Sorcha barely had time to react before Karios shoved her into the closet.
She stumbled back, her breath caught in her throat as the door clicked shut behind her.
Darkness taking over her sight, her pulse thundered in her ears.
Through the thin slits in the door, she could see Karios standing by the bed, his towel wrapped loosely around his waist, his skin still damp from the shower.
Then the bedroom door swung open and Elena came inside.
Her voice was casual. "You were here? Why didn't you reply when I was calling for you?"
Karios exhaled, running a hand through his wet hair. "I was just coming out of the bathroom. Didn't hear you."
Sorcha smirked, what a liar.
Elena nodded, seeming to accept his words. "Well, I'm taking a bath."
She walked past him, entering the bathroom. The door closed shut. Then water started running.
Before Sorcha could react, the closet door yanked open.
Karios's large hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her toward the door.
"Hey—" she started, but he cut her off.
"Not. A. Word." His voice was a low growl, his grip firm and unforgiving.
He dragged her to the bedroom door, yanked it open, and shoved her out.
The hallway was empty and silent and but Sorcha barely had time to argue before
The door slammed shut in her face, and she stood there, fuming. Her fists clenched, her breathing uneven.
"Ugh! Stupid Elena!" she muttered under her breath.
The opportunity had been wasted, she turned sharply on her heel and walked away, already plotting her next move.
---
The Next morning, Sorcha was woken up by her two best friends.
"Come on, Sorcha!" Ava whined. "You have to come with us!"
"I don't have to do anything," Sorcha grumbled, burying her face in the pillow, she just wanted to sleep.
Celeste sighed dramatically. "We need you! It's a blind date, and the guys are bringing their friend. You have to complete the group!"
Sorcha peeked out from under the pillow, scowling. "No."
"Please," Ava pleaded. "The guy they're bringing is so hot! You won't regret it."
Sorcha groaned. "Fine. But I'm only doing this to help you guys"
Ava and celestia grinned hugging her. *Thank you, you are the best."
---
After lectures that day they went straight to the restaurant agreed upon,
The restaurant was classy.
Dim lighting, soft music, an expensive wine list. The boys were already there waiting for them. They greeted them and took their seats.
Sorcha barely paid attention to the guy sitting across from her.
He was handsome, sure, strong jawline, deep brown eyes, well-dressed, but he wasn't Karios.
He talked, smiled, even flirted a little, but she wasn't interested; she was only here because of her friends.
There was only one guy in her eyes and that was karios.
Her eyes wandered around the restaurant in boredom, and then, she saw him.
Her heart skipped a bit Karios. Walking inside, dressed in a crisp dark suit.
She straightened in her seat, eyes locked on him, he took a seat directly across the table from her.
And not long after, a woman entered and sat across from him, Sorcha's stomach twisted.
Karios focused on the woman across from him.
She was talking about business, profits, investments and deals that needed closing.
He listened, nodded and he responded where necessary.
Then he felt it, a Burning and Intense gaze, he looked up, and froze.
Because across his table was Sorcha, Sitting with two of her friends. And three guys.
His fingers tightened around his glass, she was staring directly at him, her expression unreadable.
But her eyes told a different story, she looked furious.
Like he had done something wrong, like he had cheated on her.
It was ridiculous, and yet, he hated that look on her face.
Then, as if to spite him, the guy next to her leaned in, touching her hand and whispered something to her. Sorcha laughed.
Karios's grip on his glass tightened, his jaw locked.
The woman in front of him said something, but he wasn't listening.
His gaze was still on Sorcha, his entire body burned with jealousy.
Then—Sorcha met his eyes, slowly, she glanced toward the women's restroom, then back at him.
A silent message, meet me there.
Karios snapped back to focus when the woman called his attention, noticing he was distracted, while Sorcha tried to focus back on the guy.
---
After the date ended, Sorcha sent her friends away.
"I'll catch up later," she said, waving them off. "I have to wait for my dad's friend."
Ava and Celeste exchanged knowing looks before walking off.
Sorcha turned toward the women's restroom and disappeared inside.
She leaned against the wall, arms crossed, waiting.
Minutes passed, then—the door opened.
Karios stepped inside, He didn't speak, neither did she.
For a long moment, they just stared at each other.
Then she moved, She grabbed him by the wrist and pulled him into one of the stalls.
Karios let her, but his expression was expressionless.
The door shut behind them, Sorcha turned to him, her arms crossed, her anger sharp and heated.
"Who was she?"
Karios exhaled. "Not your business."
Sorcha stepped closer. "You're mine."
His jaw tightened. "No, I'm not."
Her heart pounded, He was lying, He had to be.
"Say it again," she whispered. "Say it while looking me in the eyes."
Karios did.
He met her gaze, his expression unreadable. "I am just your father's best friend."
Silence, the words cut deep and something inside Sorcha snapped.
Without thinking, she grabbed his collar, tiptoed, and kissed him.
A full, desperate kiss, her hands clutched his shoulders as she pressed against him.
For a second—neither of them moved.
Karios's body went rigid, his lips were still, Tlthen a sound was heard.
The stall door handle twisted, Someone was trying to open it.
Karios pushed her away immediately, their eyes snapping to the door.