NADIA
I gazed around, feeling ecstatic, and savored the ice cream melting on my tongue. I took another scoop, and Elijah's sudden chuckle caught my attention.
"What?" I asked, turning to him.
My eyes landed on the dimple on his cheek, and it was hard for me not to smile. Elijah's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"You've got something on your..." he trailed off, leaning in closer. His thumb gently brushed against my lower lip, sending shivers down my spine. His eyes never left mine as he leaned in closer, his lips inches from mine.
The kiss was soft, slow, and intentional, his thumb and index finger gently cradling my chin. When he pulled away, I could've sworn I still felt his lips on mine.
I slowly opened my eyes, a smile spreading across my face. "I hate you," I teased.
Elijah clutched a hand over his heart like the dramatic king he was. "I'm joking," I reassured him. "I could never hate you."
"Ever?" he asked, his voice low and hopeful.
"Ever," I echoed, looking up into his eyes. For a moment, it seemed like he was searching for something, or wanting to say something more. Instead, he planted a gentle kiss on my forehead and pulled me into a warm hug.
"I hope so," he whispered.
Before I could respond, Elijah said, "I'll be back," and headed towards the restrooms. Left alone in a crowded space, I took the opportunity to sit down and finish my ice cream.
As I savored the last bites, I noticed a man ordering something. He caught my attention when he said, "And a vanilla ice cream for the lady." He pointed at me, and I looked up, surprised.
"Oh no, it's alright. I have my own," I said.
"But—" he began.
"No, really, you don't have to. Plus, vanilla isn't really my thing," I admitted honestly. It was, in fact, my least favorite ice cream flavor.
He raised an eyebrow. "Then which one do you prefer?"
I glanced at the ice cream in my hands – strawberry cheesecake. "Really, it's okay," I said, trying to brush off his offer.
He shrugged and took the empty seat next to me. "So, what's a lady like you doing here alone?" he asked, his tone smooth.
There was no way this was happening right now.
I thought pickup lines like these only worked in bars and clubs.
"Uhm, nothing. I'm just exploring. I'm actually waiting for my boyfriend to come back," I said.
"He left you here?" He raised an eyebrow, and I furrowed my brows,
What, am I 12 or something?
"I was only kidding," he said with a grin, and I chuckled slightly.
He leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'm actually here with my daughter. She's obsessed with the ice cream here. I swear, she's going to turn into a human-sized ice cream cone one day."
"How old is she?"
"She is eight," he replied with a laugh. "She's the boss, and I'm just the chauffeur. Although, I have to admit, I am on a rescue mission today. I was trying to impress her by riding the bus here, but I ended up getting lost in the route. I had to ask for directions... in front of her. Let's just say my cool dad points took a hit."
I chuckled for real this time, his story catching me off guard. "I'm sure she still thinks you're cool,"
"Babe?" I heard a familiar voice call out but I didn't look until he said, "Red,"
I glanced past the man I was chatting with, and my eyes landed on... Nicholas.
I had forgotten he was at the same mall as us. I thought he had left, but clearly, I was wrong.
I stood up, walking towards him. "What are you doing here?" I whispered urgently. "And calling me babe?!"
Nicholas shrugged. "I thought the guy was bothering you."
I rolled my eyes, chuckling despite myself. "I can't believe this right now," I muttered.
I turned to the man I had been talking to. "Hey, I'm sorry, but I've got to go."
He nodded. "I see. It was nice meeting you."
I smiled politely before dragging Nicholas away by his arm.
"Did you happen to see 'HELP' written on my forehead, you moron?" I hissed, trying to keep my voice down.
"Whoa, calm down! I was trying to help," Nicholas said, holding up his hands in defense.
"Yeah, for some reason, you're always there," I snapped back, my anger rising.
This time, Nicholas glared at me, his eyes flashing with the same intensity as when we were at the restroom. He grabbed my wrist, and I tried to wriggle free, but he was too strong.
"Let go of me, you idiot," I seethed, glaring right back at him.
"Let go of me now, or I'll scream," I warned, trying to keep my voice down.
Finally, Nicholas released his grip, and I stormed back to where I was initially seated, rubbing my sore wrist.
That's when I saw Elijah. I tossed the empty ice cream tub in the trash and right when I was about to walk towards him when the man I was talking to earlier tapped my shoulder.
"Hey, I think you forgot this," he said, handing me my clutch.
I thanked him, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment.
"Hey, did I take too long?" Elijah asked, looking at me with concern.
I gulped, scanning the area for Nicholas, but he was nowhere to be found.
Elijah's eyes locked onto mine, and he tucked one of my braids behind my ear. He took my hands in his, looking down at them, and suddenly, he froze.
"What is this?" Elijah asked, his voice snapping me out of my thoughts. My eyes followed his gaze to the fresh faint bruise on my wrist. I cursed inwardly.
"It was there before," I lied, hoping he'd buy it. "I must have not noticed. I always randomly bump into things."
Elijah's piercing stare told me he wasn't convinced. "No, it wasn't there before," he said, his jaw clenched.
I opened my mouth to respond, but Elijah's attention shifted to the man behind me. In an instant, the man was on the floor, a loud thud echoing through the air. The people around us gasped in shock.
Elijah's face was a picture of fury as he grasped the man's collar, punching him again. I rushed to intervene, grabbing Elijah's chest.
"Elijah, what the hell!" I yelled, trying to push him back. His heart was racing, and his gaze was murderous. I'd never seen him like this.
"What do you mean what am I doing?" Elijah growled. "He hurt you!"
He attempted to hit the man again, but I stood in his way. "Are you going to hit me now?" I asked, trying to reason with him.
Elijah's expression softened slightly. "No, why would I ever... Nadia, he hurt you, and I wasn't here—"
Despite his anger, I heard the pain and regret in his voice. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I feel bad for even lying.
"Elijah, stop!" I pleaded, looking at the poor man, who was cowering on the floor. "I'm so sorry, okay? I—"
Just then, a hand grasped mine, pulling me away from the scene.
Elijah practically dragged me out of the mall, and as soon as we stepped into the cool air, I broke free from his grasp, pushing him away.
He looked at me with wide, concerned eyes, his chest heaving with exertion. I rapidly blinked away the tears threatening to spill.
Crybaby.
"Did I hurt you?" he asked, his voice laced with worry, as he inched closer to me.
"Nadia, I—" he began, but I cut him off.
"No, you didn't hurt me," I assured him.
Elijah's shoulders sagged in relief as he pinched the bridge of his nose. His eyes shut tight, and he leaned against his car, the tension in his body slowly seeping away.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion.
My heart skipped a beat, and I felt a pang in my chest. The sincerity in his apology was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel my resolve soften.
"Want me to drive you home?"
"No, it's okay. Zeke's driving me," I responded, walking away.
Zeke was on time, which was unusual but so much had just happened that I couldn't couldn't think about that right now. Although I could feel someones eyes on me, like someone was watching me. I turned, immediately locking eyes with the bastard you caused all of this commotion.
"Who is it?" Zeke asked I got into the car. "Nobody," I lied.