Everyone in the room froze at the mention of his name.

"I'm sorry Alexa, could you please repeat that. Who is here to see me?"

"Mr. River Pearson. He says he has an appointment with you. Shall I send him straight up sir?" She responded.

Joshua's eyes slid over to me before confirming with Alexa that she could send him up.

"Go to your room and don't come out until we say so."

"I'll go with her." Elliot offered.

"No you have to stay here or he'll ask too many questions. Go Amira."

I stared at him before walking back to my room. As soon as I had shut the door, the doorbell had sounded. I stayed at the door, straining to listen.

The sound of footsteps returning from the main entrance caused me to press my ear further against the door.

"Joshua Collins."

"River Pearson." Joshua said with utter disgust.

"Oh relax, I'm not here to cause any trouble so tell your pack dogs to chill. May I sit?" He asked.

I didn't hear a response so he must have sat down anyways.

"What do you want Pearson?"

I could tell without looking at him that he was smiling. "What? I can't come visit my friend and talk with him? I'm hurt J, I thought-"

"Don't call me J you asshole. Now unless you give me a good reason, tell me why I shouldn't kill you right here, right now."

River laughed. "Oh even you're not stupid. You can't kill me and you know it, in fact you haven't even been able to even touch me in fifteen years. Quiet sad actually."

"Cut the crap and tell us what the hell you want." Ron said.

"I came to propose a deal."

There was silence before Johnathan spoke.

"What deal?"

"A company merger."

All the guys burst out laughing at that.

"You have finally lost it, haven't you? Why the hell would we ever merge the company with the likes of you?" Johnathan asked.

Now he laughed. "Oh because of Juliet Wilcox of course."

I froze when he said my name, well my undercover name.

"What about her?" Joshua said sounding mad.

"I know you tried to get associated with her. Sadly it didn't work. I'm here to offer a do over."

"A do over?" Joshua asked.

"Yes. Recently I have began affiliating with her, well actually dating would be more accurate."

"Poor girl." Lucas muttered.

"Look Collins, I'm not here to fight. You are missing a big opportunity by not doing whatever it takes to associate with her and her company. She stays in your hotel and you still do nothing."

"How do you know she's staying here?" Ron questioned.

"She told me." He answered simply.

I hadn't. In fact, the only time he saw me here was the day we first met. But the guys didn't know what I knew. That the sneaky bastard had snuck into the room I booked one night. He had gone straight to the bedroom to look for me. I was watching the entire thing on my laptop from the security cameras I set up in the room. He had cursed and punched the bed when he didn't find me. He had left soon after going through some my things. I had also thought to put some clothes and accessories in there.

Just thinking about it had made my skin crawl and fuelled my anger. I knew he would try the same thing he had done to Elena on me and thus had taken precautions.

"But that's besides the point."

The sound of his voice broke me out of my thoughts and I turned my attention back to the conversation.

"I'm willing to talk to Juliet about a merger but you'll have to agree to my terms and conditions."

"Are you fucking out-"

Whatever Ron was going to say got cut off.

"What are they?" Joshua asked in a rather calm voice.

"I knew you were the smart one Collins," River said with a smile in his voice,"I'll have my secretary send a contract outlining them. But I will tell you the most important one right now. You will hand over seventy five percent of your shares to me."

I don't know what Joshua's reaction or response was but I has shocked at his ridiculous request. Did he really think Joshua would hand over that large of a share to him? If he did, this guy is more delusional than I thought.

I went to my desk to pull a file containing information about his company. While pulling the file, I accidentally knocked over my stack of pens.

"What was that? You have someone hiding in there?" River asked.

Cursing silently, I bent down to quickly pick up the pens. I gathered most of them and quickly shoved them back into the holder.

"Get the hell away from the door Pearson." Joshua said.

I shoved the papers and files into the desk before heading to the balcony. I quietly shut the door behind me. I quickly climbed onto the ledge and jumped onto Joshua's balcony. Hoping his balcony door wasn't locked, I twisted the knob. To my utter relief it wasn't and I hastily pulled it open.

