Prague - a city you didn't step foot in for quite a while. It's been how long? Two years? Three? You didn't know, but quickly realised that not really much had changed. Especially not in the Continental hotel.

The sun was about to set when you checked in and took the elevator up to your room. You were here for business. Of course, you were. Like most of the guests in this... field. But business could wait until tomorrow, you thought, checking on your weapons.

After a well-deserved shower, you made your way back downstairs again. Your destination being the bar for a drink. The flight had been long, just like the day. So, you deserved this. Nevertheless was there one thing which disturbed your... 'peace'. The constant feeling of being watched. You already felt it on your way to the hotel. During the check in, the elevator ride, now at the bar - and even as you took a shower. There was a pair of eyes on you without a doubt. But you could tell that it was a familiar pair of eyes. You played that little game before - quite a few times actually.

You smirked and lifted the glass in front of you to your lips and took a sip. I can't see you, but I know you're there.

When the Martini was empty, the bar keeper took the empty glass away - and placed another Martini in front of you. "I didn't order another one, Sir." The man behind the counter smiled. "I know, Miss, but the gentleman in room number 314 bought you another one." "I see. Thanks." He gave you a nod and continued his work. You breathed out a laugh and shook your head. He wasn't as subtle as usual.

After downing your second Martini, you decided to call it a night and returned to your room - even though you knew you probably wouldn't get any sleep. At least not yet.

You opened the door to your room and stepped in; switching on the lights. The first thing you saw was the familiar silhouette of a man sitting on your couch with a glass of Whiskey in hand - and you weren't even surprised. It wasn't the first time this smug bastard did that either. Sneak into your room. His back was to you, but you'd recognise him from every angle...

Daniel Pine.

You had known him for years. Every time your paths crossed, he had tried to kill you. Emphasis on tried. It wasn't that he lacked skills or wasn't smart enough - oh no, but so far, these... confrontations always ended different. Practically, you were enemies, and yet...

"You're getting soft on me now, Pine?" you said; taking off your high heels. He scoffed; not even turning to face you. "What makes you think that, beautiful?" "You're buying me drinks now." He shook his head, scoffed again and took a sip of his self poured Whiskey - obviously from the alcohol stash in your room. "Nah. I just thought you could use another one. Been a long day, right?"

Now you were the one who scoffed. "You should really switch your tactic. I could already feel your eyes on me as I sat into that damn taxi. You're getting predictable, Pine," you said and stepped closer; rounding the fancy leather sofa to face him. "Leave that up to me, beautiful. You don't even know half of what I am capable of." You snorted out a small laugh, "Oh yeah?" and started to unzip your dress; shimmying out of it elegantly - leaving you in nothing but lacey black underwear and matching black stockings. Oh, and the knife attached to the garters. "What is it this time then? Are you here to finally accomplish your mission and kill me - or is this going to end how it always does?"

Daniel chuckled darkly, downed the rest of his Whiskey and stood up; coming to stand directly in front of you. "Your choice, beautiful," he rasped; blue, hungry eyes roaming your barely covered body. "I don't care if we blow or fuck our brains out. Both works for me." You smiled, then bit your lip and reached out your hands to playfully tug at the belt around his hips. "Oh, you know what I choose. What I always choose..."

The man smirked; big palms cupping your hips. "The latter it is then," Daniel spoke lowly and lowered his head to crush his lips against yours in an open-mouthed kiss. Your eyes fluttered shut at the feel of those tempting lips. The reminder of the sexy things those lips could do caused a hot shiver to run down your spine. His hands wandered; dipped past the fabric of your panties to grab two handfuls of your ass.

You hated to admit it, but you had missed his touch. The danger. The sex. Shit...

His borderline obscene kisses swallowed every little whimper and moan you made; the tension thick in the air. With a smirk and a wet pop he denied you another kiss; pulling back. "You're a desperate little thing, you know that? Got nobody else for your pleasure?" You grumbled low in your throat. Gosh, you really hated him. You hated that you loved what he could do to you.

"Plenty, in fact," you whispered dangerously; planning on getting back at him with this - admittedly - white lie. "Oh yeah? But not one of these men can give you what I can, right?" You smirked; fingers slowly working to unbuckle the belt of his black suit trousers. "Jealous, Pine?" "No. Just stating facts, beautiful," he shot back instantly.

You laughed - right into his face.

"Facts, tz... You're the one who always comes back to me. Not the other way round," you stated as you unzipped the zipper of his pants torturously slow, before your skilled fingers slid past the elastic waistband of his black boxers.

But before you were even able to touch what you desired was one hand of his firmly wrapped around your wrist; the other still gripping your ass. You gasped softly as he stopped you; not having anticipated this. "Careful, beautiful," Daniel rasped darkly. "Choose your words wisely and be mindful what you wish for." His blue eyes held lust but also danger as they locked with yours. "I told you before... Your bounty or your pussy - I don't care. Both is good."

You would've lied if you said this didn't turn you on even more... The danger. The risk. It was exciting.

