I lifted my head to gaze into his dark blue ey

omeone as handsome

His cufflinks shimmered in the lobby lights as he pressed the elevator button to prevent it

g as he called me

ding in front of him with a hint of awkwa

my formal deme

e asked, corners of his

ce to the top button of his vest. His perfume, a subtle mix of mint and something expe

id you just come from the charity event?" I asked, eve

n, my right hand moving to touch my neck. A specif

thought you'd be working from your hotel," he said, glanc

ic

er standing behind him. The resemblance was unmistakable, but this one seemed mo

s, not waiting for an answer as he continued, "Ha

arted working, forcing me to remem

ket pocket and tossed it to his

hotel." Mr. Shaw replied. He held onto the key and nodded b

into the elevator. His dark blue eyes shifted fr

. Suddenly, his wide smile faded, replaced by a strange exp

the closed elevator doors. Then I realized, it wasn

yes for a moment before lowering his gaze slightly. I followed his gaze and pulled my hand

he asked with an

ha

u know

ink I've seen him somewhere." I replied half

e said before I coul

ut

I won't let you go back alone." H

ho

His blue eyes looked at me a

." I said, trying to hold back my frustration.

taking a step and turning back when I

te persuasive, Mr. Shaw." I muttered with a hint of formality and sarca

stomach flutter. I ignored his last words and shifted my gaze to the lanterns be

ening here?" I asked, p

Halloween. Some blocks wil

erns. Some were shaped like pumpkins and bats. I had ne

want to

ekend." I replied, meeting his gaze. H

a week? I can ask Mrs. Lynch

tion now fully on me. "Y

" I shifted my gaze from his eyes that seemed to penetrate into me. I wasn't

for you at home?" His tone wa

." I blurted out without thinking. "I mean... I don't rea

are. I reflexively touched my neck, the place of the scar, with my fingert

e way to my hotel, not the awkward silence like at lunch earlier, but a comfortable one. When we arrived at the lobby of m

ai

rned

still raining outside, and... and you don't have an umbrella. S

xpensive cologne mixed with mint was clearly noticeable from such a close dis

what did

, then stopped in front of my room. I rummaged through my bag for my key and opened

m my hotel phone. A second later, a voicemail played. I let it play while searching for the umbrella I bought

e alone, okay? I don't want you to be attacked again. Call me as soon as possible. By the way, how wa

ped to grab the hotel phone handle before La

nded puzzled from the ot

n't look at Mr. Shaw now, so I stood wit

r new number all day. By the way, Oliver asked for your ce

lready gave my number to Mr. Newman. Why does

. Well, what ab

Mr. Shaw, "I'll call

to know about you

ight now." I wh

er, she screamed so loud over the phone that I had to close my eyes

. I took a deep breath and turned back to Mr. Shaw, his expression unchanged since earlier,

sed my hand to point to the phone before dropp

front of my hotel room, then he turned suddenly, almost making me collide with him. My heart raced again due to the close proximity

red; his breath, carrying the scent of mint and champagne, brushed ag

smiling, and walked away, leaving me s

ops tapping on the window, and my heart echoe