Grace's POV
"Which bastard dared to make you cry?"
My jaw practically hit the floor the moment those words spilled from his mouth.
Whatever happened to a simple "Hello?" or "Who are you?" Wasn't that the normal way to greet a complete stranger?
Hell, I wouldn't have batted an eye if this guy had started hurling insults at me right off the bat—he already looked plastered.
'Maybe he's just babbling drunk nonsense?' I wondered briefly, then dismissed the thought. 'No way. He's wasted, but not completely gone.'
An uncomfortable silence stretched between us. The stranger didn't seem bothered in the slightest. He casually lifted his hand and drained what was left of the bourbon bottle.
When he discovered it was empty, he carelessly threw it onto the carpet beneath his feet and began scanning the room for more alcohol.
He made a disapproving sound with his tongue. "Damn, should've grabbed more bottles."
His eyes snapped back to me, still hovering uncertainly by the doorway. They lit up when he spotted the wine bottle clutched in my hand. "Perfect timing! Did you bring that for me? You're an angel!"
I quickly shoved the wine back into my bag, holding it like a shield. This was my personal stash, and I had zero interest in sharing it with some random drunk.
The stranger laughed at my defensive reaction. "How selfish. I'll pay you for it if that's what you want."
I scowled. This man was acting way too familiar. We were complete strangers! "You do realize this is private property, right? How the hell did you even get inside?"
The stranger flashed a ridiculous grin and reached into his jacket pocket.
"Obviously, I've got this," he said smugly, waving a set of keys in front of my face.
I examined the keychain closely. "Those are executive office keys. Who exactly are you? What's your name, and how did you get those?"
"Hmm?" His grin turned wickedly playful.
He seemed to be enjoying himself, especially after apparently figuring out who I was. "That's fascinating," he replied with obvious mischief, his smile turning almost predatory as he continued studying me with amusement. "Why don't you tell me when you figure out my identity?"
"Are you serious—" My head was beginning to throb. I'd already endured a nightmare of a day and an even worse evening. Now I was stuck dealing with some cocky drunk who apparently thought this was all a game.
"Either you leave voluntarily, or I'm calling security to have you removed for breaking and entering," I stated coldly. "I don't have the patience for your games tonight."
"Whoa, easy there," the man chuckled while patting the cushion beside him. "Come sit with me and unwind. We can crack open those bottles of yours."
"Do I look stupid to you?" I snapped. "We're total strangers. Stop pretending like we're friends."
"Really?" The man seemed even more entertained by my outburst. His stare grew more intense, and I suddenly felt like he was tracking my every tiny movement like a predator watching its prey. "I think you're the one who doesn't recognize me."
I felt my nerves spike under his penetrating gaze. I set down my bag of wine and fumbled for my phone instead.
"I'm calling security right now!" I warned.
"I really wouldn't recommend that," the man said, completely unbothered by my threat. "You'll be the one getting escorted out, not me. Wouldn't that be mortifying?"
The stranger's outrageous confidence—complete with a taunting raised eyebrow—left me stunned.
The self-assurance he radiated, even half-drunk, was making me second-guess myself. The possibility of being arrested by security didn't faze him at all! Plus, he obviously had legitimate access to the CEO's office since there were no signs of forced entry.
He definitely wasn't some ordinary guy.
"You—who are you exactly? Did corporate send you?" I demanded.
"Possibly."
"Or are you some new hire I haven't met?"
"That's also a possibility, haha."
I was reaching my breaking point. My instincts screamed that he was someone significant and that I shouldn't cross him, but I also wasn't in the mood to play nice with anyone tonight.
"Whatever, I'll just find a hotel nearby," I muttered, grabbing my wine bag and heading for the door when the man suddenly said something that froze me in place. "That's unfortunate, Grace Preston. You look like you could use some comfort."
"Did—did you just..."
"Say your name? Absolutely. So you can't claim we're strangers anymore. Because I know exactly who you are. I know you very well, Gracie."