Love lays embedded deeply within the practice of deception. We immerse ourselves quickly in new realities much like a curious journalism student getting a job at a BDSM club but starts to uncover things aren't quite as they appeared originally on th...
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I checked my singular book out of the library before embracing both Marie and Derek with the promise of being back soon, needing to remember to take time out of my week to make them feel loved like I know they don't by a young face. They were a little shocked I was leaving with the three other people that had come in today but I hushedly explained they were my bosses and one of their daughters to whom I'd been giving book recommendations.
Scarlett ended up with seven books stacked tall in her arms, barely able to see over them as her face remained lit up by her bright smile while Marie doted over her like an affectionate grandmother. She promised that when she next comes in she'll set some new Princess tales aside when they come in through shipments and I've never seen a child so excited over the idea of new books.
Niall was eternally grateful, thanking both Marie and Derek profusely with an appreciative smile curled on his face, the two of them took a liking to his kind easy-going nature radiating from his figure. On the other hand, Harry was much more quiet, he didn't say a word but stood a few feet away with his arms loosely over his chest avoiding looking up from his feet.
I had expected the walk to be awkward but Scarlett took Harry's hand and scampered off ahead as she skipped by his side with the happiest of chatter leaving her lips but I couldn't make it out from our distance. Walking with Niall was calming, the weather was still chilled outside which was a nice contrast after getting extremely warm inside the library but I didn't want to be out here long.
I feel a poke of an elbow being delivered to my bicep which causes my head to turn in the direction of Niall by my side. "How are you feeling coming back to work Thursday?" He asks almost wearily, unsure how I'll react to the question.
His eyes are on me gently, like he's concerned I will get upset based on how I acted the night everything happened. As much as I tell myself I'm 'over it' I don't think I'll be able to forget the violence, my mind continually depicting a scene much more intense than reality.
"I mean– nervous." I'm honest, not feeling the need to lie when it's Niall. "But the longer I prolong coming back the worse it's going to get."
He seems to understand where I'm coming from as he nods his head, "you'll be okay. I'll look after you, I can't quite see the stage from behind the bar but I can pop out for your performances to be nearby if you'd feel better."
My head shook, "I couldn't ask you to do that."
I don't want him to feel like he has to look after me or keep his eyes on me at all times because I'm at risk of having a breakdown if something slightly goes wrong. The idea of pressure being laid on his back because of me isn't one I like the sound of but he's shaking his head with brows pinched.
"I'm offering, Aurora, you haven't asked. You're a sweet girl and I want you to be comfortable, part of my job is looking after the workers especially when you're doing something that some men think grants them more permissions." He talks softly, his voice is quieter but stern undertones that force me to listen. "How about on Thursday you come in, no performances and you sit with me for a couple of hours?"
