After ra hung up the phone, she rested her head against Z''s chest, still reeling from the thrill he had given her earlier. The man held her gently, not moving, just being there for her.


    ra felt as if Simon''s harsh words had somehow turned them into secret lovers, hiding away from the world. She couldn''t help but chuckle.


    He tilted her chin up, looking a bit serious. "What''s so funny?"


    "I just feel like we''re living in the shadows," she replied.


    His silence spoke volumes, and she realized she might have touched a nerve. Quickly, she said, "Until you''re ready to step out with me, I won''t push you. I''lle to see you here, is that okay?"


    She held his face tenderly, almost coaxing him. He murmured an agreement, burying his head into her neck, a hint of sadness lingering.


    ra thought about suggesting they get him a ce closer to her. She had some funds saved up from a deal with Naomi, and it seemed like a good use. But she held back, afraid to hurt his pride.


    Sighing, she shifted the conversation. "By the way, I noticed a grave outside. Whose is it?"


    He nestled into her neck and, after a while, replied in a hoarse voice, "My brother''s."


    ra''s heart ached. "Your brother?"


    "Yeah, we were twins."


    Regret washed over her for asking, fearing she had reopened an old wound. She was about to apologize when he kissed her neck lightly, saying, "He was the shining star, and I''m the shadow. So, I live here."


    ra couldn''t listen anymore. She cupped his face and silenced him with a deep kiss.


    After a long moment, she pulled back, "No more of that."


    "Okay, just don''t leave me."


    "I won''t," she promised. Knowing what she did now, she couldn''t imagine leaving him. She wanted to give him everything.


    If he wanted to stay in, she was fine with that. If he had no friends, she''d be enough. She wouldn''t even look at his face if that made him self-conscious. She would follow his lead.


    Her heart ached, knowing just a fraction of his story, yet feeling so much pain for him.


    They snuggled on the couch,fortable and warm, making her sleepy. There was plenty of room for both of them.


    He wrapped her securely in his arms, "Sleepy?"


    "Yeah, you should see how long you kept me up."


    "My bad, get some rest."


    His gentle voice was all she needed to drift off.


    In the quiet, he watched her sleep, unable to resist kissing her until she pushed him away in her slumber. Then he held her tighter, as if she might disappear.


    In her dreams, ra felt like vines were wrapping around her, holding her tight.


    The next morning, she woke up in her car, wearing fresh clothes, with a warm breakfast waiting for her. She rubbed her forehead, feeling refreshed after the night''s rest.


    After eating leisurely, knowing he still wanted his privacy, she drove straight to Ferguson Corporation without bothering him.


    As soon as she arrived at the top floor, Simon was waiting for her. His dark circles were hard to miss, and he nearly sprang from his seat when he saw her.


    "ra!"


    She worried he''d start shouting, letting the entire floor know about her night.


    "Keep it down," she whispered, taking a deep breath.


    Simon smirked, grabbing her wrist and dragging her to a nearby lounge.


    Once inside, he let go and started his rant. "ra! Who were you withst night? I''m busting my ass investigating the car ident, and you''re off with some guy?! Have you no shame? Was it Dn? Are you that far in with him? Seducing your boss and your ex-fiancé''s brother, Dn? It''s scandalous!"


    His voice grew louder with each usation.


    Fed up, ra pped him.


    Simon froze, as if someone had hit his pause button.


    "Calmed down?" she asked.


    He held his face, his lips trembling, fists clenching as he took in her well-rested look.


    "ra, you''re just confused. That''s why you''re involved with Dn."


    "It wasn''t Mr. Dn!" she snapped, irritation clear. "I was with my boyfriendst night. He''s just a regr guy, not someone like Mr. Dn. Quit being ridiculous, Simon."


    Simon was stunned, "Boyfriend? Since when?"


    "I don''t believe you. It has to be Dn! You''re lying. You used to look down on waiters, and now you''re with one? Come on! We''re going to confront Dn right now!"


    ra looked at him incredulously, "Are you insane?"


    Confront Dn? Did he know Dn had just killed Lincoln? Dn wasn''t as innocent as he appeared.


    But Simon was too angry to listen, dragging her toward the CEO''s office with determination.