Riddle

VIII. Formalities

Alex's POV

How the fuck do I keep running into this girl?! And she always appears at the worst time possible. This is ridiculous. I held her protectively in my lap, securing her small frame in my arms.

"I believe that's all we need to discuss gentlemen."

I stood up and led Elizabeth out of the room of wolves. As we walked out, hundreds of eyes glanced in our direction. Elizabeth buried her head in my chest, violently shaking. I gently squeezed her arms in reassurance, opening the door for her.

"You're not gonna be safe in your house tonight. You're going home with me," I ordered.

She timidly nodded and got in the back of the car. I gave instructions to the chauffeur and looked out the window I as the night scenes whipped by the window.

"Why were you in the bar today?" I asked, breaking the ice cold silence.

"I...I work there. And at the coffee shop," she whispered.

"How many hours do you work a day?"

"Well...the coffee shop is open from 6:30 - 9 and the bar is from 9:30 - 1:30. So...19 hours..."

"Why do you need to work so much?"

"The cafe only pays $15 an hour and the bar pays $16. But then there's tax, rent, food, and everything so I basically survive off of tips... The area I live in is extremely expensive so rent is awful. And I can't afford to move everything somewhere else..."

I nodded in understanding. We got out of the car and walked back into the same hotel I first brought her to.

"Mr. Fox! You appear more and more often recently. I suppose this means that our service isn't too terrible?"

I chuckled and shook my head.

"No not at all. Just a simple dinner for two please."

"Of course. It will be up promptly sir."

I nodded and walked towards the elevator. As we entered, Elizabeth's curious gaze made its way to my face.

"Is this room just yours? Everyone seems to know you," she asked.

"I own this link of hotels. I just prefer this location and this particular suite. It's reserved for me 24/7 and is basically my home whenever I come out here."

Her mouth dropped.

"T...that's amazing..."

"Darren got you some clothes to change into. It's in a bag in the restroom."

She nodded and walked in. Just before she closed the door, she peeked from behind the door.

"T...thank you Alex...this is the second time you saved me. And bought me clothes," she giggled.

For some reason, that brought a smile to my face and I gently shook my head.

"It's no trouble Elizabeth."

And for the first time, both of us dropped the formalities.