Stay With Me...

Chapter 1- Close Encounters

The Belle- London England

John stood on the other side of the street, looking on at the large hotel. It was called the Belle. A large building towering over the streets, the modern design giving off an air of sophistication. Slinging his bag higher up onto his shoulder, he kept his head down as he crossed the street, letting the door man open the door for him. The lobby was as huge as expected, all glossy marble floors, high beams and expensive looking matching furniture.

***

The sound of high heels hitting the marble floor filled the otherwise quiet lobby. There were other guests scattered in seats, engaged in quiet conversation, but as soon as they got wind of her expensive perfume, their heads raised, all turning to catch a glimpse of her. She paid them no mind, walking up to the reception desk, removing her sunglasses, then letting her long polished nails tap the granite counter. The receptionist looked up at her offering a tight smile, probably the same one that she offered to thousands of other guests, "Yes?"

Before she could have a chance to respond, a tall figure, almost a foot over her own small stature, arrived at her side. His familiar face bore fresh cuts and busies, but still they could not take away from how handsome he was. He spoke before her, rude, "I need a room," His voice was gruff and tired.

The receptionist cleared her throat, clearly taken aback by his appearance. She gave him a once over, drinking in his features, blood stained shirt, split lip, a cut running along his cheek and a duffle bag slung over his shoulder, "I'm not sure I can help you sir." The woman sounded afraid.

From the side of her eye, she could see his muscles tighten beneath the constrains of his suit. He looked so tired, drained, like he needed just one win after a string of sore losses. Tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, she cleared her throat, speaking up for the first time, "I'm sure you can work something out for him. He's paying right?" She glanced up at him. He nodded stiffly and she carried on, "Exactly. And I'm sure your boss would be disappointed to hear you turned away a paying customer."

"While I understand you want to help ma'am, you need to understand that our hotel has strict polices. We can't just give anyone who walks in a room. Even if they're paying. The hotel has a standard-"

She leaned forward, dramatically reading the girl's name tag, "Well, Eva, standards are a little biased aren't they? Do you think you could book yourself a room with the pay you make here?" She shook her head embarrassed, "That's what I thought. But if he's here then he can. Don't you think?"

She nodded vigorously, either unwilling or too intimidated to argue further. "Certainly. Name?"John provided his information and credit card. "Room 614." He thanked her and left, stopping to look back at the woman who was still at the counter presumably booking a room for herself.

He was in the elevator when he saw her heading towards the closing metal doors. He stuck his foot out, holding it open for her. "Thanks." Was all she said.

"Thank you." She turned to look at him, confused. "For downstairs. Thanks. I probably would have just left."

"No problem. She was being a bitch and I was there." She shrugged. Removing a hand from her burgundy coat, she offered it to him, "Emmaline Duval." Her plum colored lips curled into a smile. Finally getting a moment to get a good look at her, John found that she was beautiful. Probably at least twenty years his junior, her dark hair was a short, right above her shoulders with blonde highlights, some of it tucked behind an ear. It framed the delicate features of her face perfectly.

"John Wick." For the first time in a long time, he smiled, genuinely. Her hand was soft and felt so small in his. He felt like he could hold onto it forever. "I feel like I should do something to thank you. A drink maybe?"

She smiled again. "Not necessary. No offense, but you look beat. And I have a lot to do when I get to my room." As if on cue, the doors slid open with a ding.

He stepped out, standing in the doorway, "Well I guess I'll see you around them.Thanks again."

"Goodnight." She whispered loud enough for him to hear. The air between them was electric, he had known her for all of fifteen minutes but still he wanted to kiss her. Swallowing down the feeling, he bid her goodnight and headed to his room, letting the doors close as the elevator took her up.

***

Locking the door behind her, Emmaline pulled her jacket off, kicked off her shoes and headed straight for the shower. When she was finished, she sat crossed legged on the large bed, looking over some files that she had brought along, ready to get to work.