by Jane West
I looked up. To my alarm, the park was shutting down, and the crowd was thinning. Half the lights had flickered off, as the park grew dim. Swiftly, I tossed a glance over my shoulder. My heart did a one-eighty. The suit was my tail. Holy shit! Was he stalking me?
I picked up my pace, my mind racing. I was alone with no means of protection, easy prey for the taking. My eyes combed the boarded stands. I glimpsed over my shoulder again and this time the man was gaining on me. Terror slammed against my ribs as I sprinted, heading toward the stockyard. Surely, I’d find someone still tending to a cow, a pig, a horse, even a dog. Anything, anybody but this weirdo on my heels!
When I reached the stockyard, I heard cattle mooing and shuffling in their corral, but no sign of a human being. My whole life flashed before me as I had come to an abrupt halt. I had walked right into a dead end. The only recourse was heading back in the same direction of my stalker. The stranger had me right where he wanted me. I glanced his way, and the corner of his mouth tipped into a half smile. Dread slid down my spine like slow poison. I was in trouble!
I cut my gaze passed him to see if there was any sign of life besides the two of us. But there wasn’t a soul in sight. My panic kicked up about ten notches.
Somehow, he’d corralled me into this blockade.
So, I decided to face this creep head on. I spun on my heels, hands fisted ready to face my opponent.
Instead, I yapped, startled, jumping back! The last person I thought to see Bane!
“Gracious! Are you that happy to see me?” He flashed a cocky smile.
I wrinkled my nose. “Don’t flatter yourself.” I peeped over Bane’s shoulder trying to spot the suit. To my relief, He’d vanished. I could breathe now. My lungs expanded as I raked in air.
“What’s wrong, Princess?” A faint line appeared between his brows. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost?” Bane followed the line of my gaze.
Quickly I shifted my eyes back to Bane. “Nope! I'm all right.” I wasn’t doing a very good job at hiding my fright.
He turned back as our eyes caught. “You appear frightened.” His eyes washed over me, making me feel twitchy. “Did something happen?” His voice swirled with suspicion.
My brows furrowed. “What are you doing here? The park is closing?”
He raised a dark brow. “I could ask you the same.”
“I lost my phone at one of the stands.” I pointed over my shoulder at the booth.
“Did you find it?” There was laughter behind his glint.
“Yep.” I bit my lip, shuffling my feet, clasping my hands behind my back.
“Were you with someone, a date?” Curiosity seemed to perk his interest.
“Are you on a date?” I deflected.
He bent his head sideways, staring at me in disbelief. “You don’t look well. Did the guy hurt you?”
My eyes narrowed. “No! I’m fine!” I crossed my arms, feeling huffy.
“I somehow doubt that. With your personality like a porcupine, I assumed you scared the poor chap away.” His eyes danced with amusement.
“Obviously, I don’t scare everyone,” I retorted.
“Apparently, so.” He flashed his pearly smile. It was nice against his tawny skin. He was definitely easy on the eyes ---- until he opened his mouth.
“Are you here to taunt me?” Something wasn’t adding up with him. In fact, nothing ever did when it came to Bane.
“No. I thought you might like a ride home. You look lost.” He cocked a dark brow.
“I’m not lost!” I answered too fast.
“I think you are.” His chin dipped. “Come on! I’ll take you home.” There was a gentle touch to his eyes.
“No thanks! I’m good.” I waved my palm, protesting. What the hell was I thinking? This dude had a car! I fussed at myself as I pivoted on my heels heading in the opposite direction.
A short laugh caught my ears.
“That’s a dead end up there.” Amusement oozed from his voice. “You’re going to have to come back this way. Shall I wait?”
I whirled around to confront him but stopped. He was snickering with his shoulders shaking and arms folded over his chest. Nice chest, though. I huffed, feeling defeated. “You’ll take me straight home? No funny business?”
“Cross my heart.” One corner of his mouth tipped, implying a smile. I didn’t’ have a lot of choices here. It was the stalker behind door number one or frosty the smug man behind door number two.
