Chapter 10

HAILEY

The weekend had slipped by in a blink. Monday morning found her back at the office, just like always.

“Good morning, Clara,” she greeted her office mate.

Before she could make her way to the conference room, Clara stopped her. “Morning, Hailey. The boss wants to see you in his office.”

“Right now?” Hailey asked, surprise coloring her voice.

“Yes, right now,” Clara confirmed, her tone hinting at impatience.

“Any idea what it’s about?”

“Why don’t you go find out, Hailey?”

“Alright,” she agreed, nodding her head.

Approaching Valerian's office, Hailey knocked on the door.

“Enter,” Valerian’s voice echoed from within.

She stepped inside, a bit nervously.

“Have a seat,” he instructed, gesturing to the chair across from him.

She complied, and he took his own seat.

“I’m sure you’re curious about why you’re here,” he began, his gaze steady on her.

“Yes, sir,” she responded.

“I have a significant business merger happening in the Maldives, and I need you to accompany me for a week.”

Hailey was speechless. The Maldives! The beach! She wanted to squeal with delight.

“Don’t get too excited. This is a business trip, not a vacation. Keep that in mind,” he reminded her, his tone stern.

“Yes, sir,” she tried to sound serious, but couldn’t quite manage it.

“We leave tomorrow morning. You can take the rest of the day to prepare. Be here at six o’clock sharp. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes, sir!” she saluted.

~Did I really just salute him? How mortifying.~

But she noticed Valerian chuckling. She quickly exited the room, leaning against the door once outside. A wide smile spread across her face.

As she made her way back to her desk, she heard Clara call out. “Hailey!” She turned to see Clara standing by her desk. “What did he say?”

“I’m going with him on a business trip.” Hailey noticed a flash of jealousy in Clara’s eyes.

“Why you? No offense, but you’re the least experienced among us. And you’re new!” Clara’s anger was palpable.

“I know, Clara. He’s just bringing me along for the experience.”

“You’re right. But don’t enjoy it too much—I doubt you’ll have much free time anyway.” Clara’s sneer was unmistakable.

Hailey gathered her belongings and headed home to pack—formal clothes, casual clothes, and beachwear.

She picked up her phone and dialed Matt’s number. He picked up on the third ring.

“Hey, Hails, what’s going on?”

“Hey, Matt, I need to take the week off.”

“Sure, but are you okay, Hails? Did something happen?”

“I’m going on a business trip with Valerian.” Silence met her on the other end of the line. “Matt, are you there?”

“Yeah, I’m here, Hails.” He sighed. “Is it just the two of you?”

“Yes, it is.”

“That’s not a good idea, Hails,” he warned.

“Don’t worry, Matt. I can handle myself,” she reassured him.

“Alright, Hailey, but if anything happens, call me, okay?” he replied.

“I will, Matt. Don’t worry.”

After a bit more conversation, she hung up.

Hailey double-checked her packed items. She was buzzing with excitement. The day seemed to drag on, and she was eager to get going.

She spent the rest of the day watching TV until night finally fell.

Sleep was elusive for Hailey. She woke up at four in the morning after a mere half hour of sleep.

Instead of trying to sleep more, she showered and got ready. After breakfast, she left her apartment at five and arrived at the airport by five-thirty.

She was alone and began to wonder if they had left without her. But that couldn’t be, so she waited.

Half an hour later, Valerian showed up, his chauffeur trailing behind with his luggage. He beckoned for her to join him at the check-in desk.

They checked in for his flight—his private jet, no less!

Once they were seated, a flight attendant came over to greet them. “Please fasten your seatbelts. We’re preparing for takeoff,” she instructed, her eyes lingering on Valerian before she moved on.

Hailey turned her attention to the window.

“Did you manage to get any sleep, Hailey?” Valerian asked, his gaze fixed on her.

“Not a wink,” she retorted.

“Why’s that?” he queried.

“I was afraid you’d leave me,” she confessed, stifling a yawn as she closed her eyes.

“You should know I wouldn’t have left you,” were the last words she heard from him before sleep claimed her.

VALERIAN

Valerian moved to sit next to Hailey.

Her lips were slightly parted in sleep. She looked so fragile, and he yearned to hold her.

She shivered a little, prompting him to remove his blazer and drape it over her. He gently brushed away the dark curls from her face.

By the time they landed, Hailey was still sound asleep.

He scooped her up effortlessly and headed for the waiting car. He settled her on his lap, cradling her. She was light as a feather, and her scent—cherry blossoms—filled his nostrils.

Upon reaching the hotel, they checked into the penthouse suite.

He had arranged for them to share a room, wanting to keep her close. Once in the suite, he tucked her into bed. He then stripped down to his boxers.

Slipping into bed, he drew Hailey close to him. He drifted off to sleep with her nestled in his arms.