I ordered room service for breakfast trying not to wake up Rose until the room service arrived. The tray of food was left outside because of my 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door. Quietly wheeling it to the side of the bed before getting in bed with her again. "Rise and shine, sleepy head." I said under my breath making her groan softly.

"I hope you're hungry." I smiled making me move away as she sat up from the bed. She smiled brightly making me look up at her in excitement before she stumbled towards the tray. Rose sat on the bed eating her waffles and fruit as I continued to lay on the bed watching her in deep thought. Rose was the only thing keeping me sane and happy even if I had to fake most of it around her. I was glad to finally be having quality time together though I wish under better circumstances. Ignoring the fact, we could be caught any day if I'm not careful.

Snapping from my thoughts wanting to hurry and eat breakfast and continue driving. We got dressed grabbing my wallet and bags to leave. We took a cab to a dealership making her smile in excitement as we walked past all the cars. "Good morning, how can I help you?" A young man ask smirking at me as he approached us until he noticed Rose.

"I'm looking for your safest car." I burned holes into him as he hesitantly looked between Rose and me.

Nathan's POV

Since Genevieve left, I've been at home sulking unable to think about anything other than her unable to get any of my work done. I haven't been able to sleep, work or anything else for that matter I drank staring into my fireplace knowing it was late seeing the city lights shine under the night sky through the windows. All I've been doing was thinking about Genevieve and blaming myself for everything happening around me.

Resulting in my father's nonstop calls to wonder where I've been and why I wasn't in the office for the past few days. He has started to notice my recent disinterest in the company lately. As I slowly began to fall for Genevieve, I began to see all of the reasons why my brother, Lee left. My father has made it his mission for me to take his place being the heir to it all.

"Nathan?" Valerie asked snapping me from my thoughts. I looked at her in standing in the doorway before she walked inside of the living room. "What are you doing awake? It's midnight. " She said making me look away. "Can't sleep." I mumbled before putting my glass of whiskey to my lips. I glared at her as Valerie sat down beside me.

She took the bottle off the coffee table and took a large swig of it catching me off guard. I just looked away finishing my glass and taking the bottle away from her. "Is this about dad?" Valerie asked wiping the corners of her mouth making me ignore her continuing to stare into the fire. "Or Carmen?" She asked in a sing-song voice making me turn my head to her quickly.

"What?" I asked making her shrug. "I've noticed a change in you since she became your assistant. I assumed you two were sleeping together." Valerie answered bluntly. "I'm the same." I stated making her hum in reply. "Really? Because my brother a month ago wouldn't be sulking in the dark depressed when dad just handed you what you've been working towards since we were in middle school." Valerie stated matter-of-factly still showing disinterest.

"I've never wanted this, Valerie. This was pushed onto me since he left." I replied making her hum again taking a swig of the bottle. We sat in silence before I finally said what was on my mind. "I was wrong about Lee." I confessed taking a large sip of my glass.

"What? How long have you felt this way?" She asked wide eyed turning her body to me. "Awhile." I answered. "Ohh," She dragged out softly. "And you're sure it's not about Carmen?" Valerie smiled making me sigh annoyed.

"I'm sorry you're upset." She said after silence as I refused to answer. "Do you want to talk about it?" Valerie asked making me look at her for a second before looking away to grab the bottle from her hands. I debated on telling her for a moment.

"I like her. But she left." I said finally making her frown sitting up from the couch. "She left? Already? She still had a few more weeks until New Year's." She said quickly. "Yeah. There was a family emergency." I lied as I felt her walk up behind me as I leaned against the fireplace.

"I knew you liked her. You're such a softie at heart." She teased softly leaning against me wrapping her arms around my toned torso. I let out a fake groan though she has always been the one to see through my toughness unlike anyone else. Until Genevieve came along. "Just go find her and tell her how you feel." Valerie said as she continued to lean her head against me as we continued to watched the flickering flames.

