The Crimson Hunt

by Smith, Victoria H.

  “You are completely head over heels for this guy.” Portia closed her laptop and rested her chin on her palm.

  “It’s not like that. I told you what happened, Portia. I just feel really bad about the way I treated him. You weren’t there, guys. He did something so nice for me, put himself out there, then I completely shut him down.”

  “We know. You’ve only explained the story to us a million times.” Piper kept her vision on her laptop monitor. “How were you supposed to know what he did for you? And don’t forget about the whole Lika Dicks thing. There’s still no explanation for that.”

  I closed my textbook, the endeavor seeming pointless. “But that’s the thing, Pipe. He doesn’t have to explain that to me. It’s none of my business. For all I know, they weren’t even dating in the first place. I could have been just jumping to conclusions. They might just be really good friends or something.”

  “Yeah, well, A, I’m ‘really good friends’ with a lot of guys, and in my world, lots of dirty things can be going on.” Her eyes didn’t leave her computer screen.

  A good friend, this one.

  “Don’t keep beating yourself up about it, Ariel. You did tell me that he wasn’t very nice to you when you first met. I think you’re just putting this guy up on a pedestal now because you feel bad about what happened,” said Portia.

  She had a good point. Was that what I was doing?

  “You know, now that I think about it, this is your own damn fault.” Piper finally broke her eye contact from her laptop, and looked at me.

  “What are you talking about, Piper?” I didn’t bother pulling the annoyance from my tone. Here I was, wallowing in my own despair, while she took the opportunity to dig the knife a little bit deeper.

  “You let those assholes where you came from mess you up so badly that you can’t trust anyone. It’s your own fault.” She gave a satisfied look like she just discovered the cure for an incurable illness.

  “Whoa.” I held up my hand to stall further attacks. “I thought you didn’t even like this guy.”

  “I don’t. I’m talking about all the guys you bring around … or should I say lack thereof. It’s the same song and dance with you. Sometimes I feel like you just look for something wrong with people.”

  I opened my mouth, ready to deny what she said. But then, I paused. Did I do this? I mentally analyzed my previous relationships over the past few years. All of them were short and none were very satisfying.

  “Remember Jason that umm ….” She snapped her fingers a couple times. “Glow stick twirler or something?”

  Oh God, here it comes.

  “You told me he was the nicest guy, but one day when you were at the mall with him, he gave a ‘look’ to a screaming child who bitched at her mother for not buying her a gumball or something.”

  “Your point?” I asked, though I knew where she was going.

  “You broke up with him—you said—because you thought he hated children.” She threw her head back in laughter.

  I scowled.

  “Oh, oh and what about Tom?”

  Now Portia felt it was her turn to join in.

  “You cancelled the date before you even left the house because you said he texted you to tell you he was going to be late,” Portia continued.

  “Punctuality is important. What’s wrong with that?” I mumbled through narrowed eyes.

  “Well, nothing, except for the fact that you later found out the reason he was going to be late was because he was picking up his kid brother from soccer practice.” She laughed.

  “Hey, that’s not fair. I didn’t know that when I cancelled, and by the time I realized it, I felt embarrassed and didn’t want to pursue it.” I crossed my arms like an irritated child.

  “Oh, and don’t forget about Wesley—” Piper pointed at me.

  “Okay, that’s enough. I see your point,” I said, now feeling worse about myself than ever.

  “I am by no means telling you to pursue this guy, because frankly, I think he’s an asshole, but maybe you should start thinking about the fact that not everyone is out to get you. We know you had some duds when you first came here, but you can’t go around comparing everyone to the assholes back home. That’s all we’re saying, A.” Piper’s attention drifted back to her monitor and she clicked away.

  I didn’t want to hear it, but no matter which way I spun it, I knew there was some truth to their words. It got me thinking about Luca again. True, there were some hiccups when we first met—to say the least—but the kindness he showed after more than made up for them. Not to mention the fact that he apologized in the woods for how he previously treated me. And he helped me save that deer, no questions asked. Maybe I should take their advice to heart.

