There were many times in Tikal's life that she was scared. Her dead father's wrath, watching her mother dying of cancer right in front of her, her brother serving the military and thinking about him everyday hoping he was safe, her bullies in school. She had to be homeschooled because of those bullies. All they ever did was spread gossip about her family and would envy her prestigious and wealthy lifestyle because of her uncle.

Even as wealthy as she was, Tikal didn't feel like it one bit. Rich people were always deemed confident. She wasn't. Rich people were strong. She wasn't. Not like Knuckles. Before Knuckles enlisted himself in the military for two years, he decided to become an executive at NASDAQ, with the help of their uncle, of course. Knuckles always wanted to become a stock investor and he rightfully earned his place after some hard work and schmoozing.

And Tikal? Well... she wanted to become an architect. However, that dream went down the drain when her efforts came to waste. Her father would berate her for it and the trauma of his yelling and trashing her designs haunted her for the rest of her life. Even if he was dead, he'd still manage to crawl up into her head and play mind games with her.

So when her mother died, she decided it was best to just take care of her diner that she left behind. Tikal didn't mind it at all. Even though it was the complete opposite of her occupation, she wanted to do it all for her mother. She loved cooking and so did Tikal. Her staff were friendly and she was able to hire more people as business became much bigger.

The diner had always attracted attention, but it garnered even more attention when she became owner in her mother's stead.

Some unnecessary attention she didn't even want and was scared of.

Scared. Scared. Scared.

She was always scared of the world. Always.

So when she stepped into her lawyer's office that Monday afternoon, her fear spiked up considerably. She knew whatever he had to say wasn't going to be pretty. It usually never was.

"Scott?"

"Tikal," Scott said in greeting to the echidna and gestured her to the chair opposite his desk, "Please have a seat."

Tikal closed the office door behind her and sat down, her hands resting on her lap as she waited for him to start talking.

"I heard about last night," he slowly began causing her to grimace shortly, "First and foremost, I'm glad to see that you're okay. What happened was something no woman should experience."

"Thanks..."

"But this isn't looking too good, Tikal. That was the fifth time in two weeks someone's tried to assault you."

"I know-"

"Yes, you know all right," he rolled his eyes with a diligent scoff, "You need to stop being naive all the damn time and let loose that pacifist nature of yours."

She frowned at his comment. "Trying to fight them wasn't an option... Th-They were twice the size of me!"

"Going out at bloody three o'clock to go get some 'fresh air' wasn't an option either, Tikal," Scott sneered at the young woman, "Christ, why would even want to leave the house around that time? The garden across your own room would've been enough."

"It was hot-"

"You have air con."

"I needed food-"

"There was plenty of food around the house, Tikal. Your maid dropped some off while you were at work running the diner."

The echidna didn't say anything in response and averted her gaze away in defeat. "I-I couldn't sleep, Scott. The diner's been so busy lately... I'm so stressed just thinking about it."

"I know you feel that way, Tikal. I know," he said in a softer tone this time, "But let's face it, that would of been far better than getting harassed by those drunk bastards last night."

Tikal remained silent, her thoughts getting into a sudden twist.

Scott rubbed his temples in contemplation before he said something else, "You're lucky I've thought ahead with this situation."

Tikal suddenly grew curious as she blinked at him. "What do you mean?"

"You won't like it but-"

"Scott, please."

"Your uncle thought it was a rash idea but..." Scott sighed and leaned back against his chair, "He decided it was best to hire you a bodyguard."

The words didn't seem to register in her head properly as she found herself repeating idly, "...A bodyguard?"

"Yes," Scott replied and looked through his files, "I would also think you'd need one, given your fragile condition. There's still a significant amount of sick buffoons wanting to take advantage of you so I decided to go with plan..." he sent her a dry stare, "E."

Tikal looked at the man, sending him a silent protest signalling that she wanted to reject the idea profusely.

"I know you think it's ridiculous, Tikal," Scott sighed, "But it's for your own good. Your uncle and I have looked into the best ones I could possibly find and they will ensure your safety with the utmost guarantee."

