Can I Be Your Friend?

Marcus's Underground Lair

Marcus paced the dimly lit room, his anger simmering just below the surface. The hearing bud lay silent, its connection severed. His attempts to reach Alexa had failed, and the silence gnawed at him. With a sharp motion, he swept the bottles off the table, sending them crashing to the floor.  

"You conniving idiot," he snarled, his voice venomous. "Is this what you’ve been plotting all along?"  

Turning sharply, he barked, "Nelson! Disconnect the hearing bud and any other links to the lair. Now."  

Nelson sprang into action, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, sir. Cutting off all connections. The device will be useless now—just a shell with no traceable records."  

Satisfied, Marcus stormed into another room. Inside, monitors glowed in the darkness as one of his men worked diligently.  

"I’ve tracked his movements, sir," the man reported without looking up. "No suspicious activity yet, but we’re keeping close tabs."  

Marcus's lips curled into a grim smile. "Good. Keep watching. I know he’s planning something."  

He turned to another operative, Lex, stationed at the far end of the room. "What about the golden watch?" Marcus demanded.  

Lex tapped a few keys, and a video appeared on the screen. It showed a woman at a conference announcing the presentation of a watch, which was then paraded ceremoniously on a palanquin.  

"Boss, it’s more than a luxury item," Lex explained. "It’s a symbol of immense significance, tied to… something big. Still piecing it together."  

Marcus leaned in, his smirk widening. "So that’s the game, huh? Interesting." He strode out, his mind already racing with new strategies.  

-

Julian’s Chambers

Julian sat in his study, his mind clouded with worry over Alexa. Something about her didn’t add up, but he couldn’t shake the nagging pull of concern.  

A knock on the door jolted him from his thoughts. "Come in," he said gruffly.  

Theo entered, his expression serious. "Sir, we analyzed the hearing device. It is a communication tool, but there’s no active link or record of usage. As for the fingerprints, they belong to Alexa, Derrick, the caretaker, and the rest of us who handled it."  

Julian’s gaze hardened, though unease flickered beneath his stoic exterior. "No active connection? Then why does she have it?"  

Theo hesitated before replying, "You wanted to observe her, sir. But my advice? Stay vigilant."  

Julian nodded, dismissing him with a wave. As Theo opened the door to leave, Alexa stood outside, her posture tense. She knocked lightly, feigning composure.  

"Theo," she called, stopping him in his tracks. "I… I don’t know if you found a hearing bud? It was a gift from my late parents. It means a lot to me."  

Theo turned to her, his expression skeptical. "You’re saying a communication device—"  

"Theo, I’ll handle this," Julian interrupted from inside. Theo gave her one last hard look before walking away.  

Alexa stepped in, her nerves on edge. Julian was leaning against his desk, his intense gaze fixed on her.  

"You told me it was nothing when I asked what was wrong with you," he said, his tone low and probing as he stepped closer.  

Alexa’s breath caught. "I… I thought I’d find it after searching thoroughly. That’s why I didn’t mention it."  

Julian’s lips quirked into a faint smirk. "You’re full of surprises, Alexa. I’m starting to think there’s more to you than meets the eye."  

He moved closer, closing the distance between them. Alexa backed away instinctively until her back pressed against the wall. Julian towered over her, his presence overwhelming. His hand lifted, brushing her cheek as he tilted her face toward his.  

Their eyes locked. For a moment, Julian saw something raw in her gaze—hesitation, confusion, and a vulnerability he couldn’t quite place. He leaned in slightly, his thumb grazing her cheek as if to wipe away an invisible tear.  

"Alexa," he murmured, his voice softer now, "why do you always seem like you’re hiding something?"  

His proximity brought a strange heat to the air, and Alexa’s breathing grew shallow. Memories of Marcus’s cruelty suddenly flashed through her mind—his piercing gaze, his harsh words, the overwhelming fear that had controlled her for so long. The room seemed to close in around her as her chest tightened.  

"Please…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Don’t hurt me. Please…"  

Julian froze, the intensity of her words breaking through the moment. He stepped back slightly, his brows knitting together in concern. Her trembling form, the tears welling in her eyes—it was like she was reliving a nightmare he couldn’t see.  

"Alexa," he said gently, his voice steady and calm. "It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you."  

When she didn’t respond, he reached out hesitantly, pulling her into an embrace. "You’re safe," he murmured, brushing a hand over her hair.  

Gradually, her trembling subsided. She blinked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. Realizing their proximity, she pushed him back gently, her cheeks flushing.  

"I’m sorry," she mumbled, lowering her gaze.  

"Shh." Julian placed a finger over her lips, silencing her. "Come with me."  

He led her to the plush bed, sitting her down gently. His gaze softened as he knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his.  

"Alexa, can I be your friend?" he asked, his voice a low murmur.