Chapter 18
The week after the storm feels unreal. I go to work, I follow orders, I breathe. That’s it. Knox and I don’t talk about what happened. We don’t have to. It sits between us like a shadow, quiet and heavy, waiting for either of us to make the wrong move.
He’s distant again, all business and precision, but every time our eyes meet, something flickers behind his calm. It’s not gone. It’s just buried. I tell myself I can handle it. That I can pretend too. It was just sex but I thought it was more. Or maybe he’s scared.
By Friday, I almost believe it.
The lobby is packed when I step out of the elevator. Clients, assistants, suits everywhere. The air hums with noise and movement. I clutch my tablet and focus on the numbers on the screen, trying not to think about the fact that I can still feel Knox’s touch when I close my eyes.
“Lana,” a voice says behind me.
I freeze.
That voice. Smooth, familiar, laced with the same arrogance that used to make my heart race.
I turn slowly. Sebastian stands there, every part of him polished to perfection. Navy suit, expensive watch, the same smirk he used to wear when he thought I’d never walk away.
It feels like the air leaves the room.
“Sebastian,” I whisper.
He grins. “You look good.”
I can’t tell if it’s a compliment or a taunt. “What are you doing here?”
“I had a meeting with the executive team. My company’s bidding for one of your contracts.”
My stomach turns. “Your company?”
He nods. “Harland Security. Small world, isn’t it? I didn’t find out you worked for Knox until this morning. It was a smart move bringing you on.”
My stomachs sinks. Is that the only reason? It makes sense but do I want it to. Do I want it to be for any other reason?
He steps closer. “Didn’t think I’d see you again, especially not here.”
I take a step back. “Sebastian, we’re over.”
“Why? Because your new boss wouldn’t like it?” His tone is mocking, but the words cut deep.
“You don’t know anything about why I’m here,” I say quietly.
He laughs under his breath. “I know Knox Cain. Everyone in this city does. Cold, ruthless, unreadable. He’s a step above everyone else. Guess I shouldn’t be surprised you ended up in his office.”
The implication in his voice makes my skin crawl. “Don’t,” I say.
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t talk about him like that. Don’t talk about me like that.”
His smile fades. “You really think he’s different from me?”
I stare at him. “He already is.”
Before he can reply, a shadow moves behind me.
Knox.
He steps between us, his presence quiet but unmistakable. His suit is black, his tie perfect, his expression unreadable. But his eyes…they’re darker than I’ve ever seen them.
“Sebastian,” Knox says coolly. “I wasn’t aware you were still here.”
Sebastian straightens, his voice suddenly polite. “Just running into my fiancé. Didn’t expect to run into anyone I had planned to marry.”
Knox’s gaze flicks to me, then back to him. “You’ve run into enough. And for the record, we both know she isn’t your fiancé”
For a moment, the two of them just stare at each other. The air feels electric, the tension sharp enough to cut.
Sebastian’s smirk returns, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Still the same, huh? Always protecting what isn’t yours.”
Knox doesn’t blink. “Only when someone forgets their place.”
The words land heavy. Even Sebastian takes a small step back.
“I think we’re done here,” Knox says, his tone final.
Sebastian gives a mock bow, his gaze sliding to me one last time. “Good luck, Lana. You’re going to need it. See you later.”
He leaves, the sound of his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. The second he’s gone, I realize I’m shaking.
Knox turns to me. “Are you alright?”
I nod, but my throat feels tight. “You’re working with his company?”
“Yeah, it was my father’s idea.”
I look up at him. “Oh.”
“This shouldn’t be about you or your past.”
Something in his voice makes me pause. “And what about me?”
He studies me for a long moment. “You’re past is not a threat.”
“Then what am I?”
His eyes soften. “The one thing I can’t control.”
The words steal my breath.
He takes a step closer, his hand brushing my arm in the smallest gesture of comfort. “Don’t let him get to you.”
I should pull away considering the other night but I he was right. This could complicate things. I get it now.
“I won’t.”
“Good.”
He starts to walk away, but then stops. “And Lana?”
“Yes.”
“If he contacts you again, tell me immediately.”
There’s something in his tone that isn’t just professional. It’s protective. Possessive. Dangerous.
He leaves before I can answer. I stand there for a long time, watching the elevator doors close behind him from the glass windows. My reflection stares back at me in the gold surface of the sculpture next to me, my pulse still racing.
For the first time, I realize Knox Cain doesn’t just want to protect me. He’s ready to destroy anyone who hurts me again. And that should scare me.
But it doesn’t. It makes me feel safe.