Alex came home from work with a problem and a solution. He found Amelia in her office, running her hands through her hair. He leaned on the door frame and watched her while she muttered and shook her head."I shouldn't have trusted her. This is insane.""What's wrong?" Alex asked.Amelia jumped and turned to him. "Bad lead from someone.""Oh?"She rose and paced the room for a moment as if she was choosing her words carefully. "I'm just a little frustrated. It's nothing I can handle."He crossed his arms, amused by her in this state. She was angry and trying not to be. It was as if every one of her nerve endings was on fire and she had to pretend they weren't. "Tell me about it.""You don't want to know.""At least a little."She flopped back into her office chair. The hum of the computer filled the room as he waited for her to speak. The system she had looked as if it could launch the Shuttle. She had two large screens one of them a television. He couldn't imagine working in front of
Just like the first time that Alex slept with Amelia, he awakened alone. This time relief wasn't the first thing he felt. He missed her. He'd never slept with her in his bed until last night, and it was as if she'd always been there. He sighed and rubbed a hand down his face. He hadn't expected them to fall into bed after he'd kissed Amelia, but it had seemed like the logical next step. She hadn't resisted. He'd given her every chance to opt out, but she had been as eager as he was.This morning they'd have to face each other. He also had every intention of bringing her to work today to see his cybersecurity department. At the very least, as a hacker, she could show them any weakness his company had. Maybe she'd even ferret out the actual hacker. But first, they had to navigate breakfast. And Isabel, assuming his daughter was home. She would pick up on any tension between them.Alex showered and put on work clothes. He would choose a tie later. When he reached the kitchen, Amelia w
Amelia rode in the car with Alex. The driver took them through the streets to Hillen Industries. "You won't regret this. I promise," Alex said.She wasn't nearly as sure as he was. She'd never worked for a corporation because she hadn't found one whose culture she could stand. She liked working alone and wasn't interested in a cube farm. The place would be noisy and everyone would be up in her business. But Alex had given her puppy dog eyes and she couldn't resist. Who knew he would be so charming? She thought back to their night together. They could do this. Keep it light, and she figured he'd be done with her when the baby came. What man his age would want a baby around? Amelia was sure she could guard her heart until the baby came. She had no intention of falling in love with Alex. "I hope not, but I'm not so good in the corporate world.""It's not nearly as stuffy as you think it is. Look at me. I'm not your average CEO."She eyed him with his gray suit, white shirt, and conse
"His biggest mistake?" Amelia asked then realized she shouldn't have. She put up a hand. "None of my business."Henrik studied her for a moment. "I think it is, but it's probably none of my business."Alex led Tory out of the department. When she looked back at Henrik, he was still looking at her. "I hope I wasn't sprung on you."Henrik smiled and she could see his resemblance to Alex. "Not at all. I approached Alex yesterday about our hacker. I suggested someone from the outside. I didn't realize he would get someone this quickly. I would have been more ready for you."Amelia stifled a smile. Alex had found her in his bed, but that was none of Henrik's business. "I was available on short notice.""Good. We're glad to have you.""I haven't agreed to the job," Amelia said. "Then it's my job to make sure you do. The sooner we get rid of this hacker, the better. We have the game launch and we all want things to go smoothly."Amelia glanced at the door where Tory had stood then followed H
Amelia had taken a nap on Alex's couch when he told her he had to work another hour after she was done. She was still on the fence about taking the job, but she liked the culture at Hillen Enterprises. When she awakened, there was a blanket on her and she was carefully tucked in. She didn't move as she watched Alex at his deck. He'd loosened the tie he bought that day. His hair was mussed, probably from running his hands through it.She'd learned a lot about him today. He took care of his family. He took care of his teammates and never complained. What a load of responsibility he had on his shoulders and he was still a nice guy. She sat up and Alex turned her way. He smiled. "I'm ready to pack up. You hungry?""Starving."He rose and walked over to her. He settled on the coffee table next to the couch. "You were. I should have sent you home with my driver.""It's fine, Alex. I'll be okay once I get some food in me."Her nausea from a few weeks ago was gone. She'd stopped throwing up
Alex had never been a fan of shopping, but he knew they needed items for the baby. He wasn't superstitious that they were too early, so they set off after breakfast the next morning. Alex held his phone when they reached the store. He didn't know what most of this was, but he had a shopping list. "What are you looking at?" Amelia asked. "Not emails. I found a website that lists what you need for a baby."Her eyebrows shot up. "Oh. Good idea. I don't know why I hadn't thought of that. Sometimes I'm spacey these days.""That is common among pregnant women.""And you still want to hire me?" Amelia said laughing.He liked the sound of her laugh. It touched him deep in his soul. They had gone to their separate rooms last night because Alex had insisted Amelia needed her sleep. He might change his mind because he'd felt a little lost without her last night. How had she wormed her way into his life so easily?Maybe she gave him something that he hadn't known was missing in his life.Amelia
