It was before sunrise that Nalia came to the cafe on Bloomsbury. She passed through the cold London above the door. The aroma of roasted beans and hot milk was around. She tied up her apron and opened her phone one more time.The unknown number has not sent any new messages. No call from her sister. No update about the rent.She should feel relief. Rather, did she experience a knot in her chest?At the age of eight, a black car was parked before the cafe window.Nalia was already aware of his identity before she laid her eyes on his face.Adrian was strolling in confidently and calmlyas a man in control of the morning. Dark coat, highly stretched to his height, clean, well-polished shoes mirroring the sunrise. Calm eyes. He did not even look at the menu when he ordered coffee. All his eyes, which held quiet danger in the dark, were fixed on Nalia."Flat white," he said calmly.With a steady hand, Nalia made the drink. She informed herself that he was merely a donor. Just a business contact. Nothing more And she repeated this statement several times to herself quietly.His fingers brushed hers again, soft and quick when she gave him the cup."You did not sleep," Adrian said.Nalia stiffened. "I work in the early morning before getting to school.""You also worry," he said.She forced a smile. "Everyone does."He paused for a long time, looking at her, his gaze steady and unshaken. "Meet me today at noon. My office. We discuss your project."She hesitated. Her shift ended at eleven. It was two at the time of her next lecture. She needed mon"Fine," she said.He gave a new address on a card across the counter. Secluded office, Russell Square.As he went away, the cafe was colder.It was eleven-thirty-five,and Nalia was standing in front of a high glass building. Her shoes were clean. Her notes were readyShe felt her pulse jump a little, but refused to slow downShe walked in, slowly, calm and precise.Polish and silent money were on the office floor. She was led to a room by a receptionist with broad windows and diffused light. LAdrian stood by the window.In his coatless condition, she saw more of him. Broad shoulders. Strong hands. It was a thin scar close to his collarbone at whHe turned. "You are early.""I don't like wasting time," Nalia saidHe smiled. "Good. Sit."Nalia pulled out her file and talked abouther idea of a logistics company. She demonstrated expenses, ways, and dangers. She talked about contracting two drivers and renting a small van. Six months later, she referred to profit.Adrian put incisive questions."What if fuel prices rise?"I increase the costs of delivery a little."What if drivers quit?""I train backups."What do you think a larger company will imitate you?I concentrate on individual trust with merchants.He nodded. "You think like a survivor."Nalia held her gaze and said softly, "I am one."Silence sat between them. Heavy and personal.Adrian leaned on the desk. Your father used to be an accountant, am I right?Her breath stopped."How do you know that?" she asked."I know many things," he said.Anger rose in her chest. I will go away ifyou invite me here to discuss my father.I asked you in because of a strong idea you have, I said. And since your past is important.Nalia stood. "My father is dead, and I don't want any person to discuss him anymore; all is done."Adrian stepped closer, letting her body move towards the wall, leaving her with no space but just a lean on the wall, clofixed on her eyes, she could feel his warmth.Adrian said that he worked with dangerous people. He dealt with money that was not his.Nalia's hands shook. You do not know anything about him. With her voice trembling with fearI know he lost money, Adrian said. "I know men looked for him. I am aware that they are still seeking answers.Nalia grabbed her bag. "I'm done."Adrian caught her wrist and drew her back.Gentle and firm."Sit," he said. "Please."She froze. His voice held something new. Not anger. Not a threat. Something like regret.She sat.Adrian stepped back,leaving her room. "Your idea deserves funding. I will invest. No interest for one year."Nalia stared. "Why?""Because you are talented.""That's not enough."Adrian's jaw tightened. The reason I have a debt to your father.The terror crept along her bosom. "Did he steal from you?"Adrian looked at the window. "He ruined my family."The words came smashing out at her like cold, frozen water.Silence filled the room.Nalia spoke slowly. "Then why help me?"Adrian met her eyes. Since injuring you will not undo what he did.His cold face jerked apart once. She perceived beneath it anger. Suffering. Something human.Something dangerous.Her heart beat harder.She should leave. She should run. She should forget him.Rather, she replied, what hast thou to do with me?Adrian stepped closer again. His voice dropped. No one gives you what you do not take.Heat rose in her face. She detested the manner in which his words left her.She moved away. "I just want my business.""You will have it," he said.He handed her a contract. Clean, clear, and real.Nalia read every line. No trap. No hidden fee.Her hand shook when she put her signature.Adrian was watching her as he watched a tempest.Well, congratulations, he said to himself.When he took the paper,their hands met once more. Neither of these drew back this time.The world beyond the window died. There was only his breath. Her heartbeat. The space between them.One finger Adrian touched to her cheek.Nalia closed her eyes.She knew she should stop him.She did not.His lips kissed her. Tenderly. gradually. cautiously.Not force. Not control.They let the world drive them in the silence of a lonely room.There was no past, once, there was no past. No crime. No fear.Just warmth.Then her phone rang, which interrupted there moment.She pulled back. The name of her sister appeared on the screen.Nalia answered fast. "Hello?"Her sister's voice shook. "Men came to the house again. They asked about Dad. They said they will coNalia's blood ran cold.She looked at Adrian.He already knew.His face went hard. Strategic. Quiet rage under calm eyes."Stay on the line," Adrian said. "Give me the address."Nalia whispered it. Her hands trembled.Adrian took up his phone and talked in a low tone. Quick orders. No wasted words.He hung up and looked at her, as a man who had arrived at an opinion."Your sister, they will not touch her," he said."How can you promise that?""You do not have to worry about that; the men who had gone there are my men," Adrian said.The truth crashed over her.Nalia stepped back. "You... what are you?"Adrian did not lie.I am the man your father stole from, he said. And the man you were just kissed by.Nalia's world tilted.In the outside world, traffic in London was as usual.She had already divided her life into before and after.And she knew that deep within, she was not strong enough to stay with him.