Two was the winner! “Okay, fine!” I so hated caving. I stomped past him, walking like it was tax-free weekend.
Bane caught up with me and slid his jacket over my shoulders. I suddenly was enshrouded with his warmth and woodsy scent. Until that moment, I didn’t realize that I’d been shivering. I lifted my eyes to him, and he smiled down at me. I quickly looked away. He made me feel giddy.
Nonetheless, the little voice in my head was warning me that I better get used to it. This was the second time that Bane had saved my skin. Whether he knew it or not, I think, he saved my life tonight. I eased a sigh.
Fireflies
When we reached the exit gate, Bane had parked his car only a few feet passed the gate. That seemed odd. It was as if he’d planned this.
My brows puckered. “Why did you park here?”
A twinkled came into his blues, “I’m special,” he teased.
“Whatever!” I blew out an annoying sigh. Why did I bother asking?
I went to the passenger’s side, but Bane had beaten me to the punch. He’d already had the door opened, arm extended.
Surprise struck me as our eyes touched.
“What?” he questioned. “Can’t a guy open the door for a lady?” he flashed a dimpled smile.
I rolled my eyes. “I think women are more liberated these days. You didn’t get the memo?”
“Au contraire, mon ami.” He smiled. “It is my long experience that I find that a woman appreciate a man’s ---- endeavors.”
I laughed. “Long experience and endeavors? Since you were an infant?” Bane wasn’t much older than I was. Yet there was a mystery behind his glint. It was if he held a private joke and he’d go to his grave before sharing.
I studied him for a brief moment. “Where are you from?”
“I’m from all over.” Half-truths churned in his eyes.
Clearly, he wasn’t going to elaborate. I just rolled my eyes and kept my thoughts to myself.
Once he entered the driver’s side, the small cab quickly filled with his delicious woodsy scent. He was such a massif of a guy that I was squashed against the door.
My dislike for him didn’t help my discomfort. Bane was too arrogant. Anyone who drove a brand new Corvette with Dropout for the license plate was undoubtedly a pompous ass. I took a deep breath. He and I would never become friends. Setting aside the fact that I was the girl on the other side of the tracks, he wasn’t my type either. I hated vain boys.
Prompting me from thoughts, Bane asked. “Do you mind if we take a detour before I take you home?”
I gawked at him. “You promised me straight home!” Liar!
“I did promise but the night’s still young.” That one corner of his mouth tugged, hiding a smile. “I’d like to share something special with you.” His blues were serenely compelling.
After Sam’s come-on and that weirdo following me at the park, the idea of another adventure soured my stomach. “I don’t know.” I wrinkled my nose.
“It’s not like you have other plans?”
It was hard resisting him. His captivating eyes were like blue glass. So beautiful that it took my breath. “How do you know I don’t have plans?”
“Come on.” He nudged my shoulder with his. “Take a chance. Live on the wild side.” His voice was perfect, smooth as satin. The kind of voice that soothed lion.
Suddenly, I sat up straight, pulling my dazzled brain back to reality. “Hmm, I don’t know.”
“Ah, come on! Don’t make me beg.” He smiled. “You’ll like
it. I promise.”
Why the nice guy? I sat there staring at him. There was a mystery behind those compelling blues of his. “Okay, I’ll go.” And just like that, I gave myself over the dark side.
“That’s my girl.” A grin spread across his face as he started the engine, shifting the gear and off we sped into the night under the stars.
I was headed off to god knows where with a total stranger. For all, I knew he could be a serial killer or a rapist. And to add to the list of worries, I had no clue where we were headed. What if he leaves me stranded in the middle of the sticks? What would I do then? I drew my knees to my chest and quickly glanced at Bane.
I cleared my throat. “Umm, can I ask you something?”
He cut his eyes at me and then back on the road. “I’m an open book, Princess.”
“First, you can stop calling me, Princess.”
A brow arched. “Why is that?”
“The name has a significant meaning to me. And no offense, it feels weird when you call me that.”
