He Would Give Me a Ride?

KNIGHT

In the elevators, I checked the time on my watch, wincing when I saw I had made Alana wait for fifteen minutes above what I'd promised. I'd gotten my briefcase from Rees before leaving the office like I did every day. It contained my laptop, charging case and cable. It's not like I needed anything else.

"Finally!" Alana immediately stood up when she saw me. "I was getting tired of staring into space."

I looked around to ensure nobody was hearing us. This girl had never once considered me her boss. I shook my head with a huff. It's not like I minded.

"Follow me," I said and strolled to the automatic doors. The air outside was chilly as expected. Alana shivered.

"You should've worn a warmer coat," I reprimanded, not even surprised by myself anymore. I'd just accepted that the normal Burak went out of the window in front of Alana.

She glared at me, though her skin was already turning pale from the cold. "You could always offer yours,"

I grinned. What a smartass.

"Or you can wear that blanket you brought," I snickered, taking the car keys from the guard. "Who brings a blanket, anyway?"

"It's a duvet," Her tone was defensive and it made me immensely pleased. She didn't have a comeback. "I was in a hurry, don't be mean."

Immediately, my fists clenched around the keys. "If he'd done something . . ." I would've never forgiven myself.

This was so confusing. I didn't even know her. Heck, I barely knew her last name. Where was all this protectiveness coming from? When I'd hit that bastard, I could only think of my angel. Of the countless men I'd had to protect her from. What happened to me because of that didn't matter. Only she mattered. Her safety was what mattered the most.

I'd already had my innocence taken away from me. How could I allow someone else to go through what I'd gone through in the early years of my life?

"I'm safe, though," Alana reassured. "Don't worry about me. I'll be okay."

Easier said than done.

"No, seriously," her eyes were on my face, worry shining inside those lovely irises. "I'm so glad you helped me." Her teeth were starting to chatter.

Like the gentleman that I was, I indeed did take off my coat. It was thicker than it looked and blocked out any hint of cold. I slid it off and slipped it around Alana's shoulders.

She halted and if I hadn't moved back, we would've bumped into each other. I released a breath as her scent hit me. She smelled of home. A mix of chocolate and coffee as well as other food I couldn't quite decipher.

"You didn't have to do that," she murmured, lashes lowered in gratitude. I saw a hint of a shy smile curl up her chapped lips.

Pointedly clearing my throat, I kept walking and she followed suit. The car was parked in our special parking lot reserved only for the upper-grade staff.

We were still a little far from it but as soon as it came into view, I pressed the button on the key and it beeped. Startled, Alana looked up and gasped.

Her head whirled up in my direction. "Seriously?! You have an Aston?!"

Grinning, I walked up to my baby and stroked it. My eyes met Alana's. "You like?"

"You've got to be kidding me," she breathed, eyes wider than the sun itself. "Not just any Aston! It's blue!"

Lazily, I leaned back against its door. "It's navy, but yeah. If you're done drooling, shall we take our leave?"

Her head kept lolling from side to side and her gaze was solely rested on the car. "I am driving,"

Apparently, she was delusional too.

"No way," I laughed. "I don't trust your driving skills."

She pouted, bright eyes colliding with mine. "I've only gotten into an accident ten times, broken only a few bones; no need to worry."

Against my will, a chuckle escaped me. A peal of real, full-belly laughter that had Alana grinning alongside me, her eyes crinkled in the most beautiful way.

"You watch too many movies," I shook my head as I said so, opening the door for her on the passenger side.

"Wow," She clutched a dramatic hand to her chest. "You don't mind someone seeing their boss open the door for a mere employee like me?"

I rolled my eyes. "This is a private area. As you can see, the lot is empty. Now, get in."

"Your wish is my command, Sir," Thankfully, she sat in before further repartee.

Rounding the car, I got in. This was going to be a long ride. I could already tell.