Page 83 of Hacking His Code
“I just realized I have a meeting scheduled to start right now.” I hold up my phone. “They’re hunting me down as I speak.”
Her mouth twitches in annoyance, but at least she’s no longer embarrassed.
“A big deal is coming down the pipeline. I’ll call you later.” I cast her a smile, then exit her apartment, making my way down to my car.
Once the door closes behind me, I pull out my phone and open a text from Gabriel.
Gabriel:Arinessa was quite a catch. I should pay you to headhunt for me.
My gut twists with jealousy, but I’m determined to keep it at bay.
Hunter:How has her first week been?
Gabriel:Good, she’s exceeded mine and Remi’s expectations. She has a very interesting past.
Hunter:And, might I add, an admirable one.
Gabriel:Wish you would have told me first. Hiring her to work for Icor Tech isn’t an option. So, I hired her onto my household staff to work on personal projects.
Hunter:Thanks. Treat her well.
Gabriel:If you don’t mind me asking, why didn’t you offer her a job?
Hunter:I mind you asking.
Gabriel:Noted.
I shove my phone back into my pocket, trying not to fall into misery. It’s been two and a half weeks since I last saw Ari, and there’s not a day I don’t feel her absence.
At least Arinessa is able to have a real start to her life, free of the strings of her past. And I had a part in that.
Cassius has been keeping me in the loop, assuring me that his team is working round the clock to figure out what’s wrong with Ari’s mother. No expense is being spared, and she couldn’t be in better hands.
What more, Cassius has invited me out for drinks with the guys. With my history, I’ve always shied away from tight bonds, betrayal lurking around every corner, but his crew has been friends for over a decade with very little drama. Who’s to say I wouldn’t get along with them?
“Take me home,” I tell the driver, closing the patrician between us.
For the hundredth time today, I close my eyes to see Arinessa’s staring back at me, wanting me. I miss the weight of her in my arms, the gentle touch of her hand, her sweet scent.
Mother took our ‘breakup’ fairly well, giving me a tight smile and telling me, “Maybe next time.” Father looked at me with pity.
To say I’m haunted is an understatement. Sabrina can’t take my mind from her, and neither can throwing myself into my work. I’ve abandoned trying to figure out what’s happened with my aunt.
Whatever happens, happens.
Instead of being productive, I spend entirely too much time replaying every moment with Arinessa that’s etched into my brain.
She’s always going to be the one who got away.
I can’t go on like this, but I also can’t go back to the man I was before her. I can’t travel alone in this world. Not anymore. I may not ever find love, but I can potentially forge lifelong connections.
I enter into Gabriel’s text box because I’m in over my head, and I desperately need help.
Hunter:Your friend Cassius invited me out for drinks with his circle next weekend, which you are a part of. Would you mind if I accepted the invite?
Gabriel:Not at all, but the hazing is brutal.
Hunter:Hazing?