  “Hey, girls, check this out.” Piper turned her computer screen to us. “Apparently, there was a student killed on campus last night.”

  Portia and I looked at Piper’s screen.

  A Caucasian male, age nineteen, was killed in a mugging late last night behind one of the quad buildings. There were no witnesses. The email on Piper’s screen was sent from campus security a few moments ago and concluded with general safety instructions.

  “This is too weird. That’s the second death within a week,” said Portia with a worried look on her face.

  Portia had a point. This was usually a very eventless campus, but last week, there was a student driving home from a party who died in a car crash. People said her blood alcohol level was through the roof. It obviously wasn’t uncommon for people to kick back a few in college, but I took a class with this girl freshman year. She never seemed like the partying type. Now, with this mugging, it seemed like the campus formed a black cloud above its head.

  “Well, ladies, we just have to be careful is all and make sure we travel in groups at night,” said Piper, gaze glued to the screen.

  I looked away, a curious looking student taking my attention.

  He was wore tight-fitting jeans, a lavender v-neck t-shirt, and a handsome black leather jacket. His long, dark brown hair was tied up in a ponytail, and he had solid black gauges in his ears. There was a small metal hoop around his left nostril, and his tanned skin glistened radiantly as he walked. His height towered and his shoulders were broad like an ancient warrior.

  The only reason I even noticed him at all was, not because of the way he looked, but the intensity of his eyes. It reminded me of Luca.

  As if he sensed my thoughts, Luca made an appearance from around the corner. He followed the other student to the back of the room and behind a case of books.

  It’s now or never.

  The girls didn’t notice as I slipped away. Both were still distracted by the unsettling news on Piper’s screen.

  I followed the two guys behind the bookshelves. They both sat at a table, secluded in the back corner. I wished I thought to look back there. It would have made a great hideout when the library was packed during finals week.

  Hiding behind the shelves, I watched them take out their materials. They then studied. At least, that’s what it looked like they were doing. It didn’t seem like they were actually reading their books, just staring at them and nodding on occasion. Well, that’s what I was doing just a minute ago. I couldn’t judge.

  Seeing they were completely settled, I took a deep breath. Now’s my chance. He can’t get away from me back here.

  I walked straight up to them and stood right in front of the table. The power of their eyes hit me with a strong intensity. The pressure of it rattled me and made me not-so-discreetly grab the edge of the table to steady myself. “I need to talk to you,” I said, my voice fighting a sputter.

  Luca stared deep into my eyes for a moment. He then nodded to his companion, never breaking his gaze with mine. The student instantly stood, and left Luca and me alone at the table.

  What power ….

  I forced myself to stop biting my lip and straightened my posture.

  He didn’t offer me a seat, but I took the one beside him
anyway. His knee touched mine, undermining my weak attempt at intimidation. I broke the contact and regained my much-needed control. “Why didn’t you tell me you recommended me for the gala?”

  His stare deepened. “I did not think it was required information.”

  God, did I miss that cool voice.

  “Why were you upset with me that evening?” he asked, never breaking his steady tone.

  I guessed I should tell the truth. It was only fair, since he answered my question. That fact didn’t make it any easier to admit my hasty judgment of him. “I-I thought you were dating Lila Nix.”

  Luca didn’t respond, but a slow smile spread across his lips. The expression complemented his alluring eyes.

  Those bright beacons of sight put me in a daze, and I blinked to get myself out of it. “Are you? I mean …. Are you and Lila dating?”

  His eyes never left mine, and he shook his head in a way that indicated he was not.

  My lips parted, and I fought myself from licking them. “Why did you ask me out … the other night?”

  He paused a long time before he responded. I felt vulnerable as I studied the steady way he breathed. His strong chest moved in and out with every motion. I was in awe by the way the crappy lights of the library fixtures managed to make his flawless features look that much more flawless. And the gentle way his lips parted when he was about to speak, damn-near took my breath away.

