Unfinished Business

Chapter Fifteen

 I opened my eyes and found myself in an unfamiliar room. I’m lying in a king-size bed, the early morning sun peaking in through the windows. I sat up quickly, afraid of my unknown surroundings. Oh no, Xavier has me!

A knock on the door had me jumping in fear, and I clutched the blanket around me as protection. The door opened slightly, and Aiden’s head peaked through.

“Hey, you up?” he saw me sitting up and cautiously entered the room, as if not to frighten me. The tension and fear left my body, realizing I’m with Aiden instead of Xavier, but now I’m filled with confusion as to why I’m here.

Aiden set a glass of water on the bedside table near me and sat on the edge of the bed. This is a totally different Aiden than I’m used to seeing. He looks concerned and sort of protective at the moment. I see that he’s changed into a pair of jeans and a white tee, not looking like the businessman I’m used to. I’m still in my gown, but my hair is down.

“I brought you some water. Drink up. I’m sure you feel a bit dehydrated from all the crying.” I did as he said, surprised how thirsty I really felt. After setting the glass down, I suddenly feel exposed and vulnerable. I can’t look him in the eye now. I’m sure he has a lot to say, seeing the spunky, strong Katalina he was used to, to a broken and scared girl last night.

“What am I doing here?” I ask quietly, avoiding his gaze.

I hear him let out a long breath. “Katalina, after you left the dance floor, you were gone for a while. I had thought you just went to the restroom, but it was taking longer than normal. I went to look for you, and when I found you curled up in a ball in the hall way, I thought something bad had happened. Then you started to freak out and run from me.”

I remember that, thinking he was Xavier. I was so out of it that my defenses kicked in.

“When I caught you and asked for help, I was stunned. You looked scared and vulnerable and suddenly broke down. You were in no state to go back to the party, so I called my assistant to grab your things and told my driver to meet us at the back exit to avoid the press. I told my assistant to tell yours and your friend that you had left early, not feeling well. Trent texted you last night that he was going to spend the night at his friend’s house.

“I couldn’t bring you to your place and leave you there alone. I was sure that you didn’t want anyone to see you in your state, so I brought you here, to my place,” he ended his explanation. Well that certainly makes sense. I take in more of my surroundings and look out the open door of his bedroom. It’s spacious and very clean. Looking out the window, I see the other buildings of the city. This is his apartment condo.

Finally, I look at Aiden. His expression is telling me that he’s waiting for an explanation. I really don’t want to tell him, but deep inside, I know I owe it to him. I know he knows the fabricated story that he found, but he should know the real one. I mean, he was there last night when I needed help the most. I thought I was strong enough to handle in, apparently, I’m not.

I sigh. “I bet you have some questions,” I say as I fumble with my fingers.

Taking me by surprise, he takes my hands in his and strokes them gently, as to calm me down. “Katalina, you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to.” He reaches into his back pocket, taking something out. He sets the object into my hands, and I recognize the note that caused all this frenzy.