You smiled and stood on your tiptoes to whisper in his ear. "Vice versa." Daniel's reaction was not a surprising one. A scoff left his lips. "That so, beautiful? I doubt it. Given your decision every time our paths cross, you need my dick more than my bounty," he stated; giving your left buttock a firm squeeze. You giggled; knowing that you could say the same to him, but decided not to. Starting yet another 'argument' wasn't the point of this. Sex was.

"Are you going to keep on running your mouth, or..." Since your wrist was still in his grip, you used your knee to what you had in mind; lifting it to press it against his crotch - not to hurt him but to put some pressure on his most sensitive body part. It caused his breath to stutter at the unexpected contact. "... are you finally going to show me again what this dick can do?" The man growled lowly in his throat. He knew exactly which buttons to press - but so did you.

He swiftly switched the position of his hand again. Suddenly was the one which groped your ass wrapped around the thigh of the leg which was pressed against him. Your knee was no longer rubbing his crotch, but pressed against his hip. Before you were able to react, had Daniel shoved his knee between your thighs.

How the tables have turned...

"Someone's asking to not being able to walk after we're finished here," he smirked and put a little more pressure on which caused you to gasp; fingers twitching. "Thought so..." Not knowing how to help yourself out of this... 'situation' differently, you placed your free hand on the back of his neck and dragged him down into another searing hot kiss.

You were done talking.

Daniel melted against the tempting kiss, of course; the grip on you loosening. Lips collided, teeth clashed and tongues fought for the upper hand. It was messy and fucking hot. After you were done with marking his lips, you pulled back entirely and left him standing in front of the sofa as you made your way gracefully over to the bed; throwing your knife carelessly on the ground and making sure to swing your hips, of course.

The man watched you as you laid down, got comfortable and waited. Your eyes were on him; taking in the slightly disheveled and sexy state he was in. Lips bruised and swollen from the kiss. Long, brown hair untamed. Blue eyes hungry and wild. His pants undone and therefore hanging lower on his hips. That in turn gave you a delicious little sneak peek of what was hidden underneath all the layers; his boxers stretched a little - the bulge mostly hidden still but undeniably there.

The man raised an eyebrow at you. "What, you're just gonna lay there and look pretty?" You smiled and seductively stretched your barely covered limbs like a cat. "I am a pillow princess, yes. I love men who put in all the work. You should know that by now, Daniel." Daniel scoffed but smirked; shrugging off his suit jacket.

"That's one way to put it, princess," he said and threw the item of clothing carelessly on the sofa behind him. "I'd rather say you love your men dominant and... dangerous." His weapon followed. The black top he was wearing underneath showed off his strong arms and bulging biceps. Hot. You shrugged your shoulders, "If you say so, Daniel." then licked your lips with a seductive smile. "As long as you can live up to my expectations..." You couldn't help yourself but to tease him.

The man scoffed and kicked off his shoes; biceps flexing slightly as he swiftly pulled the black belt he wore through the loops of his pants. Hot - again. "You know damn well I can. Like I said...," he pulled down his black pants and stepped out of them. His lower half was only covered by his boxers - which left nothing to imagine. "...think I'm the only one who can give you what you need." You swallowed; eyes stuck on the prize as an exciting shiver ran through your body and culminated in your core.

Nevertheless, you masked your excitement; knowing the verbal war wasn't over. You wanted him to dominate you, yes - but you wouldn't give in that easily. Your pride didn't allow it. And you weren't afraid of him. Not even in the slightest. He could kill you within seconds - you could kill him within seconds. You were equals.

"What? Got nothing more to say, princess? Cat got your tongue?" Daniel spoke up again; standing now right in front of the bed - knees inches away from hitting the edge of the mattress. You shot him a death glare - but your image wavered as you noticed what his hands were doing. One held the black belt tightly in its fist and the other... You swallowed again; your core throbbing in arousal. The other was shoven inside his underwear; the movements of his wrist unmistakable. It was clear what he was doing.

Fuck.

And Daniel? He noticed. Of course, that fucker did. A malicious little smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "You like that, don't you. Watching me jerk off." He chuckled and shook his head. "Didn't know you were that filthy."

You scoffed and managed to peel your eyes away to send him another glare. "Don't act like you wouldn't enjoy watching me do the same," you stated and smirked; lunging out for another verbal blow. "After all, you watched me showering earlier, didn't you?"

The man's jaw clenched; hand stopping in its movements. "Nah, I didn't. I was in this room - but I didn't lay my eyes on you," he almost spat and dangerously stepped closer again - like a predator approached its prey. "I may be a lotta things, princess..." Daniel bent over. The belt landed on the bed beside you. Skilled hands wrapped around the back of your knees and pulled you effortlessly to the edge of the bed. It happened so quick, you couldn't even react. "...but I am a man of honour. I have respect. I'm no pervert."

He threw your legs over his shoulders and tugged his boxers down - just enough to free his throbbing length. The elastic band and his balls kept the unnecessary fabric out of the way. A sexy, dangerous glint was in his blue eyes, "Rude from you to accuse me of that." and without hesitation, he ripped your gorgeous black lace panties in half to grant him access; turning the fabric into shreds.

