The night was bleeding into dawn, and Killian hadn't blinked once, staring out the window of my office.
“Killian, mate, you’ve been glued to that glass for twenty-five minutes.” I sighed, swirling the amber liquid in my glass.
“She needs help.” He didn’t look at me. His voice was flat, a low rumble.
I frowned. “She’ll be fine. Whoever she is, she’ll be fine.” Another swallow of scotch. It tasted like regret and boredom.
I watched Killian’s jaw clench, then he stormed out, a silent predator. Curiosity, a nasty little habit, made me follow.
Surprise, surprise. He was throwing hands with another guy. But this time I understood. Standing next to Killian was *her*. The woman he’d been staring at.
She was crying. I clenched my jaw. I kept watching as security dragged out the unconscious man. Killian turned to her, and she looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes.
She shook her head at something he said.
Fuck, she looked cute. Even through the tears.
Then it hit me. Killian, the man who couldn’t be bothered to rescue a kitten from a burning building, was now playing white knight for the lady downstairs.
Had he slipped something into his drink?
My eyes widened as she took his hand. He was leading her, gently, up the spiral staircase towards my office.
“What the *fuck*?” I barked, rushing to the mirror. A quick adjustment to my hair, a tie check… just in time. The door flew open.
Killian walked in first, Elodie trailing behind him, eyes wide as she took in the space. She jumped slightly, pulling her hand away from his, slowly stepping back. Killian looked at me, confusion twisting his features. I sighed.
She was scared.
“Sit,” Killian demanded, his voice rough, grating. I winced. He sounded like he was issuing a court order.
I stepped in front of Elodie, blocking Killian from her view.
“What’s your name, darling?” I asked, my voice soft.
“Elodie.” She whispered, her voice barely audible.
“I’m Enzo. I apologize for bumping into you earlier. You ran off before I could say sorry.” She looked at me, surprised. I took a moment to observe her.
Up close, the dark freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose and cheeks were a revelation. Her full lips, glossed and perfect, made me imagine them wrapped around my dick, her mouth open, inviting.
I really need to stop. I don’t even know the woman.
“Hello, Enzo.” She said politely, her eyes flicking back to Killian.
“What happened down there?” I asked, pulling up a chair for her. She hesitated, then sat, nervously twisting her fingers. “Elodie.” I said sternly, my voice low. Her eyes shot up to mine.
“Some man wouldn’t leave me alone, so I kicked him in the balls. He didn’t like that. He kept grabbing my arm tightly, but then your friend came to save me.” She shrugged, and I raised my eyebrows, slowly nodding.
“Who are you with?” I asked, concerned she was wandering around alone.
“No-one.” She smiled, a small, fragile thing. “I came here by myself. I don’t have any friends.” She shrugged again.
“Fucking hell.” Killian muttered under his breath, but I was starting to think she was unfazed by everything.
“You were crying. What upset you?”
“He said my dress was ugly.” She whispered, her eyes wide. My mouth fell open.
She wasn’t hurt or scared. She was upset because someone insulted her dress.
I’m starting to think she might be a little crazy.
Cute but crazy.
“You looked scared when you bumped into me and when you walked into my office.” I pointed out, and she nodded.
“You’re big and intimidating.” She looked my body up and down before averting her eyes, then back to me. “I should probably go home now. I’m tired.” She yawned, and I saw Killian tense beside me.
“How are you getting home?” I asked, crossing my arms against my chest, staring down at her.
“Walking.” When she saw our shocked faces, she laughed. “Just kidding! I’ll get a taxi. Thank you for saving me, Mr…”
“Killian.”
“Mr. Killian.” She went to hug him, but he took a large step back. My heart cracked a little. A small pout formed on her lips.
“You don’t like hugs?” She whispered, tilting her head.
“I don’t like being touched.” Killian mumbled, and Elodie gave him a small nod.
“Oh okay. Well, thank you anyway.” She beamed up at him, and he just nodded. “Actually, do you know the owner of this place because I would like to make a complaint? I don’t think I’ll be coming back here again.” I chuckled lightly.
“You’re looking at him, darling.”
This time her mouth fell open.
“Oh.”
Oh indeed.
“What I meant is, you should probably get better security.” She grimaced at her words, then looked towards the door. “Maybe I should take that as my cue to leave.” She began walking towards the door, and Killian stepped in her way.
She looked at me with wide eyes. “Enzo?” My dick twitched at the sound of my name on her lips, and I hummed. “Your friend is in my way.” I smirked at how adorable she was.
“Killian.” I nodded, silently telling him to move. He clenched his jaw but stepped aside.
“I guess we won’t be seeing you again?” Elodie furrowed her eyebrows.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you said you don’t think you’ll be coming back here again.” I raised my eyebrows, giving her a playful stare.
“Oh yeah.” She whispered in realization. “Bye!” She waved and walked out of the office, quietly closing the door behind her.
“She’s a character.” I breathed out, and only then did I realize how much my heart was racing.
“She’s cute, I guess.” I looked at my best friend with raised eyebrows.
“You were practically gawking at her, Killian.” I teased, and he glared at me.
“Shut the fuck up.”