Chapter 9

Aria found herself lost in a pile of duties at King Enterprises. Her desk was overflowing with documents, plans, and business discussions, but her mind was far away lost in thoughts of someone else.

Marcus' planned threats was another frustration she was dealing with, the danger that had followed them yesterday, and, most importantly, Heathen's change in personality and how he protects and trust her all replayed out in her head like a continuous loop.

She felt his power, his stubbornness, and, behind it all, an unsaid intimacy that kept her chest warm throughout the chaos that followed both of them.

Now, seated under the bright office lights, she shook her head, attempting to clear up the fuzz in her head because at this point it was getting annoying.

This was not a moment for interruptions. There was too much at threat and risk, and her ability to stay focused was essential to the project's progress and, maybe, their own safety.

As she was concentrated on her project a loud piercing rhythm of heels on the marble corridor outside her office snapped her out of her concentration. She was confused at first.Who can it be.

She turned to look up as the door when it flung wide open and a woman in her late twenties with a model body and pretty face was standing their gazing at her with intense gaze like she was judging her.

Aria raised her brow at the over confident behavior of unknown women who was now sitting in front of her but asked her in a polite and professional way as she wasn’t in the mood of having a drama.

“How may I help you Miss-?”Aria asked her.

“Vanessa”. She replied in a high pitched tone her accent a little British.

“I heard a lot about you miss beauty with brains so I decided to give you a visit by myself”

Vanessa said analyzing Aria from up and down.

“Nice to meet you Miss Vanessa but I don’t think we met each other before by any chance” Aria replied getting confused.

“Oh sorry I forget to give my introduction. I am Vanessa Heathen childhood friend and partner”

She said forwarding her hand for a handshake. The appearance of Heathen's long-time business friend was both unexpected and uncertain.

Vanessa portrayed charm perfection. Her ruby dress fit well to her slender body, and her radiant face was both attractive and strange.

Aria pushed herself to stand up, her professionalism greater than her feelings of unease.

"Aria, sweetheart," Vanessa said, her voice silky and sugary. "I had to pull over by after learning about the job you've been performing. I must say, that is extremely stunning."

"Thank you," Aria said her voice pleasant but reserved. Vanessa's presence felt threatening than complimentary.

Vanessa's piercing eyes glinted with a knowing smile as she stepped closer. "I bumped into Heathen earlier." He remarked how closely you two have collaborated and how he is happy with your skills.

"Very interesting."

Aria felt her entire body tense and stiff because this woman was getting on her nerves now.

Aria could feel the taunt so she smiled sheepishly and replied in s sweet tone "We're doing what's needed for the project to achieve success,”

Vanessa's chuckle was gentle and melodious. "Yes certainly."

But Heathen and I have a long history. We used to spend a lot of good time together. Isn't he quite a mystery? Few people are able to maintain work with him personally at this level of closeness.

Aria tightened her grip on the desk because she was smart enough to know what this woman was trying to do but she remained composed not giving her any reaction.

"I'm sure that your opinions have been helpful to him over the years," she remarked calmly with a hint of sarcasm.

“Vanessa," he said, his tone courteous yet distant.

"What are you doing here?"

“Just came to visit King Enterprise beauty"

Aria was done with her at this point and ignored her remark. Vanessa noticed Heathen eyes shift to Aria, softening. She rolled her eyes and felt a pang of jealousy because never ever he looked at her with this gaze even after all the years.

"Aria, I have been attempting to find you. Are you available for the meeting?

“Almost ready to go,” Aria said standing and collecting important documents.

Vanessa grabbed Heathen’s arm standing now next to him, her smile becoming intimate. “Heathen, honey, it’s been such a long time. You really should visit me or my office sometimes for God sakes. We have so much to catch up on recently lets go on a dinner what you say.”

Heathen looked at her and stepped back, abruptly but firmly removing her hand from his arm.

“We’ve both been busy lately maybe some other day,” he replied, his tone neutral and calm.

Turning to Aria, he gestured toward the door. “Shall we go?”

As they exited her office, Aria felt Vanessa’s gaze follow them like a predator sizing up its competition. She suppressed a shiver and focused on Heathen’s steady stride beside her.

The meeting overall was boring, a maze of charts and statistics that drew Aria's focus but did not distract her from her annoying concern of meeting Vanessa.