"It's a little bit excessive though, don't you-"

"Trust me, it's not," her lawyer interjected, "You and your uncle came to me so this problem would be fixed, right? Well, I'm fixing it now and this is all I can do. He's far too busy running a billion dollar company to keep watching over you all the time, especially seeing that your brother's gone off to the military."

"B-But a bodyguard, Scott? I understand what you mean but..." Tikal paused and contemplated her next words, "It feels so... controlling."

"What would it be then, Tikal?" Scott asked, a slight sardonic tone reaching his voice, "Disgusting lowlife cunts touching you up like you're some hot snack or having someone who could actually finally put a stop to all of that? Take your pick."

Tikal shared the longing gaze with her lawyer before sighing as she nodded reluctantly. "All right, I understand."

He studied her for a few more moments before nodding assertively. "Good, glad to have that out of the way then. Your uncle's not paying me for nothing, you know."

She pressed her lips and watched Scott as he started to rummage through his case files again before asking, "When... When will I be meeting them?"

"Should be soon-"

The office door swung open, causing Tikal to jolt in her seat as she turned her head to face the person who'd just entered.

"Or now," Scott said wryly as he eyed their new guest when they came to stand opposite his desk, "Good afternoon to you too, Shadow."

"I would have liked an earlier notice, Palmer," Shadow snarked whilst pocketing his hands into his suit pants, "Perhaps not during the fucking rush hour."

"My apologies. However, this is quite the desperate situation we're in right now, wouldn't you agree?"

Shadow threw a glance at her. "So you mentioned."

Meanwhile, Tikal sat stiff still in her chair as she eyeballed the other man in front of her with restrained surprise.

"Tikal, this is Shadow Cordae," Scott told her before throwing a dry look at the black hedgehog, "He was quite the bastard to catch, you know. Wasn't too keen on it at first after some good digging into the pockets. He's one of the best bodyguards there is and won't let a thing go near you. Call him your knight and shining armour, if you'd like."

"...Pleased to meet you, Miss Aldaine," Shadow said simply with a curt nod and stood beside Scott behind his desk.

Whatever Scott was saying next flew above her head as Tikal kept her gaze on the newcomer.

He was probably the most handsomest man she'd ever seen.

He looked sturdy, very strong from his appearance. He wore a black suit with matching dress shoes with a white shirt tucked underneath his pants. His black tie was slightly loosened, showcasing his rush to get here in such short notice. Sleek black and red-streaked quills flew wildly over his head. What really captivated her were his pair of red eyes. She'd never seen that colour on anybody before and they looked almost scary... scarily beautiful.

It was when she realised that he noticed she was ogling at him, that she finally paid her attention to Scott in quick haste.

"So do you understand what I'm saying, Tikal?" Scott asked her as he filed his documents, "Shadow will accompany you wherever you go and you will not be allowed to leave your home without him there with you. Got it?"

Seeing that was no room for argument in Scott's eyes, Tikal timidly nodded, her hands bracing themselves against the armrests of her chair. "Y-Yes..."

"Fantastic!" Scott got up and gestured them out the door, "Shadow, take Tikal to her work place," he then looked at Tikal, "I'll let your brother know about the situation."

Knuckles wouldn't be taking the news lightly. He'd probably call her every second of the day if he could to make sure she was okay. She wished she could hear his voice again though. It's been weeks and last she heard, he injured his arm while in training. He had the option to come home for a while, but he profusely declined and wanted to keep going. It's almost been a whole year and Knuckles was a very determined and stubborn person that Tikal gave up on trying to change his mind and just wished him to be safe and said that she missed him.

"Miss Aldaine?"

Tikal quickly erased the thoughts from her head and met Shadow's awaiting gaze. "Y-Yes, sorry," she got up from her chair and nodded in thanks at Scott's direction before Shadow led her out of the office and down the hallway. He stood by her as they reached a black SUV outside. Tikal blinked at the luxurious vehicle in front of her before Shadow opened the passenger seat door.