You gasped; stunned, a little appalled - and incredibly turned on. "You fucker! Are you insane?! What are you doing?!" The man above you smirked and reached for the black leather belt again. "Nah." Daniel shook his head. "I'm giving you what you want - and need," he rasped and jutted his head at you. "And now be a good girl and give me your hands."

You had to suppress a whimper. You had pushed him. Further and further - and now you had awoken the animal inside him. This was going to have consequences - sexy ones, and you were more than ready to pay that bill. But no matter what, you'd go out as the winner - as always. You clearly won the verbal fight - after making him cave, and were going to get what you wanted as well.

So, you gave yourself into this delicious submission and obliged; being only his good girl and gave Daniel your hands. His fingers worked quickly; skillfully tieing you up with his belt. Then he bent over. Your legs were folded; knees pushed back. His large palm gripped your tied wrists and held them down against the mattress above your head. The other supported his weight; fist forming a little pit in the duvet. His hot arousal was pressed against yours. All Daniel had to do was shift his hips. He had you entirely pinned down; completely at his mercy - and you enjoyed every second.

Your breath came out in quick shallow puffs; pupils blown wide in pleasure. "That's what you wanted, isn't it?" The assassin rasped in a husky voice; rubbing his tip through your wetness. You squirmed a little - everytime he hit that sensitive little nub. You were already so emerged in pleasure, that you didn't register his question right away.

But the his grip around your tied wrists tightened to borderline painfully. "Answer me, princess." You nodded quickly. "Y-Yes, yes, Daniel. God, please... Give me w-what I chose." Another dangerous, dominant smile darted across his face. "Of course, I will give you what you want. But first..." He shifted his hips again; making his tip catch your entrance. You suppressed a moan. "What's your safeword, beautiful?" Daniel whispered; causing another hot shiver to run down your spine. He was here for a fuck or a kill - not to hurt you.

Do or die.

"Dar al-Bayda," you replied; telling him the safeword. Dar al-Bayda - also known as Casablanca. The largest city in Morocco. It was the location where your paths first crossed quite a few years back.

"Good girl," Daniel praised you again - and buried himself to the hilt inside your warmth with one sharp thrust which literally knocked the air out of you and left you breathless; jaw dropping in a muted moan. He didn't gave you time to adjust. Nuh.Uh. He instantly set a sharp, quick pace; splitting you open for him - and you gladly let him.

The terms never changed. No other man could fuck you as good as Daniel could.

Skin slapped against skin as the man looked down at you; seeing your face contort in pleasure. "Missed that dick, huh?" He rasped; delivering another delicious thrust against that one spot which made you see stars. Your back arched and a broken moan slipped past your lips. It was answer enough for the man. He chuckled deeply. "Thought so."

Daniel kept up his rhythm as long as his stamina allowed and catapulted you twice over the edge. But even a trained assassin needed a break, so he stopped the roll of his hips and straightened up; letting go of your tied up wrists in the process. Sweat dotted his forehead, which made some of his brown curls stuck to the skin there, but he couldn't care less. Your legs were like jelly and without his securing grip, you weren't able to keep them up on his shoulders. They slid down - and you had just enough power in them left to prevent a too hard impact on the marble floor. That movement also caused Daniel to slip out of you again, which you commented with a soft whimper. Feeling a little sore but already missing the stretch. It felt empty without him.

Daniel took a moment to take a few deep breaths; admiring the mess he already made of you. Satisfied. Proudly. His break gave you the chance to recover a tiny bit as well; getting your head cleared - but you weren't done. You wanted more. You needed more. So instead of being grateful this break was granted to you, you decided to poke the sleeping bear again.

You lifted your eyes to look at the assassin; seeing his glistening biceps and the sweat stains on his black top. You licked your lips, then smiled. "Tired already, Pine? Did I already wear you out, or what?" His dark, wide blown orbs snapped to meet yours on an instant. There it was again... The danger. The dominance. The pleasure. Lurking inside those blue eyes.

Daniel scoffed, "I already ruined you twice and you still want more?" and chuckled. "Greedy woman... You really should be careful what you wish for. I meant it," he said; voice dropping an octave lower. "You still want more?" He took a step closer again, "Fine." and quickly grabbed you again; manhandling you easily in the position he desired. Suddenly you were on your stomach. His arm wrapped underneath your hips and pulled your knees up, while the other hand pressed down your back. You could feel the muscles in his arm work - in combination with the fact that he was manhandling you so easily, was it nothing but a turn on.

You were a Kikimora. Handling men was a walk in the park for you - except Daniel, as it seemed.

Now you were face down, ass up, hands still tied and Daniel towering above you once again - more than ready to absolutely rail you into oblivion. And that was exactly what he did. You had asked for it and you received - more than you anticipated. The position. The angle. His technique and pace. The way he hit those delicious spots every damn time over and over and over again. It was no wonder that your knees just gave out at some point; eyes rolling into the back of your head. His arm was the only thing which held you up. The rest of you was floating somewhere beyond the clouds. You were sure he had catapulted you into another stratosphere. You didn't even notice the words he said. How his rhythm faltered. Or how he was finishing inside you. Good thing you were on birth control.

Daniel left you nothing but ruined, marked - and utterly satisfied.

