After scoring the internship of a lifetime, college student Lila Grey is ready to let loose and have a little fun. But thanks to the virile Kol Mikaelson, one night of carelessness turns into something much more complicated than she'd ever imagined...
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"Are you seriously telling me that your father's name is Mikael Mikaelson?"
I groaned when Elijah nodded in confirmation.
"Wow, the baby's great-grandparents are dicks, too. Good to know."
It was nearly midnight, and Elijah was walking me back home from the diner. Since it was late September, the air was starting to cool considerably, and I could feel goosebumps forming on my arms.
The twinkle of the stars above seemed brighter than usual, and one in particular appeared to be glowing more than the rest. I was so focused on the star, that I missed the dip in the sidewalk where one brick had been placed sideways.
The heel of my right shoe caught on the edge, and I pitched forward with a shriek. I barely had time to react before I felt Elijah's arms wrap around my waist.
I could feel the warmth of his palms through the thin black cotton of my top, and suddenly the chill in the air was forgotten.
"Thanks," I whispered, my eyes flicking up to meet his. "I never knew clumsiness was a symptom of pregnancy."
Elijah said nothing, he simply kept his warm whiskey gaze locked on mine.
We stayed that way for a beat, lost in each other, before he pulled himself out of the moment. Shaking his head gently, he cleared his throat before helping me navigate safely around the brick.
"So. Tell me about fashion design," he said, his voice straining as he tried to steer the conversation away from the undeniable fire crackling between us.
We walked the remaining few blocks to my house, discussing my love for fashion and his dependability on numbers. When we arrived at my place, Elijah eyed the narrow staircase leading up to my front door.
"Elijah, I'm perfectly capable of getting inside by myself," I insisted, fighting back a grin.
A lifetime of independence had ensured I could do anything without help from another. I taught myself everything from cooking, to driving, to fashion design.
But then this gorgeous man appeared, and suddenly I could barely make it up my own staircase.
"Unless you take off those ridiculous shoes, I am going to help you up those stairs," he sighed. "I've seen the way you walk on solid ground."
He sounded annoyed, but his eyes remained soft and had a teasing sparkle that made my heart flutter.
I looked down at the dirty ground and winced. "I refuse to take my shoes off out here. I think it's more dangerous for baby if I contract some weird foot fungus, don't you?"
He shook his head, his expression unreadable. "If you insist."
He reached down and lifted me in his arms, carrying me up the front stoop as if I weighed no more than a feather.
