Broken Bond: Between Vices and Virtues (BL)
Chapter 225 - 11: Not at work but outside dating

Chapter 225: Chapter 11: Not at work but outside dating

Nathaniel’s chuckle faded, and the teasing tone in his voice disappeared. There was silence after that.

The words Killian spoke finally registered in his head. He bit his lower lip and swallowed the lump in his throat, ready to take them back.

However, Nathaniel spoke first, "What was that, Mr. Arden?"

Killian froze in front of his apartment door, cursing himself internally.

Why did he even say that? He fumbled with his keys, the metal jingling in his hands as his mind raced. Was it just his exhaustion talking, or had he unconsciously admitted something buried deep within himself?

"I—uh," Killian stammered, his voice faltering as he unlocked the door and pushed it open. "It was nothing, sir. I’m just...just... tired, I guess."

He was exhausted yet he still didn’t end the call.

Nathaniel’s voice took on a more serious tone, his previous amusement vanishing. "Mr. Killian Arden, if there’s something on your mind, you can tell me."

Killian hesitated at the doorway, gripping the edge of the doorframe as he stood there. Tell his boss what’s on his mind? If he does, can he still be able to go to work on Monday and look at him?

His boss, Steve Williams, had been stressing him to the core. The way he said his name sent a shiver down his spine, and every time he’d feel the flutter in his stomach, Killian let himself wonder—what if?

But he quickly pushed the thought aside. It was impossible.

He was his boss, a cold and calculating man. There was no way someone like him would ever see Killian as anything more than just an employee, a subordinate. Besides, even if the deputy director had any feelings for him, what could possibly come of it?

Killian was scentless, an anomaly in the alpha-omega dynamic, and in the alpha’s world, that only made him less desirable.

He closed the door behind him and locked it, leaning his back against it. His phone was still pressed against his ear, but he didn’t know how to respond.

The silence on the line stretched, but Nathaniel didn’t hang up.

"Killian," Nathaniel finally broke the silence, his voice quieter now. "You’re not just tired. There’s something else, isn’t there? Am I pushing you too hard? Or are you mad because of what I said back in the restaurant? About that...I admit I went too far. I apologize."

Killian’s heart skipped a beat. Did the deputy director just apologize to him?!

And why is he suddenly speaking to him as if they were closer? Could he see through the carefully crafted walls Killian had built around himself? He had always been careful to keep his emotions hidden, especially around his boss.

But right now, he felt exposed, vulnerable.

"I don’t... I don’t know what you mean, sir," Killian replied, but even to his own ears, his voice sounded weak, unconvincing.

Nathaniel let out a low sigh on the other end of the line, his voice soft but firm. "Killian, you can stop pretending. You don’t need to be perfect all the time."

Wait, where is this conversation going? My heart flutters every time he mentions my name, but this...this is dangerous!

Killian’s breath caught in his throat. Was that what Nathaniel thought of him? That he was always trying to be perfect, always trying to meet some impossible standard? The truth was, Killian was trying—trying to hold everything together, to be everything that was expected of him.

He was just an omega, after all, and in a world where alphas held power, he needed to be perfect to survive. To be seen as more than just his designation.

He swallowed hard, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke. "I... I’m just doing my job, sir. That’s all." Killian slapped his forehead. His thoughts and actions don’t coincide at all! He needed to stop saying more or else, he’d end up opening his heart to his boss.

However, before Killian could suggest for them to retire for the night, Nathaniel’s response came immediately. "It’s more than that. You’re always doing more than what’s asked of you. I called just to check about the report, but hearing your weary voice made me wonder if I was being a terrible superior. You said you’re just doing your job. I say you’re putting too much effort. I like it, but I won’t like it if you get sick."

Killian felt his pulse quicken at those words. He keeps giving me hope. If I grab that rope, won’t he let go?

"Killian..." Nathaniel hesitated for the first time since the conversation started, something Killian had never witnessed before. Nathaniel was always composed, and always in control. "I...I’ll see you on Monday. Go get some rest."

And just like that, the line went dead.

