Till the end of time

Chapter 1

"Fuck you Ronan! You're gonna get us killed."

The door slams behind him, leaving him in the solitude of darkness the night offers. Just the way he liked it. Taking in the beauty of Florence, Ronan walked through the cobbled alleys across the glimmering waters. There was nothing quite like Florence at night. As far as Ronan was concerned, this was the epitome. He was about to find out how wrong he was.

Taking a deep breath, Ronan walks towards his favorite place in the entire city- the bar. Pushing open the door, he steps in immediately drawing the attention of everyone in the room. Unperturbed he walks to the door. Given his look, the attention was surprising. With his high cheekbones and his jet black hair he looked like something akin to a Greek god. But it was the eyes, those damn green eyes that captured everyone. He was attractive and boy did he know it. Sliding into a bar-stool he ordered his usual, bourbon on the rocks. And that was when he saw her.

She was sitting on the far end, a crystal glass of whisky sitting in front of her, untouched. She seemed to be concentrating on the contents, oblivious to her surroundings, very oblivious to all the looks she was getting for she was beautiful. Not in an extravagant, accentuated but there was a simple elegance to her. Her clothes were nothing fancy, just a simple pair of jeans and a maroon shirt. Her chestnut brown hair was tucked behind one ear, giving way to her face. Long eyelashes over doe eyes and perfect pink lips. She gave a little sigh and continued to stare.

"Don't waste your time man."

Ronan's head snapped to the bartender. He didn't even realize that he had been staring until the bartender had spoken. The bartender was gave him a knowing smile as he spoke again.

"She's been sitting there for two hours and has sent every guy on their way so far. I know what you're thinking and I wouldn't."

Ronan smirked, his green eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Well, I think you'll find I'm not like other guys", he said, flicking his eyebrows.

Throwing a wink and a hundred dollar bill, Ronan made his way to the woman. He plopped himself on the seat next to her and took her in. She was even better up close. The tiny freckles on her cheek, the way her olive skin seemed to glow and the fullness of her lips all part of what Ronan knew added to the uniqueness of this woman.

"Hey, I'm Ronan and you are..."

"Not interested", came the reply.

Ronan's mouth ticked up into a small smile. Her voice was exactly as he imagined it to be- soft and sweet, yet feisty and strong.

"Are you sure? I mean, you haven't even looked at me."

"Don't need to", she replied, her soft curls brushing over her shoulder. "I'm sure you're very handsome, charming even but I'm not interested."

Ronan ignored her observing her features more. She truly was spectacular. And at this distance, he could see her eyes which were just as dazzling as everything else about her. They were bright blue, warm and clear, showing the quiet storm inside. Ronan leaned closer, taking in her scent that rich sweet scent undiluted by cheap perfume or cosmetics. It was just...her. And she was magnificent.

"Who are you?" Ronan asked, his voice low and quiet.

"I'm just a woman who wants to drink in peace."

"Really? Because you haven't taken a sip."

She turned to him, meeting his eyes for the first time. The fire in it was raging and spoke of threats but Ronan couldn't help but burn in it.