"I don't know where she is." I said dripping annoyance pulling away already thinking of that a while ago. "Ask Lee." She replied making me sigh. "I already asked him for a favor a few days ago. I don't want to bother him even more than I already have." I said slowly giving up hope.

And I wasn't worried about anyone else coming to assassinate me away from my work. No one but my family knew where I lived because of my work. "How long are you going to be living with me? I'd rather sulk by myself." I said coldly making her smile rolling her eyes.

"Don't you think me being here is fun?" She asked sarcastically. "It's just like when you were in college, and I would always visit you in your dorm room. And we'd hang out and have sleepovers-" Valerie smiled making me finally look at her. "Right, and Ben being my roommate had nothing to do with it?" I replied making her look away at the mention of her ex.

"I'll just be here until I find another apartment. I didn't want to be in that house alone after I kicked him out. And I haven't lived alone before. I'm not exactly thrilled about this situation either." She laughed dryly making me smile weakly. "And I'm not staying with mom and dad. I'd rather get back with Ben." She joked sitting back down making me chuckle. "Stay as long as you want, Val." I said genuinely making her give me a weak smile.

"We both need sleep." I stated putting the fire out, reaching my hand out for her to take making her smile. I turned the lamp off before we walked upstairs. "Good night, Nate." Valerie said stumbling into each other's separate rooms.

I went to bed with Genevieve on my mind. Just like every other night.

"Good morning. Any plans tonight?" Tim asked as I walked into his office making me look down on the ground where Genevieve killed that man. Max did a good job. "Uh, no. Probably not." I answered as we walked out of his office walking through the busy floor as everyone avoided us.

"Oh, come on. I'm sure Hannah would like to do something on New Year's eve. Or any other girl that you've been seeing." He said making me hum in reply. Ignoring the unfamiliar pain, I felt not seeing Genevieve at her usual desk before walking inside my office as he followed.

I knew how everyone perceived me as a player who slept around with every woman, I found attractive. Which was mostly true. But since I met Genevieve that had changed. "Where's your secretary?" Tim asked making me shrug nonchalantly hiding how I really felt. "She had to leave early." Was all I said as I put my things away making him frown shoving his hands in his pockets.

"That's a shame. She sure was nice to look at." He laughed making me look up at him in annoyance as he walked out of my office.

I sighed heavily sitting down at my desk, reading some of the papers on my desk. As I sat down in exhaustion, I realized I still had the papers about Genevieve and her work on my desk. I knew there must've been something to get her out of this without being on the run for the rest of her life. I couldn't let this happen to her without trying to help in any way I could.

Not after Genevieve has now risked her life and put her life on the line to spare mine.

Three Months Later

"Do I need to come in there and make you get up?" I asked in a slightly threatening voice knowing if Rose didn't get up soon, we would be late. Hearing her softly groan from the bathroom as I got ready. I walked into her bedroom before turning on all the lights, walking towards her bed.

Rose groaned again holding onto her blankets in protest. "Come on, baby. I had to do a lot to get you into this school." I said to her remembering how difficult it was to get her into her safe all-girls school. "I don't like it there, mommy." She whined sadly looking up at me with her light brown doe eyes.

"Nobody likes their new school at first, honey. I promise it'll get better. I'll make you your favorite dinner tonight." I negotiated. "And dessert." I finished making think for a moment before a smile grew as she quickly got out of bed. Leaving her bedroom as she got ready making me do the same. Stepping out of my pajamas as I got changed into a cute short floral dress with a slit in the leg and a white cardigan.

I drove Rose to school before pulling up to the school. "I love you, honey. Have a good day." I smiled nervously as she left the car and walked up to the school doors. Never tearing my eyes away from her not wanting to leave until I saw her enter the double doors with the crowds of other children. It felt like my heart was ripped out of my chest being so far away from her for hours out of the day until the car behind me honked.