Mindful of my steps, I tiptoed over to the wall connecting to my room and pressed my ear against it.

"Who's room is this?" River asked.

"None of your business." Joshua replied back.

"Finally got a girlfriend did you?" River asked cheekily.

"Fuck off." Joshua spat.

River laughed and walked out. I breathed a sigh of relief but it got caught in my throat when I heard his doorknob jiggle.

"Is this your room then? Side by side with your sweetheart."

I quickly ducked into the room closest to me, which was the closet.

"Hey moron, this isn't a fucking house tour. Get out."

I heard shuffling before the door to the bedroom was slammed shut. Not taking any chances, I stayed in the closet.

After about 15 minutes, the door to the bedroom opened again. I heard Joshua cursing on the other side and him moving around. I knew I should have made my presence known but I couldn't get my feet to move.

Suddenly the door burst open and I got into a fighting stance and punched the person in from of me. However before I could hand a blow, the person grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. I landed against a hard chest.

"Easy princess, it's only me."

I looked up at Joshua was was smirking down at me.

"What are you doing in here?"

It took me a few moments to find my voice. "Hiding in case Pearson found me."

"Why didn't you hide in your closet or bathroom?"

I opened my mouth to speak but stopped when I realized I had no explanation. Why hadn't I done that?

"I just wanted to be on the safe side. Now if you let me go, I'll leave."

"You're a good fighter." He said.

"What?" I asked.

"I said you're a good fighter. Have long have you been practicing?" He asked.

"Five months." I replied.

His eyes widened slightly. "You became that good in only five months?"

"I had the motivation."

"I see..." he drifted off as he looked at me.

I then realized we were still in the same position and tried to wiggle free. He became aware I was trying to get free and let me go. As he stepped back, I realized he was shirtless.

But for once, my cheeks didn't heat up. I was too focused on the bullet mark. He followed my line of sight and quickly grabbed a shirt of a hanger and put it on.

"Get out now."

I hightailed it out of there and back to my room.

I went to the bathroom and grabbed some cleaning supplies. I scrubbed down any surface that River might have touched.

Once I was done, I washed my hands and went to the kitchen for some dinner. The guys were there eating some noodles from take out. I shook my head and went to make something to eat. I made some crispy garlic roasted potatoes and when I set it on the table to eat, the guys pushed aside their noodles and dug into my plate. Before I could even say anything, all the food was gone.

I stared down at my empty plate. Sighing, I got up to put it away. The guys had all left so I cleaned up after them. As I was taking their plates back, I saw Joshua was now in the kitchen cooking.

He was cooking what looked to be spicy potato wedges and burritos for himself.

"Sit down." He said as I was about to leave.

"What?" I asked confused.

"I said sit down, it will be ready soon. I know those idiots ate all your food. So sit down already." He gestured to the stool with his spoon.

I contemplated leaving but my growling stomach pushed me to take a seat at the counter.

"I should hire you as a personal chef since you're always cooking for me."

"Please you couldn't afford me," he said as he stuffed a tortilla with refined beans.

"So, what did you say to Pearson about his offer?"

Joshua placed the wedges into the oven and then leaned against the counter. "I told him to shove that deal where the sun don't shine."

"Charming. Do you think he saw me or knew that I was here?" I asked.

"No, you hid pretty well." He winked at me.

"He messaged me this afternoon, says he wants me to accompany him on some business trip that will last a week."

"What did you say?" He asked.

"I haven't replied back yet."

He stared down at the wedges to check on them.

When he looked back at me, I could tell what he had decided.

"We'll go."

"It's in Maldives."

"Perfect, I have a hotel there."

"You have a hotel everywhere." I replied back.

"True." He said as the timer dinged. He put on some oven mitts and pulled out the wedges. The smell hit my house causing my stomach to growl louder.

He put a burrito and wedges on a plate and handed it to me. I dug in as soon as he put it in front of me.

As we were eating, he asked me how long the trip would be.

"He mentioned in his text, it would be about a week."

"That means we'll be back in time for Christmas."

I nodded and continued eating. We finished up and I offered to clean but he said he got it.

