LOVE BORN IN DANGER

Chapter Two

Neriah gazed at the phone she was holding, the one message etched in her memory. Till the next time. Before she could even choose whether to remove it, the screen flickered black while her thumb was hovering over it.

There is no trace left. With a shaky exhale, she pressed the gadget to her desk as if it had burned her. “Until the next time” She detested the way the words sound, both promise and warning, coiled inside her. Once more, the office door cracked open.

Neriah winced and pushed the phone away.

Are you still here? A cool, familiar voice filled the doorway. Her best friend from work, Isabelle, was leaning against the frame with her arms folded.

You put in too much overtime. Neriah tried to gather herself. I was finishing a report. Isabelle’s piercing eyes narrowed. You look flushed, something happened?

Neriah shook her head quickly. No, nothing.

Isabelle entered, settling into the chair across from her. You missed quite a lot. Apparently, some thief managed to slip right past security,everyone is going crazy.

Neriah’s stomach twisted. She forced her face to remain neutral. Did they catch him?

No, which is embarrassing, considering this is one of the most heavily guarded buildings in the city.

Whoever he is, he’s clever.

Isabelle tilted her head. Why do I feel like you know something? The accusation was lighthearted and playful, but Neriah’s heart raced.

Because you imagine things, Neriah uttered too hastily.

Isabelle looked at her and raised a brow. Neriah. You're an awful liar. I'm saying the truth, Neriah defended

Her friend dropped her voice and leaned closer. So why do you appear like someone who has just been kissed?

Neriah's neck began to heat up. That’s ridiculous! she snapped.

Isabelle smirked after blinking. Yes, that is exactly what happened.

Neriah parted her lips, but nothing came out. Her friend grinned more broadly. Isabelle whispered, gleefully, Oh my God

You were kissed? Who was it? Make sure it wasn't some dull accountant.

Hold on, Isabelle's eyes glinted as she leaned back, don't tell me it was the thief There was absolute silence, Neriah could not utter a word.

Isabelle only needed Neriah's silence as proof. Oh My God, Isabelle suppressed her laughter by covering her mouth. You kissed a criminal?

Neriah growled, I didn't kiss him, He kissed me..

Semantics! You allowed it to happen.

Isabelle's chuckle turned into a cunning one, and based on your expression, you didn't particularly dislike it. Neriah covered her face with her hands and moaned.

You're not getting it, that is not the case. He was in hiding, outside were the guards, he was simply looking for a cover.

Isabelle repeated, cover? Interesting cover. Instead of hiding behind the desk, he had to put his lips to yours?

Was he at least attractive? Unbidden, the memory flashed; the heat of his hand at her neck, the piercing intensity of his eyes. Neriah pushed the idea aside. That is not the point.

So, yeah? Neriah gathered her papers and stood up suddenly. I’m going home.

Isabelle got up as well, still grinning, and said, fine, don't tell me but mark my words, men who crash into your life like storms never just vanish. He'll be back.

The following morning, as every face in the lobby appeared sharper and every glance suspicious.

She mentally relived the kiss far more than she wanted to admit, telling herself it was a careless act, a moment forced by circumstance, but the echo of his voice haunted her; you taste like trouble.

She sank into her chair, forcing herself to concentrate on her work. She typed, filed, and answered phones as the day went on, but the burden of the previous evening hung over her like a shadow.

Mr. Rogers called her at noon. His office was slick, chilly, and commanding. His face was unreadable as he sat behind his desk. He stated without greeting, you were here late last night.

Yes, sir. I was completing reports. By yourself? He stared at her intently. She made herself nod. Yes.

He squinted his eyes. Unusual. According to security, the intruder came from this direction. But you didn't see anything.

Her throat constricted. I didn't.

For a long, ponderous moment, he leaned back and studied her. Neriah, you are one of my loyal staffs. I've always trusted you. I'm hoping you won't let me down now.

Like a blade, the implication hung in the air. She lowered her head. Absolutely not sir.

With a flick of his hand, he brushed her off, but his suspicion followed her back to her desk.

By nightfall, fatigue weighed heavily on her. Pulling her coat tighter around her, she walked out of the building.

Horns, conversation, and the distant hum of trains filled the city with noise. Her heels clicked softly as she turned down a quieter street.

Then she sensed it, a presence. She accelerated her pace. The footsteps behind her did the same.

Her heart leaped into her throat. She turned around and stopped. He was the one. The robber appeared to have been waiting as he leaned lazily against a lamppost. That same angry smirk curled his lips. Do you miss me?

Neriah's heart pounded. Why are you in this place? She said, looking around. He walked closer, pushing off the lamppost.

I didn't get to say goodbye properly because you left in such a hurry last night.

She glanced around. Are you crazy? If someone spots you, they won't, he cut in.

He halted a single step away, close enough to engulf her in his presence. Calm down.

Calm down? she said harshly. You stormed into my office, kissed me without my consent, and now you're following me around the neighborhood. That isn't exactly calming.

His smile turned into a more serious expression. I mean no harm. I had no choice last night.

There is always a choice, Neriah reverted

Not when making the incorrect decision results in capture or worse, his eyes grew gloomy.

The weight in his tone made her falter. She questioned, Why are you telling me this?

Because I want you to know that I'm not your enemy, he said softly.

She gasped. So, what are you? He didn’t answer, not right away. Rather, he lowered his voice and leaned closer.

Neriah, you work for dangerous people. more dangerous than you think

She knitted her brow. What are you insinuating?

Your supervisor, Rogers, he is not who he seems to be.

Her stomach churned. You know nothing about him. I know a lot about him

His intense, unwavering gaze met hers. You're smarter than to blindly trust him, I know that.

To dispel the misunderstanding, she shook her head. You're cooking up lies, attempting to manipulate me.

He stepped closer and whispered, I'd kiss you again if I wanted to manipulate you.

She stumbled over her words. She detested the way her heart betrayed her with each thumping beat and the way his words captivated her.

You should go now, she muttered, before someone notices you

After examining her for a moment more, he nodded slightly. You're right, owever, we will talk again. I don't want to speak to you again

He retreated, disappearing into the throng.

She stood shaking, caught between rage and something much more sinister.

Neriah couldn't sleep that night and tossed around in bed. Your boss, he's not who he seems. A part of her wanted to believe him, and she detested that.

She forced herself into a restless silence and closed her eyes.

She jolted to her feet when she heard a knock on her apartment door, her heart pounded; who could it be at this time of the night?

With caution, she moved closer, pressing her ear to the wood. There was absolute silence.

Then there was another knock, harder this time. Her breath came more quickly. She opened the door against her better judgment and let out a gasp.

He wasn't the one. Mr. Rogers was the one. His lips curled into a chilly smile as he stood in

her doorway.

Good evening, Neriah, he said with ease. We need to talk for a little while. The sound of that startled her for a second.