"Thank you," she said and scurried inside as he shut the door. Tikal idly glanced around the interior for a second before Shadow got into the driver's seat. When he started the car up, the touchscreen in the middle pulled up a map and she saw the location of her work place planted in the corner of the menu.

Right. He practically knew all the details about her.

So he could protect her, she had to remember that.

The ride was quiet. Tikal wasn't entirely in the mood to start up a conversation with a person she's known for just a few minutes and it seemed he wasn't bothering to either. The predicament was sudden and she wasn't entirely comfortable with it at all. It was good, because she wouldn't have to worry about leaving work late. It was bad, because then she'd feel like a burden and having someone like a bodyguard watch her every step of the way just added onto the fact of how much of a weak individual she really was.

But she had to be safe. She needed to. She promised Knuckles and her mom.

She needed to believe in her uncle and Scott. Scott had been her uncle's lawyer ever since he started business, so she'd been around the man as many times as she could to support her uncle. She had to trust them. She had to.

From her peripheral, she saw his hands working on the steering wheel and the gear shift. When the car came to a stop at the red light, she took a peek at the rear view mirror to see him looking ahead on the road. He was wearing black sunglasses and there was a small earpiece attached to him. He was speaking quietly into it, responding with quick and simple words.

Maybe it was just her, but even though she couldn't see his eyes in those sunglasses, she could somehow feel him gazing back at her through the mirror.

Quickly looking away, Tikal spent the rest of the time in the car just looking out the window. After ten more brooding minutes, they were just passing by Franklin Street where Shadow parked the car near the curb. Eager to get out, Tikal grabbed the door handle but it was locked. She sent a questioning gaze at Shadow's direction but he'd already gotten out after killing the engine. She watched him walk around the car and then open her door.

...What?

"I'm required to lock your door from the inside," he answered her silent question, "For safety measures."

Tikal didn't budge from her seat as she stared at him in length with a small hoarse whisper, "I don't like it..."

"Whether you like it or not, it's for your own safety, Miss Aldaine," he said with no room for argument and extended his hand out for her to take.

She bit the corner of her lip anxiously and sighed, taking his hand as he helped her off from the car. She began walking down the footpath and Shadow was immediately at her side. She tensed slightly but calmed down quickly when they neared the restaurant.

This was going to take some getting used to.

When they got to the entrance, Tikal was about to fish for her keys so she could unlock the door until Shadow's voice stopped her,

"Give me your phone."

She turned to look at him. "W-What?"

"Your phone," he repeated.

After another pending moment, Tikal dug through her bag and got out her phone, unlocking it before hesitantly handing it over to him. She saw him tap in some numbers and then gave it back to her. "My number," he said, "Call me if I need to pick you up early or if anything happens."

Tikal looked down at his contact on her phone and nodded. "R-Right, thank you."

He nodded back at her. "I'll pick you up at eleven. Do not leave the building until then."

She watched him go and lingered at her spot before he was out of sight.

"Wow, who was that?"

Tikal jumped at the voice and whipped around to see her friend, Blaze, walking up to her with a somewhat subtle sly smile on her features. "Was that your boyfriend?"

"N-No!" Tikal immediately responded, her cheeks growing red, "He's-" She paused for a second, wondering how she was going to explain to her friend about the whole mess of a situation she was in. Though, she trusted Blaze all her heart to keep everything under wraps as she had always done and so went ahead to answer honestly, "He's my bodyguard..."

Blaze was dumbfounded and just blinked at her. "Your what?"

Feeling embarrassed, Tikal just nodded meekly and motioned her to come inside. "I-I'll explain everything..."

...

"What?!"

"Sh-Shh!"

"Those pricks... they did that to you?!" Blaze was quieter now but the rage was still held within her eyes, "Who were they?!"'

"I-I don't know..." Tikal frantically looked around. It was busy in the restaurant and she and Blaze were on their small break as they huddled together into the back, "But that's why my uncle's lawyer got him for me... so it doesn't happen again."

