Chapter 7

Something ugly this way comes

Selene was trying very hard to concentrate on her work. She felt like a nervous wreck. Someone had been in her room last night. That someone had killed Roker. What did this person want from her? For some reason Selene hadn't said anything to Derek. Not about Roker or those roses she had received. Selene was telling herself that she was trying to protect Derek. Was she really? She was terrified and she had no idea what to do. She desperately needed some advice. But there was no one who could help her. She felt like crying but she forced herself to stay strong. Finally her shift was over. Selene took her purse and headed home. Then he stepped in front of her. He was smiling.

"Good evening", Kol said politely.

Selene wanted to run but she managed to hold still.

"Good evening", she replied trying to sound calm.

"I just wanted to ask did I offend you somehow yesterday. You left so quickly."

Selene hesitated.

"No, no, I'm sorry about that. I… I just had to leave."

"That's ok", Kol said smiling charmingly. "Are you going home?"

"Yes…"

"Perfect, let's go then."

Before Selene managed to protest, Kol took her hand and led her firmly to a waiting cab.

"No, no, I really don't…"

"It's no trouble at all", Kol said cheerfully and sat on the backseat next to her. "So where to?"

Selene tried to say that she didn't need a ride but Kol didn't give up before she gave the driver her address.

"There, that wasn't so hard now, was it?"

Selene didn't know what to say. If he worked for Boyd he already knew where she lived so it didn't really matter. But what if he didn't work for Boyd? Selene swallowed.

"Are you alright?" Kol asked kindly.

"I… Yes."

"I'm sorry if I'm coming on too strong. But thing is that I find you interesting."

Selene stared at him disbelievingly. He couldn't be serious. What kind of game was he playing with her?

"That's… very kind but you don't even know me."

"Yet", Kol added smiling.

Selene felt uncomfortable. He had very charming smile. But she couldn't let her guard down even for a second. She had to find out what he really wanted. Maybe this was Boyd's or even Fitz's idea of a joke. In that case this wasn't going to end well. Selene tried to think what to do when they arrived to her home. Kol gave the driver some money and opened the door for Selene. Before she managed to think of any plan, the cab drove away and she was standing in front of her house with Kol.

"I don't want to intrude", Kol said. "I'll leave if you want."

"I…"

Before Selene could say anything rational, a car stopped next to her. Boyd. This was just great.

"Well, hello there", Boyd said smiling politely.

He was with Franklin and some other guy.

"Making new friends, are we?"

"No, I… I…"

"Take a hike pretty boy", Franklin said menacingly.

Kol was looking at them curiously.

"I don't think so."

Boyd raised an eyebrow.

"Obviously you have no idea who you are dealing with boy, but you better leave right now. This is private."

"What do you want with Selene?"

"That's none of your business now, is it?"

"Yes it is. Let me guess, is this about money?"

"Maybe. Why, are you going to pay her debts?" Boyd asked mockingly.

Kol smiled and took a bunch of bills from his pocket.

"Here's 10 000. I don't know how much she owes you but that should be enough for tonight."

All three men looked stunned. Boyd took the money and counted them. Then he looked at Selene clearly amused.

"Bravo sweetheart, it seems that you followed my advice."

Selene was too amazed to say anything. Boyd turned to Kol and grinned.

"Hmm, she must be a real wildcat in the sack. You two have a good night now."

Selene tried to understand what had just happened when Boyd and his men left. Apparently Kol didn't work for Boyd.

"Why did you do that?" Selene managed to ask.

"It really wasn't a big deal. Shall we go inside? A cup of coffee would be nice."

"Sure", Selene said before she could stop herself.

They went inside together.

"Who are you?" Selene asked.

Kol looked surprised.

"Excuse me?"

"Who are you?"

"I thought I have already introduced myself", Kol said smiling.

"You… you just gave away 10 000 dollars like it would be nothing. Why… What do you want?"

Kol looked at her calmly.

"It's true that we all want something."

Selene bit her lip.

"Yes… So what do you want?"

"We'll see. How about you?"

"Sorry?"

"What do you want my sweet Selene? Assuming you could have anything?"

Selene didn't know what to say. What was he talking about? Kol smiled and touched her face.

"It's ok; you don't have to say it. I think I already know. And who knows, maybe wishes can come true sometimes."

"I… I don't understand…"

"Don't worry, you will soon. But perhaps we should keep this as our little secret. Or have you told your brother about me?"

"No… I…"

"Good girl. I can make all your troubles disappear. All you have to do is ask."

Selene looked at his dark eyes. For some strange reason she knew that he was serious. In that moment she also knew something else. He had killed Roker. And now he was offering her his help.

"What… what do you want in return?" she heard herself asking.

He smirked.

"We'll figure that out later. But first tell me, do you want my help?"

"Yes", she said so quietly that he barely heard her.

He gave her another smirk and nodded.

"As you wish my darling."

Then he was gone. Selene fell to her knees. She felt like she couldn't breathe. What had she done?