1 FILE.1

He terrified her.

The tall mysterious man who had just moved in next door to her.

Though she'd catch glimpses of him from time to time, Rosie had never really met him and wished she'd never do. Because the one time she almost did still terrified her up to date. She was leaving for work and as the elevator doors closed on her, his door had suddenly opened. His large frame stepped out in slow motion like one of those thriller films. The lights at the end of the hall flickered then. He was wearing the hood of his black jacket over his head.

And he seemed to have been looking her way.

"So, was he hot?"

Rosie blew out a sigh. "That's not the point, Jenny."

Jenny's laughter drifted over the cubicle wall. "But was he hot?" she repeated.

Pushing her swivel chair back, Rosie looked at her. "I don't know. He always has his jacket hood over his head so I've never really seen his face."

Jenny frowned at her. She was a friend Rosie made at work. "Are you sure your neighbor's really been staring at you? Maybe that's just your wishful thinking. It's been awhile since you last had a boyfriend, hasn't it?"

"It's not just my imagination," Rosie insisted. "It really feels like I'm being watched. It's scary when I think about it. And I'm not looking for a boyfriend right now, Jenny."

"Did you offend him?"

"How could I? I'm so dignified."

"Yeah, right," she snorted. Then, eyebrows furrowed together in a worried manner, she suggested, "Maybe you should call the police."

Rosie shook her head. "I don't know... It's not like he's done anything to me."

"Don't be foolish. At least tell your landlord so he can look into it."

"Fine. I'll think about it."

Her friend gave her a look. "You'll forget. I just know it."

Shrugging, Rosie leaned forward into her cubicle, disappearing from Jenny's view. Then she turned her attention back to sorting out the documents needed for a meeting. Just in time, because their micromanaging supervisor was drifting past their cubicles, eyeing their way. Rosie gave her a small smile. Then she ducked her head back down again.

Rosie was the newest addition to the secretarial office of a large company which manufactured ice cream and frozen yogurt. The company had stores all over the country and the brand could also be found on shelves in supermarkets and convenience stores. Rosie mainly performed clerical work and she was still under a six-month probation period which would be ending next month. It would definitely benefit her a lot if she would stop thinking about scary men who lived next to her and concentrate on doing her job.

Someone knocked lightly on the wall of her cubicle and she looked up.

"It's Friday, Rosie. You want to go and have drinks with me later?" Steven from Accounting asked her.

She smiled awkwardly. She had already heard how this guy liked to hit on new female employees, thinking he was God's holy gift to women. "Sorry, Steven, but I can't. I have something important to do later."

He frowned. "Tomorrow then?"

"I'm going to be busy too. Doing laundry and... stuff," she ended lamely. She gave him what she hoped was an apologetic smile. "I'm really sorry."

Though he looked disappointed, his face cleared when she saw her smile at him. "It's alright. Maybe next time."

"Try never," Jenny muttered when he left. She had pushed her chair back to look at her. "He really won't give up on asking you, will he? Maybe he thinks one day you'll finally give in."

Laughing, Rosie put her hands on her keyboard. "I won't. Don't worry."

"I'm not worried." Jenny slid her chair back into her cubicle. "You're an intelligent girl. I'm sure you can recognize a scumbag when you see one."

She wasn't. And she actually couldn't.

Rosie didn't tell Jenny that though. She would be extremely disappointed if she knew Rosie had dated purely scumbags before.

Rosie was what people would call a very pretty girl. She had long chestnut brown hair and light brown eyes with golden flecks in them. At 5'7", she had fair skin, delicate features and a very slim figure that she owed to yoga and exercise. But she wasn't very smart, only having average grades no matter how much she studied. So instead of heading to university after high school graduation, she chose to go to a community college near her home and took up a secretarial course. And since her family wasn't well-off, she worked part-time in a convenience store while she was getting her certificate.

When she graduated, she immediately applied to different companies in the city with her fingers crossed. Imagine her surprise when a large company that she sent a resume to just for kicks and giggles actually called her in for an interview and hired her thereafter. There were applicants far more promising than her, but it was her who they picked. She stopped wondering about this decision quickly when she saw how much they were going to pay her plus the benefits.

Vowing to be the best employee they would ever employ, Rosie packed up all her things, said goodbye to her parents and younger brother, and moved to the big city.

She could only afford a studio apartment though, and with the help of an old classmate, she moved to an apartment building downtown which was fortunately only one bus ride away from her work. And fortunately, the elevator was in working condition and the unit semi-furnished with a single bed, a small dining table for two, a sofa, a fully equipped kitchenette, a functioning refrigerator, washer, dryer and air conditioning, and a bathroom. Most especially, the rent was just within her budget range and she didn't have to spend a lot on furniture.

