Chapter Text
The day was too beautiful to be stuck inside your apartment focusing on paperwork. Living vicariously through the busybodies down below, you longed to feel the wind on your face while on a bicycle delivering food, walking a gaggle of chuffed tail-wagging dogs, or be in the shoes of one of the countless mothers strolling down the sidewalks with a pram and a smile plastered on their features. Longingly staring down from your balcony, you plucked your ceramic mug from the glass coffee table and adjusted your back on the patio seating in your small metal-gated prison.
If you finished before sundown, maybe you could enjoy the same outing. You could fetch a latte from the corner café, walk down the picturesque park across from your apartment, perhaps leisurely sit on an ornate bench with a good book.
Frowning at the mess of the application in front of you, you wondered why they even hired consultants when they couldn’t even take the time to fill out the proper information. Making your job more difficult, you ran a hand through your hair and laid your head back against the modern patio furniture that had no true back support. Purchasing it with the apartment, you knew it looked aesthetically appealing, but really a white plastic chair would have been a better choice for your spine.
Truly you only sat on the balcony for vitamin D and mental health purposes. Needing some form of sunlight during the day, you were bundled in a jacket but enjoying the natural light. Laptop poised in front of you, you were so tempted to shut it and call it a day, but you had a few more hours to go before you could even consider logging off.
Sighing, you brought your slipper-clad feet up on the glass patio table and readjusted the laptop and began to type away reaching your elusive clients via email. Calling would have been easier, but they had in their preference sheet that they didn’t want to be called under any circumstances.
Taking a deep breath after sending off a clarification request, you glanced at your empty mug. You were going to need more caffeine for this.
……………….
When the bite of the cold was too strong to ignore you tucked your laptop and phone under your arm before sliding open the glass balcony door. Setting them down at the dining room table near the balcony, you were still going to harness the benefits of the natural light even if you couldn’t handle the crisp autumn air nipping at your fingers.
Rinsing the ceramic cup, you were wishing for a reprieve when you heard your phone alarm chirp. Seeing the time, you tilted your head. You could work for a bit longer…
No.
Delia had scolded you enough and she was watching your login credentials and the times you were active on the server.
Logging off promptly you glanced at the pristine kitchen. You had skipped breakfast, had a coffee as your only form of sustenance, and as you gazed into the fridge, you knew you needed to order groceries for yourself. Not wanting to deal with that right now, you picked up your phone and ordered take-out that could be at your door in a mere forty minutes.
The sun had fallen from the sky only minutes before and as you noted the absence of cyclists, dog-walkers, and dutiful mothers, you knew you had missed your opportunity to fetch your latte and read in the park.
Moving your work laptop to the corner of the dining room table, you checked your phone and scrolled through your feed, spotting pictures of friends’ weddings, candid photographs of your university friends, an assortment of vacation photographs, and a barrage of pet photos. Tapping the screen on each and every one that crossed your fingertips, you paused when you noted the man you had thought you had unfollowed. Blinking at the picture of the animal who had sent you unsolicited photos of himself in various states of undress that scorched your retinas, you set your phone down with a frown.
Your friend Hailey had introduced you and he had tried to invite himself in after a dinner date. You had been forceful in your rejection, and you had been uncomfortable, but you had managed to say no firmly. A sentiment that he clearly didn’t hear very often. The memory of that night stung when you recalled the easy-flowing conversation only to turn ice-cold upon the arrival of your door after what you thought was an enchanting walk through the park.
Feeling stupid for tearing up at the memory, you furiously wiped your eyes when you remembered Hailey’s reaction. She had frowned but asked when the last time you had gotten laid.
Flabbergasted at the question, you shook your head and had retorted that getting laid had nothing to do with the entitlement issues he so clearly had.
Hailey to her credit understood, but suggested meekly, “it’s been a while girl, I’m not saying you’re pent up, but you really don’t have a desire to hook up with anyone?”
You had been steadfast, “casual isn’t for me.”
You hadn’t admitted that you couldn’t trust easily anymore. That your trust had been shattered fully and you had to put together your pieces again in the dark, afraid of being judged for what would be deemed your fault by most.
Hailey had been sitting on your sectional couch with a glass of wine and was nodding along, “no, no, I get it. I respect it, I just wondered. It’s been a while for you, huh?”
