Chapter 26 - Crazy

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The plane touched down smoothly, and before long, we were navigating through the bustling airport. Our excitement was palpable as we collected our luggage and made our way to the hotel. The city's energy was infectious, and I found myself buzzing with anticipation.

This place feels alive

I could get used to this.

Hayes handled our check-in with his usual efficiency, his calm demeanor contrasting with the frenetic pace around us. Soon, we were heading up to our rooms. I trailed behind him, the opulence of the hotel's decor making me feel like we'd stepped into another world.

The elevator chimed softly as it reached our floor, and we walked down the plush carpeted corridor to our rooms.

He unlocked the door to my room first and stepped aside to let me in. I glanced around, taking in the luxurious suite—king-sized bed, a view that stretched across the city skyline, and an elegant marble bathroom.

"Wow, Hayes," I said, setting my bags down. "You sure know how to pick a place."

He leaned against the doorframe, a smirk playing on his lips. "Only the best for you, darling."

His confidence is maddening and irresistible.

I turned to him, hands on my hips. "So, what's the itinerary tonight, Mr. Planner? Are we diving straight into business or do we get to enjoy ourselves first?"

Hayes chuckled, his eyes sparkling. "How about a bit of both? Let's get settled, then we'll head out for drinks. We deserve a little celebration after all that hard work."

"I'm holding you to that," I teased, plopping down onto the plush bed. "This bed is going to make it hard to leave, though. You might have to drag me out."

I could melt into this bed and never move again.

But tonight should be fun.

He straightened and checked his watch. "I'll give you thirty minutes. After that, I'm coming back to haul you out if I have to."

"Deal," I replied with a grin. "Now, go get yourself ready. I'm not the only one who needs a moment to decompress."

He gave me a mock salute and headed to his own room next door. Once the door clicked shut, I let out a contented sigh and sank back into the bed, savoring the moment of quiet before the evening's adventures.

This trip is off to a great start.

I just hope I can keep things professional... mostly.

True to his word, Hayes knocked on my door precisely thirty minutes later. Freshly showered and dressed in a crisp shirt and tailored pants, he looked effortlessly handsome.

I had swapped my travel clothes for a sleek dress, feeling the need to match the hotel's upscale vibe.

Wow, he cleans up well.

And I'm supposed to keep my cool around this?

"Ready to go?" he asked, offering his arm.

"Lead the way," I replied, linking my arm with his. Together, we made our way to the hotel's bar.

The bar was a chic, dimly lit space with a lively crowd and an inviting atmosphere. We found a cozy booth in the corner and ordered drinks—Hayes opting for a whiskey neat, while I chose a classic martini.

"To us," Hayes toasted, raising his glass. "And to mixing business with pleasure."

"To us," I echoed, clinking my glass against his.

This could be dangerous, but what's life without a little risk?

As the night wore on, the effects of jet lag and a few too many drinks began to set in. I felt a pleasant buzz, the room around us becoming a blur of laughter and conversation. Hayes and I were deep in discussion about potential partners for our project when a man approached our table.

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, his eyes lingering on me a little too long.

I glanced at Hayes, who raised an eyebrow but didn't object.

Why not?

This could be entertaining.

Feeling a bit mischievous, I decided to play along. "Sure," I said, smiling at the stranger. "What brings you here tonight?"

The man introduced himself as Matt and started making small talk, clearly more interested in me than in Hayes. I caught Hayes's gaze, his jaw slightly clenched, but he remained silent.

He's not happy, but he's not stopping this either.

Let's see how far I can push it.

As Matt continued to flirt, I found myself responding playfully, enjoying the harmless banter. But Hayes's expression grew darker with each passing moment. I placed a hand on Hayes's arm, hoping to reassure him, but he remained tense.

Maybe this wasn't such a great idea.

He looks ready to snap.

"So, how about we get out of here?" Matt suggested, leaning a little too close for comfort.

Before I could respond, Hayes's hand shot out, gripping Matt's wrist. "I think you've had enough," Hayes said, his voice dangerously low.

Oh no, this is escalating way too fast.

Matt tried to pull away, but Hayes's grip tightened. I watched, alarmed, as Hayes's other hand moved with alarming speed. In the dim light, I saw the glint of a small knife, which Hayes had discreetly pulled from his pocket. With a swift motion, he stabbed Matt in the side.

What the hell just happened?

Matt gasped, his eyes wide with shock and pain. "What the hell!" he choked out, stumbling back, clutching his side.

I jumped up, my heart pounding. "Hayes, what did you do?"

This can't be real.

Did he really just stab someone?

Hayes grabbed my hand, pulling me towards the exit. "We're leaving. Now."

My mind raced as we hurried out of the bar, leaving a stunned and bleeding Matt behind. The cool night air hit us as we burst through the doors into the street.

"Hayes, what were you thinking?" I demanded, trying to keep up with his fast pace.

I can't believe this.

How did things go so wrong so quickly?

"He was getting too close," Hayes replied, his voice cold and unyielding. "I won't let anyone threaten what's mine."

We hurried back to the hotel, the night's events swirling in my head. As we entered the elevator, Hayes turned to me, his expression softening.

"I'm sorry if I scared you," he said quietly. "I just... I couldn't stand seeing him touch you."

I swallowed hard, my emotions a chaotic mix of fear, confusion, and a strange sense of safety. "Just... promise me you'll never do something like that again."

Hayes nodded, pulling me into a tight embrace. "I promise. I just couldn't lose you."

Lose me?

Is this love or something else entirely?

As the elevator doors opened to our floor, I clung to him, unsure of what the future held but certain of one thing—my life had just taken a turn I never expected.

And there's no going back now.

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