Rosie couldn't believe her luck then.

She had found a good job and a good place in a great location to stay. But at the back of her mind, she knew there had to be a catch to her good fortune.

And after a week, she found out what it was.

It was the mysterious man who lived down the hall.

It was almost 7 in the evening. Sitting back in the chair, Rosie stretched the kinks out of her neck and shoulders. She turned her computer off and arranged the files on her desk. Then she stood, hooking the strap of her purse over her shoulder and left the office, waving goodbye at the people who were still hunched over their cubicles, working.

It was a nice night when she stepped outside the building. The cool air was refreshing and the stars in the sky twinkled like glittering dust. Wishing she had worn a coat, she walked swiftly to the bus stop. And after a short ride, she got out and walked two blocks to reach her apartment building.

Placing her bag down on the entry table and her keys in the tray, she stripped off her collared blouse and midi skirt and took a quick shower. Then she changed into a large sweater and leggings, and made her dinner. It was half-way through her meal when she heard the noise. A scratching noise that seemed to come from outside her door.

A cold chill ran up her spine. Grabbing a metal bat from beside her bed, she hefted it up with difficulty over her shoulder and tiptoed to the door. She looked through the peep hole. Nothing. There was no one there.

She frowned. "That's strange. I definitely heard something."

Deciding it was just her imagination, she was about to turn when she heard it again. The scratching noise. And it seemed to be coming from the bottom of her door.

Perhaps it was just a lost cat?

Becoming eager, Rosie propped the bat against the wall and turned the door knob open. She liked cats. She actually had two pet cats back home and cried buckets of tears because she had to leave them behind.

Swinging the door open, a realization belatedly hit her.

They couldn't have pets in the building. That was why she couldn't bring her cats with her.

The door burst open, causing her to stumble backwards and land painfully on her bum. She turned, panic flying through her as she started to scramble up to get her bat. But a hand suddenly grabbed her leg, pulling her backwards. Her last thought before a flash of white struck her head, rendering her unconscious, was of the last slice of cake in her fridge that she was planning to eat after dinner.

Then everything went black.

**********

She was not dead.

That was Rosie's first thought.

Blinking into the pristine white ceiling, she lifted her head up and looked around her surroundings. She was in a hospital bed, she realized with worry. Why was she in the hospital?

The side of her head suddenly ached and she lifted her hand to touch it only to pull her fingers back when she felt a small bump. And it was painful. She racked her brains trying to remember how she got hurt. Then she heard voices outside the door and she laid back down, pretending to be still asleep.

The door opened.

"She's fine. I don't understand why we need to stay." A very irritated male voice was saying.

"It's my fault, Cedric." Another male voice, this time deeper, told his companion. There was a brief pause that almost had her opening her eyes in curiosity. But then the deep voice spoke again. "She wouldn't be in the hospital if it weren't for me."

Another pause, this time longer, then the irritated voice answered, "It's entirely likely that her own clumsiness caused this. I don't see why that's your fault."

Rosie's eyes flew open. "My what?"

The two men in the room turned to look at her. She frantically closed her eyes and pressed her lips together, cursing herself for being so stupid. There was a chuckle then someone got close to her, leaning over her.

"You're awake," the deep voice said.

"No, I'm not," she stupidly replied.

"She's an idiot," the voice belonging to Cedric muttered.

That annoyed Rosie. She opened her eyes and slowly sat up, searching for the man named Cedric. It was easy to tell who was who. Cedric was wearing a scowl on his face.

After the initial surprise of seeing such an attractive man scowling her way, Rosie scowled at him too. "I'm not an idiot. And what do you mean that I caused this?" she demanded, wincing when she felt another flash of pain in the side of her skull.

Cedric crossed his arms and did not answer her. He was wearing a very expensive-looking gray 3-piece suit with a white shirt and matching tie. He was tall with a well-built, toned physique. He had dark brown, almost black hair that was slicked back and forest green eyes. He was quite handsome. Classically handsome.

She thought she detected concern in his eyes. But then he looked pointedly at the other man in the room, ignoring her completely. "See? She's fine and awake. We should go."

"Hello?" she interrupted. "I'm still right here, you jerk."

A muscle jumped in his cheek. "I swear to God, Aiden..."

Rosie twisted her head at the man standing beside her who'd been silently listening to their exchange. Her eyes hit his chest and she craned her neck way, way back to look at his face because he was so tall.

