When I arrive at the mall a few hours later, I’m determined to put the day’s disclosures behind me. I smile and greet my coworkers then head to the back stockroom to stow my belongings and put on my nametag.
“Feeling better, Gabi-girl?” Felicia beams. Sheesh, does this chick have an OFF switch?
“Yes, thanks. Hope it wasn’t too busy.”
“Oh, it was fine. Nothing we couldn’t handle. Pretty dull actually. I bet people are scared to go out with that killer on the loose.”
The reminder brings it all back to the surface. Knowing that a Dark One is killing innocents because of me is just too hard to forget. I nod at Felicia politely then head to straighten some clothing racks. So much for my positive outlook.
By 5:50 P.M., I am practically running out of the store. If I fold another pair of jeans or hang another shirt without caffeine, I will surely strangle someone. I head to the stockroom bathroom to check my hair and apply a fresh coat of lipgloss. I’ve upgraded my outfit from this morning with a knit top and my favorite boots and curled the ends of my long ponytail with the prospect of seeing Dorian. Satisfied with my appearance, I head down to Starbucks, almost skipping with each step.
Dorian is sitting at our usual table and I smile at the magnificent sight of him. He’s still dressed in his dark suit, though he’s ditched his tie and has unfastened the top buttons of his white dress shirt. He’s has two disposable cups again and I resist the urge to grab him by the face and plant a wet kiss on his lips.
“Hey,” I smile ruefully sitting in the chair across from him. He still makes me so anxious; it’s as if I can’t gather the right words when he’s around.
“Hey yourself,” Dorian jibes, sliding one of the cups towards me.
“Thanks,” I say, taking a sip of the hot latte. Mmmmm.
“So you wanted to talk?” he says with a raised eyebrow. God, he’s sexy when he does that.
“Try not to look so damn hot and maybe I’ll be able to get my head together,” I say before I can stop myself. The remark causes Dorian’s eyes to flash momentarily, obviously taken aback. He must’ve been prepared for one of those talks. “It’s nothing bad, Dorian. Well, not for you, I hope. I don’t really know how to explain it.”
“Oh? How about from the beginning?” His shoulders have obviously relaxed and he sips his own beverage.
The beginning? Absolutely not. But I have to tell him something. I sigh heavily and let my shoulders slump. Just having to say it out loud makes my stomach snarl with worry.
“I think someone is trying to hurt me. And I’m afraid they’ll go after my friends to get to me,” I say lowly. I can’t even bring my eyes up to meet his in fear that he’ll laugh in my face at the outrageous claim.
“I see,” Dorian says stiffly. “Have you told anyone else?” The question causes my eyes to dart to his. He’s serious. He believes me without question.
“No,” I shake my head. “I just thought you should know. Being around me could put you in danger. And I wanted you to be able to make the decision whether or not I’m worth the trouble.” I can feel a lump forming in my throat at the thought of losing Dorian and I take a sip of hot coffee in an attempt to wash it down.
“Don’t worry about me. You’re going to have to scare me off some other way,” he smirks. I am genuinely relieved and overjoyed that Dorian is willing to stick around, though I wish he’d take heed. “Do you have any idea who might want to hurt you?”
“Not really. And I don’t know how I can keep my friends out of the crosshairs without revealing too much.”
“Don’t worry about them,” Dorian shakes his head. “I’ll take care of it. And don’t let this get to you. No one is going to hurt you while I’m around.”
His bravery is endearing, though I know he doesn’t stand a chance against the Dark force that is hunting me. I wish I could warn him but I know it would mean trouble for us both. And I refuse to bring that to his doorstep.
“Thanks, Dorian. But I don’t know what you could really do in this situation. Let’s just say it goes beyond anything I could ever fathom. Beyond our worst fears, our worst nightmares.” I know I need to shut up right now before Dorian starts to probe for more information.
Dorian nods, slightly smirking. Does he think I’m joking? I begin to feel my face heat from his lack of confidence in my admonition.
He runs his hand through his black locks, disturbing them from their once neat style. I like it better like this anyway. Makes him look like the bad boy Dorian that likes to give it to me rough and hard. The heat that began to flush my face makes its way down south.