Whispers

Thief in the Night

As Eirini stood frozen in the doorway, her mother's gaze pierced through her. "Who is this man?" she asked in Greek, her voice steady but laced with concern.

Eirini felt the heat rise in her cheeks, wishing she could vanish. "Um, he's just a friend," she stammered, searching for the right words. "I met him while exploring Birmingham."

Her mother's expression shifted, skepticism etched on her face. "A friend? Eirini, you know I worry about you. After everything with your ex, I can't help but be cautious."

"I know, Mom," Eirini replied, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "But this is different. Cillian is... nice. He's just here for a short time." She could feel Cillian's presence behind her, his confusion evident as he shifted awkwardly.

"Is he?" her mother pressed, crossing her arms. "You always fall for the wrong type. I don't want you to get hurt again."

Eirini's heart sank. "I'm fine, really. I promise," she insisted, but her voice wavered. "We're just having fun."

Her mother's eyes softened slightly, but the concern lingered. "Fun can lead to complications, Eirini. I just want what's best for you."

"I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm trying to move on, to live my life."

Silence hung in the air, and Eirini sensed Cillian's gaze on her, a mixture of support and concern. He didn't understand what was being said, but he could feel the tension radiating from the conversation.

"Listen," her mother said, turning to Cillian and speaking in Greek, "It's best if you don't stay here tonight. Eirini needs to think about what she's doing." She gestured firmly, making her point clear.

Eirini's heart raced at her mother's words. "Mom, please—"

But her mother interrupted. "I mean it. I don't want him sleeping under the same roof. It's not safe for you."

Cillian looked between them, clearly confused, trying to grasp the situation unfolding. Eirini sighed. "Can we talk about this later?" she finally suggested, glancing back at Cillian, who remained quietly observant.

Her mother's expression softened slightly but remained firm. "I just want you to be happy, dear. That's all."

"I know, Mom. I appreciate that." With a gentle squeeze on Cillian's hand, she stepped aside, inviting him to enter the house, but the tension hung heavy in the air.

Eirini watched as her mother gently but firmly pushed Cillian back outside. "It's nothing personal," Eirini hurried to explain. "My mom just doesn't want us to sleep here right now."

Cillian met her gaze, a smile playing on his lips. "I understand," he said, his tone calm and accepting. "I don't want to cause any trouble."

Eirini felt a rush of relief at his understanding, though a pang of worry followed. "I'm sorry about this. I didn't think she'd react this way."

"No worries," he replied, though Eirini could see the concern in his eyes. "I'll figure something out." He glanced around, clearly unsure of where he would go next.

"Maybe you could stay at a hotel?" Eirini suggested, her heart sinking at the thought of them being apart.

"Yeah, that could work," he said, but his smile didn't quite reach his eyes. He stepped back, looking at her with warmth and understanding. "I'll be fine, really. Just focus on what you need to do with your mom."

Eirini nodded, feeling torn. "I'll call you later, okay?"

"Sounds good," he replied, giving her a reassuring smile before turning to leave.

As Eirini stood in the doorway, her mother crossed her arms, a resolute look on her face. "I think it's best if I sleep here tonight," she said. "Just to make sure there are no misunderstandings."

Eirini's heart sank. "Mom, you don't have to do that!"

Her mother shook her head. "I want to make sure you're safe. You know how I feel about you rushing into things."

Eirini sighed, caught between her frustration and her mother's concern. "I'm not a child anymore, Mom. I can take care of myself."

"I know you can," her mother replied gently, but her tone remained firm. "But I just want to protect you. It's not that I don't trust him, but I want to be sure."

Feeling a wave of embarrassment, Eirini nodded, resigned. "Fine, but it's not necessary."

Her mother smiled softly, sensing her daughter's reluctance. "Just for tonight, okay? We'll talk more in the morning."

---

Cillian lingered outside for an hour, pacing the sidewalk and occasionally lighting another cigarette. The street was quiet, but the anticipation buzzing in him felt electric. Eirini had texted him to wait, and he felt a mix of excitement and impatience.

Finally, he received a message: **"Come to the window."** She was on the ground floor, and his heart raced at the thought of sneaking in.

He approached cautiously, glancing around to ensure no one was watching. With a swift motion, he opened the window and slipped inside like a thief in the night. The moment he landed on the soft carpet, he caught Eirini's gaze, deep and inviting.

In one swift motion, he threw her onto the bed, capturing her in a whirlwind of warmth and urgency. He leaned down, kissing her neck tenderly, feeling her heartbeat quicken beneath his lips.

"Shh," she whispered, trying to suppress a laugh. "We can't make any noise, or my mother will hear!"

Cillian pulled back slightly, a playful grin on his face. "I promise to be quiet. But you have to promise to keep me entertained."

Eirini smiled, her heart racing, knowing this moment was both thrilling and dangerous.