Page 21 of Billionaire Alien Boss Daddy

As I rise, I glance at the altar one last time. The blood has already begun to dry, a dark reminder of my plea. I sheath the knife and turn away, my mind still churning. Claire’s face flashes in my thoughts, her honey-blonde hair and green eyes a stark contrast to the cold, metallic walls of the base.

Whatever happens, I know I can’t keep avoiding this. Sooner or later, I’ll have to make a choice. And for the first time in my life, I’m not sure if I’m ready to face it.

CHAPTER11

CLAIRE

The key turns in the lock, and I push open the door to my apartment, already kicking off my heels. My feet ache, my shoulders are tight, and all I can think about is collapsing into bed. Simon—no, Shomun—and I have been grinding through this merger proposal for what feels like a lifetime. Eighteen hours straight, and I’m running on caffeine and the memory of his hands on my waist when he leaned over my chair earlier.

I flip on the light, and the scream rips out of me. Silas. Sitting in my damn living room chair like he owns the place.

“Read your lease,” he says before I can even demand an explanation. His voice is smooth, like he’s been waiting for this moment. “I own this building. I’ve got copies of all the keys.”

“That’s illegal,” I snap, my voice sharp enough to cut glass. My heart is still racing, but anger is quicker than fear. “You can’t just let yourself into my apartment.”

He leans back, crossing one leg over the other, his too-perfect face smirking at me. “So is corporate espionage.” His tone is casual, like we’re discussing the weather instead of the fact that he’s sitting in my living room uninvited. “You’ve been avoiding me, Clarice. I’m here because I need to know—have you found proof that Simon was in my office or not?”

I clutch my bag tighter, my mind racing. I can’t tell him the truth about Simon. Not just because of the contract or the job, but because… well, because. The thought of betraying Shomun like that makes me ill. But Silas doesn’t care about my feelings. He’s staring at me like he’s already won, like he knows I’ll cave.

“I’m working on it,” I say, my voice clipped. “These things take time. You can’t just waltz into someone’s life and expect them to hand over secrets on a silver platter.”

“Time is money, Claire.” He stands, his movements slow and deliberate, like he’s trying to intimidate me. “And you’ve had plenty of time. So tell me—what do you have for me?”

I square my shoulders, refusing to let him see how much he’s rattling me. “You’ll get your information when I have it. Not a second sooner.”

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “Careful, Claire. I’m not a patient man. And you’re not exactly in a position to keep me waiting.”

He steps closer, and I force myself not to flinch. His cologne is too strong, too sharp, and it makes me want to step back. But I don’t. I won’t give him that satisfaction.

“You’re dismissed,” I say, my voice cold. “Get out of my apartment.”

He laughs, but it’s not a friendly sound. “You’re feisty tonight. I like it. But don’t forget who’s paying the bills here, sweetheart. You work for me, whether you like it or not.”

He brushes past me, and I swear I can feel the weight of his gaze on me as he walks out the door.

“Lock up behind me,” he says, his voice dripping with mockery. “Wouldn’t want anyone breaking in.”

The door clicks shut, and I let out a shaky breath. My hands are trembling, and I hate that he has this effect on me. But I don’t have time to fall apart. Not when Silas is breathing down my neck.

I grab my phone and pull up Shomun’s number. My thumb hovers over the screen, but I don’t hit send. Not yet.

First, I need to think. And maybe pour myself a drink.

I pour myself a glass of wine, the red liquid swirling in the glass as I sit at my kitchen table. The room is quiet, the hum of the refrigerator the only sound breaking the silence. I take a sip, letting the cool, bitter tang of the wine coat my tongue. My mind races, trying to untangle the knot of lies and half-truths I’ve been weaving since this whole mess began.

I could just ask Shomun. Straight up.Did you break into Silas’s server room?It’s simple. Direct. But the thought of saying it out loud makes my stomach twist. If I ask him, I’ll have to explain why I want to know. And that means telling him the truth—that I’m not just a secretary with a sharp eye for numbers. I’m a corporate spy. A liar. Someone who’s been deceiving him from the very beginning.

The wine glass trembles in my hand as I set it down. I don’t want to lose what we have. It’s not just the sex—though, let’s be honest, that’s been… transformative. It’s the way he looks at me, like I’m something rare and valuable. The way he trusts me, even if he doesn’t say it outright. The way he pushes me to be better, to demand more from myself than I ever thought I could give.

I run a hand through my hair, pulling it back from my face. What if I tell him and he walks away? What if this thing between us—thisthingI’m not even sure how to define yet—just evaporates? The idea of it makes my chest ache in a way I don’t want to examine too closely.

“Okay, Redding,” I mutter to myself. “Think this through.”

I take another sip of wine, forcing myself to focus. Asking Shomun directly is out. That much is clear. But how else can I find out what I need to know? I’ve been digging through files, cross-referencing reports, and eavesdropping on conversations when I can, but so far, nothing concrete. Just hints and whispers. And Silas breathing down my neck, demanding answers I don’t have.

I glance at the clock. It’s late, but Shomun’s probably still awake. He never sleeps much, always working, always planning. I could call him. Not to ask about Silas, but just… to hear his voice. Maybe it’ll help clear my head. But even as I reach for my phone, I hesitate. What would I even say?Hey, just calling to make sure you’re not secretly a corporate saboteur. Also, I think I might be falling for you. Talk soon.

I snort, leaning back in my chair. This is ridiculous. I’m ridiculous. I’m sitting here, freaking out over a man who’s literally an alien from the future, and I’m worried aboutfeelings. Feelings I’m not even sure I’m ready to admit I have.

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