"Tikal, that wasn't the only time this week. You should've called the police!"

"I did!" she exasperated, "But they're still looking for the other guys and Scott was getting tired of it."

Blaze sighed and leaned her forehead against her hand. "Jesus Tikal, I'm getting worried. I am worried."

Tikal pressed her lips together as she looked at Blaze apologetically. "I know and I-I'm sorry."

"At least you're getting it sorted out... finally," Blaze said at length, "Shit, if I had known sooner, I would've beaten their asses."

"...A reason why I didn't tell you sooner," she said whole heartedly, making her friend chuckle.

"I mean it, Tikal. Getting harassed like that isn't something I take so lightly, especially when it comes to you."

The echidna winced a little at her words. "If I fought them, things would've gotten worse."

"You know where their weak spots are, right?" Blaze suddenly questioned her, "Their balls. Kick them in the damn balls and they're on the floor crying the next second."

Tikal drew back from the intense gaze she was giving her and laughed nervously. "R-Right..."

Blaze laughed and shook her head before swiftly changing the subject. "So, that bodyguard..."

"Blaze."

"What? He was hot!" the purple cat put up her hands in defense, "Can't a girl comment? What's his name?"

Tikal ignored the feeling of her mouth going dry and promptly responded, "...Shadow."

"Shadow...?"

"Yes..."

"Huh..." Blaze stared at her idly as she leaned back against her chair, "You know, I think I've seen him around somewhere on the newspaper a while back."

"You have?"

She nodded. "What's his last name?"

"Cordae," Tikal said without missing a beat.

"That's right!" she clicked her fingers when she registered the name, "He used to work at the G.U.N! Everyone from over there always made it into the papers and news somehow but he would mostly be on them. Think it had to do with him getting praise from the community, he saved a woman from getting shot by some random drunk passerby."

"Really, that was him?" Tikal couldn't help but feel on edge now, "If he had such a status from the G.U.N, then how did my uncle and Scott manage to get him to protect me?"

Blaze shrugged. "Beats me. Maybe your uncle knew him through someone? Or just knew him personally?" she then laughed, "You aren't exactly under wraps either, Tikal. Shadow probably knew about you long before you've known him."

Her shoulders slumped. "Maybe. He seemed to know Scott pretty well," Tikal then sighed and shook her head, "I've only known him for a few minutes and he's already intimidating."

"Bodyguards aren't supposed to be any less intimidating. He's just doing his job."

"Y-Yeah, I guess you're right," she let out a small laugh and joked, "I wish you were my bodyguard instead."

Blaze's eyes beamed. "Can you imagine that?!"

She smiled. "That's the scary part, I actually can."

They shared another laugh and talked some more before their break was over. Eventually, the diner got packed throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening and Tikal got to work with managing the pay and to see how her staff were doing.

Once it was around ten o'clock that night, Tikal smiled at two of her staff members as they packed up to leave and said their goodnight. When she was counting up the money they made today, she stopped when Blaze entered through her office.

"I was thinking to go down the club for a bit, do you wanna come with?" Blaze asked as she put on her coat.

She checked the time on her wrist watch and apologetically shook her head. "Shadow's going to pick me up in an hour. I can't leave to go anywhere at this time until he does."

Her friend rolled her eyes and sent her pleading look. "Please, Tikal? We haven't had a girl's night out since forever!"

"B-But," Tikal bit her lip since Blaze was right about that, "I'm going to get into so much trouble..."

"And?" Blaze pressed, "I'm going to be there with you, so you won't be alone."

She was contemplating in her head. It wouldn't hurt, would it?

"Just one drink. Please?"

Sighing heavily, Tikal just decided to give in. "All right. Let me just grab my coat."

...

"I-I didn't think you'd wanna dress up for it either..."

They entered the club, the music booming against the big speakers. People were dancing, drinking... having their little make-out sessions and probably much more in other places.

