CH 40: Running Into Trouble

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"Um," Eve choked.

Her eyes gazed up at the ceiling. Although elevators had been installed, the complex had a grand staircase that led to the second floor. Everything seemed to be made of polished marble. The yellow lights added a warm hue and uplifted the ambiance like it was a bar of gold.

Gulping, Eve felt out of place.

"It's alright, Mrs. Hathaway," she started to say. She took a step back, half-twisting towards the exit. "It's been a tiring day. I'd love it if I would be able to go home now."

A return to her normal life would be nice. More than nice, it would be wonderful. The adventure as Evangeline was enough for today. She'd rather be home where she was safe.

"I understand. We can just talk about it next time," Avery replied, walking ahead of Eve. "Come on! Another reason why I'm here is to drive you back. Can't have a beautiful girl out late alone! There are predators everywhere."

Eve trailed behind. She didn't need to be told twice. There was a spring in her steps as they headed out. She could almost feel the warm water. It would relax away the tension in her muscles.

Hopefully, it would also ease the incoming ache.

A tall figure walked through the doorway. He held a brown paper bag by his side, returning from a convenience store. The hem of his fitted white shirt hung around his hips. Straight cut jeans covered his legs. His black sneakers squeaked against the floor.

His retro curtain hair was tousled from the evening winds.

Eve spotted him first and stopped. The agitation from earlier came back. It seeped through her brain and down to her heart. The latter increased in its beating. It felt like the room closed in, sucking out the air.

Then, a pair of radiant blue eyes noticed her.

"Evangeline?" Mikael scowled, a questioning look in his eyes. He halted in his steps. His gaze scrutinized her presence. Her hair had turned into a bird's nest since tangled strands stuck out. The dress wrapped around her body with uneven creases. Her makeup also smudged under her eyes.

She seemed to have come from outside. Why would she be here then?"

Eve nodded in greeting. "Mr. Davis."

He took a step closer. His arm and the paper bag swung at his side. "What brings you here?"

Mikael watched her flinch, avoiding his stare. Her upper teeth bit on her bottom lip as she stared at the wall. She twisted her wrists and clasped her hands together. Her feet bounced back and forth, shifting her weight every second.

In his eyes, she became more suspicious by the second.

His inquiry was simple. What could she be hiding?

Eve opened her mouth, still unsure of what to say, "I was just—"

Hurried footsteps echoed behind Mikael. A hand tapped him on the shoulder and yanked him back. Violet eyes shined at his face. The madam wore a broad smile on her lips. "Mikael, right? Hi, I'm Avery. I'm one of Luna's and Cale's friends. I saw you during Evangeline's shoot."

Mikael rolled his sore shoulder. "Good evening to you, Ms. Avery."

Those fingers could claw out his skin. Not only that but it could also dislocate his joint. He lifted up his free hand to massage the spot. It soothed the pain even by a little.

"Oh, my. What a charmer." Avery giggled, hitting his upper arm and making him flinch. The giddiness lit up her whole face. "I'm sorry to cut this short but Evangeline and I have a dinner reservation. Do you mind if we go on ahead?"

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