Against The Current

Chapter 18

This chapter is dedicated to XxHestiaxX who always has something nice and supportive to comment and has been a massive supporter of this story! XxHestiaxX is also the creative mind behind the brilliant cover! Thank you so much.

Chapter 18

Killian watched as Emma's eyes darken and a frown wrinkled her smooth skin. She was taking a defensive stance, legs wide and hands on her hips. From their first encounter in the elevator, he had known that she was a firecracker when it came to confrontations and he had often wondered if that passion transferred into other parts of her life.

Deciding to move their apparent disagreement out of the foyer and into the more comfortable living room, Killian turned away from her and strode off in silence. He knew that his calmness would irk her and she would be quick to follow him. It hadn't been hard for him to learn what pushed her buttons; she was like an open book to him.

"Don't walk away from me!" Emma demanded.

Killian led her into his living area and turned to watch her reaction to the spectacular views. He watched as her eyes widened, some of the anger draining out of them as she absorbed what he had created in his Penthouse. Killian loved the industrial feel of the timbers, exposed piping and concrete meshed with the original red brick. Emma stalked past him and stood in front of the massive glass windows that over looked the city.

He knew forcing her to stay in his apartment might be pushing his luck just a tad too far but what else could he do?

Could he even force her to stay?

She was vulnerable, even with Graham by her side. Killian's stomach clenched as he thought of the easy going and somewhat flirtatious relationship the two seemed to have forged.

"Why haven't you quit?" The question had been rolling around in his head since the first incident in South Africa. Wouldn't a normal woman have quit a job that put her life in danger?

Or at least asked for a transfer?

Emma turned around at his question. The tense way she held herself told him she was still angry but there was a look on her face - determination.

"I always finish what I start." Emma declared as she flopped back into one of his navy couches. She kicked off her boots and planted her feet onto his coffee table. Killian watched in silence as she relaxed back against the plush cushions and closed her eyes. Emma would need convincing that his plan was the best idea for everyone involved.

Emma cracked open one of her eyes as she felt movement against her feet. Killian was sitting on the coffee table opposite her.

"This isn't fair Killian," Emma whispered.

Killian threw his hands into the air and hissed, "What else am I supposed to do?"

"Let me help," she implored dropping her feet to the ground and sitting up. Emma crouched forward and grasped Killian's hand.

"He is determined to chase me. I can help you find him!"

Killian tugged on Emma's hand, his eyes narrowing in consternation.

"I can't lose anyone else!" his whisper was hoarse and she could barely make out his words. They made her heart freeze in torment, she hated deceiving him. Maybe there was a way to give them both what they wanted.

"Look at me," Emma tilted Killian's chin until he was staring straight into her eyes.

"I will make you a deal...but you have to agree to my terms!"

Killian opened his mouth to argue but Emma shot him a filthy look that had him quickly shutting his mouth.

"I will stay here...BUT only if you let me work on this."