  “I find you interesting,” he said. His eyes then shifted as he looked down, then slowly his gaze returned to mine. “And I would like to know more.”

  He words captivated me completely, sinking into every space within. The world came in full circle for me in that moment. I didn’t want to lie to myself anymore. I didn’t want to shelter anymore emotions. I didn’t want to pass up any more chances.

  “What day does your friend play again?” I asked, my voice breathy.

  His lips tipped up to the side. “What time would you like me to pick you up?”

  Chapter Nine

  “Tell me again why you agreed to go out with this tool?” Piper lounged in my empty bathtub, legs crossed at the ankles. She smoked a cigarette while she watched me apply my third attempt of makeup in a nervous panic.

  “Why are you smoking in the house again?” I raised my eyebrow at her while looking at her reflection in the mirror. Distracted, the mascara wand hit my bottom lashes, and I blinked viciously.

  “I’ve held to our agreement. I’ve been dating the same guy for a few weeks now.” She stood and got out of the tub. She grabbed the mascara tube from my hand and helped me apply the stubborn thing.

  “That’s news to me. What is he? A crown prince or something?” That was the only reason I could think of for why Piper would date someone for so long.

  “No.” She stuck her tongue out at me. “He’s nice. And the sex isn’t bad, either.”

  Blunt as a spoon. It was nice she was going for a guy who would value her, though. Maybe she was learning something after all. “Why are you giving me such a hard time about this, anyway? You were the one who told me to start putting myself out there. Be more trusting of people.”

  She put the mascara tube down and moved on to my eye shadow. “I did, but not with him. He really creeps me out, A. He just seems so bipolar, and how much do you really know about this guy?”

  “I’ll tell you what: the minute I feel like he’s plotting to abduct me, I’ll let you know,” I said sarcastically. “Now, let me alone. I have to finish getting ready.”

  “Fine, brat. Don’t hurry back, or anything. I’m having Adam over tonight.” She said that last bit doing a very awkward jig.

  I guessed this was supposed to be her signature happy pee dance.

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” She made a kissing noise and scurried out the door.

  God that girl was crazy. But, despite that, I loved my bestie.

  I fumbled about the house to finish getting ready. We were only going to Demitasse tonight, so I kept it simple. I wore denim skinny jeans, a pair of soft pink-colored flats, and a white frilly tank top that showed just the right amount of cleavage for a first date.

  I had the worst hair day of the century, so I put on a cream-colored crochet beanie. I finished up my hair by framing the waves of long, black strands around my face. I looked simple, but I felt comfortable. That was all that mattered. If he really was into me, then that shouldn’t be a problem. And I had to admit, I was kind of testing him.

  I jumped, hearing the ring of the doorbell downstairs.

  I grabbed a hold of the bathroom sink, feeling the chunks rising in my throat.

  Maybe this test wasn’t the greatest idea. I now felt like the ugliest, worst-dressed girl on the planet. Too late to change, though.

  I drew in a breath and released my hold of the sink. Leaving the bathroom, I headed down the stairs. I made sure to grab a firm hold of the banister on the way down. My butt would never forgive me if I hit it, yet again.

  I felt the rusty doorknob. Before opening the door, I took a nanosecond to brace myself for what would be behind it. Not well enough, though. Would the power of his eyes ever stop having that effect on me?

  He wore a deep brown leather jacket, plain black v-neck t-shirt, and denim jeans that hugged his body in all the right places. His white Converse sneakers complemented his outfit accordingly, and the shine of a circular, silver emblem hung around his neck.

  Gah ….

  “Hello.” He presented an enchanting teal-colored bloom. The flower held a peculiar glisten to it as the light from the porch caught reflective specks within the petals. The glimmer had the effect of a flower’s shine after a fresh rain.

