Eve didn’t sleep that night. Her thoughts twisted and turned like a storm, battling between disbelief and the haunting conviction in Killian’s words.

Morning brought no clarity, only more questions. She spent the day in a daze, her movements robotic as she worked the café shift.

And then he walked in.

Killian’s presence was like a thunderclap in the quiet café, commanding attention without effort. He didn’t approach the counter this time, instead choosing a corner seat where he could observe everything—and everyone.

Eve’s pulse quickened, but she forced herself to focus. She wasn’t going to let him intimidate her.

When she finally approached his table, her tray balanced with practiced ease, she kept her voice steady. “Are you planning to stalk me, or is this just your idea of small talk?”

Killian smirked, the scar on his lip tugging slightly. “You’ve got spirit. I’ll give you that.”

“Don’t patronize me.” She set his coffee down harder than necessary. “What do you want, Killian?”

His eyes flicked to her name tag. “You already know the answer to that, Eve.”

She didn’t. Not really. But his cryptic responses and unwavering confidence made her feel like a pawn in a game she didn’t understand.

Before she could retort, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“Everything okay here?”

Eve turned to see Lucian standing at the counter, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Killian with barely concealed disdain.

Killian didn’t even look at him. “Perfectly fine,” he said, his gaze still locked on Eve. “But I appreciate your concern.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened. “Let me know if that changes, Eve.”

Eve nodded, grateful for his presence but wary of the rising tension.

Killian leaned back in his chair as Lucian walked away, his smirk widening. “Your knight in shining armor doesn’t like me much.”

“I can’t imagine why,” Eve shot back, her sarcasm masking her nerves.

Killian chuckled, low and almost dangerous. “You’ll figure it out eventually. When you do, remember this—I’m not your enemy. Not really.”