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She takes a deep inhale before bringing it to her lips, taking small sips as she gets used to the temperature. I watch with hungry eyes as a drip escapes, traveling down her jaw and neck until it disappears into her shirt. Swallowing hard and gritting my teeth, I fight the primal urge to pounce on her now that she’s better.
“Thank you.”
Her words are soft. I wouldn’t have heard her if I wasn’t staring at her pouty lips.
“You don’t have to thank me. It was completely selfish.” My honesty catches me off guard.
She looks at me, confused, but I can see the grin hiding behind her cup. With the color back in her face, I’m taken aback by her beauty once again. The same way I was when I saw her before; standing out in the open as easy prey.
There is a silence between us now. She is focusing her attention on the back of the building, periodically bringing the cup back to her lips. I should say something, find a way to keep her at my side for the evening.
I crave to protect her, keep her safe from all the horrors this place has to offer. I’ve seen my fair share of people. There are different types who walk through those gates.
She moves to stand, and I do the same. Moving too fast and almost falling over. She lets out a soft laugh at my misstep, and the sound has a twinge deep in my belly coming to life. Steady on my feet, I reach out a hand to her, ready to walk her through the park.
I’m sure she wants to find her friends, even though it makes me murderous at the idea of letting her go early.
“If you’re ready, I’ll help you find your friends.” She can’t see me in the darkness, but I’m clenching my jaw so hard I could chip a tooth. I’m surprised my fangs haven’t popped out of place.
“Nah, that’s okay.” She sounds unbothered.
This sweet thing that was a ball of stress and anxiety is so carefree in this moment, it’s like she’s a different person.
“No?” I must look like a confused puppy with my head tilted to the side.
“Kate and Jay are a very good couple. I feel like a third wheel, and this place is just not my style. Kate dragged me here after–”
I wait for her to continue. I want to know more. Everything. I want to know everything she’s willing to tell me.
But she doesn’t continue. She’s playing with the lid of her cup.
I can practically see the anxiety make its way back over her.
“You’re upset. Tell me why.”
Alexis
This man is a mystery. A puzzle I can’t figure out because I don’t have the box to check the picture. He’s terrifying to look at in his costume. The white contacts he’s wearing make it seem like he can see straight into my soul.
He wants to know why I’m upset, but how do I tell a stranger who just helped me through a panic attack that earlier today I saw my boyfriend fucking another girl?
“Yeah, something happened earlier today that I can’t quite shake off. That’s all.” That should do it.
I look toward his towering silhouette. I start to nibble on my bottom lip as I find his head shaking back and forth. He wants more.
“Can we possibly take a walk as I tell you about my shitty morning?” It clicks for me that he is supposed to be working right now. “I’m sorry. You don’t need to worry about me. I know you’re working.”
“Fuck it.”
My eyes widen at the simplicity of his statement. He’s not angry or cruel. Just telling me matter of factly.
“Fuck it?” I ask.
“Yeah, fuck it. I’m scary enough just walking around, but my attention is elsewhere right now. The haunt will cope without me. You need me right now.”
I should scoff. I should put my hands on my hips, stick my finger in his face, and remind him that I don’t need anyone. But this whole night has been a fantasy. Getting swooped up in this man’s arms and whisked out from the cold, and then he says something like that?
I’m feeling butterflies in all sorts of places.
