Through time; The ripper

Keeping her safe

6 days later

*Lily*

As I step out of the nursing school, the crisp evening air wraps around me like a familiar embrace. The sun has dipped below the horizon, leaving a soft twilight glow that casts long shadows on the pavement. Walking in front of me, Anna emerges from the building first, her books clutched tightly to her chest. She lets out a low whistle as her eyes roam the street, finally landing on a figure leaning against a lamppost.

“Hot man alert… Who’s that?” she asks, a hint of mischief in her voice.

I follow her gaze and feel my heart skip a beat. There he is… Leo, waiting for me, his silhouette outlined against the dying light. “That’s Leo,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual, though I can’t help the smile that creeps onto my face.

“Leo? Is he your boyfriend?” Anna’s eyes sparkle with curiosity, and I can’t help but blush a little.

“No, he’s just a friend,” I say, a bit too quickly. The word ‘friend’ feels insufficient, but I don’t know how to explain the connection we’ve forged over the past six days.

“Just a friend, huh?” Anna teases, nudging me playfully. “He looks like he could sweep you off your feet.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” I laugh as we walk toward him. “He’s really just been looking out for me.”

As we approach, Leo straightens up, his posture regal, and a smile spreads across his face. “Good evening, Lily,” he says, his voice smooth and melodic, like honey poured over velvet. His gaze flickers to Anna, and he bows slightly, an old-fashioned gesture that seems to take her by surprise.

“Hello, I’m Anna,” she introduces herself, her voice breathless. “It’s nice to meet you, Leo.”

“Likewise, Miss Anna,” he replies, his tone respectful, his eyes twinkling with charm, as he takes her hand and kisses it.

I watch as Anna practically swoons, and I can’t help but roll my eyes with a smile. “Leo you do know I can get home on my own right?”

“I know, but considering the dangers lurking in the city I prefer to make sure you get there safely,” He says.

Anna, clearly enamored, watches us with wide eyes. “You two are adorable together,” she says, nudging me with her elbow. “You should hang out more often.”

“Indeed,” Leo agrees, leveling his gaze at me, and I feel my cheeks heat up.

As we say our goodbyes to Anna, she gives me a knowing look, her eyebrows wiggling in a way that makes me want to laugh. “I’ll see you in class tomorrow, Lily!” she calls out before walking away, casting one last glance back at Leo.

I turn to him, and he’s already looking at me, his expression curious. “So, how was your day?” he asks, falling into step beside me as we head towards the underground station.

I take a deep breath, settling into the rhythm of our conversation. “It was long and exhausting. We had a grueling anatomy exam, and I’m fairly certain I blanked out on half the questions.”

“Ah, the trials of academia,” he muses, his tone light. “But you’re resilient, aren’t you? I’ve seen you tackle challenges with grace.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling a flutter of pride. But beneath the light conversation, a thought nags at me. I know so little about him. “Leo, can I ask you something?”

“Of course,” he says, his gaze steady and inviting.

“I just realised I know almost nothing about you… so what’s your last name?” I find myself asking, suddenly aware that I don’t know much about him, our conversations are always aimed at me.

He hesitates, a flicker of something crossing his face… perhaps surprise, or caution.and I frown slightly. “You can’t lie to me, Leo. I want to know more about you.”

The flicker of hesitation returns to his eyes, then he sighs “My last name is Thorne,” he finally says, his voice steady.

“Thorne?” I repeat, the name rolling off my tongue. “Leo Thorne… that sounds like a dashing hero in a historical romance novel.”

“Is that so?” he asks, a teasing smile dancing on his lips. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Consider it one,” I reply, feeling a rush of warmth at the playful banter.

He gives a small shake of his head, like he is thinking about something amusing.

“So what do you actually do when you’re not escorting me around?” I inquire, trying to keep my tone casual, but I can’t help the curiosity that bleeds through my words.

He pauses for a moment, looking contemplative. “I spend my time reading, exploring, and occasionally taking care of family matters.”

“Family matters?” I echo, intrigued. “What does that entail?”

“Ah, a little of this and that, but nothing of consequence.” He smiles softly, and I can tell he’s holding something back.

We reach the underground station, and as we descend the stairs, I feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Leo’s presence has become a comforting constant in my life, but there’s still so much I don’t know about him.

“Do you always make sure everyone gets home safe?” I ask, glancing sideways at him.

“It’s a gentleman’s duty,” he replies with a playful smirk. “And I plan to fulfill that duty as long as you allow me to accompany you.”

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I appreciate it.”

As we reach my home he looks at me. “So, when can I expect to see you out at night again?” He says with a half teasing smile.

“I believe we could arrange that quite soon. Perhaps this weekend? I hear there’s a lovely exhibition at the gallery downtown.” I say.

“I will be happy to escort you,” he say, taking my hand and buzzing a kiss to it. “Just please do not go out at night alone as Long as he is out there.”

I sigh. “Okay.”

“Goodnight miss Lily,” He says with a small bow.

I watch him leave, and I am not sure, but there is just something. Quickly I put down my books, slip back out the door and follow him.