I swirled around in my chair – probably the tenth time I had done so this day. If I ever felt my least productive in my career... it would be today. Ever since Shar came and dropped that bomb of information in my office, my mind refused to refocus. All it could think about was who the hell Nate was.

My mind kept jumping between nights. Between things that happened and things that were said.

I tried to recall any words I had said to him – and whether I accidently slipped any information that he could have used to google my family.

I couldn't take it anymore. I needed to get out of that office and away from the constant chatter and ringing phones. I grabbed my bag and coat and stormed out of my office, not even bothering to say goodbye to anyone. I loved how it was not unusual for me to do so. There were days where I had enough of covering up bullshit for my father, that I was sickened to my core for the people that worked for him by their own choice, that I didn't even deem them a greeting.

As I made my way to the elevator, my mind was racing with thoughts of everything Nate had ever said to me. Would I be able to find out the truth? Is it weird if I just asked him straight up whether he was lying?

Was Shar lying? What reason did my best friend have to lie to me? I was so lost in my own thoughts that I barely even registered the elevator doors closing behind me.

Once I was outside, I started walking quickly, almost breaking into a run. I just wanted to get home, where I could finally be alone with my thoughts. The only thing stopping me from doing such a thing was that I was in heels. I didn't even bother calling for a car. I just needed to walk, to get the blood flowing through my body.

I believe my dad had his mind occupied with the shit surrounding his brother's death to even realise his daughter walked it home.

The further I got out the city, the more my feet started to cry for help. I let out a grunt and pulled the heels off my feet. The second my barefoot touched the hard stone, I felt it course through my whole body. As I walked, the cold air biting at my face, I felt my anger and frustration slowly dissipating. By the time I reached my front door, I was feeling a bit more like myself. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, taking a deep breath as I did.

I felt a sense of calm wash over me as I stepped inside my home. The familiar surroundings and the silence was a welcome change after the chaos of my mind and the office. I closed the door behind me and took a deep breath, feeling my body relax as the tension of the day began to dissipate.

But the calm was short-lived. As I looked around my home, the memories of the past flooded back in and the reality of my situation hit me like a ton of bricks. I was alone in this house.

I want her back.

The feeling of calm was replaced with a sense of hopelessness and despair. I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was back to square one. I managed to build a fortress around my heart and the only instant I let someone come remotely close I had this happen to me.

Fuck it.

"You don't even know if it is true..." I whispered to myself.

I walked aimlessly through my home, my mind in a whirlwind of emotions. I tried to push the negative thoughts away, to focus on the present moment and find peace, but it was no use.

I need her.

I want him.

I want my dad to be my dad.

I don't want to work for killers.

I don't want to be happy that someone is dead.

I want him.

I want his kiss.

The weight of my troubles seemed to be crushing me and I couldn't shake off the feeling of overwhelming sadness.

The stairs were the first thing I came in contact with, and I felt my whole-body collapse into itself. I dropped down and buried my face in my hands, feeling the tears start to prick at the corners of my eyes. I knew it would take more than a deep breath and a change of scenery to fix everything. I was going to have to find a way to come to terms with my situation and find a way to keep going.

"Get up!" Someone hissed above my head. I looked up and saw Lorna glaring down at me before her eyes fleetingly dashed over the side of the stairs. "Get up right now and put your heels on."

"Lorna-" I started to say.

"They're leaving his office any second and imagine your dad seeing you like this."

I took in a shuddering breath. "I am so tired."

Lorna's eyes locked on mine, and I could finally see her realising that I was not okay. Her eyes softened and she reached for my face. "Listen to me. You break down in my arms. Not on these stairs where these vultures will eat you the second you fall."

I slowly got to my feet. Lorna aggressively wiped the wet stains off my face and pulled the heels off my fingers. She bent down and lifted my feet. I could hear her mumbling how she needed to rub the dirt from the bottom of my feet tonight with bleach before she slipped on my pumps.

Just then, I could hear voices leaving the room at the end of the hallway. It was another room my dad favoured to have his informal meetings in.

I looked up to the stairs and thought how obvious it would be if I bolted right now. "Too late." Lorna whispered.

And just then I saw my dad come in sight. And just behind him was Claud. His hair is thick and jet black, styled in a way that accentuates his sharp features. His whiskey colored eyes are striking and seem to change in the light, sometimes appearing more amber and other times more brown. They are deep-set and intense, giving him a mysterious and intense gaze. He has a strong jawline and high cheekbones, giving him a handsome and chiselled appearance. He seems to exude confidence and power, but also a sense of danger lurking just beneath the surface.

"Claud? Why the hell is he here?"

Lorna just shrugged and didn't answer.

I can't quite put my finger on it, but there's something about Claud that makes me feel uneasy. Maybe it's the way he carries himself, or the way he speaks, but there's a sense of danger that surrounds him. He has a certain intensity that makes me feel like I should be on guard around him. I can't help but feel like he's not someone to be trifled with and I should be careful around him. I can't deny that he's attractive, but I can't shake off the feeling that he is downright dangerous.

The last I saw him was at the dinner. And his words to me.

"Ellie," he greeted me once he was close. I saw the smirk dancing on his face.

I kept my expression blasé. Because men like Claud just needed one look form you before they took that and ran their mouth.

"Hello, I just came from the office."

His eyes roamed up and down my body. "I can see. Which reminds me, I need to arrange a meeting wit you pronto."

I couldn't help but glare at him. "Whatever for?"

"I have something I need your assistance with."

I shot him my very best smile. The fakest of the bunch. "I can assure you right now, I won't be able to help."

Claud smirked. "Your father directed me towards you."

I shot my gaze to the man standing next to him. This vile human being was really pushing it.

"Dad, I am swamped with work. I can't take on another client."

"His takes precedence. And for God sake don't argue with me right now." His voice was laced with a hint of impatience, as if he was assuming I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut. I could feel my frustration rising at the sheer audacity Claud had to be smirking next to my dad like that.

I thought he didn't like him. My anger started to double in spades and I made a mental note to look into him quicker. Maybe I could find something useful on him.

I was not a fan of my independence being stripped from me. My control and my choices. MY dad did this everyday but by others? I could feel a knot of resentment and anger starting to form in my stomach.

To think we had some sort of understanding at that dinner.

To think Claud was different.

"Call the office to make an appointment. I'm sure they will slot you in somewhere." I turned on my heel and went upstairs.