Part 2Lost in His World

After dropping off Theo, I’d have to hit every green light to make it to work on time.

But it was rush hour. Getting a ride wasn't going to be easy.

"Where are you going?" Chace asked, his voice cold.

"To work," I said evasively. It was awkward enough running into an ex, let alone one with our history.

"I'll give you a ride," he stated, his face a blank mask.

"Using a public vehicle for personal business on company time…" I clicked my tongue, my face a picture of disapproval. Even on the verge of being late, a taxpayer had to defend her rights.

Chace pressed a button on his key fob, and a black SUV parked nearby beeped.

I jumped.

He got in, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "You seem to know a lot. I just finished the night shift. I'm on my way home to sleep, and this is my personal car."

"Oh." Mortified, I quickly looked down at my phone. The rideshare app was useless; not a single car was available.

"Scared to get in? Zara, you used to be so brave. You think I'm going to eat you?" Chace rested his arm on the open window, his expression openly challenging.

I have many virtues, but resisting a dare is not one of them.

"Scared of you? Please…" I opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. "102 Lakeside Drive. Thanks."

Chace hit the gas, and the SUV pulled out into traffic.

It was like the traffic gods were smiling down on me. We didn't hit a single red light.

I clenched my fists in excitement. My perfect attendance bonus was safe.

"Why are you shaking?" Chace glanced at me from the corner of his eye. His profile was chiseled, like something out of a sculpture gallery, flawless from every angle.

"I'm not shaking," I said stubbornly, quickly placing my hands primly on my knees.

"Is Theo your son?" Chace asked.

"Would he be calling me 'Mom' if he wasn't?" I shot back. I was surprised. He was the one who left me. Why did he care now if Theo was my son? It was none of his business.

"You're married?" His voice was low, betraying no emotion, but it sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine.

I suddenly pictured him in an interrogation room, questioning a suspect. He was questioning me the same way.

"Yes."

That should have been the end of it.

But I forgot that Chace wasn't a normal person. The conversation only ended when he decided it was over.

A guy with his personality would never find a girlfriend in today's world. I must have been blinded by his looks back then, falling for his tricks before I knew what was happening. Later, when his interest faded, I had enough self-respect to leave quietly.

"Where is he? Why didn't he come with you to drop Theo off today?" Chace was relentless. Once he wanted to know something, he wouldn't let it go.

"That's my private business," I protested.

"When was Theo born? What month, what year?"

I…