Page 5 of Killian

I take in the stark white walls with white cabinets and counters. “Sterile,” I mumble under my breath. I turn on the shower and let it warm as I strip.

You have done nothing wrong, I try to convince myself as I get into the shower. I may find my way onto the black market once in a while and troll what’s being said. I may accidentally transfer the funds from accounts of questionable men sometimes. I may pass information on that protect those I care about. But never once have I gone against the family. Never.

Neither family, a voice in my head says, making me groan.

I rush through the shower and dinner.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” I tell Enzo as I slip into my room.

“Uh huh,” he mumbles before walking toward his room. Both of us knowing I will be gone once the sun goes down and back before it rises.

Sitting back in my chair,I watch as Greer walks up to the gate, pulling her phone and taps a few buttons. After a moment, the gates swing open, granting her access.

“Sir,” a disembodied voice comes over the intercom. “Someone just overrode the security system.”

“It’s fine. Let her through. She knows where to find me.” I smirk as I watch her confidently walk up the driveway like she owns the place.

She will soon enough.

Running my thumb over my lip, I can’t help but think about the first time I saw her three years ago.

Leaning over the ledge, I watch the crowded bar below as drunk men talk to pretty women trying to score for the night. Those poor saps. I shake my head. The heavy wood doors swing open and a brunette with soft waves walks in, taking my breath away. I take in her black boots up her black stocking-covered legs to the little black skirt. I can’t help but hiss at the black blazer and how it cuts deep, showing off her olive complexion. I watch her walk through the crowd and take a seat at the bar. Picking up my drink, I finish it in one go, slamming the glass back down on the ledge.

Walking down the stairs, I keep my eye on her as she orders a drink. Young Aiden leans on the bar, trying to charm her as he takes her order.

Don’t do it, lad.

I can’t help but smirk as she places her order, clearly dismissing him. Sliding onto the stool next to her, I tap the bar twice, getting Aiden’s attention. He nods as he grabs another glass, making me a drink as well. The mystery woman and I stay quiet as Aiden does his thing.

“Thank you,” she says with a slight accent.

We raise our glasses in unison and take a drink.

“I’m not interested,” she says out of the blue, making me turn.

“Oh?” I raise a brow, smirking.

“Mmhmm,” she hums, staring at herself in the mirror behind the bar.

Turning back, I meet her eyes in the mirror. “And who says I’m interested?” I tease.

I watch as she raises her glass, taking another drink. Her blazer shifts enough to get a peek at the green lace underneath. I lift my glass to cover my groan.

God, she’s even more beautiful up close.

“If you weren’t interested, you wouldn’t be staring so hard,” she challenges.

“Touché, a ghrá.”

“Pet names so soon?” she teases, making us both smile.

I turn once again, and she does the same, trapping her legs between mine. Giving me her full attention.

“Where are you from?” I ask as I raise my glass.

“Here.”

“Then why haven’t I seen you before?”

---