Page 17 of The Boss's Hideaway Baby

“Positive,” another replies. “It’s his charity, after all. We’ll grab him when he leaves.”

“Good. Man, this better go smooth. I can’t afford to go to prison again.”

My heart skips a beat as I realize they’re talking about kidnapping Nathan. Fear courses through me, but I know I can’t let anything happen to him. I slip my phone into my pocket, anxious to warn Nathan about the dangerous situation unfolding.

The men’s voices fade as they walk away. I don’t know when they’re planning on making their move, so I could have only minutes.

Slipping out of my hiding place, I weave through the crowd, searching frantically for Nathan. My earlier embarrassment pales in comparison to the fear I’m feeling now.

“Please be safe,” I whisper to myself, determined to reach him before it’s too late.

Finally, I spot him across the room, deep in conversation with a group of well-dressed attendees. As much as I hate to interrupt, I know it’s necessary. With nausea winding its way up my chest, I stride over to him, trying my best to appear calm and composed.

“Excuse me.” I tap his shoulder lightly. “Can I have a word with you, please?”

Nathan turns to me, his surprise quickly replaced with concern as he sees the urgency in my eyes. “Of course. What’s going on?”

“We should go somewhere more private,” I whisper, glancing nervously around the room. He nods, leading me to a secluded corner by a grand, ornate mirror.

“What’s wrong?” His voice is soft, worried. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I overheard something… dangerous.” I take a deep breath before blurting it out. “There are men here planning to kidnap you, Nathan.”

His eyes widen with shock, and then narrow in anger. “Are you sure?”

“Positive. They were talking about grabbing you when you leave later tonight.” My hands shake as I realize just how dangerous this situation is.

And now I’m involved as well.

“Damn it,” he curses under his breath. “We need to get out of here. I don’t want you caught up in this mess.”

The protectiveness in his tone warms me, but I find myself more focused on his safety. “Nathan, I’m more worried about you. We need to make sure you’re safe first.”

“Then let’s go. We’ll exit through the back so they don’t see us leaving.” He grabs my hand, and together, we make our way towards the back exit. If anyone notices the urgency in our steps, they don’t look suspicious. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a look at the men, so I have no clue who they are. They could be anywhere in this room, watching us from any angle.

As we slip through the door, leaving the gala behind us, I can’t help but ask, “Do you have any idea who those men might be?”

Nathan shakes his head, his jaw clenched with fury. “No, but I’m going to find out. No one threatens me or the people I care about.”

He’s considering me someone he cares about? I’m flattered, and it’s too bad he’s not saying this under more favorable circumstances.

“Let’s walk a couple of blocks before trying to find a cab,” Nathan says, glancing around at the quiet, dimly lit street. “Just in case they’re still watching.”

“Good idea.” I nod.

His fingers stay laced through mine as he leads us further away from the venue. The night breeze hits my face, and I shiver at its chill.

“Are you cold?” His tone is filled with concern. Before I can reply, he shrugs off his suit jacket and drapes it over my shoulders. It’s warm and smells like him, a comforting mix of expensive cologne and something uniquely Nathan.

“Thanks,” I murmur, pulling the jacket closer around me. I feel a little safer now, wrapped in his scent.

As we continue walking, I notice a pair of men a short distance behind us. They seem out of place, dressed all in black, their faces shrouded by the shadows. My heart starts to race.

“Those guys back there… do you think they’re following us?” I ask Nathan, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Maybe. Let’s not jump to conclusions, though,” he says, although I can see the tension in his jaw. “We’ll turn the next corner and see if they follow.”

“Okay.” I nod, my stomach churning with anxiety. I’ve never been good at handling high-pressure situations, and this is definitely one of them.

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