Page 47 of Twisted Thorns

I park in my usual spot and walk towards the entrance, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. As I head to the circulation desk, I note how quiet the library is today. No doubt folks are taking advantage of the warmer weather today, as they are going to be few and far between as we get deeper into fall and closer to winter.

A buzz in my pocket had me glancing at my phone to see a text from Kieran.

I heard about Mavis. How is she doing?

How did you hear about Mavis?

I hear about everything, Lina. ;)

My eyes roll at this, and I chuckle. I know Kieran's family is powerful, but sometimes I forget what that means.

I even know you just rolled your eyes.

There is no way you know that! :P

I was wondering if you'd be up for dinner out tonight, since our last dinner date got interrupted.

I didn't mind the interruption.

There's no response for a moment, then I see the tiny bubbles appear that mean Kieran is typing a message back to me.

Say yes to dinner and I'll give you want you want after dinner. If you're a good girl.

Thankfully, there aren't patrons nearby to witness the scarlet climb up my neck and face like the sunrise at dawn. I tell Kieran yes to dinner.

As the sun descends beyond the horizon, casting a tapestry of vibrant oranges and pinks across the sky, I walk hand in hand with Kieran through the bustling streets of the city. The evening feels full of possibilities, made happier with the news I received just before Kieran picked me up that Mavis and her son, Dennis, are doing well. I make a mental note to see if the new family needs help with meals.

Kieran leads me to a hidden gem tucked away in a cobblestone alleyway, adorned with cascades of ivy that frame the entrance. The quaint restaurant exudes an old-world charm, with flickering candles casting a warm glow upon antique wooden tables draped in crisp linens.

We settle into a cozy corner booth, secluded from prying eyes.

Perusing the menu, I frown when an unexpected chill fills the air. I can't shake the feeling that something is amiss, as if the universe itself held its breath in anticipation. I try to dismiss the unease, but it stands there, just over my shoulder, haunting me.

Looking up through my lashes at Kieran, I watch as his face morphs into a stranger, as if all the warmth is leached away from his body and into the floor, disappearing like it was never there to begin with. His face is a stony mask I can’t read.

I’m about to glance over my shoulder when a subtle shake of Kieran's head keeps me looking at the menu instead, even as a shadow eclipses our table, now only lit by the sole candle on top.

I don’t dare glance up at the man standing near me, but I spot his large fists, scarred with age and use. What I can see from the corner of my eye has my alarm bells ringing, and I know in my bones that this is an enemy of Kieran's and not a friend.

A chuckle rumbles above me. "Well, well, if it isn't Kieran Calder. And who is this lovely lady?”

"What do you want, O'Neil?" Kieran's words are a harsh line, drawn in the sand.

"Just saying hello. Us bosses have to stick together, you know."

Suddenly a hand is under my chin, lifting my green eyes to look up into harsh blue ones. Before I can register the motion, Kieran is out of his seat, one arm on Sean O'Neil's and the other hidden from my view. My guess is the hidden hand is holding a gun to Sean's side.

"Hands off, O'Neil." Kieran snarls.

Sean chuckles again, raising his hands in mock innocence. "No harm meant, Calder. Just wanted to see if the rumors were true and that you were dating Avalina Hartwell."

Kieran growls low in his throat and Sean tries to step away, despite Kieran's grip on him. Kieran steps closer into Sean's space and whispers something in his ear before the older man turns and walks away, but not before glancing over his shoulder at me. “Be sure to have a safe drive home.”

Grabbing a glass of water from the table, I take large gulps, my throat suddenly parched and tight. Anxiety rolls through me like a restless wave I have no way of fighting.

Finding my voice, I ask, "What was that?"

Kieran's mouth is set tight, but he answers me. "A threat." He reaches his hands across the table to engulf mine, an anchor that keeps me from drowning in this sea of doubt. "But I will keep you safe, Avalina. Always."

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