Folding For You

Chapter 15: Sabrina

We were sitting in an opulent VIP dining area that felt like something straight out of The Great Gatsby—the kind of place dripping with luxury. The chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow over the marble floors, while the vast windows opened to breathtaking city views. Everything was oversized, decadent, and polished to perfection.

Kaleb was mid-laugh, but I barely heard him when I caught the sound of quick, firm footsteps approaching.

I turned, and there was Killian, striding toward us with purpose. His face was set, fierce and unhappy. My heart sank a little, knowing immediately something wasn't right.

When he reached me, he softened just enough to kiss my lips gently, but that tenderness disappeared as he immediately turned to Kaleb, playfully smacking him on the head.

"What the hell are you thinking, taking her out on your own?" he scolded, his tone sharp. "And at our hotel, of all places? What if the staff sees her with you? And what if Dad sees her?"

I blinked, confused. Wait, I wasn't supposed to be here? The sudden realisation made me feel... out of place. Unwelcome. I knew Killian must have had his reasons, but it didn't stop the sadness from creeping in.

Kaleb, ever the jokester, just grinned. "Kill, you guys aren't dating in secret, are you? What's wrong with anyone seeing me with my sister-in-law?"

Did he call me his sister-in-law? My cheeks flushed immediately, a rush of warmth spreading through me at the thought.

Killian, on the other hand, was less amused. "Who are you calling sister—" He stopped mid-sentence, his eyes darting to me. The anger and tension in his face softened as he reached for my hand.

"Dimples," he said, his voice gentler now, "I'm sorry. It's not that I don't want you here; it's just... complicated." His eyes flickered toward Kaleb. "Especially with this guy involved."

I should've let it go, but something inside me twisted. This was the first time I saw the other side of Killian's life, and instead of feeling welcomed, I felt like an outsider. Like an intruder in his world.

My heart was heavy, and I looked up at him. His expression was a mix of frustration and something almost like sadness. "It's okay, I can leave," I said, trying to keep my voice steady, though the hurt was apparent.

Kaleb immediately chimed in. "Hey! Stay." He shot Killian a glare. "What's wrong with you?"

Killian's voice dropped, turning firm. "When it comes to Sabrina, I make the rules."

His words hit me like a slap. Offended, I shot back, "No, Killian. I make my own rules. And I'm leaving."

I stood up, ready to storm out of the dining area, when his hand grabbed mine, pulling me back. Damn, he was fast.

"I know you're pissed at me right now, and you have every right to be," he said, his voice low but filled with a sincerity that made my heart stutter. "But I'll explain everything at home. Give me an hour."

At home. The way he said it made something inside me soften as all the frustration melted away. It wasn't my apartment or even his penthouse. Home was wherever he was. And yet, I didn't want him to know I'd already forgiven him.

So I said, "We'll see."

Without looking back, I headed to the hotel lobby, where Hanson was patiently waiting for me. Even as I left, the warmth of Killian's words stayed with me, but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of knowing that just yet.

~o~

Two failed attempts at dining out with Killian. I could almost get used to this. The moment I walked through the door, my eyes fell on the kitchen, and as if on cue, my stomach growled in protest. Are we jinxed? Maybe we're only safe eating at Wings & Fries, where bad luck can't bite us in the ass.