My Most Precious Human novel Chapter 56

Patrick insisted on going with me even though I told him that I was meeting for a girl-talk. He said that he would sit someone at the back or outside and observe us in case of any danger. Somehow, I couldn't find any argument to restrain him from going. The truth was, I didn't feel safe even while walking around my own office, let alone outside the bank's headquarters. With the unknown enemy looking for a way to end my life, there was no room for rejecting anyone's protection. I came down with Patrick by my side.

"Who is this, pretty boy?" Colleen chuckled, looking Patrick up and down.

"This is my personal bodyguard. He has to come with us. Hope you don't mind…" I said hesitantly.

"Are you kidding me? I wouldn't mind if he sat right next to me." Colleen bit her lower lip, locking her eyes on the flustered Patrick.

I couldn't really blame her. Patrick was handsome, and while wearing his fitted black suit, white shirt, and black tie, he certainly was an eye-candy. Nonetheless, he seemed to be unaware of his attractiveness level. An awkward smile popped on Patrick's face as Colleen activated her flirty mode. I stepped in front of him, feeling a strong need to protect my own bodyguard from a hungry tigress.

"Relax!" She burst out laughing, "I'm only messing around. He's not my type." She winked.

I didn't know why I heaved a sigh of relief. She caught that immediately and glanced suspiciously at me and Patrick.

"Now I get it… He might not be my type, but he is yours." She smirked.

"No!" I protested, and awkwardly gazed at the more and more flustered Patrick, "I mean… No offense, Mr. Kim… You are more than fine in my eyes… I mean… there is someone…"

"Oh, I see…" Colleen stopped my awkward explanation, "Your heart is already taken."

"Yes." I nodded nervously, but then realized what I had just confirmed, "What?! No way! It's not like that at all!" My frantic laughter deprived my words of the last ounce of credibility.

Now, both Colleen and Patrick stared at me with sly smirks, making me the one flustered.

"Um… can we go get that coffee?" I suggested, nervously walking towards the door.

"Sure, I'll lead the way." Colleen grinned, meeting my pace by the door.

Patrick walked two steps behind us. Colleen grabbed my hand and pulled me into a small alley. I had to admit that I had never been anywhere outside the bank's headquarters. Even if she led me to the most popular café in the district, that would most likely be a place I hadn't even heard of.

I briefly looked behind me. Patrick was still following us, cautiously gazing on every side. Colleen took a turn into an even smaller alley. My instincts became strangely alert. Each time I had to fight the wolves, it had been happening exactly in places like this one, deserted. My muscles tensed. Colleen instantly noticed my reaction.

"I know this place looks a bit shabby, but trust me. They have the best coffee in the city." She smirked while placing her hand on her heart.

I shrugged, trying to chase my anxieties away. I glanced at Patrick again. He smiled at me as if he wanted to let me know that he sensed no danger. I took a deep breath, telling myself that I was overreacting, and put a beaming grin in the place of my disturbed expression.

"This is the place!" Colleen proudly announced, pointing at the adorable wooden door.

In normal circumstances, I would surely fall in love with this place. Raw, dark wood combined with lovely red brick was my favorite style for a café. The place was called "La Luna Nueva". Despite being placed in some weird back alley, the interior design seemed to be a subtle combination of industrial and modern, high-end style. The rawness of the bricks and wood was softened by large windows, delicate, bright lighting, and a whole bunch of pillows. In normal circumstances, I would find this place more than relaxing… but the second I crossed the threshold, chills ran down my spine.

"What do you think? Isn't this place great?" Colleen sang with a grin stuck to her face.

"Y-yes… It's… very cozy." I forced a smile on my face.

Patrick barged inside and briefly checked every corner. Then he walked towards me and confidently declared that it was safe and that he would wait outside until I finished.

"B-but you can stay inside…" I suggested it, somehow feeling more secure when he was somewhere I could see him.