AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He looks at me, a hint of disbelief coloring his expression, before he bursts out laughing.
“What’s funny about that?” I ask, regarding him with an indignant frown.
“Nothing, nothing,” he assures. “I like that. I like that a lot.”
He likes what? Didn’t he just complain about my reckless actions?
I don’t know what to make of his comment and turn back to the building instead.
We used an emergency exit that few people know about, but I’m still surprised that we are the only ones out here. Everybody else seems to have escaped through the main exit. Hopefully.
“You think everyone made it out?” I wonder out loud. “We should go around to the front, I need to check on my coworkers.”
He doesn’t seem to be a big fan of that idea, but nods quietly and is just about to approach the alley next to the building.
“We can’t go there,” I tell him. “There’s a fence, and I’m not climbing over that in this outfit. We have to go around the block.”
He sighs. “Fine. You lead the way then.”
We leave the premises, passing the smoke grenade that is still resting on the concrete, an invisible cloud full of unanswered questions hovering over it. I notice how his gaze holds onto it as we walk past it, a strained expression on his face.
“Katherine. My name is Katherine, but everybody calls me Kat,” I blurt out as we turn right to make our way around the building.
The words left my lips before I could think twice, born out of a desire to distract my mind for a bit. Anything is better than focusing on the frightening terror we just escaped or the piercing cold against my almost naked feet. I had to say something, something normal, mundane. And it felt right to tell him. After all that just happened, I feel that the dynamic has shifted between us. He’s no longer a stranger, a random patron from my workplace. He was worried about me. He came looking for me, because he wanted to make sure I was safe.
And he kissed me. We kissed.
He cares about me. Right?
At least that’s what I want to believe.
A smirk dances at the corner of his mouth when he looks at me now, seemingly happy.
“Thanks. It’s nice to meet you, Kat.”
That is all he says.
“Do I get to learn your name, too?” I probe.
Much to my disappointment, he shakes his head. “That wouldn’t be right.”
I frown at him. “I told you mine! How is that fair?”
He chuckles and is quick to adjust the suit jacket around my shoulder as it threatens to slide down after I loosened my grip a little.
“Life ain’t fair, baby girl,” he murmurs. “If it were, a girl like you wouldn’t have to give herself to strangers so she can afford to go to college.”
“I’m not giving myself to anyone,” I object, feeling offended. “This is by far not the worst job I’ve had, believe me. At least it pays well! Very well, actually.”
“Dirty work always pays well,” he remarks. “Doesn’t mean it’s worth it.”
I huff. “That’s easy for you to say.”
He catches my accusing look with an indignant expression. “I don’t think you are in a position to judge me.”
“You’re one to talk!”
I want to say more, but get interrupted by nervous chatter as we turn the corner and find ourselves close totheentrance area of the club. Suited men and girls in lingerie—a lot of them wrapped in suit jackets just like me—are gathered on the street, fearful eyes locked on the mansion that hosts The Velvet Rooms.