  The flower looked very similar to the ones I’d witnessed when I went to visit my professor about my extra credit. I guess they were pretty common in the Midwest, after all.

  “You look wonderful,” he said.

  Blinking out of my kickass-flower-induced daze, I reached out for the gift.

  I thought the heat of his touch, as I accepted the flower, was going to set the poor thing ablaze. There was no combustion, though. Despite my nerves, I managed to hold onto it. I lifted the bloom casually to my nose and breathed in deeply. It smelled wonderful. Natural. Just like he did. “It’s beautiful. And thanks, you do, too.”

  After I grabbed a small clutch purse, Luca escorted me down the creaky stoop. I looked around for the other signs of the fairytale, and the sight of his car made me check behind myself for the glass slipper. It was quite possibly the coolest vehicle I’d ever seen.

  The exterior was a magnificent raven black, shimmering in the light of the moon. The car looked like it drove right off the set of a spy movie.

  I followed Luca over to the passenger side of the car. When I arrived, I stood there confused. There were no door handles on the car.

  He clicked a button on his keys, and the handles materialized from within the door.

  Bond must be hiding in the bushes somewhere.

  Luca opened the door and gestured toward my seat.

  I slid past him, leaning—purposely—in toward his body heat. I sat in the bucket seat casually and pulled my legs in. I didn’t think my “body heat maneuver” was discreet enough, though. I thought I saw him smile as he closed the door. I’d like to say my ploy wasn’t worth the mortifying embarrassment, but it was. I wondered how many testers it would take me to find that “spring time fresh” scent of his at the Macy’s counter to dab on my pillow at night?

  I looked around, taking in the elements of the car. The interior was a smooth black with matching leather seats. And the futuristic undertones located throughout the vehicle overtook my senses. There were all kinds of glowing buttons and doodads. Where did he find this thing? A Star Trek swap meet?

  I sat in silence as Luca climbed in beside me. He grabbed his seatbelt and strapped himself in. Would he ever stop moving in cheesy-teen-flick slow-mo?

  “Are you ready?” he asked.

  As I’ll ever be. I parted my li
ps to speak, but could only respond with a goofy nod.

  He smiled at me, and I hoped he was unaware of my nervousness.

  Glancing away, he turned his key in the ignition start. The aqua fluorescent headlights illuminated the night, and the car moved.

  I stilled, confused by the movement. I didn’t even hear the engine start. The sounds of the car were so light, like a soft, spacey hum.

  Luca gaze shifted to me, reading my face. “Is there something the matter?”

  My incessant blinking made me realize I looked like a deer about to be pummeled by a semi. “Nothing, it’s just that, your car … it’s so quiet,” I whispered.

  He gave a gentle laugh. “Is that bad?”

  I shook my head in shyness. “No, it’s just different.”

  “It is electric. I try to do what I can for the environment.”

  Sigh. What a humanitarian ….

  I blinked viciously, bringing myself out of lala-land. I had to focus on the task at hand—not looking like a complete love-drunk fool in front of the GQ model.

  My thoughts gone, I stared spacey-eyed. I froze, then shot my gaze forward. Jeez, how long had I been gawking at him, that time?

  He glanced my way. “It is called a Tesla Model S, in case you are interested.”

  Oh, crap he caught my stare down. At least, he thought I gawked at the car. Thank God. I smiled in response.

  I followed his stare back to the road. My sight of our journey ahead proved to be a continued chore, though. My distraction wasn’t caused by just how good he looked that evening, or even how good he smelled—which was pretty damn good. The distraction was created by the natural way in which Luca connected with his vehicle. It was like the two were in sync with the other, directing us through the night as one. I couldn’t help but be turned on. He sent ridiculous girlish fantasies into my head, and I couldn’t stop gazing at him.

  A light in my purse caught my eye. Thank goodness for the disconnect. I was really looking like some kind of crazy fan-girl.

  Rummaging through the bag, I found my phone. I received a text message from Piper.