Chapter 19

Amaris POV:

He extended his hand and we shook it. I was trying to play it cool despite the fact that my heart was racing like a jackrabbit. Looking over at Mia, I was pretty sure she was having the same reaction as me.

I managed to stammer out a greeting, my voice barely above a whisper. "Great to meet you too" I trailed off, my eyes locked on Kian Beck's, searching for answers, while Mia took on smiling like that was what she was born to do. "Wait, you said it's great to meet us in person... Have you heard about us before?" I asked, my confusion and apprehension evident in my tone. My mind raced with questions - how did he know us? What did he want from us? Mia's smile had faltered, her eyebrows knitting together in a suspicious furrow, mirroring my own concerns. We exchanged a wary glance, our unspoken questions hanging in the air like a challenge, as we waited for Kian Beck's response.

He let out a warm, gentle laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Relax, I'm not here to harm you," he assured us, his voice dripping with kindness. "Your boss, Caleb - my good friend - filled me in on your situation. He told me about your ordeal, your kidnapping, and your housing situation" he said, his expression softening. "And when he refused to lend a helping hand, I saw an opportunity to step in and play the hero." He flashed us a charming smile, his teeth gleaming in the light. "After all, someone's got to be the gentleman around here."

"I'll leave you both in the capable hands of this lovely lady," he said, gesturing to a stunning woman who approached us with grace and poise. She was impeccably dressed in a sleek, high-end business suit that made my usual work attire look like casual Friday wear. Her presence exuded confidence and professionalism, and I couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by her polished demeanor. "She'll take care of you," Kian Beck assured us, his smile warm and reassuring, before turning to leave, leaving us in the hands of this formidable woman.

She wore a navy blue dress that fell just below her knees, its straight silhouette accentuated by a subtle brooch on her left breast. Her black pumps added a touch of elegance, while her moderate makeup and understated hairstyle - a sleek blonde bob - contributed to her overall polished yet understated appearance. The only pops of color came from her bold red lipstick and her bright blue eyes, which sparkled with intelligence and warmth. While some might call her a 'plain Jane,' her refined features and poised demeanor exuded a quiet confidence and sophistication that commanded attention.

"Hello, I'm Kate Hudgens," she said with a warm smile, extending her hand in a graceful gesture. Her British accent added a touch of refinement to her introduction, instantly elevating her poise and sophistication in my eyes. "Please, follow me," she invited, her eyes sparkling with warmth as she gestured towards the elevator with a sleek, manicured hand. "I'd be delighted to show you our available suites." Her smile was radiant, putting me at ease as I shook her hand, feeling a sense of trust and confidence in her expertise. With a nod, I followed her towards the elevator, curious about what luxurious surprises lay ahead.

As we followed Kate to the elevator, Mia and I couldn't contain our excitement, our hands instinctively finding each other's like two schoolgirls sharing a secret. We exchanged a giddy glance, our eyes sparkling with anticipation, and struggled to stifle our giggles, our grins threatening to burst forth at any moment. The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside, our hands still clasped together, our hearts racing with the thrill of the unknown, like two kids on Christmas morning.

"I must confess, I don't usually go out of my way for just anyone," Kate said with a hint of mischief in her voice, "but there's something about you two that sets you apart from the usual entitled asses I've had to deal with. So, I'm going to give you a special treat. I'll take you to the penthouse suite first - and don't worry, it's not as pricey as it looks. Plus, you've already got discounts lined up." She leaned in, her voice dropping to a whisper as if she feared being overheard, even in the privacy of the moving elevator. "Consider it a little perk, just for being so... endearing." Her eyes sparkled with warmth.

"Okay, I like you already!" I exclaimed, my enthusiasm bubbling over. "Staying in a penthouse suite has always been a pipe dream for me, something I never thought I'd get to experience. But now, here I am, and I'm seizing the opportunity with both hands!" I beamed at Kate, my excitement evident in my voice and gestures. "This is a dream come true, and I can't thank you enough for making it happen!".

"You mentioned we have a discount - what's the story behind that?" Mia asked, her grin still plastered on her face, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Hey, we've got a discount, okay? Just roll with it!" I said with a playful eye-roll, my tone mock-stern but my smile betraying my amusement. Mia's grin only grew wider, and Kate chuckled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Our laughter echoed through the elevator, a joyful, carefree sound that lightened the mood even further.

"It's because you work for Caleb, Mr. Beck's closest friend". Her eyes sparkled with glee. "In that case, consider this a perk of being part of Caleb's circle. You're getting the VIP treatment, courtesy of Kian Beck's goodwill."

"I like the treatment!" I replied with a warm smile, my eyes crinkling at the corners. "And I think we're going to get along just fine, don't you?" I said, my tone light and playful.

As the elevator doors opened on the 30th floor, Kate led us to a suite that left me awestruck. My jaw dropped in wonder, my eyes scanning the lavish space in disbelief