Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 23 - New Ally

The night had settled over Jason's mansion like a heavy shroud, casting long shadows that danced in the dimly lit hallway. 

Their sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion, and the trio climbed out, still reeling from the adrenaline-fueled encounter in the dark alley. Anne gave a reassuring nod as she spoke, "We made it back in one piece."

Kass let out a shaky breath and glanced around the familiar surroundings of the mansion's grand entrance. "Thank you, Anne, for getting us out of there. I don't know what we would have done without you."

Jason's eyes held a deep sense of gratitude as he added, "You're a lifesaver, Anne. We owe you."Anne waved off their thanks, her expression unwavering. "It's my job to keep you safe."As Anne made her way to the driver's seat to depart, Kass turned to Jason, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and lingering tension. "Jason, that was... I can't believe what just happened."Jason gently took her hand in his, his touch reassuring. "I know, Kass. It was unexpected, but we handled it together. That's what matters."

Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world outside faded away. In the silence that followed, their closeness grew, and Jason slowly leaned in, his lips brushing against Kass's in a tender, lingering kiss.It was a moment of connection, a silent affirmation of the bond they shared amidst the chaos that had engulfed their lives. 

As they pulled away, Jason whispered softly, "Let's go inside, Kass. We'll talk more in the morning. Right now, we both need some rest."Kass nodded, her heart still racing from the events of the night. "You're right," she agreed, allowing Jason to lead her back into the safety of their home.

''Oliver just texted me.'' Anne said. ''He said he's fine, just bruised. He escaped from the car and is on his way home.'' 

Relief struck through Kass and Jason. ''Phew.'' Kass rubbed her sweaty forehead.

 Then, Jason's phone unexpectedly rang. He glanced at the caller ID, surprised to see the name of an old friend, Alex, flashing on the screen. 

A warm smile spread across his face, contrasting the tension of the recent events. Jason answered the call, his voice a mixture of fatigue and nostalgia as he greeted, "Alex, my man, it's been too long." 

Alex's voice, tinged with the weight of memories, responded with equal warmth. "Jason, I couldn't stay away forever, could I? I'm in town for a while. Mind if I swing by and catch up?"  Kass, who had overheard the conversation, was curious about their shared history. 

With a distant look in his eyes, Jason explained, "Alex is an old friend, Kass. We've been through a lot together."

After at least half an hour, the doorbell rang, and Jason opened the door, revealing a tall figure who stood waiting by the entrance. A man with sharp features, dressed in a tailored suit, gave a warm smile as he turned to greet them. "Jason, my old mate, it's been far too long," he said, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia.

Kass observed the reunion from the sidelines, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. Jason's face lit up with genuine joy as he approached the newcomer. "Alex," he exclaimed, embracing the man in a tight hug. "I can't believe you're here."

Alex returned the embrace, his handshake firm and reassuring. "I heard about the chaos you've been dealing with lately, so I thought I'd pay you a visit," he explained, his tone friendly.

As the two friends chatted animatedly, reminiscing about their past adventures, Kass couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over her. There was something about Alex's presence that didn't sit right with her. She glanced at Anne, whose expression had grown slightly guarded, confirming her suspicion that this reunion might be more than it seemed.

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to more serious matters. Alex, seemingly curious, inquired about Jason's current business dealings and the recent events that had unfolded. Kass couldn't help but notice the intensity in his gaze as he asked about Kass herself, his questions becoming more probing.

Jason, however, remained oblivious to the subtle undercurrents in their conversation. He shared some details about their recent ordeal in the alleyway, emphasising the danger they had faced. Kass watched as Alex's eyes glittered with a strange mixture of interest and calculation.

Finally, Kass couldn't contain her unease any longer. She interjected with a pointed question, her voice laced with skepticism. "Alex, how do you know Jason?"

Alex turned to her, his smile unfaltering. "We go way back, Kass," he replied, his tone smooth. "We've been through thick and thin together."

Jason nodded in agreement, his trust in his old friend unwavering. "Alex has always had my back," he said with genuine warmth.

Kass lay in her dimly lit room, the clock on the bedside table mocking her with its relentless ticking. Midnight had come and gone, and still, sleep eluded her. She tossed and turned, her thoughts swirling with a mix of exhaustion and unease.

Unable to bear the restless stillness any longer, Kass quietly slipped out of bed and tiptoed down the hallway to the kitchen. She needed a glass of water to soothe her restless mind.The kitchen was bathed in a soft, silvery glow from the moonlight filtering through the curtains. As she entered, Kass noticed Alex standing by the sink, his back to her. He appeared to be filling a glass with water, his movements deliberate and unhurried.

Kass watched in silence as Alex turned off the tap and slowly pivoted to face her. He wore an expression of casual calm, his gaze meeting hers. "Couldn't sleep either?" he inquired in a low, even tone.Kass nodded, offering a faint smile. "Yeah, insomnia's a real nuisance sometimes," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Her initial unease had given way to a sense of curiosity, though she couldn't help but wonder why Alex was in the kitchen at this late hour.

Alex approached her, extending the glass of water as if presenting a peace offering. "Here, maybe this will help," he suggested, the hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Is there anything else you need, Kass?"

Kass accepted the glass, taking a small sip. She appreciated the gesture but couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Alex's late-night visit than met the eye. "No, this is perfect, thanks, Alex," she replied politely, turning to leave the kitchen.

As she walked back to her room, Kass's thoughts were a whirlwind of uncertainty. While her initial alarm had subsided, a lingering sense of caution remained. She couldn't deny that Alex's presence was quite timely and coincidental, but he seemed like a trustworthy fellow.