Chapter 2 Max

Traffic was lighter than usual on the way back to the office, leaving me less time to dwell on the weight of everything. Once I arrived in the underground parking lot, I just sat in my car for a few minutes longer. I stared out the windshield at the elevator bank. Getting on one of those lifts would take me to my office, the last place I wanted to be. I could practically feel Hunter's presence waiting for me upstairs. How was I supposed to face him, knowing his child could be inside me?

The weight of it crushed me. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

Maybe I was the selfish bitch Mum had called me last night, but I wasn't sure I had it in me to go through with this. Carrying a baby for nine months and handing it over like it meant nothing... The thought alone made my chest tighten.

Even the psychologist had questioned whether I was cut out for this. But Mum had replaced her. She made sure I was approved by the next one, someone who would sign the paperwork without asking too many questions. Had they been paid off? I wasn't sure if my physical tests had come back okay or if they had fudged them. Did Hunter know? Was he in on it, too?

I hadn't thought Helena was until I overheard them talking outside my hospital room. Hunter was determined to have a child. He was ruthless, used to getting what he wanted. Why wouldn't he be okay with using my body to fulfill that desire? To use me as an incubator.

Sighing deeply, I got out of the car. I couldn't stay here forever, not with the chance someone would notice. Slinging my handbag over my shoulder, I walked toward the elevators and hit the button.

A sound behind me made me turn slightly. A man in his mid-thirties was walking toward me, his shoes clicking on the polished floor. He had that same confident stride that Hunter had, men of power had that walk.

He wasn't hard on the eyes. His short, back-and-sides haircut, chiseled jawline, and deep-set blue eyes framed by dark brown brows matched his hair perfectly. He carried himself with effortless confidence, and there was something about his demeanor that caught my attention.

Realizing I was staring, I quickly turned away, thankful when the elevator doors opened. I stepped inside, hit the button for the top floor, and moved to the back of the lift, leaning against the wall. The man followed, about to press the same button, until he noticed it was already lit. He gave me a polite smile and a nod before leaning against the side wall.

I could feel his eyes on me. His presence was undeniable, but I didn't know who he was. Given that he was headed to my floor, though, I assumed he must know Hunter.

I returned a small smile, but turned my attention back to the flashing numbers as we ascended.

Suddenly, the lift jolted, and I screamed, my body thrown sideways. The next thing I knew, strong arms were around me, keeping me upright.

The lights flickered, then went out completely, leaving us in darkness.

"Are you okay?" came a deep voice from above me.

"I think so," I managed, pushing against his chest. I wasn't some weak woman who needed rescuing. "I'm fine. You can let go now."

"Sorry." The red emergency light flickered on, casting an eerie glow over his face.

He released me and stepped back to the control panel, pressing the alarm button. "It doesn't look like it's moving anytime soon."

"I can't believe this," I muttered, more to myself than to him. Just what I needed today.

"Claustrophobic?"

"No," I replied, because I wasn't.

He smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "So, what's the problem? Stuck in a lift with me too much to handle?"

I rolled my eyes. "You have an inflated sense of importance, you know that?"

The phone in the lift rang, making me jump. The man opened the small box below the control panel, lifting the receiver to his ear. "Yeah... it stopped... Emergency lights came on... There's just two of us... Okay, thanks." He hung up.

"Did they give you an idea of how long we'll be stuck here?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.

He shook his head. "Only that they've sent a crew to fix it."

I pulled out my phone, checking for a signal. Of course, none. "Shit," I muttered under my breath, shoving it back into my bag.

I eyed the camera in the corner of the lift. Someone could inform Hunter we were in here.

"Do you think we should try to get out ourselves?" I asked.

"No. I think we should wait. Hopefully, it won't be long," he said, his voice calm.

"Rest and don't stress for a few days," I muttered, echoing the doctor's words from this morning. Yeah, right?

"What was that?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"Nothing," I answered, a little embarrassed. "I talk to myself sometimes."

He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "I get it. Feels like you're the only one who knows what's going on sometimes, huh?"

I smiled faintly. There was something oddly comforting about his presence. "I'm Grace, by the way. I work here." I offered my hand, even though it felt strange after the way he had held me just moments ago.

He took my hand with a firm, steady grip, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken just a little. "Nice to meet you, Grace. I'm Max."

"Nice to meet you, Max." The handshake lingered a moment longer than necessary. His grip was warm, reassuring. His eyes held mine, and for the first time in a long while, I felt seen.

"I'm here visiting Hunter. We've known each other for years," Max said after a beat, breaking the silence. "We went to university together."

I looked up at him in surprise. "Really? I didn't meet you at the wedding."

"His wedding? No, I couldn't make it." He glanced at me, thoughtful. "I've met his wife, though."

The mention of Helena made me tense. "Before you say anything, I should let you know... Helena is my sister."

Max's eyebrows lifted slightly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "That must be tough, having your brother-in-law as your boss."

I swallowed hard. "It has its moments." I forced a half-smile. "At least he can't scream at me."

"I'm sure it's more complicated than that," he said quietly, his gaze searching mine. "But hey, I respect your professionalism."

"Thank you," I murmured, trying to steer the conversation away from Helena. I loved my sister, but she had tunnel vision when she wanted something, often disregarding other people's feelings. Like with this baby.

"I don't see the resemblance between you and Helena," Max observed, studying me.

"She's... beautiful?" I offered.

He smiled. "No, I was going to say flashy. Don't get me wrong, she's beautiful," he eyed me taking in my face. "but I'm attracted to a more subtle beauty."

Heat flooded my cheeks. His words lingered, and for the first time in a long while, I felt... noticed.

Max's next words brought me back to the present.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you," he said. "But I'd be an idiot not to say something while I have your undivided attention."

"You didn't. I'm just not used to men..." I hesitated. "Helena has always been more social than me."

"That has no appeal for me." He grinned. "In fact, will you have dinner with me tonight?"