This was a whole new world, and I was stepping into it wearing my "still-recovering-from-a-meltdown" face.
As we walked in, Alex's posture changed. He was all business now, commanding and focused, while I tried to keep pace. The lobby was bustling with activity, and I felt like a deer caught in headlights. I was here to support Alex, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was a little out of my depth.
After a brief introduction to his associate—a guy with a charming smile who seemed to get along well with Alex—I stood off to the side, feeling slightly invisible. I couldn't help but listen in on their conversation, catching snippets about business deals and projects that made my head spin.
Once the meeting wrapped up, I felt a rush of relief. Alex turned to me, his expression shifting back to that familiar blend of seriousness and warmth. "Ivy, we'll talk later tonight," he said, his voice low and steady. "About Aiden's security."
A jolt of concern shot through me. I hadn't given much thought to Aiden's safety lately, and the realization that Alex was taking it seriously hit hard. I took a deep breath, trying to mask my unease with a lighthearted tone. "Sure, but let's not make it too serious, okay? I mean, I can't handle any more 'life-altering discussions' today."
He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "I can't promise that."
"Great. I'll just prepare myself for an emotional rollercoaster then," I replied, trying to lighten the mood despite the heaviness settling in my stomach.
As we stepped back into the limo, I glanced at Alex, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension. This day was far from over, and whatever he wanted to discuss later was bound to shift the ground beneath us.