Clubbing never used to be a thing for Tikal. Knuckles never wanted her to go, because he was afraid and overly protective of the fact that someone could drug her drink and take advantage of her. Though, ever since Knuckles got his own penthouse and became busy because of his work schedules at NASDAQ, she would promptly go whenever Blaze would text her. It wasn't something she wanted to feel guilty for but... she was twenty-two now and she did wanted to have some fun.

"Of course!" Blaze exclaimed, "Don't you wanna look hot?!"

Tikal looked down at her tight black dress she was wearing with matching stilettos. "It's... revealing."

Blaze scoffed, unblinking her hand as they reached the bar table. "You look beautiful, Tikal."

She blushed. "Thanks. You do as well, Blaze," she said and looked down at her friend's blue dress, "...Impressing someone tonight?"

It was the cat's turn to go red. She looked away slightly when the bartender handed their drinks. "Maybe..."

Tikal smiled knowingly and took a sip of her drink. "Is it Silver?"

"Sorry Tikal... I dragged you into this," Blaze said sheepishly, "I couldn't go through it alone and I-"

"It's okay," she said and reassured her, "I-I'm not Cupid but... I hope things do go well for you too. Anyway," Tikal idly looked around the club, "I sort of did need this."

"Sort of?"

She giggled. "Okay, I really needed this."

"There we go!" Blaze cheered as they chinked their drinks together, "Business has been good lately."

Tikal nodded. "Mm, it has been. I'll admit it's still a little difficult to finance everything on my own without Knuckles's help but I'm glad I know I can manage with your help too."

"Speaking of him, he'd kill you if he saw you in that dress!"

"He'd kill me if he ever finds out I've been clubbing while he's gone," she laughed out.

Blaze grinned and then asked, "How about your uncle? Is he doing okay?"

"He is, he calls and checks up on me from time to time to see how I'm doing with the diner."

"I'm glad he cares too."

Tikal smiled softly. "Me too."

"Blaze!"

They both turned their heads around to see Silver walking up to them with a drink in his hand. He slowed down his steps when he took note of what Blaze was wearing, his eyes going down her dress closely.

"S-Silver..." Blaze stammered, throwing a quick nervous glance at Tikal before looking back at him, "Nice seeing you here..."

"Feeling's mutual," he said and then waved at Tikal with a smile, "Hey Tikal!"

"Hi," she smiled back at him and noticed Blaze's hesitance of the situation and Silver not seeming to take his eyes off her friend, "...Blaze looks good tonight, doesn't she?"

Tikal bit her lip to refrain herself from laughing when the cat quickly shot her gaze to her.

"Huh?" Silver immediately snapped out of it and scratched the back of his head as a blush tinted his cheeks, "Y-Yeah, she does..."

Blaze's eyes widened and her cheeks managed to match his. "Th-Thanks..."

Tikal looked between them and then said to Silver. "Why don't you dance with her?"

Silver looked at Blaze intently and merely smiled, offering her his hand. "Do... Do you want to?"

Blaze silently travelled her gaze down to his hand, her cheeks reddening even more. She took it and looked back up at him as she stood from her seat. "Of course..." she then turned to Tikal, "Y-You don't mind?"

Tikal just shook her head with a happy grin. "Not at all."

"Make sure to call me," she said in a serious tone, "I don't want anything to happen to you."

The echidna nodded. "I will, don't worry."

"We won't be too far," Silver said, intertwining his and Blaze's hands together as they began walking off.

Tikal watched after them and laughed quietly when Blaze mouthed her a 'thank you' before the two of them disappeared into the crowd. She finished her drink and kindly asked the bartender to give her a refill of the cocktail just as her phone began ringing from her purse. She was beginning to feel a little tipsy at her second drink and so she didn't bother looking up at the caller ID when she answered.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?" An impatient voice snapped from the other line.

Tikal's eyes widened and took a quick look at who was on the line before she put her phone back against her ear. "Sh-Shadow, I-"

"No. Just get to the point."

