Chapter 33
Panic settled deep into my bones like never before.
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“Killian,” I gasped, gripping his shoulder as blood oozed from the wound. He had stepped in front of me, blocking the bullet. My eyes darted to the man who had fired the shot, but he was already surrounded by eight Shadow Knights. Killian, however, remained focused on me.
“Mila,” he sighed in relief, as if he’d been holding his breath. His gaze was steady, filled with concern. “You’re alright?”
I stared at his shoulder in shock. “Killian… you!” My grip tightened on him. “Let’s go inside.”
My eyes stung as I took in his darkening expression, the tension in his jaw, the way he stood so straight despite the pain.
“It’s fine, calm down. I’ve had worse.”
“Sir, we should move inside,” a familiar voice cut in.
I looked past Killian’s shoulder–Kate stood there, dressed head to toe in black, blending in with the guards. She didn’t look anything like the perfect host from the beach house. A strange, tight sensation coiled in my chest, but I pushed it aside.
Beads of sweat formed on Killian’s forehead.
“Killian, move,” I urged, grabbing his right arm–the uninjured one.
“Sir, we don’t know if there are any other threats,” Kate added, her tone professional but urgent.
“Then move!” Killian snapped. He remained in place, still shielding me. “Search the area! Some worthless bastards came onto my territory and shot at my person. No one leaves alive. Move!”
Kate paled but quickly nodded and left to carry out his orders.
“You should go,” Killian said, straightening his back. His shirt was soaked with blood. “I’ll handle this. Take someone with you.”
I exhaled sharply, frustration mounting. “No. You’re the one who’s leaving. Come with me.”
I tugged at him, trying to pull him toward the entrance. At first, he didn’t budge, but after a few insistent pulls, he finally relented.
A guard appeared, leading us through a back entrance. This time, instead of the basement, we took an elevator up to the second floor. The room we entered was luxurious–plush sofas, a king–sized bed, a built–in wardrobe, and even a small pantry.
Killian barely needed help, using his good arm to support the other as he sat on the sofa. Two guards stood outside the door as another man entered.
Blond, mid–thirties, sharp blue eyes. He wore a white shirt and cream–colored pants, his light features contrasting with the dark surroundings. He carried a briefcase and had a teasing smirk on his face.
“How on earth did you get shot?” His tone was more amused than concerned, but his movements were quick. He placed the briefcase down, opening it to reveal surgical tools, syringes, and other medical supplies.
“Be quick,” Killian muttered. Then, glancing at me, he added, “This is Eliot.”
Eliot barely acknowledged me at first, his attention fixed on Killian. But then, recognition flickered in his eyes.
“Ah, you’re the Anderson girl,” he said.
Without further delay, he grabbed a pair of scissors and cut away part of Killian’s blood–soaked t–shirt, exposing the wound on his left shoulder blade. The sight of dark crimson pooling around the bullet hole made my stomach tighten.
I willed myself to look away but couldn’t. Eliot, however, remained silent, focused as he worked. He seemed different around Killian–more than just a
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Chapter 33
doctor. A friend.
I watched as he extracted the bullet, my heart turning cold. Killian didn’t so much as flinch.
No one questioned my presence, but I felt out of place. I crossed my arms and exhaled.
Once the wound was cleaned and dressed, Eliot patted Killian’s shoulder–the injured one.
Killian shot him a glare.
Eliot just laughed. “All done.”
Then he turned to me, offering a hand. “My apologies. I’m Eliot. The best friend.”
Killian stepped between us, pushing Eliot’s hand away.
“Hey! I was just introducing myself,” Eliot protested.
His easy charm lightened the room, but before I could respond, the door opened again.
Kate.
I tensed and peaked around Killian looking at Eliot “Mila,” I said “And it’s complicated,”
Eliot turned to her, mouthing a silent “Oh.” The atmosphere shifted.
“We searched a ten–mile radius,” she reported, her polished demeanor gone. Now, she was just another guard. “No one suspicious
Killian nodded.
“The man who shot at you is detained.”
“Interrogate him,” Killian ordered.
Kate didn’t hesitate–she simply nodded and left.
was
found.”
“Well, I’m done here too.” Eliot grabbed a bottle of pills from his case, placing them on the nightstand. “You know the drill,” he said, addressing Killian, who just waved him off impatiently.
Eliot left, closing the door behind him.
Silence.
I should go too.
Killian strolled to the wardrobe, pulling out a fresh t–shirt before disappearing into the bathroom. I uncrossed my arms and exhaled. Too many thoughts swirled in my head. It was better this way–I wouldn’t have to face him when I left.
“You should rest. I’m leaving,” I announced, moving toward the door.
A hand caught mine.
I turned, pressing my lips into a thin line. I hadn’t even heard the bathroom door open. He was shirtless, freshly cleaned.
I looked anywhere but at him. Heat crept under my skin where our hands touched.
“I’m late,” I said.
“Why do I feel like you’re angry?”
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I stared at him for a beat, then lost my patience.
“Shouldn’t I be? What kind of person takes a bullet for someone?!” I kept my voice restrained, but my frustration was clear.
His expression remained calm. “You’re worried about me.”
“That’s not the point!” I said, my voice cracking. “I don’t want you to die for me. And I don’t want you to kill for me. Do you get it?”
“Most women would appreciate it.”
I let out a humorless laugh. “Oh, I appreciate it,” I said, face flushed with anger. “But I do not support it.”
His gaze softened as he took in my expression. Then, without warning, he pulled me into his embrace.
“Don’t leave like this,” he murmured. “We were parting on good terms. Let’s not ruin it.”
His voice was coaxing–too coaxing.
I wanted to hit him. But he was injured, so I settled for resting my hands lightly on his forearms.
“Killian,” I protested. “You can’t…” I shook my head, feeling helpless.
“When I saw him aiming at you, I didn’t think,” he said simply.
I swallowed hard. “I get it. I do. But we need rules. And right now…” I pulled his arms from around my waist. “I need to leave.”
“I’ll have someone follow you,” he said.
“No. No one follows me.” I was firm, meeting his gaze.
He let go, watching me sulkily.
This was unreal. Am I missing something when it comes to relationships?
Before I could stop myself, I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
Then I left, closing the door behind me.