You clearly needed a moment to come back down to yourself - back down to earth. The man's low chuckle was the first thing your brain truly registered again. "Now you're really speechless. Rare thing to see, princess... You not running your mouth for once. Truly fucked your brains out, huh?" Then you felt his warm touch on your wrists; untieing the belt and freeing your hands.

You blinked. "Fuck," was all you could muster; brain still a little hazy. It caused Daniel to chuckle once more. Only then did you realise that you were on your back again; laying comfortably on the bed. The second thing you became aware of was that sticky, slightly uncomfortable and stinging feeling between your legs. Grimacing, you sat up slowly and maneuvered your worn out body forwards until your legs dangled over the edge of the bed. Then you took in the truly absolute mess. You were a mess, the sheets beneath you were a mess... Your orbs flickered over the man standing in front of you with another glass of Whiskey in hands. Eyes widening in surprise, you saw that Daniel was a mess too. Well, parts of him.

"See the mess ya made, princess?" He asked with a borderline bragging, satisfied smirk on his lips, took a sip of the alcohol and gestured at his black boxers, which rested snugly over his hips and crotch again and the hem of his top. Both pieces of clothing were damp; almost wetted with stains. Stains that weren't sweat.

It took your brain a second to connect the dots. But then your eyes widened even further. "Did I...?" Daniel nodded; smirking smugly. "Was real hot, beautiful." "Fuck," you muttered oncd again - kinda overwhelmed and surprised. The assassin across from you chuckled, "Indeed." and downed the rest of his alcoholic drink.

But then another thought hit you. Daniel was part of the mess...

"You fucker didn't pull out. What if I wouldn't be on birth control, huh?" You grumbled and stood up - on slightly wobbly legs. The man just shrugged his shoulders as he slipped inside his pants and shoes again; sliding the belt through the loops and fastening it. "You are, so what's the problem? You asked for this. All of it - like you always do," he stated firmly and took a step closer to you. "Besides, I thought leaving you a little present to remember me is a nice gesture. And now be the good girl I know you can be when you want and stop whining. Take what I give you - or we might have to end this tonight."

That son of a...

You glared at him; hating that you loved his dangerous dominance. So, you played his game; getting back at him with words instead. "I always take what you give me, Daniel. I can handle me a dangerous man - but the real question is... How long can you handle me?" Daniel chuckled darkly once more, slipped in his suit jacket and stowed away his gun, before he came to stand directly in front of you again. "As long as you'll be that desperate for me, beautiful," he whispered and gave you a wink, "I'll see you again." before he turned and walked towards the door to your hotel room; exiting it.

You were too stunned to answer, so you just watched him go. "Asshole," you mumbled under your breath; making your way to the bathroom. You needed another shower.

Sexy asshole.

A/N: Fell in love with these two characters: Daniel and Ella Pine. Had to write them. So—notes! No real Daniel in this chapter but we’ll get to him in the next one. I took some liberties with Ella’s age. I found that the original script had her as 6 years old. That may have changed but that’s what I ran with. There aren’t a ton of spoilers in this chapter but there are spoilers. I’m doing my best with John Wick universe lore. I’m definitely no expert but this is fun. I’ll update this if I can remember other things I need to say.

“That going to 315?” You asked, circling the cart. The banana split that was nearly spilling over the silver plated boat was impressive. An extra bowl of cherries sat next to it. There was no whipped cream. That was a pity. It was the best part, in your opinion. “Guy sure does like ice cream.”

“He orders food too.” Tobias shrugged. “Lots of it. He just—orders ice cream more.”

You nodded, stepping out of the way as the cart squeaked into motion, one wheel wobbling in a way most people wouldn’t notice. You noticed. Of course you did. You were trained to see things that others didn’t, down to the finest detail where the hotel was concerned. You were raised to be aware. Your Uncle Winston saw to it.

He wasn’t really your uncle. He was your godfather. When your parents were taken from you at such an early age, you were brought up within the walls of The Continental New York. Over the years, you had watched the best of the best partake in the unique services offered. The weapons, medical, and ‘dinner reservations’. You had also seen it house the worst of the worst.

Winston had protected you without directly shielding you. You were an integral part of the hotel’s functionality. Your jobs were important, but mundane, giving you the appearance of just another staff member. He couldn’t let you be seen as anyone important to him. He had too many enemies to show that sort of attachment. It would have certainly spelled disaster for you.

It was for that reason that you had been sent away when bad blood had bloomed between Winston and John Wick. The Baba Yaga. Not that John—Jonathan, as Winston had called him—couldn’t find you with ease if he saw fit. Winston had to make you seem expendable. Inconsequential. Nothing more to him than an employee transfer.

Prague wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great. The Continental ran under the same rules. The same expectations. Only the manager knew of your true ties to the New York hotel and had pledged you’d be looked after.

Just as it had been back home, you worked as the head of housekeeping. Most of your work was managerial, so a short flowy black dress and lightweight cropped blazer were sufficient in lieu of a standard hotel uniform. It was your duty to oversee that the elegant rooms remained on the level of reputably unimpaired—not one speck of dust, nor a single bead of blood. Crisp sheets, fully stocked minibars, and the plushest towels were your weapons in the Underworld.

