Hollow

Thirty Eight | Thorns

I open my eyes and cuss when the light from the sun hits my sensitive eyes. It takes me a couple of minutes to adjust before examining my surrounding. I'm cuddled up against Killian, his arm wrapped securely around me and the duvet draped over us. I try to move only to have his hold tighten. I groan, deciding to go back to sleep the I feel a light kiss on the top of my head. I turn my head to meet a smiling Killian who places another kiss on my forehead.

"Were you trying to split me in half?" I laugh, reaching out to ruffle his hair playfully earning a chuckle from him. "I don't think I can move."

"I'm sorry."

I smile and place a kiss on his jaw before resting my head on his chest, closing my eyes as exhaustion slowly starts to take its toll on my body. I feel Killian shift me in his hold before letting my head down slowly on his chest again.

"I think you'll want to see this."

I groan and open my eyes to see him scrolling down on his phone before showing it to me. I blink a few times to adjust to the light, reading the post.

'Spain's Killian Ferreira is congratulated by girlfriend Zahra Pierce after the World Cup.

The pair is photographed at a party organized for the champions at their hotel, with Zahra sitting on Killian's lap as they packed on PDA. Zahra Pierce and model Paris Hernandez who traveled together to the final in Mexico posed for pictures with the team and the trophy.'

"Well, at least they got a good pictures."

"Wait, you're —why aren't you upset?"

I sit up and reach for a hair tie on the nightstand. "Why should I be upset?" I chuckle, tying my hair at the top of my head.

"Well, you were pretty adamant on us being seen in public," He replies, scratching the back of his neck uncomfortably. "I thought you'd b—"

I cut him off by moving to settle on his lap, straddling him. Killian gives me a mischievous look, his eyes darkening as hands along my thigh.

"You're playing a very dangerous game." He says in a low voice.

I smirk and lean to kiss him, gently pulling on his hair as his hands rub smooth circles on my thighs, holding me in place.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

"You're flying to Madrid after this, right?" I ask as we ride the elevator down to the lobby of the hotel.

Kilian nods, letting out a laugh. "I don't think my liver is ready."

The elevator doors open and we step out, walking of the lobby to see Trey already parked out front. We step in and he starts driving towards the restaurant.

"At least you'll get to see your family. That's good, right?"

"It's actually what I look forward to the most." Killian says quietly, gazing out the window as the car moves.

"I'm sure they cant wait to see you too." I reassure.

"Knowing my mom, she probably slept in the kitchen." He laughs. I take out my phone to take a picture of him.

At first, he frowns but his lips curl into a panty dropping grin as I snap a couple of pictures before scooting closer to show him. A small smile strays on his lips as he scrolls through the pictures, sending a couple to himself. I lay my head on his shoulder, enjoying the comfortable silence as the car moves.

Soon the car comes to a halt and we step out, making our way inside the dimly setting of the restaurant with Killian's hand on the small of my back as we stroll towards our table.

"Killian!" A voice calls out making us stop in our tracks. Killian's hand slips from my back and I turn around to see Killian shaking hands with a man I recognize as Cruz, one of his teammates.

"Are you stalking me?" Killian greets, smiling.

"A man can't eat in peace anymore?" He jokes before turning to the woman beside him who waves awkwardly at us.

"It's good to see you, Killian." The woman says.

"You too." Killian smiles before shifting his gaze to back to Cruz. "You remember my girlfriend, Zahra?"

"Of course, I do!" Cruz confirms pulling me into a side hug.

"Hello to you too." I chuckle, shaking my head in amusement as we pull back. "Congrats by the way, you guys did really well."

"No mami, I did well." He replies confidently making us erupt in a fit of laughter.

"You do realize it was a collective effort?"

"Your point being?"

I laugh quietly as Killian shakes his head. I avert my gaze to the woman who has not uttered another word and offer her a polite smile, only to be given a glare in return. I shrug it off and turn to the guys who are now engrossed in a deep conversation. I unlock my phone to look at the time and gasp when I see what time is. I have less than two hours left before leaving for the airport.

"I'm really sorry but we have to go." I state, giving Cruz a polite smile. "It was really nice to see you again, Cruz."

He grins. "Hopefully we get to see you again."

"Definitely."

"I'll see you later." Killian states and we bide our goodbyes before walking towards our table, Killian not even bothering to say goodbye to the girl.

"You barely acknowledged that poor woman." I say as he pulls my chair for me, pushing it back before gaining his seat.

"Nothing to acknowledge." He shrugs, dismissively.

"Ghost from the past?" I tease.

"Let's just say it's something I wish to forget."

We end up talking about work, mostly about the launch party coming up and I try my best to relax as I answer his questions. I shake my head when he says he wanted a customized gun with his picture on it. There's no way in hell I'm letting him get anywhere close to a gun.

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I put on my sunglasses and we leave the suite, making our way downstairs to the lobby where we find Marcus and the hotel staff placing my stuff in the car. Marcus motions for us to leave. I turn to Killian who pulls me into his side, placing a soft kiss on my temple.

"Don't miss me too much."

"It's just a few days." I reply.

"I know."

I shift in his embrace and turn around to fully face him, pulling him into a kiss. We pull back and I give him a sad smile, looking down at our hands.

He brings his hand to my face, holding my chin. "I'll see you in a couple of days, alright?"