The Crimson Hunt

by Smith, Victoria H.

  Gasping, I put my hand to my chest. My vision was filled with the greatest and most colorful variety of birds I’d ever seen. There were so many of them, and our arrival hadn’t startled them, at all. I silenced my breathing, scared of frightening them. I didn’t have the need, though. They were all stationary in their own little world, unmoved by anything.

  “Here’s the best part.” Luca took my hand again.

  What can be more amazing than this?

  He guided me to the far end of the platform. After releasing my hand, he reached into the branches of the trees. Pushing them back, he revealed the moon in its entirety.

  Gah. I forced my legs to move and joined him. “What is this place?”

  He backed up, allowing me a better view, and then stood behind me. “We are at the campus conservatory.” He spoke in little more than a whisper. “We are currently located in the bird garden of the establishment.”

  As he spoke, the warmth of his breath teased my skin through my hair. I moved my hair to side, allowing him better access. I unconsciously leaned back into his body.

  A few seconds went by, and I felt him slowly draw near to me, our bodies easily within inches of each other.

  The moon couldn’t keep my attention any longer. My body was completely aware of his presence. He didn’t put his hands on me, but he was so close I felt as if he did. “How did you find this place? I never realized it was here before.”

  Grabbing my hand from behind, he took me to a stone bench. He sat, then gestured for me to sit alongside him. “They closed this part of the conservatory this semester to put in the bird garden. I have been helping them install it.”

  “So, that’s how you had keys.”

  He smiled and nodded. Moving his gaze to the sky, he said, “I come here from time to time, after hours.” His eyes shifted as he studied the various lights of the night. “When I am here, it seems as if the world stops for a moment. There is nothing but serenity. The world is so vast, so magnificent.” He glanced my way. “If that makes any sense.”

  There was a bit of shyness to his words. It made me smile that he shared a place so special to himself with me. “It makes perfect sense.” I looked out to the sky in silence, letting the power of this place touch me, as well. I rubbed my arms, overcome by chills.

  A warm jacket slipped over my shoulders. The fresh, natural aroma of him filled my senses. My lids fought to close; his scent induced a calming euphoria.

  “Sorry, I did not realize it would be so cool out tonight,” he said.

  My eyes met his, seeing his lips form into a smile. “I think you just took care of that.” Did I really just say that? Hopefully he wouldn’t realize I meant the heat from him and not the jacket. I looked away, hoping he wouldn’t figure out the difference.

  I pulled his jacket tight around myself, getting lost in it. We both sat in silence for a while.

  “This place is great, Luca,” I said, still gazing ahead.

  “I am glad you like it.”

  His fingers were suddenly in my hair, and every follicle of my scalp heightened their awareness. A tingle shot throughout my body, and I closed my eyes. I froze, hoping the gesture would be followed by something else. I longed deeply for something more and waited patiently. But then he removed his touch.

  I turned, looking for the reason he stopped.

  He held a light blue feather in his hand, gazing warmly at it. His eyes shifted from it to mine. “You may not learn a hundred Midwestern birds, but hopefully this will help you overcome your stress.” He presented it to me.

  I tried to keep my hand steady as I accepted it. Our fingers brushed, and my heart hitched. Our hands simultaneously stilled in position, and he stared into my eyes.

  I wondered what he thought as he watched me. His eyes had so many thoughts behind them again. This time I couldn’t read them.

  He glanced down at my lips, and my breathing accelerated. I swallowed hard and didn’t make a move. Last time I tried to push him he pulled away. I didn’t want to risk that this time.

  He moved just then, so slow. I continued to wait, and my heart felt like it was attempting to dash from my chest. The thumps were so loud, I thought he’d hear it and draw back.

  I forced myself to steady my breaths, and watched his lips part ever so slightly. When my lips parted as well, his expression took on that familiar change again. His slow approach ceased, and he glanced away.

  I closed my eyes and put my hand to my waist, rubbing the spot of the jewel’s absence. I swallowed hard, but the sinking feeling inside wouldn’t go away. It wouldn’t let go of me. I looked away to hide my disappointment.

  He watched the sky for a while, not saying a word.

  I gazed as he did. I tried to focus on the environment, but with my dismay, I couldn’t enjoy it.

  “We probably should be heading back. I have kept you much too long from your studies,” he said with a new harshness to his tone.

  I looked at him. His eyes were as harsh as his tone. It seemed the thoughts he had while watching the sky put a change in him, and I didn’t understand why.

  Standing, he reached for my hand. I let him take it, and he escorted me down the ladder.

  I picked up my bag and glanced around the area, trying to freeze-frame the environment in my mind. But as soon as Luca clicked off the light switches, the garden and all its magic left entirely.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Where the hell do they live, China?” Piper painted her toenails, her foot still in her stiletto. Her leg was pretty much hanging out the window.

