MO GRÁ | Derek Morgan

chapter twenty one

┌── •✧• ──┐
London
june 15, 2000

I stood by the window of my hotel room, staring out at the skyline, feeling a bittersweet ache in my chest. My weeks in this city had flown by, but the memories I made felt like they were woven into the very fabric of my being. I glanced over at the clock, it was almost time.

Killian had become more than just a random person for me. He was a whirlwind of laughter, charm, an enchantment that swept through my life. I couldn't believe how quickly I had grown fond of him. The thought of leaving him behind sent a shiver down my spine.

As I gathered my things, I could feel the flutter of anticipation mixed with dread. I had agreed to one last date with Killian, a chance to soak in the sights and each other before I boarded my flight back to New York. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the emotions swirling inside me. When I finally stepped out of my hotel room, my heart raced. Killian was already waiting for me in the lobby, leaning against the wall with that charming smile that made my knees weak. The moment our eyes met, the world around me faded.

"Hey darling," he said, pushing himself off the wall and closing the distance between us. "Ready for our date?"

I nodded, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Yeah, I'm excited." We stepped outside, and the crisp air wrapped around us. The streets were bustling with life, a mix of tourists and locals going about their day. Killian wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed his hand.

"Where to first?" I asked, my voice playful.

He shrugged. "Let's just wander." We strolled through the streets, hand in hand, weaving through the crowds. Killian pointed out hidden gems—small cafes, street performers, and quirky shops. His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself laughing at his silly jokes and playful banter.

As we walked along the water, the sun began to dip below the horizon. I was mesmerized, but I couldn't help but feel a pang in my heart. This was it, soon, I would be back in New York, and he would be here, thousands of miles away.

"Can you believe this view?" Killian said, breaking me from my thoughts. He turned to me, "It's almost as beautiful as you."

I felt my cheeks flush at his compliment. "You're just saying that to make me blush."

"Maybe," he replied, a teasing glint in his eyes. "But I'm also telling the truth."

We continued walking, and I stole glances at him when I thought he wasn't looking. There was something about the way his hair fell into his eyes, the way he laughed, that made my heart race. I wanted to memorize every detail of him, to carry a piece of London with me in the form of Killian.

After a while, we stopped at his own club that Killian claimed was the best in the city. He led me inside, and the warm, cozy atmosphere enveloped us. He found a corner booth and settled in, the dim light casting a soft glow around us. I couldn't help but see the glances of people looking at Killian. The men sitting in their own booths, looking over at him everything he wasn't looking.

As we sipped our drinks, the conversation flowed effortlessly. "Do you really think you'll come visit me in New York?" I asked, my voice softening as I looked into his eyes.

He leaned forward, his expression earnest. "I promise I will. I want to see the city through your eyes." I felt a warmth spread through me at his words. "You better keep that promise, Killian."

"I will," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I don't break promises."

We shared a moment of silence. It was then that I realized how much I didn't want this to end. I leaned closer, my heart pounding, and before I knew it, our lips met in a soft kiss. It was sweet and lingering, a taste of everything we had shared in such a short time. When we pulled away, I could see the surprise in his eyes, but it quickly melted into a smile.

"Well," he said, his breath hitching slightly. "Who knew."

"Hmm?" I teased, biting my lip.

He grinned, leaning back in closer. "Didn't think you had it in you." I raised an eyebrow and without hesitation, I leaned in again, our lips meeting with more quickly this time. The kiss deepened, fueled by the emotions we had both been holding back. I felt his hands slide around my waist, pulling me closer as if he wanted to merge our bodies into one.

I lost myself in the moment, the world around us fading away. All that mattered was Killian and the way he made me feel. It was intoxicating, and I found myself wanting more.  When we finally pulled apart, I was breathless. I could see the fire in his eyes, and it made my heart race even faster.

"Leah," he said, his voice husky. "You're incredible."

I couldn't help but blush again, feeling both shy and bold at the same time. "You're not too bad yourself, Killian."

We shared a laugh, but the tension between us was palpable. I knew we were both aware that time was running out. The reality of my departure hung over us like a dark cloud, and I didn't want it to overshadow our moment. "I really will miss you," I said, my voice wavering slightly.

He reached over, taking my hand in his. "I'll miss you too. But we'll make it work, right?"

I nodded, squeezing his hand. "Right. I'll hold you to that."

We finished our drinks and eventually, we decided to head back to my hotel. The streets were quieter now, the city lights twinkling like stars. Killian walked close beside me, his arm wrapped around me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment mixed with sadness. When we arrived at the hotel, I turned to him, the weight of the moment settling over us. "Well, this is it," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine. "I don't want to say goodbye love."

"Neither do I," I admitted, my heart aching. Killian took a deep breath, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Let's not think of it as goodbye. Think of it as... see you later."

I smiled at that, feeling a flicker of hope in my chest. "See you later."

He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine in a soft kiss that quickly turned more passionate. I melted into him, feeling the heat rise between us. It was as if the kiss was a promise, a vow that we would find our way back to each other, no matter the distance. When we finally pulled apart, we stood there for a moment, our foreheads resting against each other, breaths mingling in the night air.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I promise," I replied, my heart swelling with emotion. "And you promise me the same?"

"Always," he said, a smile breaking through the intensity of the moment.

I took a step back, trying to hold onto the bittersweet memory of our time together. "Okay, Killian. I guess this is really it."

He nodded slowly, his eyes filled with a mix of regret and longing. "No matter how far apart we are, you'll always be with me, Leah. Don't forget that."

"I won't," I promised, my voice thick with emotion.

With one last lingering look, I turned and walked into the hotel, my heart heavy but full of hope. I glanced back one last time, and there he was, standing under the glow of the streetlights, watching me with that smile that had captured my heart.

As I made my way to my room, I knew this wasn't the end. It was just the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with anticipation, longing, and the promise of what was to come.