“A bit. But my ex and I…we grew apart, we wanted different things. We didn’t stay together for more than four years.” You admitted, “it was hard.”
Hailey’s brown eyes were shining with unwavering sincerity, “yeah, he was your first love, those always hurt the most.”
You had never been honest about what Aaron had done, afraid of the legal ramifications, afraid of retaliation, afraid of the threats, afraid of the consequences for you.
Putting the conversation out of your mind, you reached for your phone when you heard it chirp. Plucking it from the table, you noted that your food was still being prepared but you received an invitation to a party Hailey was hosting.
Selecting ‘yes’ to the option, you frowned when you realized it was this weekend. Despite not having plans, the lack of planning on your part was something that made your skin itch in discomfort. Scrolling for more details, it was a large invite with close to fifty people attending for Hailey’s sister’s book launch. Recognizing that it was black tie from the listed details, you lamented the fact that you would need to go shopping as soon as possible for something that wasn’t business casual.
Not two minutes after confirming your attendance online, Hailey was calling you.
Answering right away, you plastered a smile on your face and tried to answer with a happiness you could hear in your voice, “hey!”
Hailey was relaxed as she greeted you back, “hey, you have nothing to wear huh?”
Your silence damned you and Hailey laughed loudly on the other end of the line.
“I have some options, want to come over after work tomorrow? We could have dinner at my place, and we could see what you like because I have so much formalwear. I know you can get your own dress if you want, but I figure with late notice you may not have time to go shopping.”
You were relieved, “if I could borrow something, that would be a lifesaver. Work has been dragging me down lately and I’m just exhausted after logging off.”
Hailey was sympathetic, “I figured it was something like that.”
“Yeah, text me when it’s a good time to come over and I’ll pick us up some wine for tomorrow night.” You instructed softly to her as you rubbed your eyes tiredly.
“For sure, get some sleep, you sound exhausted.”
………………..
The weekend came faster now that it was destined to be taken away from you. Hailey had given you a long satin slip dress to wear that didn’t overshadow Helena’s eveningwear. Getting ready at Hailey’s spacious apartment with Helena and a hired makeup artist, your hair was professionally done while Helena had chosen a straightened look along with her sister.
Helena, a nervous ball of energy, was doing her very best impression of a calm and collected soul but was struggling to maintain that image, her hands drumming along her kneecaps restlessly.
When Hailey rose to speak to the makeup artist in the other room, you took pity on Helena and sat next to her gently and spoke truthfully, “hey, I know it’s nerve-wracking to have this large of a launch, but your book has amazing reviews and deserves the attention. Your editor and publishers are proud, your fans are excited, and your family is over the moon. It may not seem like it, but this is success, Helena.”
Helena whispered to you with eyes that were far too focused on the bottle of foundation in front of her, “what if I can’t keep living up to the hype?”
You grasped her hand, “Helena, trust me, you’re not in danger of losing talent. You write what people love. Not everyone loves the genre, but those who do, you have them for life, you know?”
Helena looked at you hopefully, her eyes shining with doubt, “you think so?”
You squeezed her soft hand noting the callouses on her index finger, “I know so. You know your core audience and you won’t alienate them. You write what the people want. You won’t lose them.”
Helena swallowed and nodded but squeezed your hand back, “thank you, I’m sorry…fuck, don’t mention this to Hailey?”
You quickly shook your head in confirmation knowing that Hailey meant well but was sometimes too hard on her sister and didn’t understand her sensitivities.
Praying Helena didn’t succumb to her anxiety, you knew you would be there tonight if she needed a pep talk from someone other than her sister who could only provide blunt sentiments.
………………….
Holding a flute of champagne, you were flitting around the hotel’s split ballroom knowing just next door there was another gala occurring but for what you didn’t know.
You were tempted to peek in but knew that Hailey was glued to your side, providing you a solace you didn’t know you craved until she nearly walked away from you. You weren’t a helpless lost puppy but among a sea of fans that were invited to attend, Hailey’s fifty guests, and Helena’s editors and members of her publishing company, the ballroom was nearing capacity and there were so many people you didn’t know.
Not wanting to be photographed or be present in the background of any photos, Hailey had already spoken to the photographer on your behalf and the woman with the expensive camera was duly ignoring you or giving you a slight side-eye if you were in a potential shot.