Most of the patrons welcomed your staff, eager to be pampered and catered to during their stay. But not 315. Not Daniel Pine, as the occupancy list had indicated his name to be. He allowed no one in his suite. And he never left. Not once in just over a week. Sheets, towels, food, toiletries, and other amenities authorized by The Manager were left outside the room. Furthermore, the door never opened while anyone remained in the hallway.

Never.

It certainly wasn’t the oddest behavior you’d witnessed given the surroundings of your profession. So, it was with a shrug that you carried on about your own business and left Mr. Pine to his.

That was, until the Dvorak brothers incident. Three rooms left in shambles. Two employees killed and several others injured, leaving the hotel shorthanded until The Manager could pull off a miracle.

“There is no one else.” Dominik pushed the cart towards you, a wheel trundling up onto the toe of your impractical stiletto.

“Ow! Why can’t you do it?” You asked, fingers wrapping around the curved handle. You already knew the answer. Dominik was security. It had been a miracle for the kitchen staff to convince him to lay hands on that cart at all. Sensing the futility of questioning, you waved a hand and begrudgingly wheeled the thing towards the service elevator.

The ascension to the third floor was silent, the audio system still inoperative since yesterday’s incident. Somehow, it seemed to compound the strange feeling that was stirring in your gut. Anxiety, maybe? You felt like a kid on Christmas Eve, wondering if you’d catch a glimpse of Krampus.

The doors parted and you found the first corridor empty. Unsurprising for that time of evening. The patrons were likely out seeking their next bounty or hiding behind closed doors to ensure their own bounty wasn’t collected.

There was a reason no business was permitted to be conducted on Continental grounds. After all, the hotel was open to the public. Certain floors, like the one you currently navigated, were used by members of the Underworld. As were a number of the lounges. Even if only one side was aware, the two worlds coexisted without much of a problem. Most of the time.

Regardless, that hardly mattered when you were delivering a room service ice cream medley to a dangerous assassin with an apparently massive sweet tooth.

You positioned the cart just so outside the door, ensuring it could be pulled through the entryway without an issue. Knocking firmly, you called out “room service” before pivoting on a heel to return towards the elevator. As you walked, you pulled your access badge from the inner pocket of your blazer. With your usual grace, you fumbled the card, cursing in a whisper when it tumbled onto the floor with a soft sound just before you rounded the corner. Rolling your eyes at your own carelessness, you turned and crouched as ladylike as you could to retrieve your keycard when you heard the click of the lock disengage just down the hall.

You blinked. Once. Twice. An arm was extending from the door, a large hand wrapping around the handle of the cart. The ring he wore was dark against his tan skin and clinked lightly against the metal. But that wasn’t what held your attention. It was the small girl standing just inside the door. Her eyes mirrored your own, wide and curious. Stunned. Neither of you looked away, even as the door closed.

Who was she? Why was she there? There was no record of a kid being on that floor and it wasn’t ‘bring your child to work day’ in the Underworld. Your first thought was to fear for her safety. She was in a room with a dangerous man, after all. However, she hadn’t appeared to be afraid. Just—surprised to see someone near the door.

There was a sound from down the hall. It wasn’t the lock, but something was happening inside the suite. Muted clicks and thumps before it all went quiet. You stayed put, still crouched with eyes narrowed and ears straining while building a myriad of scenarios by sound alone.

You finally heard the little girl giggling from the room followed by a scrape of a spoon on the porcelain bowl that had been provided. A man’s voice, distinct in its dark, rich timbre. Another giggle and then the faint but familiar tune of Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid. If the little girl was there against her will, she was being spoiled rotten.

Fetching your badge and rising to walk away, you told yourself to stay out of it. It was none of your business. Uncle Winston would have granted you a two hour lecture if he had even an inkling of knowledge that you were merely curious about the affairs of anyone wrapped up in the life of the Underworld.

But Uncle Winston wasn’t here.

So you had no problem volunteering to deliver the meals and ice cream the next day—after a trip into town for something that could hopefully go unnoticed by Mr. Pine but draw the eye of the little girl. If she was in trouble, it would be a message to inform her that she had been seen. If she wasn’t, then it was just a gift.

Beneath the serving dish of ice cream, barely noticeable, you left a sticker. A rolling pin with eyes and a smile that said you’re a-dough-rable. You weren’t sure if she could even read but the image was cute enough. After delivering the dessert, you waited downstairs, busying yourself with your duties. If Mr. Pine had noticed, he’d surely make a call to the desk. Or maybe he wouldn’t. There was no way to know for sure.

But when you collected the cart and dishes, the sticker was gone.

At dinnertime, there had been no contact. So you left another sticker: a teapot with a smile that said you’re a cu-tea. When the cart and dishes were returned this time, the sticker had been removed and the adhesive paper had been left behind. Smiling to yourself, you made a decision.

In trouble or not, this little girl was going to know she had a friend in The Continental.

You continued to hide stickers on the cart with each food delivery. One day, a smiley face born of red crayon had been left for you on a napkin. It was a small gesture but it was enough to ensure you knew your efforts were appreciated.

