It was a gloomy morning, with a storm unleashing its full fury upon the city. Raindrops pounded against the large office windows, forming endless streams that raced down the glass. The sky was covered in heavy, dark clouds, with flashes of lightning occasionally illuminating the apocalyptic greyness. Thunder rumbled ominously, shaking even the marble floor of the building.
Aiden stood by one of the windows, arms crossed, watching his distorted reflection in the rain-streaked glass. He was far from pleased with the weather. The storm was throwing off his plans, bringing a restlessness he couldn't quite shake. He preferred clear, predictable days, not the chaos of a tempest. Biting his lip, he frowned.
Damn it, how I hate the rain!
Just then, the office door opened, and Tatum walked in with a burst of energy, wearing a radiant expression. She approached the window, sipping her lemon tea with a broad smile. Since their conversation, he felt a huge relief that his table was no longer occupied by her legs—and, he had to admit, he secretly enjoyed having her close by. Her presence gave him a strange sense of calm and security.
"Such beautiful weather outside!" she said, her voice brimming with joy, almost dreamy.
Aiden turned to her slowly, surprised by her reaction. In her eyes, he could see a spark of genuine enthusiasm, as if the storm were a spectacle or some kind of circus, not an inconvenience.
"Seriously? You think this storm is beautiful?" he asked with a hint of disbelief. "You never cease to surprise me, Miss Joy."
Tatum chuckled, casting him a conspiratorial glance.
"Sometimes, a little chaos is exactly what we need, sir."
Aiden fell silent, mulling over her words. It's the second time she says that. Perhaps Tatum was right; maybe there was a beauty in that outpouring of raw force, a beauty he hadn't seen. Trying to look through her eyes, to feel that hidden beauty in the midst of the storm, he stared out the window, but he didn't see anything different.
I think you're broken, he thought.
At that moment, Tatum turned to him with an expression devoid of any emotion, making him even more curious about what she was going to say. Aiden raised his eyebrows, intrigued, waiting to hear what the green-eyed woman before him had in mind.
"I'll speak with Mr. Kyle," she said, stepping closer to her boss and studying his features closely. He was indeed handsome. "To book you a massage appointment."
Aiden sighed, feeling weary, his shoulders sagging as he gave up the expectation that she might say something important.
"A massage? Now?"
"Yes, the bamboo one—I think you'd really enjoy it," she grinned, raising her cup to her lips. But she paused, eyes widening. "You know what else you should try?" She looked thoughtful, as if she were about to say something, only to lose her train of thought. "As soon as I remember, I'll let you know!"
"Are you mocking me, Miss Joy?" Aiden took a step toward her, his gaze lowering on her lips.
Tatum's lips curled into a defiant grin that, though it might have seemed provocative, held a touch of warmth. Aiden's gaze wandered involuntarily over her face, taking in every detail: the fine line of her cheekbones, the delicate curve of her lips, and the enigmatic look in her eyes. Damn, how she attracted him!
They were interrupted suddenly by the open door and two distinct voices in heated debate. Both turned toward the source of this morning's disturbance, one with a serious face, the other with an almost infectious smile.
Vivienne and Kyle entered the office and engaged in a spirited argument about the security project. Aiden's face grew serious as he looked at them both, while Tatum maintained her cheerful smile, sipping her warm tea and glancing out the window at the trees nearly bending under the force of the wind.
"We need to prioritize cybersecurity! We can't neglect it," Kyle insisted, pointing to a stack of documents in his hand.
"And I'm telling you, controlled access and physical surveillance are just as important. We need to protect the building, not just the IT systems," Vivienne countered sharply.
"What's going on here, Kyle? Vivienne?" Aiden intervened, sighing as he took a seat at his desk. "Good morning to you too!"
Vivienne took a dramatic breath, stepping forward with a confident click of her heels. She looked at her boss with all the hope she had left and said:
"Sir, I understand that my position comes with advanced responsibilities, but I'm not qualified to handle a field that's beyond my skills! This security work is too much; I'm just a personal assistant," she sighed, sounding almost hopeful.
Kyle scoffed and stood next to her, rolling his eyes. As much as he liked playing this game with Vivienne, he couldn't stand seeing anyone complaining about doing their job, so he clarified:
"Michael is on medical leave, Mr. Black, and during this period, we urgently need someone to replace him so we can secure the company's assets, websites, documents, archives—everything related to data protection."
"Do we have anyone ready to step in? If not, find someone competent and qualified, and do it fast," Aiden said, massaging his temples and coughing softly. And please bring me some tea.
"Acupuncture!" Tatum suddenly interjected, making everyone jump. "That's what it was!"
You're impossible, he thought.
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Tatum felt a swirl of emotions as she left her apartment, a steaming container of homemade soup nestled securely in her arms. Aiden had caught a bad cold, and despite her role as his bodyguard, her concern for him felt deeper—more personal—than mere obligation. She tried to brush it off as professional duty, but the nagging feeling in her chest wouldn't subside, making her acutely aware of how much she cared. As she drove through the quiet streets, thoughts of him filled her mind; she recalled how he had pushed through the last few days, refusing to take a break even when he needed one. She admired his dedication, but at that moment, all she could think about was how important it was for him to rest and recover.