His eyes met hers. Unreadable dark blue eyes.

She thought he might be as handsome as his friend as well, but couldn't really tell because of the thick untamed beard that covered his jaw. He had a larger frame and a more athletic physique than his friend. She couldn't tell what the color of his hair was though, because he was wearing the hood of his black jacket over his head.

Wait.

This man was tall. And he was wearing a black hood.

She blanched.

He was the man who lived down the hall.

"She's gone pale," Cedric observed. "Should we call the doctor on our way out?"

Aiden turned. "Get out, Cedric."

Now Cedric looked worried. "Surely you won't—."

"Out."

Rosie didn't like the sorry look Cedric was giving her before he left. She especially didn't like the fact that he had left her alone with this dark-hooded man.

"Alright." Aiden pulled a chair next to her bed and sat on it. He placed his clasped hands on top of her sheets and leveled his gaze at her. "Let's talk."

"Sure," she muttered.

She jumped when his hand grabbed her fingers that were trying to reach the nurse's button.

And before she could breathe enough air in to scream, he told her, "I'm sorry about last night."

"Wait, what?" She frowned. "That was you?"

He nodded. "I was out with some friends and got pretty wasted last night. I think I probably confused your apartment for mine and forced my way in. The next thing I knew, you were crawling on the floor away from me and the vase you kept on your entry table had toppled over. I tried to pull you away before it hit you but I was too late. I'm sorry."

Rosie stared at him, trying to remember what exactly happened, trying to assure herself that she wasn't that stupid. But her headache wasn't letting her. And if he was indeed trying to harm her, why would he bring her to the hospital?

If what he was saying was true, then she truly was an idiot.

How embarrassing. And painful.

"I guess I did jump to conclusions and freaked out," she muttered. "I thought you were a burglar and I just panicked."

She glanced up at him. There was a strange light in his eyes that disappeared when their eyes met again.

"You should probably not drink too much," she suggested. "And your friend is kind of rude."

His lips twitched. "He's always been like that."

"My injury is not that serious, right?" she started to worry and started to bite her nails. Then she yanked them from her mouth. She'd finally managed to break this bad habit back in college and shouldn't let this start again.

"No. It's just a mild concussion. You can even be discharged today if the doctor says so after he comes to check on you."

She sighed in relief. "That's good to hear."

"I'm Aiden, by the way," he said, offering his hand. She gingerly took it.

"I'm Rosie. I, um, live next to you."

He smiled. "Nice to meet you, Rosie. I hope we get along well."

She smiled back. She hoped they did.

She also hoped she wouldn't see him ever again.

**********

"What happened to you?" Jenny asked when Rosie arrived in her cubicle.

Rosie sighed as she put her bag down. "Don't ask."

"What do you mean I shouldn't ask? You weren't here this morning."

"I had a doctor's appointment," she explained and Jenny's eyes widened.

"So it's true. I heard you got into an accident last Friday. I was so worried."

"It's because of my stupidity. I really don't want to talk about it."

Jenny frowned in sympathy. "Well, seeing as you're up and about, you're fine, right?"

Rosie nodded and sat in her cubicle. "I am fine, Jenny. Thanks for worrying but I really am."

"Alright. I have some Ibuprofen here so just tell me if you're in pain or something."

Smiling at her in appreciation, Rosie turned her computer on and examined the stack of files on her desk. She sighed. She was probably going to have to work overtime to finish her missed work.

Rosie was about to start clicking away on her keyboard when their supervisor appeared in the room to tell everyone they were going to have a general meeting. She inwardly groaned. She was definitely going to work overtime that night.

"Come on," Jenny wrapped her arm around hers as they headed to the elevators. "Don't pout. The sooner we get there, the sooner it's over. And by the way, you have to tell me where you buy your clothes."

Rosie glanced down at her long maroon sleeves, ribbed turtleneck and her dark check print pencil skirt paired with tall black heels.

"I just buy whatever's on sale," she told her friend.

Jenny shook her head. "Then you have to let me come with you the next time you go shopping. Because I like the way you dress and I am in dire need of new clothes."

There were already many people in the large assembly hall and Rosie let her eyes wander. All of the secretarial staff were there, the administrative and the accounting divisions as well. In fact, everyone from production, marketing and sales were all here, including the executives. There was nervous tension in the air and the words hostile takeover and layoffs floated around her as well. Rosie began to feel apprehensive. She'd just started this job. If the company was suffering losses, she was sure to be the first to be sent packing. Beside her, Jenny arrived at the same conclusion. The two waited with abated breaths for the meeting to start.