Things continued this way until today. You were walking by the concierge desk when you heard Josef speaking into the phone.

“Mr. Pine? Mr. Pine, are you there?” He appeared to wait, his expression unreadable.

You froze, keeping your eyes averted while straining to listen. The concierge hung up, only for the phone to ring again with the same outcome. Something was fishy. “What’s going on?” You queried, leaning on the opposite side of the desk. You strived to appear mostly uninvested, likely an endeavor you were desperately failing.

Josef sighed, rubbing his forehead. “Room 315 has called about seven times. There’s no response when I answer. I’m gonna have to send up a tech to check the phone lines.” When he picked up the receiver, you watched his fingers begin to dial an extension. Something was definitely off.

“Did he order food and ice cream today yet?” You asked, rounding the desk. Josef didn’t answer for a moment before roughly hanging up the phone.

“No one’s answering in maintenance.” Now he was pinching the bridge of his nose, frustration etched into every line of his face. “No. No orders today.”

Shit.

The phone rang and you snatched it up before Josef could even flinch. “Concierge desk.” You were met with silence. Licking your lips, you glanced at Josef before angling yourself away. “Mr. Pine, would you like your normal ice cream order?” No answer aside from quiet breaths on the other end of the line, too soft to be that of a grown man. Lowering your voice, dropping to a whisper, you added “I can send two stickers this time.”

“I need medicine to make daddy better.”

Your eyes shot wide. It was her. And Mr. Pine—was her father. You took a deep breath, risking a glance at Josef. He was watching you with a furrowed brow and curious stare. “I apologize for the inconvenience with the phone lines, Mr. Pine. Let me call you from my personal line and I’ll handle this issue myself.” You didn’t wait for a response before replacing the receiver on the base. “I think I know what the issue is. I’ll take care of it.”

“You sure? When did you get so tech savvy?” He chuckled, his tone teasing.

“Shut up. I dealt with these kinds of issues all the time in New York. I got it.” You shook your head and pulled out your cellphone. Running a finger down the occupancy list, you found the direct line to room 315 and swiftly dialed it. Playing it cool, you gave Josef a thumbs up and walked away, pressing your back to the wall around the corner. The call connected but there was no answer. “It’s me.” You said, your tone calm and hopefully soothing. Still nothing. “My name is Y/N. What’s yours?”

A beat passed. “Ella.”

“Hi, Ella. Thank you for the smiley face drawing.” When she didn’t respond, you continued. “Ella, can you tell me what you need?”

“Daddy’s sick.” Her voice was small, but remarkably even.

“Okay, what’s wrong with him?” You began walking toward the service elevator, pulling your badge from your inner pocket.

“He’s hot.” You could hear her moving around. “And he’s not waking up.” The rustling of the sheets. Then a barking cough.

Definitely not good.

“Okay, I’m coming up and we’ll figure something out together. Are you okay with that?”

Once again, there was an extended silence. “You can’t use the door.”

The elevator opened and you stepped inside, your finger hovering over the button. “Why can’t I?”

“It’s dangerous.”

Finally pressing the button, the elevator lurched as it began to ascend. “How can a door be dangerous?” It wasn’t the strangest thing you’d ever heard out of a kid’s mouth, but it was up there.

“It just is.” You could have laughed at the indignation in her tone. “And you can’t tell anyone daddy’s sick.”

This was just becoming more and more of a mystery. “Why’s that? We have a doctor here.” The silence stretched to the point where you thought she might have hung up. Lowering your phone from your ear, you glanced at the screen. Still connected.

“He says we can’t trust anyone.”

Narrowing your eyes, you stepped out of the elevator after the bell chimed. “Then why are you trusting me?”

“You gave me stickers.”

You did chuckle this time. “That’s not exactly sound logic, kid.” You reasoned as you traveled the halls toward room 315.

“I’m 6.”

Stopping outside the door, you balanced the phone against your shoulder and grasped the door handle with one hand while your other held the badge. You were seconds away from passing the card over the reader before you let go and stepped back. “Okay, then how am I supposed to get in if I can’t use the door?”

“I’ll open the window.” Ella stated matter-of-factly.

Your jaw fell open. “To the balcony?!” Her problem solving skills definitely needed work if this was her solution. That or she needed to cut back on the cartoons.

“Mhm.” You could hear movement coming from inside the room. Another cough, a low groan. “Can you hurry?”

She wanted you to scale the ledge from the next room. What the actual fuck? Was this some sort of trick? Were you getting too close? So close that Mr. Pine was planning something and willing to use a little girl to do it? “I—”

“Please?” That word in her little voice shifted something inside you. Something you didn’t really like but couldn’t ignore. You thought back to those big eyes meeting yours from the doorway; the red smiley face napkin. If this was some ploy, this girl was a damn mastermind.

“I’m not Wonder Woman, kid.” You ran a hand over your hair, trying to reconcile what she was asking with the urgency of the situation.

“You have to be careful.” It was as if she hadn’t heard your last words at all. Like she knew you had already made up your mind to help.

“Well, yeah. It’s a balcony. On the third floor.”