When she finally parked in front of his house, she turned off the engine and stepped out of the car, the cool autumn air brushing against her skin. It was a stark contrast to the warmth of her concern for him, and she felt a shiver run down her spine, one that had nothing to do with the temperature. As she made her way to the front door, a sense of determination washed over her. She wanted to take care of him, to show him that he didn't have to shoulder everything alone.
However, her heart dropped when she caught sight of a redhead standing at the door, a bag in hand, her laughter ringing out like a bright bell. Tatum's steps froze, her grip tightening around the bag with soup container as she watched Aiden greet Vivienne with a warm smile, his demeanour relaxed and inviting. The sight of them together sent a wave of surprise flooding her thoughts, twisting in her stomach like a knot.
Why did it bother her so much? It was silly, really; she was his bodyguard, not someone with any claim to him. Yet, there she was, feeling an inexplicable pang at the sight of another woman stepping into his home. Of that woman. Of Vivienne.
Tatum stood there, caught in a moment of uncertainty. Should she turn back? She shook her head, trying to rationalize her discomfort. It was her job to protect him, to ensure his well-being, but wasn't there a line she shouldn't cross? The warmth she felt for him was meant to be professional, but seeing Vivienne there made her question everything. She couldn't help but wonder what this meant for her feelings and if her concern for Aiden was indeed just a part of her duty—or something far more complicated. Taking a deep breath, she finally turned to leave home.
After a while, Tatum stepped out of the car, slightly shaken by what had just happened moments ago. Why should it bother her? It's not like she had any kind of relationship with him to feel this way. And yet, why wouldn't it bother her? She had made an effort for her boss. Even though she never cooked for anyone but herself, she had taken precious time to help him feel better. That's what a good-hearted person does, right?
Ah, how frustrating!
A sigh escaped her lips, and the weight she felt seemed to grow heavier with each step she took toward her front door. A chilly breeze made her shiver, even though it was the middle of summer.
Ugh, come on, what the hell is up with this weather? she huffed in annoyance.
Still, she stopped in front of the door with her key in hand, feeling a bit sceptical. She had locked the gate, but now it was open. A fine crease appeared on her forehead as she frowned—she never left the gate open.
Turning slightly toward the gate, she quickly scanned it, shook her head, and stepped inside the house.
Damn it, did I forget to lock this too? What the hell is going on with you, Tatum? Are you starting to get Alzheimer's?
She laughed lightly and lifted her gaze, stopping in her tracks.
I left the light on. Why is it off?
She took a step and closed her eyes, listening carefully. She could have sworn she heard the house alarm go off.
Water was dripping from the sink. The hallway light was off. The gate was open, as was the door. Was there someone else here?
She opened her eyes and grinned. If there was indeed someone, they had surely done all this to get something. Revenge? Money? A robbery? Shaking her head, she made her way toward the kitchen, feeling as though every movement was being scrutinized. She placed the bag of food she had prepared for her ungrateful boss on the kitchen counter and moved her glass closer to the center of the table.
- Whoever you are, just know that you've come at a rather inconvenient time, she said, her voice carrying through the house. She didn't even have time to continue because her hand shot out to grab the arm that was about to strike her, and her foot landed squarely against the attacker's solid chest. I really wanted to break someone's teeth today.
Disoriented and caught off guard, he lunged at her, but with lightning speed, she dodged the initial attack, avoiding a blow that could have been fatal. Reacting quickly, Tatum's agility and the calculated strikes she delivered gave her an advantage, making their apartment feel like a stage, with the two of them as the performers. Their fight resembled a dance through the dimly lit rooms, with shadows flitting around them like simple mascots. Tatum's agility and resourcefulness proved invaluable as she skillfully sidestepped the intruder's attempts to overpower her. With each dodge and counterattack, she perfectly blended defence with offence.
- It's rude of you to attack a helpless woman, sir, Tatum huffed. I think I need to remind you what discipline is, she said, grabbing him by the collar, lifting him up, and pinning him against the wall.
Her fist quickly landed in the man's stomach, and in an instant, his face was slammed down onto the counter.
- One, you always let the lady go first, she said as she raised his head. We are princesses; we deserve special treatment, she smiled.
Her nails dug into the man's neck as he ground his teeth in frustration.
- Two, she said, pressing his face harder against the counter, be gentle, don't assault women; we are the ones who bring guys like you down to earth.
Her nails sank deeper into the man's neck as it seemed he was reluctant to learn. His face was pressed harder against the counter, and his whimpering echoed throughout the apartment, bringing a triumphant smile to her lips.
- And three, she said, lifting his head and leaning close to his ear, pick on someone your own size.
With quick and tactical movements, Tatum managed to take down the slender man who had invaded her space.
As the adrenaline began to fade and her body grew tired, she had the impression that she had defeated him. Suddenly, she felt an unbearable pain in the back of her head, and her vision gradually blurred. Because of the earlier impact, the pain was a testament to the man's intention to take her down, and he fled, leaving behind confusion on Tatum's face.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she collapsed into a chair. She took a deep breath and lightly massaged her neck.
- Damn, I'm glad he didn't touch my knife collection, she muttered, her eyes falling on the bag with soup.
She turned away and carelessly tossed it in the trash.