Amelia couldn't sleep. What had Isabel found out about her? Anything from before she turned eighteen had been sealed. That was the only blemish on her life.Giving up on sleep, Amelia left her room. She went to her office hoping to engulf herself in work. She was knee-deep in coding when someone knocked on the door. She'd been expecting Alex.He came into her office and sat without a word. This wasn't good. She'd been looking for a new place to live. Her mind searched for where she could land but came up with nothing. She had nowhere to go and she'd bet Alex's job offer would be rescinded. "You're going to have to help me with this, Amelia."He didn't appear to be angry, so she wasn't sure how to react. "With what?""I've had some disturbing news about you.""Okay. Tell me what you think you know," she said. She wiped her sweaty hands on the jeans that wouldn't fit her in a few months. She hadn't bought maternity clothes yet. Did thrift stores carry them? "What do I think I know? I
Alex's words flooded Amelia with hope. Hope that things would work out even if she didn't know what that meant at this moment. Alex was on her side. Not that she would have asked him to choose a side against his daughter. But his daughter was an adult who had just done something illegal to get back at Amelia. The gloves were off. Well as much as Amelia ever took off her gloves. She wanted harmony, but if she couldn't get it she could make Isabel's life miserable. She had that power even if she didn't plan on using it.Alex rested his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry I doubted you.""No. Given the information, I can understand.""But you should have been given the space to tell me in your own time."Amelia hadn't ever thought about telling anyone about her youthful mistake, but she guessed that was part of being in a relationship. If that was what she and Alex were doing. She was too ragged to have that conversation right now.No, her energy would be best spent having a talk with Isa
Amelia slept through the night and the next morning Alex was up and dressed before her. She felt bad since it was supposed to be their second night as a married couple. She'd fallen asleep before he left his shower. "You didn't wake me," Amelia said, stretching."No. You needed your sleep. But we need to go somewhere now. You can sleep more later," he said. There was a twinkle in his eye. He hadn't mentioned a surprise again, but maybe this was it. Was it another spa day? She liked the first one, but still felt guilty. "Where are we going?""You'll see. I've packed for you. I hope that was okay.""I guess. Since I don't know what weather we're packing for then I guess I'm glad you did."Amelia rose and got ready for her day, even if she didn't know what was happening. She trusted Alex and he'd been more attentive than usual since the warehouse. Did he feel guilty? He hadn't done anything to inspire the Agostinos' actions. She had done more to poke that bear. At least she was able to
The advantage of having money is that you have resources. If you can pay for them, they will be at your beck and call, whether human or object. Add in the fact, that the person in danger had worked briefly for the government which Alex had only just found out and the response was deafening. That was how Alex came to stand outside Agostino's warehouse with federal agents waiting for the signal that it was safe. Henrik, Erik, and Fred had joined Alex. They doubted the federals would need their muscle, but he appreciated their presence anyway. His heart hammered in his chest and he longed for one hour alone with Papa Agostino if he hurt any hairs on Amelia's head. The radios on the agents' belts chattered quietly. It wasn't a calming noise, and Alex wondered if it alerted anyone inside the warehouse to their presence. He'd assumed a surprise attack would be best, but this wasn't a hockey game. This was dangerous and Amelia would be in the line of fire."She'll be fine," Erik said. "The
When Amelia left the spa she was rejuvenated and ready to see her new husband. After spending hours in bed and taking a long nap, Amelia was tired but mostly refreshed. She woke up to an empty bed. She wasn't worried because she doubted that Alex had gone far. She showered, dressed, and found him in his office. She watched from the doorway as he huddled over his computer. His office was large, but his size made it look small. She couldn't help smiling at the turn her life had taken. Alex looked up at her and smiled. "Hey.""Hey.""You feeling okay?""I'm feeling pretty wonderful," she said. And she was. She finally felt as if she belonged somewhere. Alex motioned her into his office. She walked over and straddled his lap, his arms wrapping around her. "I'm feeling pretty wonderful myself."Even sitting on his lap, he was taller than her. She leaned in and kissed him, the feeling of it curling her toes. How had she landed such a great man? She hadn't even been looking, but here he