I continued to drive to the library I've been working at to keep up appearances within the small town. I had decided a few weeks ago to cut some loose bangs and lighten my hair to a lighter brown previous to my dark. It wasn't too drastic, but it was different than what I've been used to for years. I was beginning to grow tired of the itchy black wig.

"Good morning, Sarah." Jessica said as I walked into the store. "Any customers yet?" I teased knowing we hardly ever got people coming into rent books. "Not yet but I still have hope." She smiled making me chuckle.

Walking towards the computer to clock in and start work for the day remembering Eve and I having to leave my only friend I've had probably ever. Jessica and I were friends, but I had missed Eve and her conversations about her family and pets. She was the only person who wanted to get to know me and actually be my friend. And I felt horrible leaving without saying goodbye. I could only imagine what Nathan has told the whole office about me and what rumors were being spread.

Pushing those feelings aside knowing there was no point in thinking about it. I was never going to see any of them ever again anyways.

"How's your daughter, Rose?" She asked as I put away the new books that were donated. I had to keep her name the same, I couldn't begin to try to explain to her why we couldn't call her Rose anymore. I didn't want to put her through that confusion, and I had only hoped changing her last name was enough. "Still not used to her new school." I smiled still hesitant to get close to anyone and share things about my life.

A few hours had passed after I had taken my break making me excited to see Rose soon. "I told you we'd get a customer." Jessica said excited hearing the bell on the door ring. I laughed lightly as she rushed over to greet then.

"There's no one here by that name." Jessica said as I stood between the bookcases making me smile. Looking through the gap in the books watching Jessica and the man talking from afar. "Let me guess you just need directions." I chuckled walking around the bookcase looking up from the books in my hand.

I looked up as they turned around. My amused expression immediately wiped away morphing into fear seeing Nathan standing before me.

Tearing my eyes away from Nathan's soft features staring down at me. Looking behind him at Jessica as she mouthed "Hot." as Nathan never took his eyes off me. "I-I have to go. I need to pick Rose up." I mumbled quickly rushing past them grabbing my purse from behind the counter. I left with wide eyes hearing Jessica and Nathan's muffled voices as I still tried to accept what just happened.

"Gen-" Nathan began as I walked struggling to grab my keys. "Don't. Don't call me that." I threatened pointing up at him. Tears trickled in my eyes as I turned around quickly our chests almost touching making him stumble. "You have no idea how difficult it has been to fix what happened. You have no idea what you've done by coming here." I said grabbing my keys as I filled with rage.

"This isn't fixing anything. You hiding and running from your life isn't going to do anything but extend the day until you get caught." Nathan stated. "Oh," I smiled in fake amusement. "Is that why you came to find me? To tell me I'm what? A coward for running?" I scoffed stepping away making him frown looking down at me.

"No, I came because I found a way for you to get out. Your contract-" He began making me walk briskly away towards my car. "Hey! Don't you want to know what I found? Why I've tried so hard to find you?" Nathan beamed following me until he stood in my way to keep me from walking. "No. It doesn't matter." I tried moving around him making him shift in my way again.

"Gen-" He began again. "Do you really think my boss will care?" I looked up at him in utter disbelief that he was so stupidly optimistic. "Care about some legal loophole from a contract I signed eight years ago? All that matters to him is the fact I didn't compete an important assignment. That I let my emotions get in the way. My feelings for you. And now he won't stop until he kills me." I answered making him grow silent.

After a few seconds I continued to walk to my car wishing I parked closer. "It does matter." He said simply making me sigh stopping in place before I contemplated turning around.

"You don't know anything about this, Nathan. This goes beyond crooked businessmen. You should be more worried about yourself. Not some measly inexperienced assistant you had only for a few weeks." I expressed growing frustrated. His features hardened taking few quick strides towards me.

"You were more than that." Nathan stated stern walking towards me. "Why? Because I practically ruined your life?" I scoffed as he stared down at me irritated. "No, you're right." I began making him ease as I took a pause.