I went back to my room and texted River back that I'm up for the trip. He replied immediately that the plane leaves tomorrow afternoon.

I gathered everyone in the office and told them the plans.

"I already called the hotel and they are cleaning up the room as we speak." Joshua told us.

"Our surveillance equipment?" Lucas asked.

"We'll take our jet so I won't be a problem."

"You'll love our plane A, it's amazing." Elliot said to me.

"I'm sure I would but I have to take the plane with Pearson." I said sadly.

"Wait, how can you take a plane with him? Juliet Wilcox doesn't have a passport, remember." Johnathan said.

"Amira, you'll come with us. Tell Pearson that you have some work to finish up and will take the next flight."

I nodded at Joshua and sent the text to Pearson.

"He said okay, he'll meet me when I get there."

He nodded his head and told everyone to pack and meet back in an hour.

"Amira."

I stopped when I heard Joshua call my name.

"You're going to have reduce contact with us there. This will reduce chances of being caught."

"I know, I don't want to take any risks either. I'll meet you in an hour."

I walked back to my room and started packing. When everything was put away in my suitcase, I put my wig and contacts in my carry on.

I put on some black jeans, a mint green sweater and my jacket before leaving. It was summer in Maldives so I figured I'd change on the plane.

I was the first one there when I got to the office so I started reading one of the books I packed for the trip. I had just gotten into the book when the guys came running in.

"No you idiot, you can't take three suitcases. We're only going for a week, how many clothes do you need?" Elliot yelled at Lucas.

"Hey I want to look good, there are lots of hot girls there."

"Yeah and they're all just waiting for you right? Look even Amira has only had one suitcase and a carry on." Elliot said pointing to me and my two bag.

"Well Amira's hot, she can wear a pig costume and still look like a model."

"So what you're saying is that you're ugly and need good clothes to look attractive?"

Lucas glared at Elliot before jumping on him and wrestling with him.

I looked at Ron and Johnathan who were looking at their friends with a look of utter shame.

"Enough." Joshua said as he walked in.

Lucas and Elliot stood up before punching each other one last time.

"Alright the jet is waiting for us at the runway. The equipment is packed and waiting for us in the car. We'll set up once we get there. Elliot, Lucas if you don't stop punching each other, you will stay behind."

I looked at them and they smiled sheepishly.

I smiled a little and grabbed my bags to leave. Though I almost jumped out of the car after Lucas and Elliot turned on the music and jammed to Shape of you on repeat. I love that song but they have now ruined it with their off tune singing.

"I'm never riding with you too ever again." I said as I ran out of the car.

"I told you guys you're singing sucks."

"Fuck off Johnathan." Lucas and Elliot said at the same time.

Ron and Joshua were already heading into the jet. It has a large black Gulfstream G650. When I got inside, I was awestruck by its beauty. The entire interior was beige. It was filled with beige couches and recliners all pushed against one side and a large tv and bar on the opposite side. The door at the back held about five bedrooms and one bathroom.

"I'll take the couch. Amira you have my room."

I thanked Johnathan but said I don't mind the couch.

"Please, I can't let a girl sleep on the couch when there are bedrooms on board."

"Really, its fine. I'm not that tired anyways."

"Amira, please just-"

"Johnathan, relax. She wants the couch, don't force her." Joshua told Johnathan.

Johnathan just nodded and all of them went off to the bedrooms to sleep.

"You can use the bathroom first." Joshua told me

"I planned on it." I said as I grabbed my carry on and went to shower. I changed into a large t-shirt that I had stolen from Cameron and walked back out.

I sat on the couch and played with the hem of the shirt. It still smelled a little like Cameron. I wondered what he was up to. I could call and ask but I never allowed myself that luxury. I knew talking to him what make me break down and I couldn't do that until this was over. I turned on the TV to distract myself and laid down to rest.

Around 3 a.m., Joshua walked out and sat down on the recliner beside me.

"Can't sleep?" I asked without taking my eyes off the TV.

"Nah, just really love your company."