She gulped. "I'm at a night club... D-Delancy's..."

"What the hell are you doing over there? Didn't I specifically tell you to stay at the diner before coming to pick you up?"

Tikal didn't get to answer as her phone was snatched away from somebody else's hands. She frantically turned around to see a red male wolf cutting the line short.

"Hey pretty lady," he pocketed her phone away with a sly, drunken smile, "Wanna dance?"

She panicked when seeing it light up in his pocket, indicating that it was ringing again. "My phone... C-Can I please have it back?"

The echidna tensed up when he slipped his arm around her waist and forcefully pulled her up to her feet. "After this dance," he whispered into her ear before licking it.

This wasn't good. This wasn't good.

She'd been in this situation before. And the outcome was never good in the end.

However, she decided to play along. Hoping it would somehow bring the person to give her phone back before she'd get into more trouble than she already was. Even though the guy in front of her was practically intoxicated by the alcohol.

Tikal bit the corner of her lip when he dragged her to the other side of the club. She gasped when he pulled up to his chest and began moving to the rhythm of the music with her. Closing her eyes, she tried her best not to let the lump forming in her throat get the worst of her and hesitantly followed his movements.

"Name's Ethan," he told her and leaned in closer to her face, "What's yours?"

Feeling uncomfortable with their close proximity, she leaned away. "T-Tikal."

"What a beautiful name," Ethan purred, "You have beautiful face, a beautiful body and," she felt him squeeze her backside, "And a nice ass."

Oh god. She was going to cry.

When the music switched up, she pulled away with a polite smile. "C-Can I have my phone back now?"

"What's the rush, babe?" he smirked and pulled her along at the back of the club outside where it was less busy.

Tikal saw that he was taking her to another male standing against a railing and in that moment, she knew she was going to be in serious trouble. Deciding to fight back, the echidna struggled against Ethan's grip. "L-Let go of me!"

"She's fighting back, is she?" the other man, a hedgehog, walked up to them and placed a finger underneath her chin, "Hey kitten, don't worry. We're not gonna do anything to you... yet."

She saw the evident lust in both of their eyes and choked on her tears. "D-Don't... please!"

"Think she's the right one, boss?"

The hedgehog's breath trailed past her face, his fingers grazing her arms and legs. "Oh yes, she's definitely the one. Not only is she thick and sexy, but her family's crazy rich."

Ethan's eyes practically lit up. "Really?"

"Definitely," his smirk grew when he whispered into her ear, "How about it, babe? Wanna help us with some cash and... our needs?"

She saw through her watered vision that he was going to kiss her, but it didn't come when she heard a voice booming from behind.

"Get your fucking hands off of her."

Tikal flinched when the two males were roughly pushed aside. She winced at her throbbing wrists and looked up to see Shadow's backside obstructing her vision.

"Who the fuck are you?!" She heard the 'boss' shout and saw his footsteps charging towards him.

Shadow only gave him a hard punch in the jaw when he did. Tikal looked down in shock when she saw him passed out on the ground. Her gaze went over to Ethan who looked paler by the second. Shadow gave him a vicious, threatening glare and Ethan wasted no time and bolted past them.

There was a moment of silence before Shadow crouched down onto the ground to pick up her phone. He turned back around to face her and she quickly looked down in shame when seeing the look on his face.

He wasn't happy.

"Let's go," he took a firm grip of her hand and led her back inside so they could leave.

"Tikal!"

They stopped walking when Blaze rushed up to her, worry washing over her face. "I kept calling your phone but you wasn't answering! What..." her voice trailed off when she noticed Shadow, "W-What happened?"

Before she could respond, Shadow answered for her. "Nothing," he said curtly without further explanation and proceeded to walk out. Tikal shot back an apologetic look at Blaze's direction and let Shadow lead her outside where the car was. He opened the door for her and slammed it shut before he went inside the driver's seat.

For a few minutes, they didn't move. He didn't even attempt to start up the engine. Tikal knew better than to say anything and just stayed quiet, her tears drying up as her body was filled with stunned shock.