"I was a secretary who got your dry cleaning. Who did your note taking, scheduling meetings. Who did your emailing and shopping and lunches and dinners and bought flowers for your girlfriend." I gritted through my teeth failing to hide the emotion in my voice. "And all the while was plotting your death." I finished looking up at him bitterly.

"Then why didn't you?" Nathan asked looking down at me with frustration making me look away. "Because as infuriating as you are... you didn't deserve to die for merely doing your job." I answered calmly looking up at him with remorse.

After a few minutes of looking up at one another I looked down between us before turning around to continue leaving. Taking a step towards me grabbing my hand making me frown turning my head to him again ready to continue protesting. As soon as my eyes met his I saw his face coming towards mine. I left his lips on mine kissing me softly as I let out a soft gasp. Instinctively kissing him back unable to ever resist him.

My hands reached up to his jacket softly pulling him closer. No matter what I said and how much I wanted to push him away I couldn't deny how much I cared for him. How much he gives me comfort and radiates hope and optimism for my future. Our future. But it was so foreign to me I didn't understand any of it. Optimism has never been a privilege of mine.

"We can't." I breathed pulling away. Placing my palm against his warm chest bowing my head between us. "Why didn't you kill me when you had the chance?" Nathan asked looking down. I looked up at him, his thumb brushed against my cheek as he held the side of my face softly. "It felt kind of awkward to since we had sex. Twice." I joked dryly looking up into his dark comforting eyes.

"I still can't come back. I can't come forward and expose him and everything he's done. If I even try, don't you think the same will happen to me? That I'll also be convicted for all the people that I've killed?" I asked moving away from him making him frown. "There candy be that many. Right?" Nathan asked making me look away knowing if he knew the exact number, he'd be afraid of me.

"I've had this job for years and have a different target every few months. I'm sure you can do the math." I said hesitantly looking away hating how I felt around him. There was a long silence making me open my mouth about to speak before he beat me to it.

"You didn't ruin my life." He said making me frown. "I'm sure you're regretting your decision to help me." I smiled amused stepping back when he grabbed my hand again. "Then why would I have come all this way?" Nathan said through a smile making me look away. "There's no point. If I try putting him in jail, I'll risk putting myself in. I can't be away from Rose any longer." I pleaded sadly. "Then what if there was another way?"

We were now driving on our way to Rose's school to pick her up with Nathan. Once I pulled up to the front of the school, I got out of the car seeing her run with a bright smile. "Hi, baby." I said through my smile squatting down to her height to give her a hug as she ran into my arms.

"How was your day?" I asked looking up at her making her shrug. "It was okay." Rose shrugged before I stood to open the door for her. Her eyes widened as a small bright smile formed her face seeing Nathan's familiar face in the passenger seat. "Vegetable belt?" She face lit up sitting inside the car seat making him chuckle nervously still not used to her.

"How long are you going to be here?" I asked hesitantly as I drove us home. "Until this is resolved." Nathan answered. There was another small awkward silence between us before I continued. "I-I have a spare bedroom." I replied looking over at him for a moment making him smile through a low chuckle.

"Go do your homework, honey. I'll start dinner soon." I said as we walked inside our home making me smile loving the crisp salty ocean smell. Nathan looked around in surprise making me look away. Knowing he must be wondering how I could afford such a nice house like this with a beach front. "How did you find me?" I asked as I walked towards him.

"My brother did." Nathan answered looking around making me frown. I still wanted to know more but I let it go. "And you had to fly all the way here just to make sure I was, okay?" I asked making him smile softly as he walked towards me. "Yes. And the fact that I missed you. More than expected." Nathan confessed making me smile up at him as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

"Oh? Nice to know how good I was at my job. I'll tell that to my next employer." I joked making him smile down at me before kissing me softly. "How long are you staying?" Rose beamed full of excitement behind me making me jump away from him. "As long as you want." Nathan answered through a smile as I looked between them hesitantly. Hoping Rose wouldn't get too attached to him.

And silently hoped the same for me.