  I couldn’t be sure, but I thought I just saw a pink elephant on roller skates blow me a kiss. I shook my head. The fumes of the polish inserted crazy images into my brain! “Would you stop that? You should’ve done that when we were at home. It’s making me hallucinate.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It’s just a touch-up. I’m almost done.”

  My attention went back to the road. I glanced at the cracked dashboard clock. We’d been driving for almost a half hour. I hoped the directions Luca gave me were accurate. My old VW wouldn’t hold up for much more of this.

  “They said it’s located on the west end of town. Put that away and check the GPS.” I handed Piper my cell phone, one of the only few luxuries I allowed myself. That smartphone got me through a lot of boring class periods at the beginning of the semester.

  She screwed the cap back on the bottle, put it in her purse, and then grabbed the phone. “It says we’re still on course. Oh wait, stop, there it is.” She pointed out the window.

  There it was, all right. The nicest, richest-looking residence on the block. I couldn’t believe two college students lived there.

  The house was off-white and had a black slanted roof with solar panels, the whole establishment upraised from the ground on metal beams. Connected to the side of the house was a wooden ramp, which led to the front entry. The first level of the home had a balcony on the right side. Overlooking the lake, the balcony was filled with partygoers. The place reminded me of the beach houses I used to see in Cali.

  “One of the guys must have some money stashed away somewhere or something.” Piper grabbed her purse from the floor.

  That was an understatement. The place was completely radiating extravagance.

  I pulled my VW into an empty space on the front lawn—no easy task. The place was packed.

  We stepped out the car, and headed toward the house party Luca and Gemini hosted to mark the end of midterms. Thanks to Luca, I’d been inspired and actually passed my Zoology exam.

  I looked at Piper, who was fumbling with her outfit. “Why did you wear that thing?” It took me forever to lace her up into the black top she wore. The garment had multiple crisscross back straps and a deep, plunging neckline. It fought me like a bitch with every lace-up.

  Piper quit adjusting her cleavage and blew a raspberry. “Quit with the ridicule. At least I didn’t dress like a gladiator.” She eyed my brown sandals.

  “Tonight i
s about de-stressing,” I said. Besides, the short hemline of my baby blue, strapless flutter-dress would definitely distract from the choice I made of having comfortable feet.

  “No, tonight is about you and Luca doing the—”

  I kicked her in the butt with my foot.

  She grabbed at the back of her skirt and I laughed. She scowled. “You better make a move on him, tonight. Otherwise, why waste your time with him?” She brushed at the mark my shoe made on her short, red skirt.

  “I like spending time with him. If he wants to take it slow, then whatever, we have time. Now shut up about it. We’re going to have a blast tonight!”

  I slipped my arm around hers. We fought through the crowd of party people outside and made our way to the house.

  Everything in the house’s interior was just as modern as its exterior. The black marble floor had glistening crystal flecks within the design. The LED lights from the above fixtures sparkled off the glass counters and tables placed throughout. A couple light gray, suede couches accented the titanium-colored walls, and if the place wasn’t kickass enough, the house had massive, crystal-clear windows around the room. They let so much of the night’s sky in the party gave the illusion of being held outside.

  Piper, with a look of excitement, grabbed my hand. She danced us into the center of the room to the beat of the DJ’s tunes.

  “Hey, look. There’s Gemini,” she shouted over the music and pointed over my shoulder.

  I followed her line of sight, and sure enough, there was Gemini. He was playing mixologist at an exquisite glass bar that displayed an illuminated, aquamarine martini fountain.

  “Come on, let’s go say hi,” she shouted again.

  Piper danced us out of the pit and over to the bar.

  Gemini greeted us with a nod. “How’s it going, ladies? You both having a good time?” He flashed a set of pearly whites.

  “Yeah, we just got here,” said Piper, practically falling all over herself to talk to him.

  I scanned the room. “Where’s Luca?”

  Gemini chuckled. “He’s around. Can I make you girls something?”

  “Sex on the Beach,” said Piper in her seductive voice.

  Of course. God that girl was ridiculous with her obviousness.

  “Excellent choice. Ariel?” He looked down to start Piper’s drink.

  “Shit, there’s Blaine,” said Piper, her eyes to the crowd.

  Before I could turn around to see where she saw him, she’d already bolted behind the large, salt-water aquarium to my right.

  Gemini fought a smile as Blaine approached us.

  “Hey, Richmond. Maylor.” Blaine nodded.

  I guessed Gemini was in their class, too.

  “‘Sup, man?” asked Gemini.

  “Nothing much. Richmond, I thought I saw Lovelace over here a minute ago—” Blaine’s eyes searched the area.

  I supposed I should probably cover for the girl. “Umm, yeah. I don’t know where she headed. Maybe the bathroom to freshen up?” I wished I could lie better, but it seemed like he bought it. Not that he really listened to a word I said. His hawk-like scan for Piper consumed his attention.

