CHAPTER 8 — A NIGHT WITHOUT ANSWERS
Ariel expected the ride to be awkward—tense silence, maybe a forced apology or two. But sitting beside Kade Blackwell in his sleek black SUV felt like being inside a storm she couldn't escape.
The city lights passed in blurred streaks. The leather seat felt too soft. The air smelled faintly of his cologne—clean, sharp, expensive. Everything about him filled the small space, stealing the oxygen from her lungs.
He was quiet. Too quiet. His hands were steady on the steering wheel, but his jaw was locked, and every few seconds, she caught him glancing at her—as if checking she was still there. Still breathing.
"You don't have to do this," she said softly. "I could've taken a taxi."
"No," he said, voice firm. "Not after what happened today."
Ariel swallowed, turning her gaze to the window. "I don't want to be a burden."
"You're not."
He said it so fast that it startled her.
She looked at him, searching for sarcasm, annoyance—something. But his expression was unreadable, illuminated by the passing street lamps.
"People get attacked every day," she whispered, more to herself than him. "Maybe it had nothing to do with you."
"Ariel." His voice dropped, low and certain. "Someone pulled the emergency stop on that elevator. Someone waited for you. That isn't random."
Her stomach twisted. "But why me?"
"I don't know."
It was the honesty in his voice that scared her more than anything.
He always sounded like a man who had all the answers. Tonight… he didn't.
Silence filled the car again, heavier this time.
After a moment, he spoke. "What were you doing in the building so late?"
She blinked. "Working. I didn't want to take the files home."
He shot her a sideways look. "Ariel… you don't have to push yourself that hard."
"I'm new," she said simply. "I can't afford mistakes."
"You won't make any."
He said it with absolute confidence.
The kind of confidence she didn't have in herself.
"Why do you say that?" she asked quietly.
He hesitated for a moment before answering.
"Because I've been watching you."
Her breath caught.
"I mean—professionally," he added quickly. "I watch all new employees their first month. But you… you pay attention. You don't rush. You think before acting. People like that don't break easily."
Her heart twisted unexpectedly. "You really believe that?"
"I wouldn't say it otherwise."
Ariel swallowed hard and looked back at the window, unsure how to respond.
Kade Blackwell rarely gave compliments.
Receiving one felt… dangerous.
When the car finally slowed in front of her apartment building, Ariel felt oddly disappointed. She didn't want to be alone—not tonight, not with her mind full of shadows and warning whispers.
Kade turned off the engine and stepped out before she could protest. He walked around to open her door, something no one had ever done for her before.
"You don't have to escort me," she murmured, stepping out.
"But I'm going to," he replied simply.
They walked quietly toward the entrance. The building wasn't fancy—just an old brick structure with flickering hallway lights. She wondered what this place looked like through his billionaire eyes. Probably a cramped box in a bad neighborhood.
When they reached her door, Ariel fumbled with her keys, suddenly hyperaware of how close he stood behind her. She could feel the heat of him, the steady weight of his gaze.
"Ariel."
She turned slowly.
He wasn't looming or intimidating—not like in the office. He just looked… worried.
"From now on," he said quietly, "don't walk alone. Don't stay late. Don't go anywhere without informing someone."
Her pulse fluttered. "Kade, I can't live in fear."
"And I can't pretend nothing happened."
His voice held a strange intensity—raw, unfiltered.
She lowered her eyes. "But why does it matter so much to you? I'm just your assistant."
Something flickered across his face.
Something unreadable.
Something he quickly hid.
"You work for me," he said after a moment. "Your safety is my responsibility."
It wasn't the answer she wanted.
Or maybe it was the only answer he could give.
She nodded slowly, unlocking her door. "Thank you… for everything."
He stepped back slightly—but not enough to leave. "If anything feels off tonight, call me."
A faint, humorless smile touched her lips. "I don't have your number."
Kade blinked, surprised.
Then he reached into his pocket, pulled out his phone, and held it out.
"Put your number in," he said.
Ariel's heartbeat stumbled. She typed it in with trembling fingers.
When she handed it back, he stared at the screen for a long moment, as if memorizing her name.
Then he looked up.
And something in his eyes softened.
"Goodnight, Ariel."
She stepped inside, closing the door gently. But the moment it clicked shut, she sagged against it, heart racing.
She wasn't sure wha
t scared her more—
The attack in the elevator.
Or the way Kade Blackwood made her feel safe…
in a way no one ever had.