Content to be a wallflower when Hailey ultimately had to help Helena prepare for her speech at the podium, you were walking in your heels on the beautifully tiled floor not paying attention to anything but the drink in your hand that you were sipping on slowly.
Eyes scanning the open bar, you wondered if it were appropriate to get another flute after the first. All of you had a light lunch beforehand, but that had been hours ago, and you didn’t know how well you would handle the alcohol if you drank too quickly.
Taking a deep breath, your fingertips were bracing the wall as your arm was behind your back. Ankles crossed, shrouded in the back, you could see the entirety of the ballroom from the corner where you tucked yourself in.
You couldn’t refuse to attend but now that you were here, your anxiety was mounting. You doubted that anyone would find out you were here, but in the digital age, anyone could snap a photograph, tag it, and have you in the background unwittingly.
Nearly nauseated at the thought, you set the flute down absentmindedly on a back table that wasn’t in use as you didn’t want to drink anything for fear that it would turn to lead in your stomach.
Wiping your clammy hands on your silk slip, you wanted to head out for some air, but Hailey was making her way back towards you, her hand beckoning you forward with a smile.
Hailey had your back; you could trust her to lead you into a sense of safety. Against your hardwired instincts telling you to run from the ballroom, you uncrossed your ankles and strode forth to stand beside one of your closest friends as her little sister was about to begin a long-practiced speech to deliver in front of her loyal fans.
……………………..
Drinks were being handed down left and right from the bar where you were standing. The champagne had long since run out, but the bar was taking cards for other mixed drinks and wine. Hailey had her arm wrapped around yours, slightly swaying as she grasped Helena’s hand.
“You’ve come a long way from writing your silly little stories in the breakfast nook, Lena.” She teased, her reddened eyes finding her sister’s misty ones.
Helena, a slightly emotional drunk, was doing her best not to cry in front of the crowd that had slightly dissipated over the course of the night.
“Jesus, all of these people read my books.” She marveled as she gazed over the remnants of the gala.
Several people were milling about, hoping for Helena’s autograph despite being informed that her editors hadn’t set up a booth for her to sign anything.
Helena tucked her hair behind her ears and giggled at the lingering gaggle of fans that were sitting together, taking photos, drinking, and dressed up.
“You made tonight possible.” You reminded her quietly, “all of this came from the words you put to paper.”
Helena took a deep breath and a large swig of her cocktail before confessing, “that fucking terrifies me, but deep down if I didn’t have this I wouldn’t feel like I made it as an author.”
“You fucking made it!” Hailey cheered as she let go of your arm and signalled for another drink from the bar.
Before you could tell her to ease up on the drinks, you felt the hair on the back of your neck rise at the scent of cologne that permeated the air. Overwhelming and singeing your nostrils, you were fighting not to wrinkle your nose and furrow your brow at the arrival of Daniel.
Feeling a hand slither around your waist and pulling you from Hailey, you stiffened as Daniel situated himself in between you and Hailey, his arm not letting your middle go.
His hand burned through the fabric of the satin slip, and you felt woefully underdressed without your coat. You wanted several layers between his hand and your skin, better yet for him to be several hundred feet away from you.
His tuxedo was open, and his dark tie loosened in a way that you knew he thought was sexy, but ultimately reeked of stressed cubicle worker about to go postal on his coworkers.
Shrugging out of his grasp, you were leaning to the bartender and asking her softly as you were against the bar top, “may I get another Cosmo?”
Nodding to you and giving you a smile in return, you were about to pay from your phone when you felt Daniel’s hand slithering onto yours, his grasp over your wrist as his palm eclipsed your hand.
Tapping his own card on the machine after adding an exuberant tip, he gave you a flash of teeth.
“I haven’t seen you around in a while cutie, where have you been hiding?” He questioned you lightly, but you saw the look in his eye that demanded you tell him the truth.
You watched your drink being made for a few seconds before responding in a way that conveyed disinterest in looking him in the eye while being fascinated with the bartender’s rapid-moving hands, “working mostly.”
“Never stops this one, huh?” He questioned Hailey and Helena who were chattering amongst themselves.
Hailey snapped her eyes towards you at the sound of his inquiry directed towards them both, “oh God, I keep telling her to slow down but you know her, she never stops.”
