Jason's hands froze instantly when they encountered the cold, solid steel concealed against Alicia's hip. The warmth of the moment vanished, replaced by a spike of professional caution.
As an Elite Private Security CEO, his senses were tuned to threats, and a concealed weapon in a civilian environment was the definition of an anomaly.
"What is that?" Jason asked, pulling away slightly but keeping his arms loosely around her, his voice low and serious.
Alicia flinched. The abrupt shift in his demeanour felt like a slap. She knew this moment was inevitable, but she had hoped to postpone the confrontation until after the seven days were up.
She pulled back completely, the playful, sensual atmosphere instantly replaced by a hard, military professionalism.
"It's a security measure," she stated simply, moving to the counter and removing the compact 9mm sidearm from its holster. She placed it deliberately on the polished granite, the steel contrasting sharply with the warm colours of Jason's kitchen.
Jason stared at the weapon, then back at her.
"You carry a gun with you?" The question was a blend of shock and professional curiosity.
"Yes," Alicia confirmed, her tone neutral. "I'm not going to use it on you. Just that it's part of me." The words felt inadequate, hollow against the gravity of the weapon lying between them.
Jason ran a hand through his hair, pacing away from the counter and then back. "Alicia, I'm a security professional. I understand the need for protection, but you're a civilian woman—" he stopped himself, catching the flash of defiance in her eyes.
"Why? Why do you need to be armed inside your friend's home, or even here, at mine? We're in Aethel City's most secure districts."
She picked up the wine glass, took a measured sip, and set it down.
"I am always armed. It's ingrained. And I am not entirely a civilian. That's part of the secret I'm keeping."
Jason was fascinated. This was the first true crack in her carefully constructed facade.
"Tell me. What exactly are you?"
"My life is complicated, Jason. I told you I have obligations. This is what those obligations entail. My life is not like the average person's life in Aethel City. That gun is as much a part of my wardrobe as this dress is." She met his gaze directly, challenging him to look past the dress and see the warrior beneath.
"You're a bodyguard?" he guessed, the most logical answer given his line of work.
"I am trained. Highly trained," she confirmed, skirting the truth of her special forces background.
"And if you want to continue this... this trial, you have to accept that I come with my own unique set of security protocols. The gun stays."
Jason smiled slowly, the initial shock giving way to grudging admiration and renewed intrigue.
"You know, for a woman who claimed to be a novice at dating, you set quite a boundary. Most women I know would never admit to carrying a weapon."
"I value honesty, even when it's inconvenient." She picked up the gun and, with practised ease, holstered it discreetly under her dress.
"Sorry," she murmured, a genuine apology for letting her professional life intrude on the personal moment.
"It's fine," Jason replied, his voice softer now.
"Just... give me a heads up next time before I hug you and trigger a security alert." He walked around the counter and hugged her again, deliberately placing his hands high, away from the weapon.
"Now, I need to get back to my actual security job. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Be safe, CEO," she whispered into his shoulder, appreciating his understanding.
Jason left, slightly disgruntled that the romantic climax had been replaced by a weapons briefing, but undeniably more intrigued than ever.
*****
Alicia returned to her own apartment shortly after Jason left. She couldn't wait to talk to Lucy and Kristen; she was buzzing not just from the kiss, but from the successful management of a crisis point.
She placed the conference call. It rang three times before both friends picked up simultaneously, their voices a synchronised shout of anticipation.
"Did you call him the CEO?" Kristen shrieked.
"Forget the CEO! Did he kiss you again?" Lucy demanded, bypassing professional titles for romantic facts.
Alicia let them squabble for a moment, enjoying the chaos.
"Yes, and yes," she finally said, sounding calmer than she felt.
"Oh my God! Details, Alicia! Was it better than the first time? Did you use tongue? Did he get handsy?" Kristen fired the questions like rounds from a machine gun.
"Wait, wait, wait!" Lucy cut in. "You need to walk us through the entire sequence of events. Start with his apartment. Was it gigantic? Did it look like a Playboy's mansion or a proper home?"
Alicia began, detailing the warm, personalised decor of Jason's home, the family photos, the security memorabilia, and the charming kitchen, which felt surprisingly homey for a man who managed billions of Apex in security contracts.
"He's genuine, guys. He's not putting on a show," Alicia admitted, leaning back on her couch, her smile wide.
"Aww, he's a true romantic!" Kristen cooed.
"He's a man, Kristen. Now, tell us about the kiss," Lucy prompted, ever the pragmatist.
"It was... better. He was gentle, but he wasn't hesitant. He took his time," Alicia described, feeling a delightful warmth spread through her chest.
"He stopped it, actually. I think he respects the trial."
"That's a good sign, Alicia. A gentleman," Lucy approved.
"But then," Alicia paused dramatically, "the conversation took a turn."
"What? Did he bring up your work? Did he ask why you're always so private?" Kristen asked, sensing drama.
"He felt the gun."
Silence. Long, heavy silence hung on the line.
"The... the gun?" Lucy whispered, aghast.
"He felt the 9mm when he hugged me from behind by the counter," Alicia explained matter-of-factly.
"He stopped everything. I had to pull it out and place it on the counter."
"Alicia!" Lucy exploded.
"He's a security professional! You practically confessed to him that you're a walking, armed threat! What did you tell him?"
"I told him it was 'part of my security protocol' and that he had to accept it if he wanted to continue," Alicia said, feeling a perverse pride in her boldness.
"You gave the Elite Security CEO an ultimatum about your concealed weapon! You are insane!" Kristen squealed, half-horror, half-impressed.
"What did he say? Did he bolt? Did he call the authorities?" Lucy's voice was sharp with worry.
"He laughed, eventually. He said I set quite a boundary. Then he hugged me again, making sure to avoid the holster," Alicia concluded, chuckling softly.
"He left shortly after that, but he said he'd call tomorrow."
"Day Four is going to be interesting," Kristen declared, sounding like she was rating a season finale.
"Just be careful, Alicia. This game of secrets is getting complicated, and a man like him won't be in the dark forever." Lucy's warning was the only serious note in the conversation.
"I know," Alicia admitted, the weight of her military mission settling back onto her shoulders.
"But for now, it's just four days left."