“Let me guess, your father?” I was thankful for the dimness in the cab. My eyes moistened.
“Just don’t call me that, okay?” I didn’t explain. It was awkward enough, and it was too personal to share with a guy I hardly knew.
“Fair enough.” He smiled. “What shall I go you?”
“Stevie. Just call me, Stevie.” I pressed out a smile.
“Stevie, it is.” He tossed a smile.
I sat back in my seat as the quiet fell between us. I watched the tree line flash by in my window. The towering pines were endless, and it seemed we were sinking deeper into the woods. The idea set my teeth on edge. I spoke up. “I’ve been wondering,” I interjected.
“Yes.” He replied holding his gaze to the road.
“That day in your car when I was riding my bike how did you avoid hitting me?”
He shrugged. “Easy, I cut my wheel to the left.” The amused look suddenly left his eyes.
I shook my head, not buying his story. “That’s impossible!” I twisted in my seat. I wanted to look him straight in the face. “I was practically the deer in your headlights.”
He grinned to himself as if he possessed a secret. A secret, I wanted to know. “What can I say? I have quick reflexes.”
“Bullshit! Don’t lie!” I pressed my lips in ire.
“Are all redheads fiery as you?” he amused.
There was a suspicious line at the corner of his mouth
“I don’t know. I haven’t met the entire clan yet.” I snapped, still hugging my knees to my chest. “Why aren’t you answering the question?”
He let out a long sigh. “Some things are meant to remain concealed.” A muscle quivered at his jaw.
“That’s a crock of sh ”
He interrupted me.
“Did you know when you get angry the green in your eyes glitters?” He paused with a faint smile. “It’s almost worth goading you just to see the sparkle.”
I opened my mouth and then shut it. Did he just compliment me? “Uh, thanks. I think.” Confusion veiled my face. Then I recalled that rainy day. The first day of school, he’d given me a ride home. My brows pulled into an affronted frown. “Funny you should say that. I remember you distinctly called me miserable.”
He paused, probably thinking of something witty to say. “Yes, I remember,” he confessed.
Whata shocker!
“I don’t see what the big mystery’s about?” In a huff, I turned straight in my seat. My breath lodged in my throat as I glared out the window. The road and trees whizzed by so fast that I couldn’t keep up. I peeked at the speedometer. It was climbing nearly eighty. I gripped the seat.
Suddenly, a laugh bristled my neck. I snapped my head at Bane. My eyes narrowed. “What’s so funny?”
“My driving’s making you nervous.”
I huffed. “I’d like to make it home tonight in one piece?”
“No problemo, Love.” He shook his head, laughing to himself as he let off the gas.
I huffed, feeling exasperated. “Are you going to answer my question?”
His brows drew together in a disquiet expression. “What difference does it make?” He glanced at me. “You’re alive aren’t you?”
I rolled my eyes. “That’s beside the point.” I snapped. “You were right on top of me.” I sat up shifting my knees underneath me. “The law of gravity can’t be defeated, yet you defied the impossibility. How are you able to go against the forces of nature?”
He only smiled back.
I turned in my seat and crossed my arms. I didn’t understand why Bane wouldn’t answer the simple question.
As quiet wafted between us, we turned off the main highway down a narrowed dirt road, sinking farther into the forest. The darkness was staggering. I was already sitting on the edge of my seat.
We pulled off to the side of the road and stopped. Bane unsnapped his seatbelt and turned to face me. When he turned his face to me, his eyes were unreadable. He leaned closer to me and spoke. “Love, if I tell you, I’d have to kill you.” A faint smile teased the corner of his mouth, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Shall we leave it at that?” he quirked his eyebrow.
“I want to go home. NOW!” What was I thinking? I was in the freaking sticks, and he just threatened me.
“I didn’t mean to scare you.” His face was still stoic.
“I’m not afraid!” I lied as I tightened his jacket around me.
“I was kidding. Come on, where’s your sense of humor?”
“I left it at the park.” I snapped.
A smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “First you have to see this!” Bane turned the engine off. Immediately darkness devoured the tiny light and my lungs clenched.
He was out of the car and on my side before I could count to one. Startled, I jumped when my door flew open. Before I protested, he’d gathered me into his arms, whisking me away. I giggled as he whirled me around in his arms. “I have a treat in store for you.” He whispered in my ear.
“The surprise doesn’t have anything to do with throwing me into a bed of gators does it?”
He burst into chuckles. “That does sound rather tempting, but not tonight, Love. I have something much more interesting to show you.”
“Oh bother! I can’t wait.” I joked halfheartedly. The other half was quaking in my boots. I was terrified. “You know, I can walk.” One arm clung to his neck and the other hand rested against his chest. Strangely, I found myself liking this.
“If I set you down, I fear my gallant reputation will be ruined.” He claimed, smiling.
“Okay, Mr. Dropout, I think that ship sailed a long time ago.” I giggled under my breath.
“And when did you arrive at that conclusion?”
“Oh, about ten minutes ago. But who’s counting?”
He laughed.
After several heartbeats had passed, I began to listen to the chorus of cicadas among the trees. Insects, lots of bugs, I fretted. It just dawned on me that my phone was dead. I hoped this didn’t go badly.
My mind began to drift to Bane. I had to admit, there was an inherit strength to his face and his laugh was infectious.
I felt drawn to him. Yet I had this nagging feeling that I might be stepping off a cliff with this dude.
With Bane, nothing made sense. I had a crush on Logan, but he didn’t get my blood boiling like this guy, leaving me weak at the knees and wanting to stab him at the same time. And Sam---- he wasn’t even in the same ball park as Bane.
Whatever this was between Bane and me, it felt exciting and frightening, like climbing Mt. Everest without the proper gear. Geez! I was in trouble. “Where are you taking me?”
“You’ll see.” He breathed against my ear.
Goddamn, goose bumps!
My brows pinched. “I’ve read enough books to know that’s code for dumping the girl’s body in the lake.”
His smile had a spark of mischief. “Love, I can assure you that killing you is the
furthest thing from my mind.”
Damn if I didn’t shiver. This boy definitely had some kind of effect on me. Funny, though, he really wasn’t a boy at all. He appeared older. Even his speech pattern seemed like it was from another time.
Finally, he eased me down to my feet, setting me onto a patch of pine needles. From what I could tell, it looked like we were in a small circle surrounded by towering pines. A slow dread crept through me. I was kicking myself for falling for his dimpled grin.
We stood shoulder to shoulder. Close and intimate. His breathing, a soft, steady flow, seemed to sooth my uneasiness. Even still, I gave pause.
“I want your cell phone!” I blurted out.
“What?” He shook his head as he laughed at my sudden oddball request.
I exhaled. “Give me your phone, please.” I held my hand out, palm open.
His laugh echoed through the trees. “Why do you want my phone?”
“I’ll feel safer. My phone’s dead.” I rolled my eyes and stomped my foot. “Just give me your phone!”
“All right.” Bane dug his fingers into his back pocket, pulling out his phone and handing it to me. “Feel better now?”
I could hear the lightness in his soft voice.
“Yes, much!” I smiled, fingers clenching his phone to my chest. I figured, if he tossed me over a cliff, I’d call for help on the way down.
“Watch this.” He exhaled.
“Okay.” I smiled to myself, still holding tight to his phone.
He raised his two fingers in his mouth and whistled.
All at once, something extraordinary happened. From the very tip of the tallest pine, a thin line of tiny soft-lights began drifting from the shadows. I watched breathlessly, unable to believe my eyes.
“Isn’t it amazing?” Bane whispered.
I glanced over at him. “What is it?” I lifted my gaze back to the tiny dots of light flickering in and out from the trees.
“Fireflies!” He whispered.
Bane reached out, lacing his fingers with mine. In silence, we watched, mesmerized by the small balls of light. They were increasing by the tens, slowly descending. It reminded me of little Tinkerbells, fluttering about aimlessly.