Slightly vindicated but wishing Hailey would issue another defense for you, you were left bereft in murky waters where a predator was circling your wading feet.
Taking the drink directly from the bar’s ledge before anyone else could touch it, you were bringing it to your lips and drinking quickly.
Alcohol would lessen the anxiety mounting in your chest at Daniel’s arrival.
Helena was tilting her head at you for a moment before lazily glancing at the bar and asking for vodka shots.
“An excellent idea, Helena.” Daniel snapped his fingers to get the bartender’s attention and tapped his card on the bar repeatedly.
Trying not to cringe at how entitled he was acting, Hailey wasn’t catching it, but Helena made a face as his back was turned to pay for four shots. Side-eyeing her, she shook her head at him but mouthed to you, ‘free drinks.’
Smirking at her attitude, you took one of the shots once it was poured and turned to stand beside her as Daniel handed Hailey her own.
Raising your shot glass to Hailey and Helena but ignoring Daniel, you raised it to your lips and felt a familiar sting as you tilted your head back and swallowed the acrid spirit.
Coughing you didn’t curse but you made a noise of discomfort as you shook your head.
“Christ that was strong.” Hailey sputtered while Helena was easily nonplussed.
“Babies, the lot of you.” Helena teased as she pulled you close and kissed the crown of your head.
Giggling at her drunken affection, you leaned into her side and rested your head against her chest.
Helena’s hand slid around and held your waist close while you glanced at the few stragglers who were approaching the bar to get more drinks and hopefully speak to Helena.
Knowing that this was her night, you stepped away and allowed yourself to fade from the foreground while Hailey and Daniel were chatting.
Finishing your Cosmo, you were feeling the ache in your feet. Wanting to sit down, you gasped when you felt a hand grip your waist and pull you back into the conversation.
Daniel was securing you to his side while you were trying to move politely away.
The next several minutes was spent by being close to Daniel, he had taken his hand from your side, but you were far too close for comfort.
Another round of drinks was ordered but Hailey caught your attention removing your view of the drinks being poured by the bartender who looked frankly sick of Daniel’s shit.
Realizing with a dread in your stomach that Daniel was turning around with a fresh Cosmo for you, you hadn’t seen it being poured and it would only take a few precious seconds for him to drop something in the glass.
Between the bartender ensuring all their patrons were taken care of and Daniel’s back being turned, you didn’t trust that last glass.
“I’ll be right back.” You voiced aloud not standing wanting to be close to him anymore.
Hailey nodded with a smile and Daniel now with the attention on him let you go reluctantly but you could feel his eyes on you as you left the interior of the ballroom.
…………………………
Lingering in the corner of the ballroom observing service members of all ranks mingle, it was one of the only times that members of all corps and task forces and the brass were under one roof for the sake of morale and comradery. Receiving the invitation from Laswell directly meant that all of them had to attend regardless of his disdain for willingly entering social engagements this large. Dressed in a suit that he had to purchase for this event, he was watching Johnny flirt with some plus-ones that were only there as guests of servicemen and women that didn’t want to come alone to the military ball.
Garrick was shadowing Price, albeit from afar, noting who he was speaking to and what they were speaking about. Drink in hand and attention focused on the room, his eyes never strayed too far from his own members of the task force.
Catching his eye, Simon motioned to his pocket and took out a box of cigarettes. Getting a small nod in return, Garrick would tell the others where he had gone. He doubted he would be missed, but he didn’t want to let his lack of social engagement confirm the perception that he merely had taken an Irish exit despite wanting nothing more than to go back to the hotel room and sleep.
Sidestepping several recruits that were doused in far too much cologne than necessary, he had forgone taking his drink with him and settled on the cigarettes in the private alley out back.
The double doors were open, and a brief test found that they didn’t lock behind him. Situated a few feet from the light of the exterior, he was concealed in the shadows if someone weren’t paying attention.
Flicking his lighter, he inhaled the filter of the cigarette grateful for the douse of nicotine flooding his system. It was late and he was surprised that there were so many people still milling about inside. Most of the brass had gone up to their executive suites to unwind from having to cater their image. Making appearances and looking forward to those eyes was difficult he supposed. He didn’t bother to exude any happiness even if it were fake, the effort was not palatable.
