Falling for the Enemy

Ch.18

Althea’s Pov

The day drifts by in a blur at the office - people moving, phones ringing, papers shuffling - while I fight to keep my focus.

Eros maintains his professional distance with military precision - brief meetings, documented requests, and no eye contact that lasts longer than necessary for business purposes. I tell myself it's easier this way- that clarity serves everyone else.

But as I pack up by the end of the day, I catch fragments of a conversation between Martha and Mary near the elevator bank.

"Sandra Frimpong came to meet Eros. Apparently, she and Eros have some history-"

"Really? I thought he didn't date anyone seriously-"

"This was different. She had that look, you know? Like she owns the place."

"Did she meet with him?"

"Conference room for about an hour. Whatever they discussed, Eros looked like he'd seen a ghost when she left-"

The elevator arrives, cutting off their conversation as they step inside.I'm left standing by my desk with my laptop bag half- packed processing what I just heard.

Sandra Frimpong.

My stomach twists with an emotion I have no right to feel. I told myself his personal life wasn't my business, that maintaining professional boundaries meant accepting that Eros Valenti has a world outside Valenti Corporation that doesn't include me.

So why does it feel like the world is about to collide with mine?

I stare at my phone screen, Grace Appiah's name and number still sitting in my recent calls list from three days ago. What she offered me was amazing. The kind of opportunity that doesn't come knocking twice.

Yet after reading the official proposal, I emailed her back and said no.

Like some crazy person.

My finger hovers over her contact, wondering if I should call her back, tell her I've changed my mind.

What's keeping me at Valenti Corporation? Loyalty to a company that isn't mine?

Or something else entirely?

I toss my phone onto my desk with a sigh and rub my temples. The memory of Eros in the mansion last week keeps replaying in my mind. The way he looked at me, especially......with compassion. With passion.

A sharp knock on my door frame pulls me from my thoughts. Speak of the devil.

"Got a minute?" Eros asks, standing at my office doorway in a charcoal suit that fits him too perfectly. My chest tightens at the sight of him, and I hate that my body still reacts this way.

"Depends what you need," I answer, pretending to focus on my laptop screen.

He steps inside, closing the door behind him."Just got a call about tomorrow's Adjei's gala we've been looking at in the Savannah region."

"Tomorrow," I echo."That's short notice."

"I know, but we need to move quickly. There's been a change in staffing arrangements."

"Oh?" I keep my expression neutral, though my stomach drops. Am I being reassigned? Replaced by someone with more experience handling high-profile events?

I snap my head up."You're going alone?"

"That was the plan, yes," A hint of amusement plays at the corner of his mouth."I need you there. Not as backup support, not as secondary coordination.As my direct representative."

His eyes meet mine with laser focus." It's highly stakes, politically sensitive, and I don't trust anyone else to keep things under control if complications arise."

The words hit me like an unexpected gift wrapped in professional necessity. He's not replacing me- he's elevating me.

"Of course," I say, trying to sound practical.

Eros nods, looking pleased."Great. My jet leaves at seven A.M"

"I'll be there."

"Perfect," He straightens up, adjusting his tie unnecessarily."Pack light. Though if you forget anything I'm sure we could find a*****e in the Savannah region."

"I've traveled for business before, Eros." I remind him sharply.

His smile falters slightly, and for a moment he looks genuinely regretful." I know you have, Althea. That's why I need you there."

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard, and I look away, unsure how to respond. When I glance back up, his expression has returned to its usual confident mask.

"Send me the address for the airfield," I say, breaking the awkward silence."I'll meet you there,"

"Will do." He heads for the door but pauses with his hand on the knob."I'm glad you're coming,"

After he leaves, I sit motionless at my desk, staring at the space he occupied. This trip is purely professional, I remind myself.

Yet a smaller, more honest voice whispers that spending a day alone with Eros terrifies me for entirely different reasons.

I pull out my phone again and text Eva. Going to the Savannah region tomorrow. With Eros.

Her reply comes instantly. Alone?

It's BUSINESS, I type back emphatically.

Sure it is, she responds, adding far too many winking emojis.

I roll my eyes and set my phone down, turning to my computer to pull the Savannah region district map.

If I'm going to be trapped with Eros tomorrow, I need to be prepared. No distractions, no reminiscing about the past, and absolutely no noticing how good he smells or how his eyes crinkle at the corners when he smiles.

Tomorrow will be strictly business.

I just need to remember that.