Chapter 9
1027 Words
I didn’t know whether I was dreaming or awake as I watched my mystery man walk past me without sparing me a glance. But the moment that familiar scent reached me, that intoxicating perfume—I turned back immediately and called the name I’d learned only hours ago, before he could walk away again.
“Knight!”
I tried to keep my excitement under wraps. I wasn’t sure if it worked, and frankly, I didn’t care. I was excited to see him. When he turned to meet my gaze, a smile crept onto my lips as I took in his features once again.
He looked even more handsome today, if that was even possible. The brown suit he wore complemented him perfectly, that damn custom-made suit. His jaw was clenched as he approached me slowly, and even with that emotionless expression, he looked like a Calvin Klein model.
Just… with more clothes.
But imagine him without—
Okay, okay. Calm down, Aria.
I tried to steady my breathing as he finally stopped in front of me.
“How do you know my name?” he asked immediately.
His dark eyes met mine, and I almost squirmed under that gaze.
“And what made you think you had the right to call me by it?” he added, taking a step closer. “Do you know me?”
I frowned, my expression mirroring his. It was just a name, why was he being so serious about it?
I sighed and stepped back slightly so I could see his face properly, folding my arms over my chest. Two could play that game.
“I may not know you,” I muttered, brows raised, “but I do know there’s no harm in calling someone by a name that’s clearly theirs.”
His eyes narrowed.
“If you didn’t want anyone to use it,” I added with a shrug, “why bother having one?”
“My name is not to be called by the likes of you,” he seethed, leaning closer.
I let out a low chuckle. “And what exactly are the likes of me?” I asked, stepping back again. “A hot office worker who’s kinda interested in how mysterious you are?”
“Keep your interest to yourself, Aria,” he muttered.
The way my name sounded on his lips made my legs almost turn to jelly.
Did my name always sound that sweet?
“How do you know my name?” I asked, trying not to stutter.
His gaze dropped to my employee ID.
“Oh.”
“It’s only fair,” he said, his face slightly less stoic now, progress—“that I know yours if you know mine. I hope I never see you again or hear you use my name,” he added coldly. “Your interest isn’t appreciated, and whoever told you my name will have a lot to answer for.”
Then he turned and walked away.
Okay… maybe not that much progress.
“See you next time, Knight,” I called sweetly. He glanced back with a sharp frown before disappearing down the hall.
“Goddamn,” I muttered, squatting down as I let out a deep breath.
I hadn’t expected to see him this early. I’d only found out his name a few hours ago—that was all I knew so far. Still, I smiled to myself.
It was nice to meet him again.
He was more prickly than usual, but I didn’t mind. I wasn’t a pushover either, so we matched pretty well.
I got up and returned to my desk. I’d already declared my interest, so there was no going back now. I was definitely going to get close to him, especially if it meant figuring out why that familiar scent clung to him.
The authority in his voice today, the way he carried himself, convinced me he was either some rich kid like Conan… or the owner of a very big organization.
I could start investigating from there. But first, I needed one more important detail.
His picture.
I buried my head in the files on my desk for a few minutes before sitting up again. My eyes immediately drifted to Conan’s office, where I knew Knight was.
When was he coming out i thought running my hands over my face ?
A few minutes later, the door opened, and he stepped out.
I was already on my feet, phone clenched in my hand.
Mission: Take a picture of Knight activated.
I waited until he was far ahead before following him slowly down to the ground floor. I hid behind the door and watched as he walked toward the parking lot.
This was my chance.
I switched my phone to camera mode and stepped out quietly. He had his back to me, but I took the pictures anyway.
Honestly, his back looked good too.
I kept snapping, waiting for him to turn even once. What was he even looking at? They were just cars.
I checked the pictures and sighed. All back shots.
“Why is taking pictures of you so hard?” I muttered. “Okay, let’s try again.”
I turned and ran straight into a hard surface.
“f**k,” I hissed, rubbing my forehead. Then I looked up.
Knight.
Double f**k.
“I—we meet again,” I stuttered, forcing a nervous chuckle.
He wasn’t smiling. His eyes dropped to my hands, and before I could react, he grabbed my wrists and raised them above my head, yanking my phone from my grip.
“So,” he breathed darkly, “you’re a stalker now?”
My heart slammed against my ribs.
“Taking pictures of me without permission,” he continued. “I could smash this on the floor right now, and you wouldn’t have a word to say, Aria.”
I was doomed.
Think, Aria. Think fast.
“Why did you take my picture?” he demanded.
I shut my eyes.
“Because I think you look hot,” I blurted out.
Silence filled the place, but… better crazy than labeled a stalker, right?
- Writer
