Who Said Execs Couldn’t Be HEXed? by Aria Clark

HEX
Having a crush sucks. Harboring one on your dad’s stuck-up best friend, who is the grumpy Chief Security Officer of the Akiyama Group, is a nightmare.
But hey—I’m Sudo Hex, Japan’s number one genius hacker. He can play hard-to-get all he wants, but I don’t give up easily.
The luxury cruise where billionaires and corrupt politicians are gathering because of their nasty new drug will be my playground, right before we crash their party and stop their evil plans.
Forced proximity? Check.
A mystery we have to solve together? Check.
An opportunity for me to show him how reliable and responsible I am despite our age difference? Check.
Potentially dangerous situations that he has to save me from? Check, check, check.
I’ll make this mission a success, and my reward is walking away with a boyfriend.

ARAN
I should’ve never agreed to take Hex with me on this cruise. My mission is my priority and with the stakes as high as they are, a distraction is the last thing I need.
Especially one as stubborn and charming as him.
As an executive at a mafia organization, failure isn’t an option for me. But my duties aren’t the only thing hanging over my head. Years ago, I made a promise to my best friend who died in the line of duty—no matter what, I would watch over the son he left behind.
I’ve done my best, but the little shit just won’t leave me alone. He’s no longer a kid either, but he still professes his love for me every chance that he gets. I’ve shut him down countless times, yet he never gives up.
It’s annoying, exhausting too. There is no ‘we’ in the picture.
And yet, no matter what crazy things he asks of me, I just can’t find it in me to say no.