Amelia stared at the imposing doors that must have been made of gold. They were shiny and Amelia was afraid if she touched them, she'd leave a mark. Kalia and Isabel flanked her. She felt power in their presence. Amelia had never been to a spa and she hadn't been willing to blaze this trail alone. Alex had agreed to pay for Kalia, too, and when Isabel heard, she invited herself. Amelia was actually glad because Isabel had been to spas her whole life. She would save Amelia from making a faux pas if that was possible at a spa. She'd assumed that spas were places only rich people went and she wasn't one of those. Even with marrying Alex, she didn't think of his money as hers."They are just doors, Amelia."Amelia glanced back at Isabel who stood there flashing a reassuring smile. Kalia nodded as if she was on Team Isabel. Amelia took a deep breath then let it out. "But they are huge.""They aren't as heavy as they look," she said. Amelia looked back at Kalia who shrugged. She wasn't a
Alex had finally convinced Amelia to marry him and he was happier than he'd expected. It would be a simple ceremony at the courthouse. He'd offered her grander things, but she had turned them down. Maybe it was what he liked most about Amelia. She was low maintenance."You look handsome, Daddy," Isabel said from his bedroom door. He thanked the stars that Isabel had been happy when they'd told her they were getting married. "Does this tie look okay with this suit?" Alex asked. Isabel laughed. "It has been years since you asked me that. Yes. It looks nice. Are you nervous?"He shrugged. The fiasco with the Agostinos still weighed on his mind. He'd visited Papa Agostino and asked for him to back off. He hadn't left with any assurances, but he hoped they understood each other. He was never marrying Tory and Amelia was to be left alone. "A little. Is that odd?""Were you nervous when you married my mother?""I was so amazed that your mother was actually going to walk down that aisle. I
Amelia stared at the mansion knowing she only had a few minutes before someone would open the door. Someone on Alex's security team or Benedict would know that she'd driven in the front gate. Been driven in since she'd caught an Uber. She could have stayed with Kalia, but what would be the point? She belonged here. Even if Alex didn't love her, she felt something for him. Her moment of solace was gone when the front door opened and Benedict stood there. "Miss Cooper. Welcome home."There's that word again. She did feel a certain amount of peace being here. Was that what home meant? "Hello, Benedict."Before she could ask if Alex was home, he appeared in the foyer. Without hesitation, he stepped out onto the stoop and engulfed her in his arms. It wasn't the homecoming she expected. "I missed you and I'm pretty pissed at you," he said on the top of her head. Okay. That was fair. She had ditched the driver, while she was in danger. "I'm sorry."He let her go and Amelia glanced at Ben
Amelia wasn't stupid. She knew she was in danger so she hid in the mall bathroom until Kalia came to pick her up. She exited at a different site than she entered. She'd turned off her phone so that Alex couldn't get in touch with her. As far as she was concerned, she'd taken precautions not to get caught.When she looked around and no one was there, she hopped into Kalia's car."I feel like I'm part of a spy movie," Kalia said."Something like that. Thanks for coming for me. I just had to get out.""Anytime girlfriend, but you may not like what I have to say.""We can talk about that later."Amelia kept looking behind them, but she couldn't tell if they were being followed or not. She wasn't good at sneaking around. She'd never been a teenager who went to parties or snuck out of her house. She'd always walked a different road, but it hadn't been in rebellion against her parents. "What are you looking at?"Amelia told Kalia what was going on. "Maybe you should have stayed with Alex. H
"I wish you would just stay at the mansion. It's large enough for all of us," Alex said.It was the third time during their drive to meet a real estate agent to see an apartment. Amelia was done with hearing it. "Stop, Alex."He moved a little closer to her in the back seat. "I'm serious, Amelia. I don't like this.""It isn't yours to like or not. Just because I am carrying your child doesn't mean you get to tell me what to do."They hadn't slept together in days and Amelia had assumed that whatever was between them wasn't going anywhere. It was time for her to figure out her next step. She loved working for his company, but living with him was too much for two people who weren't even in love. Well at least one of them wasn't. She was pretty sure her crush on Alex would remain unrequited. She didn't need to see him every day. "I'm not moving out right now anyway."The threat of the Agostinos still loomed over her head. She wasn't willing to risk herself or the baby to assert her indep
Amelia can't believe the breakthrough she'd made. Henrik is standing over her computer. "You've caught the hacker," he said. The joy she felt in breaking this hacker was dampened by the fact that Hillen Enterprises might not need her anymore. This was her specialty. She wasn't a code monkey. She was a hacker. She wrote code to do specific purposes and it wasn't gaming. Henrik patted her on the shoulder. "You are amazing. Now we can start criminal proceedings.""I haven't actually identified who they are. I've only found their IP address. It's probably hidden behind anonymizers and such.""But you've gotten further than any of us."Amelia nodded but knew there was more to this. Of course, what she'd done was good and it got them closer to discovering who the hacker was. Amelia was excited about what she'd accomplished, but not as excited as Henrik was. "You need to go see Alex. We should celebrate all accomplishments."Amelia shrugged. "I need some fresh air. I'll step out then go