“No. Not that.” Ella whispered as if someone might overhear. “Sometimes there are bad people outside.”

“You mean—” Of course she meant snipers. You wouldn’t be surprised if some had just taken up permanent residence on the roofs of nearby buildings. Probably even split the electric bill with the owners.

“Please hurry.” Her voice had begun to wobble. It was when you heard the quiet it’s okay, daddy that your resolve absolutely crumbled.

Jesus fuck, what were you getting yourself into? “Okay.” You sighed. “Okay, but I’m in heels. This might take a minute.”

All his life, he had always obeyed the announcements on the loudspeakers, always returned to the village, always returned to his 'family' because he had no one else.

Daniel had left a world without rules, where he only had to obey the orders of one man, and entered a world full of rules... but you help him understand them.

On the night he fled, when he was alone in Prague for the first time and sought refuge in the Continental, you were the first person to approach him. “Can I help you, sir?” a simple question that seemed to overwhelm the brown-haired man.

Her gaze was friendly, even polite, but inside she was charmed by the new man she had never seen before.

She usually knew the regulars, even the guests who only came back every now and then, but she had never seen this brown-haired man with a light gray beard and a worn look before.

What help did he need?

Did he need protection, did he need weapons, or just an ally?

Daniel didn't know, but his confused look said everything you needed to know about him. “I suggest I show you our house first,” and with a brief nod and a “Thank you... Lady,” he followed her into the hotel.

The hotel, and especially you, were the longest contact he had ever had with something unknown.

The interior was almost exotic, and you, Daniel, could hardly imagine how you would fit into all of this. “Nice place. Can I get a room?” he asked at the end of the tour of the various locations, and her smile somehow calmed him.

“Of course, Sir. Room 315, perhaps? A nice city view for the new arrivals” she suggested, and he just nodded. It was more about safety than comfort.

Pine wasn't here to explore the city, at least not right away. He had to make sure he wouldn't get shot as soon as he set foot outside.

The moment you slid the room card to him and his fingers touched yours, despite all their differences, there was something between them.

His hands were rough yet warm, a contrast to the receptionist's trained, rather gentle hands, and yet the small smile he gave you said that he would probably be a returning customer.

“Thanks Lay, have a nice evening,” he winked and went to the elevator to get to his room. She, on the other hand, just nodded and waved slightly, murmuring, “Thank you very much, Sir. Have a wonderful evening” before her eyes returned to the computer screen, but her interest in Daniel did not diminish.

It was the beginning of a relationship. Since he sought refuge in the hotel, you've seen each other almost every day.

Respectful and polite, he was somewhat awkward but fascinating, thanking you more and more for every rule you told him.

He gradually got a picture of what he was allowed to do now that he was free and what he wasn't allowed to do, but when you taught him, he was more than willing to learn.

Especially when you were together and he had your company, it was more than he deserved.

Every time he called for more ice cream, he invited you to eat it with him, and every time he ordered a weapon or ammunition, he watched with fascination.

A pounding heart as you showed him the weapon “You're a really good receptionist, polite, smart, cute, and you know how to handle weapons” he said to her when he transferred the money for the purchase, and for a moment he thought he saw a look of affection when you said, “Have a nice evening...Daniel,” and closed the door behind you.

It was a relationship between them that soon became much more than just a hotel guest and a receptionist.

Then, when her shift ended and she herself sought out the hotel's amenities, it was Daniel who took on the role of 'patron'.

Whether it was at the bar, where he sat down next to her and said “A good wine for the lovely lady” and his hand touched hers almost fleetingly, lingering a moment longer.

She watched him, still seeing the insecurity he hid behind his façade of pretension and knowledge, but she couldn't blame him.

From the little she knew when she saw the cross on his wrist, she should have kept her distance from him, but Daniel seemed different, too different to belong to those wild people.

She took a sip of the blood-red drink and nodded gratefully “I see you know your way around, Daniel...or did someone help you find the bar?” she asked, watching him smile amusedly, his rough hands closing around his whiskey glass.

He had experienced so much more, but how much could you experience when you were in a cage?

It was a question she asked herself as he suddenly got up from the bar and headed for the outdoor area of the hotel, the large terrace overlooking the city.

“Are you coming?” Daniels question hung in the air as she picked up her own glass and followed him, knowing that the guests were watching him, that her boss tolerated what was going on between them but would interrupt at any moment if it meant that the cult's rules were being broken.

Unlike inside, it was cool outside, despite it being evening. The city in front of them was still brightly lit, people were out and about, eating together or watching performances.

Above it all stood the Continental and its guests, who had more than this normal life, they were the shadows of society. “Has the alcohol made you lose your voice?” Daniel's question snapped her out of her thoughts and she leaned against the railing as she looked at him.

Even now, in the semi-darkness of the colorful neon lights, he still looked rough, but it was a pleasant roughness that told her he had been through a lot.

She thought about her answer and took a last sip of alcohol before replying, “More like my thoughts... I know what you are, who you belong to. Daniel, I belong at the Continental, and I'm afraid that these rules between us will ruin this” she spoke honestly, pointing her hand at his wrist.

