I still can't believe what I'm seeing. Aiden is walking toward me. The glare he shoots at the head of security makes me think that he's going to lash out at him, but he focuses his attention on me instead.

The moment he stops in front of the bed, right before me, I'm stunned.

He's indeed Aiden.

I didn't know that he's in Seattle. I never knew that he lives here.

But then, Klein Enterprise has many branch offices scattered all around the country, and he may be taking care of their business here.

"Aiden?" I whisper in a small voice, but it's impossible for him to miss it.

He frowns before disbelief crosses his expression too. "Nevaeh?" my name comes out of his lips. Shock skates all over his face.

I find myself frozen on the spot even more. It's highly unlikely that he knows or remembers me. How come?

He tears his gaze away from me and mutters what seems to be a silent curse. When he returns his eyes to me, his face hardens.

"When my staff told me your name, I didn't expect that it would be you, Nevaeh Spencer. I'm sorry--" he stops mid-sentence and squeezes his eyes shut, as though he can't believe that the incident has indeed happened. "I truly apologize for what happened tonight." His expression is dead serious. His eyes are so piercing that I feel like they can cut me in half. "This residence is under my management, and everything that happens in this building is my responsibility. The fact that a security guard has broken into your apartment and almost managed to assault you is something that I won't take lightly. It's such a shame, and I will make sure of the consequences," his voice sounds deadly when he speaks the last few words, and the temperature in the room instantly drops.

My mouth hangs open as I look up at him. I can't believe this. While I'm supposed to cuss at the owner of this building, I find myself speechless because there are only two things in my mind:

1. I can't believe that he knows or remembers me.

2. I hate that while he's standing tall before me and looking so damn good in his formal office attire -- although his hair is slightly unruly because of rushing over here -- I look like a disaster. I'm wearing pink hello kitty pajamas, clutching the blanket around me like a lost puppy. My hair is disheveled and all over the place. My face smells like the night cream I'd put on before going to bed.

The thing I blurt out makes it even worse, "You," I pause. "You remember me?"

Aiden stares at me, looking slightly confused. "Yeah," he says. "You're Nevaeh, right? Max's cousin? Luna's friend? We met when I visited your school in Texas three years ago. Remember Rory Parker?"

I stare at him with a lost expression. Of course, I remember that girl. She's Luna's bully, who went to my school a few years ago.

We stare at each other in silence. I want to add that I was at his wedding too, with Max and his family, but that's absolutely the worst thing to say. I'd rather not say anything about that horrible and painful memory to the person who suffered the most that night.

Guilt is very much visible in Aiden's amber eyes because of what happened to me tonight, but it's nothing compared to the guilt I've been feeling since his bride left him at the altar.

It's amazing that my anger subsides the moment we meet again, because no matter how bad the incident is tonight, I know that I would do anything for this man.

The other people in the room are now probably wondering how we know each other, but no one dares to break the silence.

Aiden lets out a sigh and runs his hand through his hair. "I'm sorry," he whispers. "I'm really sorry that you went through such a horrible thing tonight. It will not happen again," he speaks through gritted teeth.

His eyes soften as he lands his gaze on me again. I wonder what he would do, what else he would say to me.

"I hope that this incident won't affect your decision to stay here. I will fix everything. Did you tell your family about this? I'll talk to your parents." Again, his voice is laced with guilt.

I swallow as I think about what Dad would do. He would go ballistic, and I know for sure that I will trouble Aiden if this incident ever goes public.

"I understand that you may not want to continue staying in this residence, but it would be my greatest regret if you have to revoke your purchase."

"No." I shake my head in denial, cutting him off. My voice is slightly shaking because of panic. "I can't leave this place. My Dad can't know about this. I wouldn't tell my parents about this."

Dad will make me terminate my exchange program in Seattle if he ever knows about this. Besides, it would harm Aiden's reputation, since Dad would most likely sue.

Aiden scrutinizes me. Concern fills his eyes, but he's trying to read me, to see whether I'm sure about my decision or not. "Nevaeh--"

"You shouldn't tell Max about this either," I quickly add.

Aiden looks doubtful. He's not sure whether he can keep this from his future brother-in-law or not. "Why is that?"

"Because he'll tell my Dad about this."

I know that Max is a part of their family, but I don't think that he'll ever betray my Dad. Max will most probably try to talk to Dad and assure him that everything is okay, but I highly doubt that Dad will let this slip. No one can survive Dad's wrath when it comes to my safety.

"Please," I beg. "I can't let my Dad know. He'll make me leave Seattle, and I still have to finish one semester here."

Aiden looks just as frustrated as I am. I know that he doesn't want to lie to Max, but on the other hand, I'm sure that he wants to protect his business reputation too.

"What do you want me to do, Nevaeh?" he asks softly.

That question makes me silent again, and when I look around at my surrounding, my body shudders again. I can't say that what I'd gone through didn't make me traumatic.

This place indeed doesn't feel safe to me anymore. But just as much as I can't be here, I can't get out of here. Maybe time will help me compose myself.

"That psychopath is taken care of and will never have the chance to attack you again," Aiden states firmly. "Jail is the only place for him. Don't worry about that."

My lips tremble as I pull the blanket closer to my body. I look down and nod weakly even though the restlessness inside my heart is killing me.

"But I will not let you stay here if you don't even feel safe anymore," Aiden says.

I look up at him again and can only see the determination on his face.

"As compensation, I can offer you a new place that can make you feel secure," he says. "You will still own this place, but I'm letting you stay in an upgraded residence with special security, free of charge. There's an empty suite at the top, and you don't have to worry about your safety because my own securities will be there to guard you."

I'm at a loss for words. Is there really an empty suite at the top? I've thought that there's only a penthouse. His penthouse.

"Special security? What do you mean?" I echo.

No offense, but the word 'security' alone makes goosebumps appear on my skin. I don't know whether I can trust them anymore or not.

"My bodyguards," Aiden says. "The new place is adjacent to mine."

That information eases my worry a bit, because at least, Aiden and his people are staying on the same floor. This new place is next to his penthouse.

"It's different. I promise," Aiden says. "I told you that it's my responsibility. I'll do anything to make you feel safe again. If you're still not sure about it, I can show you the new place now. You will still own this place in case your parents want to visit."

I begin to think about his offer. It sounds convincing even though I don't know whether I'll be able to do it or not. Right now, the only thing I can think about is how to survive the rest of the night.

I straighten up, and the female employee helps me stand up on my feet. While I'm trying my best to move my weak legs, I follow Aiden, who leads me to the front door.

On the way there, we pass the head of the apartment security, whose face is as pale as a white paper. He opens his mouth, trying to explain the whole situation. I know that this incident wasn't entirely his fault and was caused by his psychotic subordinate, but it's too late for me to stop the next words coming out from Aiden's mouth.

"You're fired." Aiden's icy glare pierces the poor man.

Before I know it, Aiden walks out, and I can only glance at the head of security with a mixture of panic and sympathy.

My heart is thumping hard inside my chest as I follow Aiden in the hallway. It seems impossible to cross him now, but maybe I can convince him later to change his mind -- after he cools down.