I snorted. I wondered if he ever wondered just how un-ladylike I could be. But then again, what did I care?

"What movie is this even?"

"Not a movie, it's a show. Supernatural."

"Supernatural?" He asked confused.

I sat up in my seat slowly. "You don't know supernatural?"

He smiled a little and shook his head.

"Wow, you're life sucks. Okay, we're having a Supernatural marathon."

He stared at me like I was crazy but came to sit beside me nonetheless.

About seven hours later, we had got through about one entire season. It would be more if he didn't stop to ask so many stupid questions.

"But like why a Chevy impala?" He asked for the hundredth time.

"Because it's easier to hide a body in the trunk, that's why."

"That's a completely stupid reason to have a car."

"Shut up and watch." I said through gritted teeth.

The guys started coming out from their rooms, showered and ready to go about an hour from landing.

"For two people who hate each other, you sure do spend many nights together." Ron said as he walked in.

It occurred to us at the exact same moment that we were now sitting side my side, almost as if we were cuddling.

I scooted away and stood up. Joshua looked at me with a strange expression.

"I'm going to go get ready before we land."

"Um okay, we'll be waiting for you." Elliot said as I walked past him.

Once in the bathroom, I leaned against the sink and calmed my breathing.

What was wrong with me? Why do I care what they think we were doing? It's not like we were doing anything wrong, we were just watching TV.

Shaking my head of these thoughts, I took a long hot shower. I changed into some pink silk shorts that had black lace lining around the hem and a black spaghetti strap lace cami top.

By the time I got out, the jet had already landed. I slipped on a pair of black gladiator sandals before meeting the guys outside.

"Wow." Lucas said once I got close enough.

"Excuse me?"

"I said wow. You look so hot."

I looked down at my outfit. "Hot? I was just going for what I thought looked good and comfortable."

"Well you look unbelievably hot. I mean look, all the guys are staring at you." Lucas gestured to the area around us.

I looked around and sure enough, they were. I suddenly felt self conscious and unknowingly moved closer to Joshua. He looked at me before telling the guys to get the car. I was still looking around when I felt him grab my hand.

I looked down at our joined hands before back up at him. However he was busy staring down a guy that was openly gawking. He tugged on my hand, pulling me away to the awaiting car.

The other guys were in one car so that left me and Joshua in the other. I let go of his hand as soon as we got to the car.

He walked around and got into the car. The ride to his hotel was fairly short but that may have been because I was too busy gawking at the beautiful sites. The beating sun, palm trees, clear blue waters and the beaches. All were amazing.

Although in comparison to his hotel, they all fell flat. The water villas spanned the entire beach. There were hammocks and even swings set in the shallow waters. The villas were all stocked with huge beds, TVs, sofas and a small kitchen. They led out to a pool and dining area.

We got one of the biggest villa that had rooms which were styled as the ones back in his penthouse. We all picked a room and spent the rest of the day unpacking and setting up the equipment.

Around 6 p.m., we all met up in the living room and went out for dinner. They showed me various sites, including where the sea of stars was located. I made a note to go there when it was darker so I could see it.

They chose some beachside continental buffet restaurant. The guys picked about everything they saw. I settled with some noodles as I wasn't particularly hungry. I told Elliot I would find a table for us. He nodded with a face full of food.

I found a table overlooking the beach and sat down. I was playing with my food when a guy sat down across from me.

"Hello beautiful lady." The guy said in a thick Dhivehi accent. He appeared to be in his late 20's and had light brown eyes and hair. He was dressed in a red shirt that was open to flaunt his abs. I internally rolled my eyes and went back to my food.

"The shy and quiet types I see. A beautiful girl such as yourself shouldn't be eating by herself." He said to me.

"Don't worry, she isn't."

I looked up at the sound of Joshua's voice. He sat down right beside me and continued to glare at the man.

"Oh, you two are together?"

"No," I said before Joshua could respond, "we are not together."

He grinned happily. "Then would you like to accompany me a date tomorrow night?"

"She's busy." Joshua said for me.

I glared at him. "Don't dictate my life."

"Shut it princess."