This prompted him to pull the sleeves of his shirt over it, of course, he was aware that his origins would come out at some point, but not now, not in such a quiet, pleasant moment.

It was Pine who took a sip of whiskey and considered his answer, knowing what it meant if the sect decided to break the Continental rules.

The only thing he said as he slammed the glass down on the table was “Fuck it” and he approached her, cupping your face in his rough hands, gently, not tightly, aware of his behavior, and finally giving her the kiss he had wanted to give her since day one.

A deep kiss, a kiss that made her forget where they were, what he was, what she was, what they both were.

For a moment, they didn't seem like murderers, for a moment, they seemed like normal people in love sharing a kiss on a quiet evening.

A kiss she returned, her hands holding him, reaching for his shirt, not wanting to let go, even though she knew he wasn't one of them.

A kiss that sparked a relationship between them, a love affair between a former cult member and a receptionist, both of whom knew that as soon as he checked out, he would once again become a moving target.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everything must come to an end, and two days later, Daniel realized that he couldn't hide forever, that his business, weapons, money, and contacts were better out there than in here, so the two found themselves back where they had met, at the reception desk.

He only had a sports bag with him, containing a few weapons and the money he needed to disappear. “I hope you had a pleasant stay, Sir...I-I hope we'll see you again?” her question was unprofessional, but she had to ask as she took the key card back.

She saw how his gaze avoided hers, how his hand closed tightly around the bag.

Of course, they would probably never see each other again, but there was hope when he replied, “I'll always come back for the pretty receptionist” and she felt his rough hand on her cheek one last time as he turned to leave the hotel, and all she could do was let him go.

She had to watch him walk through the round glass door and disappear into the dark night, and all she could do was wait and go about her job.

A job she threw herself into, checking in customers, advising them on various matters, and passing on orders and calls... but there was no sign of Daniel Pine.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months.

Months in which she typed his name into the computer every day, but no activity was visible, no location or bank activity could be traced.

It was a time of waiting in which she slowly gave up hope. In her line of work, it could be over at any time; it could always mean the end, but that didn't seem fair.

He had changed; he wasn't a wild man; he wanted to break out of the cage that was his home... he wanted to be with her.

Who could say if he was even still alive? A life that seemed to be fading just like her hope when almost a year had passed and it was once again a dark evening filled with the city lights.

Guests checked in and out all evening, and she hardly left her post until the moment she heard car engines roaring outside and shots coming closer and closer.

Even though the hotel guests were close enough to at least glance outside, they were safe inside, but a look at a potential bounty couldn't hurt.

Her gaze, which had been on the guest book and computer, now turned to the glass door, her fingers ready to call the manager, inform security, and reach for her own gun.

She was right.

It only took a few moments before she saw a battered, barely functioning sports car pull up in front of the hotel, the windows smashed, the hood dented, and the car covered in blood.

It would have been an almost normal sight when she saw the driver rush out of the car, had she not recognized the brown hair, the blue eyes looking at the hotel, and the face contorted with exertion as the man she had let go almost a year ago ran toward the entrance.

It was only a few steps when he practically threw himself into the entrance area, and a second later a group of people appeared behind him and a shot whizzed past her and dug into the stone wall.

Never before had anyone been so rude, so unfriendly, and so quick to resort to violence, not to mention injuring the staff.

Following protocol, she immediately triggered the silent security alarm, grabbed her pistol, and shouted, "I suggest you follow the rules of this hotel! Kill this guest and I have every right to shoot you myself!".

She aimed at one of the men and as she got closer, she stood in front of Daniel, who was lying on the ground, breathing heavily from the wounds he had already suffered.

The blood rushed in her ears, the gun heavy in her hands, but her gaze was filled with determination.

If she was going down protecting the man she loved, she would take as many of them with her as she could...after all, it was her job to make the stay of all guests as pleasant as possible.

Not a moment too late, the armed security guards stood behind her and the men realized they couldn't win.

The silence as they lowered their weapons and ran out was far too long before she looked down at Daniel “Thanks, pretty receptionist,” she heard him say before she called for medical personnel and knelt down next to the older man. Despite the time that had passed, he hadn't changed.

The blood from his injuries soaked his clothes, and pain contorted his face, but to her, he was still just as handsome. “I hope you'll stay a little longer, Sir” she replied when she realized that his injuries weren't life-threatening.

She placed her hand on his, and together they pressed down on the gunshot wound to stop the bleeding.

It was a surreal situation that she almost didn't survive, but having her loved one back, feeling his hand on her cheek again, was worth all the blood and pain.

It didn't matter that she was covered in blood, that his warm blood stained her cheek and hand. If it meant he would survive, she would have given anything.

Even when he was taken to the hospital and had been treated enough for her to visit him in his room, it was worth it. “You're back,” she said, closing the door behind her and sitting down next to him on the bed.

Daniel looked exhausted, even though he would probably deny it. Instead, he reached for her hand again and kissed it. “Of course I'm back. I always come back for my love,” he replied, and there was something like pride in his voice.

As he looked at the woman who had saved his life. When she leaned toward him and he was finally able to kiss her again, when they were finally reunited, knowing that this place would give them the protection they needed.

A place where they had a chance together with their love.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~