"Excuse me, but are you Rose Ann Conley?"

Rosie grimaced at the mention of her full name and turned. A man wearing a non-descriptive black suit was standing behind her. He had an earpiece and was looking at her expectantly.

She glanced at Jenny. "Yes, I am. May I help you?"

He nodded. "You're to come with me, Miss Conley."

"After the meeting?"

"Now."

She swallowed. "Am I in trouble?" she asked in a tiny voice.

He didn't answer that. "Right this way, please."

Giving a curious Jenny one last look, she followed the man.

They went up the elevators to the top floor of the building where the Executive Offices were. It was her first time stepping foot there and the grandeur of the space, the luxury in the furniture design and the statement art pieces unnerved her further. They continued through the executive reception area and she glanced at the visitors waiting in comfort in the luxurious sitting area. Then they made their way down the carpeted hallway where just ahead was the CEO's office. He didn't take her there, however. He stopped and opened the door of a conference room. Then he waved her down on a chair.

"Please wait. Someone will be here shortly."

The door closed behind him before Rosie could utter a word. She gnawed on her bottom lip, looking around. There was a door on the frosted glass wall lining the interior of the room. Was this a private conference room for one of the executives? She would soon find out when the glass door opened.

"We meet again."

Her jaw dropped open. "Cedric?"

Cedric gave her a brief, perfunctory smile. "That's Mr. Orion to you. And close your mouth."

She did as she was told, not because he said it in a tone of one used to issuing commands and having them immediately obeyed, but because she had an experience with a fly that flew into her open mouth. Up to this day, she'd still have nightmares about that horrifying experience.

Cedric stopped to take a seat at the head of the table. He stared at her long and hard. She stared right back at him. A muscle on his jaw twitched.

"Are you the type that stares back when stared at?"

She started and dropped her gaze. "I'm sorry. I was just wondering why you had me brought here."

"I want you to tell me what you and Aiden talked about."

Her gaze shot back at him. "Why do I have to tell you?"

"I'm your boss."

"No, that would be Mr. Stanley."

His lips curved up again. "I own this company now."

"Then I'll be delighted to be of service to you, Mr. Orion," she quickly said, straightening her shoulders. She didn't even need to ask him if it was true. He was clearly not the type of man who liked joking around. "I'm Rosie Conley, at your service."

Her new boss gave her a look of disgust. "You have no shame, haven't you?"

"I'm poor," she supplied. "I've thrown my pride away years ago."

"You're not even the least embarrassed?"

"If it will please you, I will act like I am."

"You don't have to go that far to please me," he said dryly. "You only need to tell me what Aiden told you. Now."

Though this man irked Rosie, it would be beneficial for her and her employment status if she did as she was told. So she told him what Aiden told her about that night. And how, despite telling him that he didn't have to, Aiden paid for her hospital bills and had taken her back home in his truck that badly needed repainting. And how he was sorry about the broken vase and offered to pay for it but not before telling her that she had too many potted plants and flower vases at home. She was rambling in nervousness, she was aware, but Cedric listened to everything without interruption, a slight frown on his face.

However, when Rosie was telling him how she was thankful for Aiden's thoughtfulness and kindness, he lifted his hand, finally giving her the signal to stop her recounting.

"Are you brothers, Mr. Orion?" Rosie couldn't help but ask. "You do resemble each other a bit although you are much more handsome."

Cedric gave her a look that had her shutting up. Then he stood up, studying her in a way she didn't like. She studied him too. She couldn't help it. He really was quite handsome. And he seemed vaguely familiar. She had probably seen him on the internet or in business magazines.

Finally, her new boss spoke again, "Have you told anyone else about this?"

She blinked. "About my little accident? No. They'd only laugh."

"Good. Keep it to yourself then."

Leaning forward, she asked, "Are you worried about your brother's reputation because I know about his drinking problem?"

Cedric quelled her with another look. "First of all, Aiden is not my brother. Secondly, he doesn't have a drinking problem and lastly," he shook his head and continued in an irate tone, "you talk a lot, don't you?"

"Only when I'm nervous, Mr. Orion," she confessed, clutching her hands tightly on her lap. "I still am not quite sure why I'm here. Will I get into trouble if I'm not at the meeting?"

"You're here because your boss wants you here."

Her shoulders slumped in relief. "Okay then. I'll tell my supervisor that."

"And," Rosie did not like the glint in his eyes and had a feeling that she was in trouble, "because you're going to be my secretary."

She was right. She was in trouble.

Deep trouble.