Mo Grá| Derek Morgan

°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

┌── •✧• ──┐
London
june 06, 2000

The neon lights pulsated above the crowded dance floor as a sea of bodies were swaying to the rhythm of the music. The heavy mix of cologne and perfume enveloped me as I walked through the crowd of people, searching for my older brother, Mark, who had brought me here as a birthday gift.

After a failed search, I leaned against the bar, deciding to wait for him to find me. I snatched a drink from a tray held by a passing server, only to discover that it wasn't good what so ever. As I scanned the room, a tall figure caught my eye, standing at the entrance, his body framed by the flashing lights. He radiated a magnetic confidence, and I found myself captivated as he surveyed the crowd.

Just then, our eyes locked, and he began to walk toward me. My heart raced with anticipation as a charming smile danced across his lips, sending butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

"Mind if I join you?" he inquired, his voice carrying a rich accent. I looked up, my smile broadening as I nodded. "Not at all," I replied, gesturing toward the empty chair beside me.

"I'm Killian," he introduced himself, extending a hand for me to shake. As I took it, his smile widened.

"Leah," I responded, but just as I thought he would sit down, he veered toward the end of the bar, and I figured he was a bartender. "Leah, can I get you a drink?" he asked.

"Do you work here or something?" I teased, my curiosity piqued. "Something like that, but no, I actually own the club, darling," he replied with a playful wink.

There was an undeniable charm about him, and I couldn't help but laugh, the sound swallowed by the sound of the music. "Alright then, I'll take whatever you recommend."

He nodded, turning to grab a glass and pouring something dark from a bottle that I couldn't read label of. As he handed it to me, our fingers brushed, my breath hitching.

"Cheers," he said, raising his glass, and I mirrored his gesture, our drinks clinking together. "So, what brings you to London?" he asked, taking the seat next to me.

"I'm just taking a break from college," I replied. "What about you? Do you own this place all by yourself?"

He chuckled, leaning casually against the bar. "You could say that. Just a little side business alongside my other... ventures."

"Ventures?" I echoed, intrigued. "What does that mean?" He hesitated, a shadow flitting across his face. "Let's just say I keep myself busy," he said, his smile returning but now tinged with caution.

Before I could delve deeper, a man approached Killian, urgency etched on his face as he tapped him on the shoulder. Killian turned, his demeanor shifting instantly, the playful charm replaced by a serious intensity.

"Killian, we need you," the man said, his voice low and strained.

"I'm busy," Killian replied, his tone clipped yet polite, as though maintaining a calm façade. "It's important," the man insisted, casting a glance at me.

"This is important," Killian shot back, his eyes narrowing, as the guy looked back at him. I felt like an unwitting spectator to something I shouldn't be witnessing.

The man hesitated, clearly torn, but eventually stepped back, though he remained close. Killian sighed, running a hand through his hair with a blend of frustration and resignation. "I'll be right back, Leah," he said softly, his expression softening. "I'm sorry, this is... it's just business. I'll make it up to you, I promise."