Killian stood in the middle of his apartment, staring at the phone in his hand, his heart still racing. He didn’t know what to make of Nathaniel’s words, honestly. He kept denying it, to protect himself. But what if...what if it’s the second option? What if...they are fated mates indeed?

Killian had decided. For once, he’ll be brave. He’ll confront that possibility, and will no longer run away from his feelings.

Monday arrived, and as usual, Killian prepared himself for work.

He recalled the odd conversation with his boss over the phone, his thoughts had been consumed with anticipation—would things between them change today? Would he look at him differently?

Was that call just a brief moment of weakness from the usually stoic deputy director, or did it signal something deeper?

He straightened his tie in the mirror, running a hand through his light brown hair as his mind raced through different scenarios. Maybe the alpha would ignore him completely, brushing off the call like it never happened. Or maybe, just maybe, there would be something in his eyes—some sign that Killian hadn’t imagined between them.

As he arrived at the office, Killian’s pulse quickened. He glanced around, searching for any sign of the deputy director, but his boss’s office was empty.

Odd.

He was usually one of the first people to arrive.

When lunchtime rolled around, and his boss still hadn’t shown up, Killian’s heart sank a little. He knew it was foolish to feel disappointed, but he couldn’t help it. The entire weekend had been spent preparing himself to face the man, to confront whatever was bubbling between them.

The rest of the day dragged on in a haze of meetings and reports, and Killian couldn’t help but keep glancing at the door, hoping for the man to stroll in, and maybe offer some cryptic comment like he usually did.

But as the hours passed, it became clear that his boss wouldn’t be showing up at all. By the time the clock hit six, Killian’s mood was as low as it could get.

He packed up his things with a sigh, still unable to shake the sense of disappointment. He had been so ready to face him, to maybe... even talk about what had happened over the weekend. Yet, here he was, going home with nothing resolved, not even a hint of where the alpha had been all day.

He could have called me to tell me he won’t be going to work today. After he said to see me on Monday...liar...Killian grumbled.

As he left the building, Emily called out to him from across the street. "Hey! Ian!" She waved, hurrying over to him. "Long day?"

Killian froze for a moment. He completely forgot Emily’s drunken confession! Offering her a forced smile, Killian answered, "Yeah, it was. You?"

"Same," Emily grinned, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "How about we grab something to eat? My treat! I got paid by a relative who asked for a tax compliance audit, and I feel like celebrating."

Killian hesitated for a moment, but the idea of distracting himself from his brooding thoughts sounded good. Also, he wanted to talk with Emily, despite her looking clueless about what happened. "Sure. Where do you want to go?"

Emily’s eyes sparkled. "Let’s go somewhere nice for once. How about that new French restaurant near the park? I heard it’s really good."

Killian raised an eyebrow. "Fancy. But sure, why not?"

The two made their way to the restaurant, a sleek, modern establishment that was far more elegant than the usual places they frequented. As they were led to their table, Killian couldn’t help but glance around, taking in the polished atmosphere and well-dressed patrons.

The evening began pleasantly enough—Emily chattered about her day, about her bonus, and how she planned to spend it, that Killian couldn’t get a chance to bring up that topic. Should he just forget what she said? Pretend like he didn’t hear it?

Killian was conflicted. He was just about to take a sip of wine when something caught his eye across the room.

There, sitting at a corner table, was his boss, Steve Williams.

Killian froze, his breath catching in his throat. He stared, unable to believe what he was seeing. The alpha wasn’t alone. Seated with him was a woman—elegant, poised, and beautiful. She wore a sleek black dress, her fingers wrapped delicately around a glass of champagne. They were deep in conversation, and the alpha’s expression seemed relaxed and even gentle.

Killian’s heart sank further.

"Ian?" Emily’s voice broke through his thoughts. "You, okay? You’ve been staring at that table for a while." Emily peeked in the same direction and her face changed. Her bubbly demeanor vanished and she looked away.

Killian snapped back to reality, forcing a weak smile. "Yeah, sorry. Just... spaced out."

Emily went silent. She wasn’t stupid to see what’s been laid bare in her very eyes. She smiled bitterly. And after letting out a few deep breaths, she muttered, "Ian...do I...stand a chance?"