Aiden.

I'm still a respected businessman and I need to calm down before I rip him to absolute shreds. It's late, everyone is pretty much in bed minus Howard and Leo. They're in a discussion in the living room.

"Come into my office," I tell Leo, bypassing any hostility for now and keeping my tone neutral. I was infuriated when I got out of the car but as I busted through the doors calm reined over me.

It's silly for me to get worked up over an employee, I fire him and it's done. This is nothing more than a simple career change for him. He has to find another job. Hell, I'll recommend him to some of my friends.

He nods once, Howard stepping away from him as I guide us towards the large wooden doors of my office. Emilia trails in, I can hear her small footsteps against the wooden floors before she closes the door behind her. Howard rushes to speak to her.

Leo and I step into my office, after closing the door to give us privacy I round my desk. Taking a seat in my faded leather chair. Placing my elbows on the cherry wood I eye him as he sits in front of me, not saying a word.

I try to size him up by his silence, besides placing his hand on her leg for whatever reason one time, nothing more has happened. Yes, he gets in our business and yes, he oversteps but I'm a levelheaded man... sometimes.

I can't help the slight respect I have for him when he brought Emilia to Italy and kept her safe, and they saved me. Yes, he should have never brought her but without him she would be lost and I would be dead. It's a lose-lose battle here. Most importantly, I have respect for Howard and he's who hired him.

Leaning back against my seat I break the ice, running a hand over my tired face. "Leo, listen-"he cuts me off, shaking his head.

"Mr. Scott, I know you're about to fire me. I know you can't stand me." I nod in agreement with his words, "but you just can't." he states.

Why is he so desperate to stay? What are his intentions? "And why can't I?" I ask him in a bored tone, trying to access his intent.

He looks around at the art dotted on the walls of the cabin office, sucking in a deep breath he brings his grey eyes level with mine. "I take my job seriously. I'm sorry if that comes off as overbearing to your and Emilia's relationship."

I try not to scoff, "Overbearing?" I laugh, "You, Leo are downright intrusive, meddling, and frankly obsessed with her safety." I lean forward, shooting daggers at him. "Why?" Maybe I've been looking at this in the wrong light?

Casually, he flicks a wrist in the air. "As I said, I take my job seriously."

"Yes, your job is to protect her but I'm your boss, you realize, that don't you? You don't have to protect her from me."

He opens his mouth to speak but stops himself. "Yes." He says, lowering his head. "I'm sorry and I promise not to overstep again."

I shake my head, he's not understanding. "It won't be a problem at all, you're fired from Scott Investment Corporation. Effective immediately." I watch as his face falls at my words, he looks hurt and I'm starting to wonder if there's more than meets the eye than he's letting on.

"Tell me, Leo." I smile, knowing he will lie. "Are you in love with my Emila?"

Emilia.

The golden morning light filters in through the floor to ceiling bedroom windows. Aiden lays beside me, in a peaceful slumber on the bed. I get up quietly as not to disturb him, his emotions were so full last night.

Rage, Lust, Love.... Just so many things that came to their end last night. Leo will be leaving today. Even though Aiden has nothing to worry about it's for the best. We have too much going on for him to be worried about anything.

I don't know what happened last night, but I know that it was quiet. Howard directed me to bed even though I tried arguing with him that I was in fear of a fight happening he insisted I go upstairs.

About an hour later, Aiden stumbled in. He collapsed on the bed and pulled me tight, his only words were 'he's fired and leaving tomorrow' and then he was out cold, snoring.

Wrapping myself in a thick robe to break the fall chill in the air I head downstairs, passing by Leo's room on the way. His door is open and it's empty. I wonder if he already left. "Hey Em." Ashley's sleepy voice sounds off from the kitchen as I enter.

I give her a look over, a sleepy smile adorns her face. "Want to do something today?" I ask her, deciding at that moment I'm done with this beautiful yet haunting cabin.

I need to get out of here if only for a little while. The mafia danger, Leo, Aiden's nightmares. So many negative things attach themselves here but also so many positives. it's hard to wrap my head around.

I think we would all prefer this beautiful retreat for what it is, a vacation home. Somewhere to destress, not hide away in.

Ashley tilts her head to the side as if I'm supposed to know something already. "What?" I ask hands on my hips.

"Oh... nothing. Ask my brother when he wakes up love youuuu." I can't tell if her tone is mischievous or sad? She sleepily trudges up the stairs with me not able to say anything else.

Howard then steps in the kitchen as I take in my first sip of warm coffee, "Ms. Emilia." He nods with a warm smile, pulling a muffin from the bowl.

Might as well ask, I don't want Aiden waking up being anything but happy. "Is Leo gone?"

Howards face falls slightly, "Yes, but it's for the best. Those two young men just couldn't get along. Power struggle, you know?" I nod fiercely, I know so well.

Deciding to change the subject I ask him in a casual tone, "What are we doing today?" hoping he'll spill what Ashley wouldn't.

He smiles, zipping his lips in a dramatic fashion. Heavy footsteps sound to my right, "Quit trying to ruin your surprise." Aiden's sleepy face smiles at me, walking up to me he plants kisses on my jawline as he steals my coffee.

"Surprise?" I ask, looking between the men.

Aiden nods, pulling me towards the back door. The crisp fall air wakes me as we step outside. I snuggle up against Aiden's warm bare chest.

He never gets cold, he's like his own personal heater. He pulls me back, examining me. "I wanted to see if you wanted to go on a date with me tonight?" he sounds sweet being so formal.

I can't help the wide grin that takes over my face, "Of course!" I can't contain my excitement. "Where to?"

"A little restaurant in downtown, Italian place. Really good." he looks hopeful.

My face falls slightly, feeling bad for Ashley. She needs to get out too, Aiden kisses my forehead. "It's a double date." it's like he can read my mind.

My smile brightens further, "What do I wear? Is it fancy?" I start trying to piece my outfit together, wondering what you wear to a fancy downtown dinner but he shakes his head.

"Your entire outfit has been hand-chosen by me, it's upstairs. And if you don't like it you can wear sweatpants for all I care. You look beautiful in anything. I just wanted you and Ash to have a fun night away from all the bullshit."

I look around, a little nervous about going out in public. "Is it safe though? We still don't know who took you?"

Lifting my chin up with his fingers, "Emila, please don't question my ability to keep you safe." His voice is stern yet soft. "I know things have been fucked but I promise you you're safe."

"I'm worried about everyone's safety, not my own. We still don't know who took you."

He looks out into the foggy mountainside, "We're starting to get an idea, but that's for another discussion."

"We can discuss it now." I state.

He shakes his head, "Please, baby. Just one night, I need one night of normalcy for all of us. I have important things to discuss with all of you tonight, just trust me... okay?"

He wraps his arms around me, facing us outward into the foggy view we enjoy our morning together in blissful harmony.

♥️

See y'all Friday!

And enjoy this calm chapter, I'm going to go ahead and apologize for what happens in the next one 🤣