**********Flashback (Continued)*******
Calix descended into the underground parking lot with long, unhurried strides, the echo of polished shoes against concrete following him like a rhythm he owned.
"Sir," his driver greeted promptly, already opening the back door of the sleek black car.
Calix nodded once, loosening the cuffs of his shirt as he slid into the leather interior. The door shut with a soft, decisive thud.
"Home," the driver said, pulling out smoothly.
Calix barely heard him.
Because just as the car approached the ramp leading out of the building, something..or rather someone.....caught his eye through the tinted window.
She was half-walking, half-jogging down the sidewalk, bag slung over her shoulder, brows knitted together like the world had personally offended her.
The woman from earlier.
The one who had crashed into him like a storm and vanished just as fast.
Calix leaned forward slightly. "Stop."
The driver hesitated. "Sir?"
"Turn around. Go that way."
The driver followed his gaze and caught sight of Reina. A knowing smile flickered across his face before he smoothly obeyed.
The car slowed,and stopped right in front of her.
Reina halted so abruptly she nearly stumbled.
Her eyes widened.
No. No way. Not him. Please, universe, not him.
She straightened immediately, professionalism snapping into place. "Good evening," she greeted, polite but cautious.
The window slid down.
Calix rested his arm casually on the frame.
"Evening. Fancy meeting you again."
Her heart skipped,annoyingly so.
"Yes… fancy," she said, forcing a small smile.
"Where are you headed?" he asked.
She blinked. "Home."
"Get in. I'll give you a lift."
Her eyes flicked to the car. Then back to him.
Then to the car again.
This car probably costs more than my entire existence.
"Oh, no," she said quickly. "That won't be necessary. I wouldn't want to bother you, and we're most likely not going the same way."
He tilted his head, studying her like she was an intriguing equation. Then without another word, he opened the door and stepped out.
Reina's mouth parted slightly.
Oh. Oh wow. He looks even better standing.
He walked around and opened the passenger door himself. "I insist."
People passed by. One or two slowed to stare.
She sighed inwardly.
So much for avoiding attention.
"Thank you," she murmured, defeated, slipping inside.
The moment she sat, the scent hit her.
Warm. Masculine. Clean. Expensive.
It wrapped around her senses like a quiet temptation.
Breathe, Reina. Just breathe.
She sat stiffly, hands folded on her lap, eyes fixed straight ahead like she was bracing for turbulence.
A low chuckle escaped Calix's lips.
She snapped her head toward him. "What?"
"Relax," he said, amused. "You look like you're expecting me to abduct you."
She huffed. "I barely know you."
"Well," he said lightly, "I'm not going to kill you."
She stared at him.
"…That's comforting," she deadpanned.
He laughed openly this time. "Tell the driver your address."
She hesitated, then said quietly, "Homestead Street."
The driver nodded and pulled into traffic.
Calix finally extended a hand. "Calix."
She shook it. "Reina. Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," he replied smoothly.
He leaned back, pulled out his iPad, and resumed whatever important thing CEOs did on glowing screens.
CEO? she thought briefly, then dismissed it.
Please. Don't jump to conclusions.
She used the opportunity to really look at him.
The sharp line of his jaw. The calm authority in the way he carried himself. The subtle crease between his brows when he concentrated.
Dangerous, her mind whispered. Very dangerous.
Just as he lifted his gaze, she quickly turned to stare out the window.
The driver caught the exchange in the mirror and smiled.
They arrived at her building faster than she expected.
The car slowed.
Parked.
She unbuckled immediately. "Thank you so much for the ride."
She was out of the car before he could respond, already halfway through the entrance when she realized she'd forgotten something.
She turned back. "Um—thanks again!"
Then she bolted inside.
Calix watched her disappear, brows furrowing.
"…Interesting," he muttered.
He waved at the driver. "Let's go."
Reina dropped her bag the moment she entered her apartment and leaned against the door, exhaling deeply.
"What is wrong with you?" she scolded herself.
She headed for the shower, letting hot water wash away the day and him.
Unwanted attraction, she thought firmly.
Especially not to a man that rich.
The next morning, she was late.
Again.
She rushed out—only to stop dead in her tracks.
The black car was parked by the curb.
Her heart sank.
The door opened.
Calix smiled. "Morning."
They rode in silence.
The second day, same thing.
The third day, she slid into the car only to notice the driver turning the wrong way.
"Excuse me," she said quickly. "This isn't—"
Calix sighed lightly. "I'm sorry. I'm starving."
She frowned. "And?"
"I was planning to eat alone, but since you worked late…" He paused. "I thought you could tag along."
So I could escape him, her mind supplied.
But she nodded anyway.
"Okay."
Why did I say okay?
The restaurant loomed before them, large, elegant, intimidating.
Her eyes widened.
Fuck.
Her savings flashed before her eyes.
They sat.
Menus were placed.
She scanned it desperately, choosing the first thing she could pronounce.
Calix leaned in and spoke quietly to the waiter.
She ignored it.
When the waiter left, Calix studied her.
"What?" she asked.
"I want to know you."
She blinked. "Oh. Okay."
"What do you do at the company?"
"I'm a team leader," she said. "Structural planning."
He nodded. "Impressive."
"Thank you."
She took a sip of water. "And you?"
"CEO."
She choked.
Wide-eyed realization hit her.
CEO Calix.
So he was a Vill after all.