Remaining alert and aware of his surroundings, he was watching the exterior of the building. Having peeked into the other ballroom, he hadn’t been able to discern what was happening until he saw a sign for a book launch party.
Utterly disinterested, he had turned on his heel and went back into the fray of servicemen.
Feeling the familiar ache of sciatica in his lower back, he was consistently reminded of his age and wondered if this were the year Price was hanging up his tac vest in favour of an easy retirement. Despite his tenure dictating that he be next in line for the position, Garrick was easily determined to step into Price’s shoes. Having been hand-selected by Price years prior like Simon had been, it only made sense for him to want to follow in his footsteps.
Simon could easily be willing to allow Garrick to take the reins, but he wondered what Price would say when the time came to actually retire. The old man had called it several times but was never serious about doing away with the everlasting operations and missions.
Not wanting to think about the team evolving before it inevitably did, he focused on enjoying the solitude and the brief peace he had brokered with himself by stepping out of the crowded ballroom.
He was just about finished his first cigarette when the double doors opened once more to his side and a frazzled girl in a glossy pink dress stepped outside, panic on her features.
…………………………
Needing a moment from your own bottled feelings that were slowly rising to the surface at the arrival of Hailey’s coworker who had been nothing but a reminder of the cruelty of Aaron, you found an exit leading to an alley and pushed the double doors open relishing the cool air that embraced your skin right away.
Shuffling to the shadows of the alley, you were far too dazed to notice the impossibly large man standing to your right a few feet away from the dim light of the back wall. Once you were nestled in the corner, sufficiently hidden from sight, you let out a shaky breath.
Your phone was in your clutch and as you attempted to open it, your hands were shaking far too much for you to even dare to pull apart the clasp. Not wanting to shatter your phone on the ground, you were slouching behind a bin while you were trying to relax your heartrate.
You prayed Daniel didn’t notice you ducking out, but you knew wearing a pale rose slip dress out of a sea of darkened colours, you were noteworthy among the guests. You couldn’t exactly blend in with the sea of black and crimson when you were clad in a light shade of pink.
Wringing your hands together, you hooked your hair behind your ears and anxiously ran your hands through your tresses, praying that you could relax enough to sneak off without being spotted. You would wait here in the dark for as long as it took.
Before you could bide your time in peace, you heard the double doors open to your right in a loud clang and you raised a hand over your mouth as you made yourself smaller and crouched behind the garbage bin.
You could smell his obnoxious cologne before seeing him and you held in a pathetic whimper.
He did scare you. Pushing drink after drink on you in front of Hailey and Helena, you had already had three and were sufficiently tipsy, but you didn’t trust him with the fourth knowing that he could have easily put something in it because you hadn’t seen it from it being poured from the bar to him bringing it to you.
Hailey and Helena were speaking to Helena’s editor, and you had noted that he had looked at you with leering eyes and an expression akin to a predator finding an injured animal in a thicket ready to be pounced upon its separation from the herd.
You hadn’t helped by hastily explaining you were going to be right back and then instead beelining it to the exits without another word. He had been left holding the drinks in his hands with a narrowed gaze and a simple dip of his chin.
Hearing his footsteps, you heard him clear his throat and begin speaking.
“Hey man, you happen to see a girl come out this way? Pretty thing in pink?”
You stiffened in fright, you hadn’t seen any other man in the alleyway but with bated breath and tears lining your lash line, you prayed to God that he didn’t pay attention to you or give you up for the sake of male bonding.
The man sounded disinterested but spoke in a deep accented voice that shook you to your core, “tha girl in pink left. Something about going to a friend’s house for tha’ night. You missed your chance, mate.”
Daniel let out a sigh that was more akin to a growl, “fuckin hilarious. After I start the tab and she and her friends drink then she decides she’s not interested. God, she’s making me and my wallet work for it.”
You waited for the man to sympathize with Daniel’s self-appointed plight of being a “nice guy” while wondering what your next move would be if the unnamed man retracted and decided you weren’t worth the effort of lying for.
Not having to wait long, he gave a disinterested, “is tha’ right?”
Despite your anxiety, you couldn’t help but let out a small breath from your nose at the utterly callous way this man clearly did not give a shit about Daniel or his wallet. Inhaling the chilled air of the night, you felt goosebumps rise on your skin, a mix of fear and the unwavering autumn evening.