"Do you have any idea how much danger you put yourself in?" When she didn't respond, he scoffed and continued, "You're my responsibility, Miss Aldaine. If something were to happen to you, then I'm going to get the blame and your uncle and brother will hunt my ass down for it. Don't disobey the orders I give you ever again. Do I make myself clear?"

Tikal still didn't say anything.

"Miss Aldaine," she heard him say in a slightly softer tone and his hand suddenly rested under her chin, turning her head so their eyes could meet, "Do I make myself clear?"

Her eyes glistened as another rush of tears fell down her cheeks, showcasing her vulnerability once again. She pressed her lips into a thin line and gingerly nodded, suddenly feeling sick and humiliated. "Y-Yes... I'm sorry..."

They stayed like that for another lengthy moment before Shadow pulled away, his jaw muscle clenching at her frantic apology as he started up the car. Tikal sighed quietly and let her head rest against the car seat. The alcohol didn't consume her body as much, but she still felt drowsy and tired and couldn't fight back the urge to sleep when she closed her eyes.

...

She awoke in her bed, the sunlight peeking through her cream curtains. Grimacing by the sight of it, Tikal sat up and pulled the bed sheets off of her. The cold air hit her arms and legs immediately and she stiffened, looking down at the black dress she found herself wearing.

It all suddenly hit like a rubber bullet.

Last night. Last night happened. And it was horrible.

Don't think about it just yet, Tikal.

Sighing heavily from the memory, she went to go check for her phone that was neatly set down on her nightstand next to her purse. However, it was completely dead so she picked up her charger and left it to charge. Suddenly feeling the quick urge to shower, Tikal got out of her bed and hurriedly stripped her dress off and went the bathroom. She brushed her teeth first before running the water from her shower head.

After she rubbed some moisturiser cream over her body, she blow dried her hair and then wrapped a white towel around herself. She padded her way out of the bathroom, looking up at her wall clock to see that it was just turning nine o'clock. Jenny, her maid, called in earlier yesterday saying she wasn't feeling well so Tikal gave her the week off until she was better, kindly giving her sick pay money even though the older woman insisted.

She decided it was best to go make a little something to eat for breakfast since she couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten a decent meal. So opening her room door, Tikal padded her way downstairs and entered the kitchen.

"Oh!" she yelped.

She saw Shadow sitting at the dining table, papers and a laptop sprawled out in front of him. He noticed her and looked up once and then back onto his work.

Tikal stared at him with bewilderment, suddenly feeling insecure about just having a towel around her body as she clutched her hand against the front of it. She continued to stand there awkwardly for a moment before she found her voice to speak. "H-How long have you been sitting there...?"

"For an hour," he answered blandly.

Her eyes widened slightly, giving a side glance down the hallway that lead towards the front door. "H-How did you-"

"I have access into the penthouse," he said, "I'm required to do so in order to protect you throughout the night."

Tikal slowly took in the information and nodded, remembering one more thing. "Did... Did you carry me to bed?"'

"Yes."

She shouldn't have felt so flustered but she did. In a span of less than twenty four hours of knowing each other face to face, he'd already had to fix the pile of mess she'd already made last night. She knew Shadow was a patient man, though she seemed to have tested his patience already and it was definitely something she would like to avoid. The unpleasant look in his expression back in the Delancy club last night made her want to curl up in a ball and disappear. Then him telling her off back at the car was just the icing on top. She felt like a child.

"O-Oh..." Tikal let her feet move and took tentative steps closer to him, but kept a safe distance between them at the same time, "Thank you."

When Shadow glanced at her, she saw that he seemed to have registered the only garment wrapped around her as his eyes ran down her body before they darkened. He quickly looked away again when he spoke.

"You're welcome."

Tikal hesitated as awkward silence filled the room. It was becoming a reoccurring thing between them, she noticed.

