Killer Love

Chapter Ten

"I thought you had guys that covered all of that," I tell Louis, gesturing to the television even though he clearly can't see me. "I'm not supposed to see homicide suspicions about my guys on the news. Questions will be raised. Questions that can be dangerous!"

"Look Y/N, calm down. I'm sure there's some misunderstanding or miscommunication. Did you see if that was the same guy you were set on a hit for?"

"I-" I stutter, calming down. "Well...no, I didn't."

"How do you know it was him then?"

"They described how I killed him! Gunshots and knife wounds."

"That doesn't mean anything and you know it." He sighs. "I'll make sure everything is fine, but in the meantime, you need to stop freaking out. You know we all take care of each other."

"Yeah, I do know that." But to what extent.

"I'll call later with an update. Go take out your frustrations at the home gym I made sure to provide you with."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Okay okay. Thanks for the advice."

I end the call and drag my hands over my face, blowing a breath out. If I keep stressing out like this, I'll end up dead earlier than planned. I take what Louis said in stride and change into workout clothes. Time to break in the treadmill.

Music blasts into my ears as I crank up the treadmill speed. I am full on sprinting by now and breathing so hard I am surprised I haven't choked. Sweat runs down my chest and my back. I am already looking forward to taking a cold shower.

I love working out. It gives me a chance to get get out of my head and into the moment. I love the burn and aches that come with pushing myself past my limit. That moment when I think I cannot go any further and still I keep going. There is something satisfying in that.

Just when I think my legs are about to give out and my lungs can't keep up with my rapid pace, I turn lower the speed until it is completely off. I place my hands on my hips and try to control my breathing. In and out. In. Out.

I grab a wash cloth and wipe the sweat from my face and neck. I can feel my hair stick to my skin. It's a little gross. I snatch my water bottle from the cup holder and walk to the patio. Nothing like a cool ocean breeze after a productive workout. I stand there with my eyes closed, listening to the waves crash against each other while my heart rate slowly decreases. This is nice.

My stomach decides at the moment to grumble loudly. Wow, I am famished. I just exercised so I should treat myself to a little dinner. And I know just the restaurant to eat at.

I park in front of the restaurant I read from the file. It is called The Plate. How original. I checked and Harry has a shift here tonight. I walk through the front doors. It does not seem to be busy at this time.

"Hello, miss," an older man at the podium greets me.

I smile at him. "Hi, can I get a table please?"

"Table for one?"

"Yes, it is just me tonight."

He grabs a menu and steps in front of me. "Right this way, miss."

We walk towards the back of the restaurant where I get a small booth to myself. He places the menu in front of me.

"One of our waiters should be here shortly."

"Thank you."

I study the restaurant as he walks away. It's in the middle of being a really fancy restaurant and one like Chili's or BJ's. It's kind of like the Cheesecake Factory. The lighting is fairly dim and the ceilings are high.

I flip through the menu to find something to eat. Maybe I'll get a salad. With lots of chicken of course. Or maybe some pasta. Ah, yes. Pasta sounds really good right about now.

I see a waiter walk up out of the corner of my eye.

"Hello, how what can I- Y/N?"

I look up with a small smile and wide eyes. "Harry! I didn't know you worked here. What a pleasant surprise."

He lowered his writing pad. "Yeah. I only get a few shifts each week during the school year. Crazy coincidence that you're here."

Oh, boy. "You clean up nicely," I tell him. I put the menu down and lean forward. "Anyway, enough small talk. I should let you do your job."

He chuckles. "Thanks. So what can I get you to drink?"

"I'll get a margarita please," I tell him with a serious face.

He looks at me suspiciously. "Aren't you underage?"

"What makes you think I don't have a fake ID," I reply.

He looks uncomfortable. "Uhh, I don't think-

I interrupt him with my laughter. "Oh, I'm just joking with you. I'll get water."

He shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Would you like an appetizer as well?" Harry asks.

"No, thank you that's fine. I will also be having the fettuccini Alfredo pasta."

"Half plate or full?"

"Full. I'm starving."

There is laughter in his eyes but he holds it in. "Right away. I'll be back with your water."

"Okay. Thank you." I try to wipe the smile on my face as he goes back to the kitchen. This is just too much fun. Maybe more than it should be.

***

The next few weeks at school are uneventful. I begin to get used to the way things work around here and I am careful not to draw attention to myself.

Louis sends me on two more hits. I come out of them relatively unscathed save for a few bruises and minor cuts. I feed Harry all kinds of bullshit excuses that he doesn't seem to fully believe, but it doesn't really matter to me.

I keep reminding myself that this is all temporary and soon my life will get back to the way it used to be, though it's starting to get harder as time passes. He stirs up something inside me that I can't explain. I learn more about Harry's life and who he is as a person despite my determination not to, and I'm getting worried.