You prayed Daniel leave and not commit to small talk with this man who did not want to engage with him in any capacity.
Daniel, an intelligent predator knew when he had to stand down and thus he merely cleared his throat and civilly ended their brief encounter, “thanks for letting me know, man. No reason for me to stick around then.”
Daniel not bothering to silence his phone began typing away and as you heard his clicking on his keyboard, you knew he was booking a car back to his apartment downtown despite it only being a mere five-minute walk.
The doors back inside opened and as the Daniel retreated inside, you let go of holding a cupped hand around your mouth and instead wrapped your arms around yourself and hugged your sides as you breathed a sigh of relief.
Before you could relax fully, you heard footsteps from the remaining man, and you stiffened as your eyes widened at the size of the giant in front of you. Easily a head and a half taller than you, he was a wall of muscle in dress pants and a pressed white dress shirt that strained over his arms and chest. For a moment you forgot to breathe as you avoided glancing above his neck, not looking at his face.
Afraid of what would happen if you made eye contact, you flinched when you saw him move to remove his suit jacket. His hands were outstretched as he presented it to you palms raised upward as though he were granting an offering.
You were confused and you murmured slightly tipsy, “…what?”
He was softer in his approach than he had been with Daniel, “you’re shaking, love. Take it.”
In no condition to argue, you brushed your fingers under your eyes, ridding them of the tears that threatened to drop down your made-up face before you gently reached for the jacket and placed your arms in the fabric.
Utterly swimming in the balmy suit jacket redolent of aftershave and a hint of nicotine, you were draped in warmth as you finally looked up to see umber eyes inspecting your own.
His face was clad in a black medical mask that covered the majority of his face, but his blond eyebrows were twisted in concern as he looked down at you.
You blinked sluggishly but were grateful, “…thank you for not telling him I was here. He-he didn’t let me pick up the tab, I just-”
Unable to continue talking as your throat was tightening, the man in front of you wasn’t moving closer to you, but he was shielding your body from the door and from sight.
He didn’t interrupt and didn’t force you to continue, but you did, feeling silly for wanting validation but not stopping yourself.
“I agreed to get coffee with him a few weeks ago…it was fine. When we walked back to my apartment I told him I would see him later and when he finally understood that he wasn’t coming up with me, he just switched up. I haven’t been around him since and he started buying all of us drinks tonight and I didn’t see the bartender pouring the last one and I didn’t want to take it.”
Shaking your head, you realized you had accepted a jacket from a man who for all intents and purposes may have viewed things the same way as Daniel. As you were shrugging out of the borrowed jacket, the man’s voice was firm but not unkind.
“It’s too cold for you to be without a coat. The jacket is just a jacket, it’s not an invitation, love. Leave it on.”
Your lip threatened to wobble at the chastisement that shouldn’t have burned but did. Feeling stupid for sharing your troubles with a complete stranger, you were holding your sides and hugging your body.
Biting your lip and glancing at the brick alleyway, the man in front of you let out a soft sigh and he asked you quietly, “is there a friend inside you want me to find for you?”
You shook your head vehemently and at his kindness you began to silently cry. Wiping tears quickly, you tried to hold in the sobs that threatened to pour from your chest at how much you had pushed down over the last year and a half.
“Christ.” He muttered uncertainly as he kept his hands to his sides.
Watching you bow your head in your hands, he observed you stiffen when the doors to his right opened with another loud clang, and he heard Johnny’s drunken voice call out in the dimly lit alley.
“Oi, Lt, ye’ve been out here fer way too long, ye smoking tha whole pack?”
You bowed your head while the man in front of you merely covered you from sight by stepping close enough that you felt his presence and inhaled the scent of aftershave.
“Where’s yer jacket?” The man asked his friend as you pressed your cupped hands against your eyes as you prayed he didn’t come out.
The man spoke over his shoulder with authority and even you stiffened at the order, “go inside Sergeant, I’ll be there shortly.”
The sergeant, content to listen and obey the authority seeping from his tone without a word gently closed the door while the man shielding you spoke softly, “love, can I get you a cab?”
You shook your head as you pulled your phone out of your clutch. Unlocking it, you ignored the messages from Daniel and from Hailey and Helena but pushed your finger against the Uber button.
