CHAPTER THREE: THE MAN BEHIND THE SILENCE
The early morning light streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows of Killian Hart’s penthouse. The silence inside was pristine—cold, like the man who owned it. Serena sat curled up on the edge of the cream-colored sofa, wrapped in a soft robe Keith had given her. Her eyes, tired but alert, flickered toward the towering man who had saved her just hours ago.
Killian stood by the kitchen island, dressed in black slacks and a navy dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal strong forearms. He hadn’t said much since bringing her here. He didn’t ask questions—he observed.
And Serena… she couldn’t decide if that was comforting or terrifying.
Killian Hart
You didn’t sleep,
His voice cut through the silence—deep, calm, unreadable.
Serena flinched slightly.
Serena Vale
I’m not used to peace.
Killian’s eyes lifted from the cup of coffee he was stirring.
Killian Hart
Get used to it.
She bit her lip, unsure how to respond.
Serena Vale
I… I’ll leave soon. I just needed—
Killian Hart
You jumped off the third floor,
Killian Hart
You’re not leaving. Not yet.
Serena Vale
Why did you help me?
Killian’s gaze locked onto hers.
Killian Hart
Because I was there.
Serena Vale
That’s not an answer.
Killian Hart
It’s the only one I have for now.
Silence fell again. Serena looked down at her hands.
Serena Vale
They’ll come looking for me.
Killian Hart
They won’t find you.
Serena Vale
You don’t know them.
Killian Hart
I know power,
Killian Hart
And I know how to make things disappear.
There was something terrifying about how calmly he said that. But something safe, too.
After a pause, Killian walked over and set a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. Serena blinked at it.
Serena Vale
Do you always rescue strange women and make them coffee?
His lips twitched—almost a smile.
Killian Hart
Only the ones who fall out of the sky.
Serena gave a short laugh, then quickly looked away.
Serena Vale
You don’t even know my name.
Killian Hart
I don’t need to.
Killian Hart
But I’ll take it anyway.
His eyes flickered with something—recognition?
He repeated, like he was tasting the sound of it.
Killian Hart
You’ll stay here. Until you’re ready.
Serena Vale
Ready to what?
Killian Hart
To stop running.
Her chest ached at that. She looked at him—not just a billionaire with sharp eyes and a cold presence. There was something beneath it. Controlled fury. Buried pain. And for some reason… he’d offered her a lifeline.
Maybe it was foolish to trust a man like him.
But Serena had nothing left to lose.
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