She went back upstairs and got changed, slipping into a yellow sundress before combing her hair and going downstairs into the kitchen again to start making breakfast. After she put some toast in the toaster, she asked Shadow, "D-Did you sleep?"

"Yes."

"In the guest room?"

"No, in the elevator."

Tikal blinked at his response and turned her head to him.

Shadow felt her stare and slowly lifted his gaze up from the document he was reading. "Yes... I slept in the guest room."

Cheeks heating again, she sheepishly focused back onto her food. "A-All right," she continued making her food and got out a mug from the cupboard. Tikal paused and looked over to her shoulder to the hedgehog. "U-Um... would you like to have some coffee or anything to eat?"

"Coffee is fine," Shadow said without his focus off the paper.

Tikal made her breakfast and placed her plate onto the table just before grabbing the two coffee filled mugs. She set her one down and then carefully placed Shadow's in front of him. He silently thanked her and took a sip. Tikal sat opposite from him on the table and took a bite out of her buttered toast. She idly trailed her eyes further across the table to look at the neat pile of papers next to the hedgehog and then took a small peek at the man himself.

The echidna found herself shamelessly ogling at him again. He definitely had some muscle packed in him, and his jawline defined his face flawlessly. She'd never seen anyone with red eyes as bright as his was and his black red-streaked quills was definitely a prominent feature.

He was really beautiful. Really really beautiful.

"Um..." Just as she said that, Shadow darted his eyes towards her making Tikal hesitate again, "Y-You said you stayed awake throughout the night... does that mean you don't sleep much?"

"No, I don't," he confirmed, "I'm a very light sleeper and can go through the day without it if I have to."

She couldn't help but feel surprised at that and examined his eyes. They didn't look bloodshot at all and there was no signs of weariness. "What happens if you slept for long? Would someone else take over for you to watch me?"

Shadow sent her a wry look. "Looks like you've forgotten that you have high tech security in your own house, Miss Aldaine. If someone were to break in, then the security alarm would activate and I would be alerted immediately, regardless if I'm asleep or not. You're lucky that you live in a penthouse and not a mansion, would've been much more of a hassle to deal with since your room would need twenty four hour surveillance while you're asleep."

Tikal bit the corner of her lip and nodded, showing that she understood. "Sorry, I've only just moved in here a few months ago. I-I wasn't aware about the security."

He watched her as he sipped on his coffee. "I see," he glanced around the kitchen, "You have good taste."

She found herself smiling. "You like it?"

Shadow nodded. "The architectural design is impressive. I've been to many penthouses in New York but this one is probably the best by far."

"Thank you," Tikal said graciously, "...I actually designed it myself."

His eyes rose up every so slightly and she could see his amusement. "Is that so?"

"Mhm, Architecture was my major in college. When I wanted to move out of my uncle's mansion, I wasn't particularly fond of the houses that his agents were offering me so I invested in designing one and having it made near Franklin Street."

Shadow was staring at her intently after her short explanation. There was a lengthy moment of silence and Tikal couldn't help but fidget in her seat as she waited for him to say something. When realising that he wasn't going to, she stammered, "W-What? What is it?"

He quickly flickered his gaze back down to the paper he was holding. "No," he said and shook his head, "No, it's nothing. It's just," he sent her a brief glance, "Your documents never said anything about that area of your education. It just stated that you liked reading and writing and took literature as a course as well."

Tikal blinked, dumbfounded. "Really? Literature is true but... it was mostly architecture."

"Mm well, I believe you anyway. The design is definitely something I can see coming out from you."

The echidna shot him a small smile and continued to eat her breakfast. The silence was more comfortable this time, the two of them focusing on what they had in front of them.

After some time, Shadow's cellphone began ringing from beside him. "Hello?" he answered and then looked at Tikal, "Yes, I'm with her... Understood... Of course, I'll bring her over to you, sir." He hung up and stood from his seat, gesturing for her to do the same, "Your uncle wants to see you."

"He does? For what?"

Shadow slipped on his suit coat. "Your brother's back."