Chapter 25 #2
He’s saved from answering because the ferry docks and people are rushing to get to the exit. It’s like they’re afraid the ferry is going to leave for another trip with them still on it.
“Do you want to stay on for another trip?” Killian asks.
“No.” I pout, removing his hands from my body and making my way towards the lower deck.
“Caroline, wait,” Killian calls out.
I push my way through the crowd and rush to the lower deck before stepping off the ferry. Killian isn’t far behind me, his long legs making it easy to catch up to me.
“Caroline, wait,” he says, reaching for my hand. “Don’t be upset.”
I turn to look at him, pasting a fake smile on my face. “Why would I be upset?”
Cupping my face in his hands, he leans down until our noses practically brush. “You look so cute when you’re upset.”
“If that’s your way of making me feel better, it’s not working.”
His thumb rubs back and forth on my cheek. “I wasn’t trying to upset you, and I don’t want to hide anything from you. What I said is the truth. You won’t find it bad, but that doesn’t mean someone else will feel the same way.”
“That means you’ll tell me what it is?” I hedge.
Hesitation flickers behind his eyes. “Yes. Eventually. I’ll show it to you one day.”
I don’t know what’s so bad he has to keep it a secret, and I realize I have no choice other than to trust him.
“I can wait.”
His relief is immediate, and he kisses my forehead. Stepping back, he takes my hand in his and leads me down the sidewalk, back into the city. We stop for lunch at a pizza shop.
Afterwards, he takes me shopping and I realize it’s the first time I’m buying clothes without anyone’s input. I can buy clothes in the brightest colors without someone telling me I’m working in a law firm, and not a street corner.
We go back laden with bags and I’m bubbling with excitement of starting my new job even as nerves prickle at the back of my neck.
“It’s probably not a good idea to go on a spending spree before I’ve even gotten my first salary,” I say, as Killian unlocks the apartment door.
“Good thing you have a trust fund to rely on.”
True. Having the money in my own separate account did help me leave California. My mother’s original plan had been to make Beckett the executor of my trust fund, but Carter shut down that really quickly. There was no way my mother would have ever disagreed with him.
It’s almost like he can sense a disturbance in the force because as soon as I put my phone down on the counter, it starts to vibrate with a call, Carter’s name flashing on the screen. I press the power button to silence the call.
“You’re not going to answer?” Killian asks, looking at my phone.
“Nope.” I grab a bottle of water from the fridge and twist off the cap. The call goes unanswered, though before I can breathe out in relief, the phone buzzes again.
I’m about to dismiss the call again when I see the name on the screen. Aiden Fairchild.
“Isn’t that your new boss?” Killian asks.
“Yes.”
Shit, is he calling to fire me already? I haven’t even started the job yet! I pick up my phone and answer before it disconnects.
“Hello?”
“Caroline, good, I got you,” Aiden says, his voice warm. He doesn't sound like he’s about to fire me, although lawyers are incredibly talented in sounding calm.
“I’m going to send you our latest case file. I’d like you to review it and be prepared for Monday. Has the IT team set you up with your corporate email?”
I walk over to the couch and fluff up the pillows.
“Sheila from HR said it’s going to happen on Monday,” I said.
Aiden hums, his voice vibrating down the line. My future boss has a very nice voice. The kind that can make reading the phone book sexy. Nothing like the gruff voice of the guy who’s possibly going to be my future boyfriend, though. When he talks, I want to remove my panties and throw them at him.
Right now, Killian is leaning against the counter as he watches me adjust the lamp shade.
“Monday is too late. I want you to be prepared when we see the client. I’m going to email HR right now and have everything set up by the time you’re in the office,” Aiden says.
“Of course, I’ll be ready.”
“I hope I’m not ruining any weekend plans,” he adds lightly.
I’m pacing in front of the windows, watching the sun dip into the river. The sky is a stunning pink, orange, purple and it reminds me of California sunsets. For a second, I’m almost melancholy with homesickness thinking about the days I spent watching the sunset from the beach.
“No, I don’t have any interesting weekend plans,” I say easily.
Killian raises an eyebrow and I wave him away.
“Still, I’m sure you don’t want to spend it pouring over client files.”
“I can’t think of anything better.”
I press a hand against the window, watching a ferry crossing the river.
Aiden laughs easily. “I appreciate your enthusiasm even though I think it’s a lie. How about drinks Monday night to celebrate your first day and to prove I’m not a terrible boss? I don’t want you quitting on me after the first week.”
“Drinks sound great,” I say. “And I’m not going to quit.”
“I hope not. Well, I won’t take up anymore of your time tonight. Look forward to my email and let me know if you have any questions.”
“I will, thank you,” I say.
I disconnect the call and turn around, only to take a startled step back when I see Killian standing right behind me. My back presses against the window.
“Your new boss?” Killian asks lightly.
“Yeah, he wants me to review some case files,” I explain. I don’t know why I’m suddenly breathless.
“He sounds nice,” Killian muses.
“You didn’t even hear him,” I counter.
His eyes roam over my face, hand reaching out to brush against my flushed cheeks. “You seemed flustered when talking to him.”
“He’s very attractive, I get a little nervous.” I giggle nervously, both because Aiden is attractive and Killian is making me slightly nervous.
“And he asked you out for drinks.” Killian raises an eyebrow.
Is he jealous? Surely not.
“To celebrate my first day. Not for nefarious reasons,” I say.
“Are you sure about that?” He continues brushing the back of his fingers along my cheeks.
“Of course! I can have drinks with someone I find attractive, it’s not a big deal. Right?”
“Wrong,” Killian says. His hand lowers, wrapping around my throat. The cool press of the metal of his rings against my heated skin makes me shiver. I swallow thickly, my heart pounding inside my chest. There’s a possessive fire in his eyes which ensnares me in it’s grasp.
I realize that I’m already so far gone I’ll cross any limits for him. I’ll have second thoughts, I’ll probably go back and forth, but in the end, I’ll do anything he wants.
Because he makes me feel safe.
“You belong to me, butterfly,” he continues, his eyes heated. “You always have. And it’s time you realize that.”
I already do.
I lick my lips, my eyes dropping down to his. I expect him to kiss me. Instead, he surprises me by releasing my neck and taking a step back. His eyes rake over me lasciviously, like he already imagines me naked, and I feel myself grow wetter.
Killian’s eyes meet mine, bold and possessive.
“Take off your dress.”