Elijah managed to find time to see her every night after that. Whether he'd arrive at her work, her home, and just when she was around town, he always found a way. A few of her coworkers had taken to ribbing her over her newfound suitor, but she found it just a bit endearing. He never brought up the issue of his brother, and she began to relax. After a few weeks, she found him sitting at the bar where she worked, a glass of scotch sitting in front of you.
"Hey Elijah." Mila moved in front of him with a smile, though for once he didn't return it. "What's wrong?" He downed his drink and she frowned, leaning against the bar to catch his eye. "Come on, you can tell me. Can't be that bad."
"Klaus suspects I've found a new…friend." He looked up, and she could see the worry in his eyes. If Klaus started sniffing around, it wouldn't bode well for her. "He'll begin looking for you soon." She sighed, picking at a loose thread on the cloth she'd been using.
"I should leave, then." Her words were quiet, and she glanced around to make sure no one was listening in. "I don't stand a chance against him."
"No. I will not allow him to chase you off again." Elijah's voice was hard, though he too kept his voice down. She reached down and poured him another drink.
"We may not have a choice." She began her task of polishing glasses again with a new vigor. This was her home, and now she was going to have to leave it again. His hand settled over hers, halting her movement gently.
"We do. I don't want you to go." His thumb made sweeps across the skin of her hand, soothing her rising agitation. "I will find a way to stop Klaus, I promise." He stood, leaning over the bar to pull her into a heated kiss. It was their first, and she hoped it wouldn't be their last. He was firm but gentle, cradling the back of her head as she gripped the bar for support. There was a wolf whistle and she pulled away, not meeting his gaze as she returned to her duties.
"Fine. I can wait long enough to give you a chance." It was a risk, and they both knew it. If Klaus still held a grudge, then one chance was all they were going to have. The rest of the night passed with minimal conversation, and Elijah insisted on walking her home after. He left her at the door, and she ducked inside to wait out the coming day.
The next few nights were tense between them, though Elijah seemed more inclined to kiss her now and Mila couldn't complain there. Each one was just as sweet and perfect as the last, and she knew it wouldn't take long for her to fall for him. He was a perfect gentleman, even as they worried over Klaus.
"Hello, darling. Any chance I could get a drink here?" Mila's gaze snapped us as she was wrenched from her thoughts by a familiar voice. Klaus himself sat in Elijah's usual seat, smirking at her as he leaned on the bar. She hesitated before walking over, her eyes hard.
"What do you want?" Her voice held an edge of steel, but it only seemed to give him more reason to be amused.
"A bourbon, finest you have please." She clenched her jaw as she poured the glass, leaving it unceremoniously in front of him and turning to walk away. She had to find a way to get in touch with Elijah. "Now, hang on. I believe we need to talk." Her stomach dropped as she turned back, glaring at him. He sipped his drink. "I remember you. You killed a friend of mine."
"And I'd do it again, in a heartbeat." She hissed, letting her anger pour off of her every pore. He seemed a bit taken aback, but shrugged it off quickly.
"Well, lucky for you, it won't be necessary. I'm here to discuss something else." He finished his drink, looking at his empty glass. "My dear brother." Mila remained silent, not wanting to encourage the psychopath in front of her any more than necessary. "How much do you actually know about him? Hm?" He smirked up at her, and she arched a brow, wondering how long she'd be left to wait for what he had to say. "How much do you know about his past…exploits?"