Heathen observed her mood was off during the whole meeting and wasn’t even paying attention at all so he decided to take her out so her mood can get better.

He recommended they go to brunch together to discuss what they will do next. She hesitated at first but agreed later, grateful for the chance to get away from the office.

He chose a modest and concealed café, in sharp contrast to the sleek beauty of King Enterprises. Soft music played in the distance, and the aroma of fresh coffee hung in the air.

Sitting across from Heathen at a little wooden table, Aria felt an unusual sense of peace wash over her.

"You've been silent since the meeting ended," Heathen said, his eager and keen gaze on her. "There's something on your mind?"

Aria looked up, her fingertips touching the rim of her coffee cup. Finally, she decided to face the persistent nagging thought. “How do you now Vanessa?”

Heathen raised his brow and leaned back slightly a smirk on his lips finally getting why her mood was off.

"Vanessa and I are best friends as our parents were partners so we have collaborated on various projects together. She is ambitious, sometimes to an extreme, but that is where it ends. Why?"

Aria bit her lip, feeling embarrassed. "She just seemed to know you so well and also ease around you." "Like she knows you very well."

A laugh twisted at Heathen's lips. "Are you jealous by any chance Aria?"

Her cheeks reddened, and she swiftly shook her head and looked everywhere except Heathen and took a sip of her coffee. "No I was just curious."

Heathen leaned closer getting amused by her behavior, his expression softening, and his voice low and soothing. "You have nothing to worry about.

Vanessa has always prioritized herself over everyone else. Whatever she said is unimportant."

Aria nodded, relief washing over her even as she changed the subject. “Let’s focus on the project. Did you hear back from your contact about Marcus’s operations?”

Heathen’s smirk faded, replaced by a look of determination. “Yes. We’ll need to revisit the site tonight. My contact confirmed there’s more going on there than we initially thought.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Aria found herself once again standing at the edge of the compound. This time, they weren’t alone.

A small team of trusted allies accompanied them, each member picked by Heathen himself for their loyalty and expertise.

The night was still, the air heavy with the promise of danger. Heathen’s presence beside her was a steadying force, his hand brushing hers briefly as he whispered, “Stay close.”

The group moved with practiced silence, their footsteps muffled against the dirt and gravel. The compound was larger than Aria had remembered, its looming structures casting ominous shadows under the pale moonlight.

When they reached the warehouse, the doors were ajar, revealing rows of equipment and crates inside. T

The smell of oil and chemicals was nearly overpowering. Aria’s eyes scanned the dimly lit space, her pulse quickening.

“This place is huge and massive,” she whispered.

Heathen nodded his gaze sharp and cautious. “Marcus is planning something big. We need to figure out what before it’s too late.”

They moved cautiously, splitting into pairs to cover more ground. Aria stayed close to Heathen, her senses on high alert.

The deeper they searched into the warehouse, the more evidence they uncovered of Marcus’s plans blueprints, lists of expensive materials, and blueprints of important documents that hinted at something far more dangerous was ahead than they had anticipated.

As they worked, the proximity and closeness to Heathen became a comfort. Every whispered directive, every reassuring glance, reminded her that she wasn’t facing this alone.

When his hand brushed hers again, lingering just a moment longer this time, her heart raced in a way that had nothing to do with fear.

When they left the place, the night felt heavier, as if the weight of their knowledge was weighing down on them. Marcus' desires were bigger and riskier than they had anticipated, and the dangers were more serious than ever.

Their journey back to the city was peaceful and quiet, and the silence between them was filled with hidden thoughts. Aria looked at Heathen, his chiseled side profile lighted by the dashboard lights.

He appeared attentive, but there was softness in his expression that made her chest at ease.

"Thank you," she said softly after a long comforting silence.

Heathen glanced at her, his brows lifting in question.

“For what exactly?”

“For always having my back and protecting me,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how I’d do this without you.”

His hand left the steering wheel briefly, resting on hers. The gesture was brief but long enough to make her hear beat faster.

“You’re stronger than you realize, Aria. But I’ll always be here, no matter what.”

In that moment, the doubts and jealousy that had lingered earlier vanished. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Aria knew they would face them together.

The shadows of desire and danger linked together, but with Heathen by her side, she felt ready to confront whatever the future held.