“I’ve got it.” You whispered as you planned to book a car for yourself.
The man swallowed and gave a nod but surprised you, “stay here for a second, I’m going to grab you a water, alright?”
You protested, “you don’t-”
He was firm, “I’m going to get you one and you’re going to drink it.”
Recognizing that you weren’t going to be getting away from not drinking some water, you merely nodded once before he gave you a quick once-over and quickly departed into the hotel to search for a water bottle.
You were left alone for a full thirty seconds before you heard a light set of footsteps leading out into the alleyway. Your heel scraped on the ground as you adjusted your slouch, and you made eye contact with the man once more who offered a chilled and noticeably unopened water bottle in his hand.
Taking it after setting your clutch under your arm, you drank slowly and rose to your full height knowing that he was blocking you from being seen from the double doors.
Safe from being gawked at while wiping your eyes, you felt incredibly stupid and too tipsy to stifle yourself properly. You had already over-explained Daniel and as you swam in the fabric of the suit jacket warding off the chill, you wondered what the price of this kindness really was.
Juggling the water bottle and clutch, you pulled out a five-dollar bill and was about to hand it off to him when he shook his head and rumbled, “put it away. You don’t owe me anything.”
Diligently following his instructions, you tucked the bill back into the clutch and glanced at his keen eyes which were monitoring you carefully.
“You did the right thing by not taking the last drink, but maybe not with retreating into a dark alleyway.”
You swallowed roughly and noted how decrepit the back of the hotel truly looked. You let out a scoff but genuinely believed: “I thought there would be more girls smoking back here. But I think they’re all vaping in the bathrooms instead.”
The man let out a humored chuckle, “you were thinking safety in numbers.”
You took another sip of water and nodded.
“That was smart. That was a good choice.” He commended, his voice cossetting knowing you needed a gentle reminder that you weren’t at fault despite feeling like you were.
You shuffled on your feet and took weight off each foot individually, hating the way your heels were making your feet feel.
“You look ready to head home.” He commented smoothly.
In all honesty you were, and you cleared your throat before affirming his sentiment, “I think I’ve done enough socializing for the next six months.”
His eyes crinkled and you could tell he was smiling under the mask, “that I can understand.”
You fought the urge to rub your eyes knowing that you would smear your mascara and make things ten times worse for you when you tried to take it off when you got home. You were tired and you did want to go home, but you needed to give the man back his jacket.
“Here.” You were about to shrug the coat off when he stopped you with a firm instruction.
“Leave it on and take it with you. I’m not sending you off without a coat, it’s too bloody cold a night for you not to have a jacket. Take this.” He handed you a small paper and you took it with a raised brow.
Glancing at the paper with a phone number scribbled on it you frowned deeply and were about to protest when he continued speaking.
“For the jacket’s return. Borrow it for however long you need, alright? No rush.” He commanded pointedly as you blinked at him.
Nodding without a word, you noted the Uber in the distance and straightened your back, “uh, thank you. For the water, the jacket…for all of it.”
You were looking at him over your shoulder as you spoke and noted the way in which his eyes swallowed your form in his jacket before he spoke.
“Text that number and let me know that you made it home safely.”
You felt your shoulders tense at the command but gave him a nod and promised, “I will.”
Seeing his satisfied dip of his chin, you strode to the Uber in the jacket that hit your mid-thigh and stepped into the backseat. Buckling yourself in, you watched as he was observing you in the backseat as you were driven off, his eyes never straying from yours until you turned onto the side street.
……………………..
Once you were inside of your apartment, you stripped from your high heels at the door but kept the jacket on as you made your way over to the couch. Laying on your tummy, you found the piece of paper in the deep pocket of the suit jacket and texted the number he had given you.
I’m home safe. Thank you again.
Setting the phone face down on the coffee table, you nearly expected a text right back but were disappointed when you didn’t receive one back. Frowning, you set your head down on the throw pillow and gazed at the wall as you thought of how the night had unfolded and what could have happened if he hadn’t been in the alleyway with you when Daniel had been looking for you.
Not wanting to sob disgustingly in the sleeves of the suit jacket, you chose peace and rose to your sore feet to wash the night off and head into bed before you could ruminate on your choices and what you hadn’t told Hailey.