Page 116 of Bad Influence
He’s been very good with not calling me at work. Usually I just get messages reminding me to eat and drink water.
“Hello.”
“You left your pepper spray at home,” Killian says.
I roll my eyes as I walk into my office and set my laptop on the desk. “That’s why you called?”
“You promised to keep it with you at all times,” Killian reminds me. “It’s basic safety, Caroline.”
I pout because he’s not wrong. It’s basic safety and he’s so cute when he worries about me. I was cleaning out my bag yesterday and I forgot to put it back in.
“I got a paper cut this morning,” I say instead. “Should I also stop using paper?”
Killian sighs. “I’m sure everyone who says you’re sweet has been lying our whole lives. Where does sweet Caroline go when you’re talking to me?”
“She’s still there,” I say. “She just likes her snarky side to play with you.”
“I appreciate the snark, but that doesn’t stop me from worrying about you.”
“Need I remind you that I once stabbed a man?”
“I can’t defend you if you stab someone at work or on the subway. I’ve never practiced law.”
I grin, sitting down at my chair and twirling around to look out the window. It’s almost lunch time and I can already see a rush of people when I look down. “Trust me, I’m aware. Besides, if a lawyer can’t help me, we’ll both be arrested for stabbing because I’m pretty sure you’re going to go on a murderous rampage.”
“Too bad they won’t keep us in the same prison.” I can hear the grin in his voice.
“Should we be worried about how casually we discuss stabbing people?” I ask.
“I’m sure it’s psychopathic, but no one’s perfect.”
I laugh. “Did you really just call me about the pepper spray?”
“Do you want to go to a charity gala with me Saturday night?”
I sit up straight in my chair. “I’m sorry, what? You’re willingly going to a gala? You do know there will be people there?”
I can hear him rolling his eyes. “Yes, Caroline, I’m aware there will be people there. It’s why I haven’t attended in the past.”
“Then why do you want to attend now?”
“I thought you might enjoy it,” Killian says. “It’s for a good cause so I donate, anyway. It’s also a good networking opportunity for you. Surely some of the guests will get a divorce at some point.”
“That’s sweet,” I say. “Not the people getting divorce part. You don’t have to do this.”
“It’s black tie, so you’ll need a dress,” Killian says, ignoringme. “The only way I’m saying no is if you really, really don’t want to go.”
I don’t want him to do this for me. I’m still learning. It will be years before I’m handling high profile cases. The only reason I agree is because I want to see Killian shine. I haven’t seen his famous artist side and I want to see how people respond to him in that element. I doubt most of his clients know that he’s famous, and if they do, they don’t react to it.
“Okay, I’ll buy a dress.”
“I’ll see you at home,” he says.
We disconnect and I immediately text my group chat with Eve and Lilith.
Caroline
Emergency. Killian’s taking me to a charity gala and I need a dress.