  “Okay. Well, I guess I’ll look around, then. Great party, dude.” He gave Gemini a thumbs-up.

  Gemini nodded. We both watched as Blaine was taken in by the crowd. Getting rowdy, the crowd lifted him. He crowd surfed the pit toward the back of the room.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “So, Ariel, you and Luca?” Gemini twitched up his sculpted eyebrows, his smile wide as he mixed drinks.

  My cheeks heated. “What about me and Luca?”

  “What’s going on there?”

  “We’ve just hung out a couple of times. Nothing serious.”

  “Oh, I’m sure it’s more that. Luca doesn’t usually make time to hang out with anyone. That is, until recently.” He eyed me.

  My cheeks were so hot I probably could have heated a small country. “I don’t know. We’ll see I guess.”

  He nodded his head to the beat of the music, then handed a chick in a low-cut top a pink, fizzy drink. “Well, I hope you’ve been getting what you need out of the relationship.”

  I winced, the casual tone of his voice changed so suddenly. The tone went low, dark even.

  “I’m sure he is.” He gazed at me, lips tipped up to the side.

  Piper grabbed my arm. “I think I lost him. Let’s dance. We’ll see ya, Gem.” She winked at him.

  I watched Gemini as Piper dragged me into the crowd. His smile never faded.

  “Come on, loser. Let’s get moving.” Piper tugged me harder, noticing my hesitation.

  I snapped back into reality and let her drag me to the floor once again.

  We were in the pit only seconds before Blaine spotted us. Portia followed close behind him. Blaine, of course, made a poor attempt to dance with Piper. She immediately let go of my hand, then made a beeline toward Portia, creating a wall between Blaine and herself.

  I grabbed Blaine’s hands, pulling him into a dance. “Where are the twins?” I asked, trying to distract him.

  Blaine gave me a slight smile, trying to synchronize with my steps. “They didn’t come. Something about not wanting to conform to society or something.” He laughed.

  I laughed, too. Those guys really were something else.

  While we danced, Blaine kept his gaze glued on Piper and Portia. “How’s she doing?” There was concern in his voice.

  “She’s taking it day by day,” I said.

  His grip tightened on mine, his face contorting in fury. I’d never seen him so angry.

  “I could hunt down and kill that bastard for what he did to her,” he said.

  “We already tried. Piper didn’t know much else about him besides his first and last name. The cops couldn’t do much for us.”

  My words didn’t help. His grip tightened even more.

  “You really care about her, don’t you?” I asked.

  “I just don’t understand why she keeps going after guys like that. She deserves better.”

  I wondered myself why Piper was never into Blaine. I mean, he definitely wasn’t bad looking. Soft, streaked blond curls fell slightly over his hazel eyes and a subtle—yet definitely present—muscular build lined his soft flannel button up.

  I blinked. Holy hell … Blaine Duncan was actually … kinda hot. Not that, that’s Piper’s only requirement for the guys she dated. Definitely up there, though.

  I always thought it weird she kept denying him. There was nothing wrong with him, at all. In fact, he was one of the nicest people I’d ever met in my life. I mentally filtered through all the guys I’d seen Piper with over the years. All of them were douchebags, and none of them were very good for her. I wondered if she felt that maybe Blaine was too good of a guy for her.

  Breaking my thoughts, I gazed over Blaine’s shoulder. My attention drifted to Piper. She wasn’t looking at Portia. Piper’s dances were jumbled, distracted. I followed her gaze and discovered what she looked at. Better yet, whom she looked at. I squinted just to make sure, but the target of her attention was the same. She stared at Blaine while I danced with him. She was so distracted in fact, she didn’t notice me watching her. And what was weird was her gaze of him was not the usual contempt. She watched him warmly, passionate even.

  It wasn’t possible, was it? Were Piper’s overreactions to Blaine’s pursuit of her, her trying to hide her true feelings?

  “What do you think of me, Richmond?” Blaine asked, sashaying to the beat of Katy Perry.

  I shook my head, refocusing on him. “What do you mean, Blaine?”

  “I mean, you’re friends with Lovelace. Tell me what you think of me. Maybe I can figure out what to change or something.” He took his hands away from mine, and motioned up and down his frame, inviting my assessment.

  This could only lead to disaster. “Blaine ….”

  “What? It won’t hurt my feelings. I promise.” He winked.

  The
beat changed, so I slowed my internal tempo. I arched an eyebrow and put my hand to my chin, assessing him.

  Blaine raised his eyebrow to match mine. “The verdict?’

  “Well, you’re definitely not hard on the eyes.”

  “Okay, go on.” The tempo changed, and he grabbed my hands again. He whipped me out like an old 1950’s swing dancer, and brought me back into his chest.

  His moves took me by surprise, and I laughed so hard tears formed in my eyes.

  “Well, you’re really nice,” I added after composing myself.

  He squinted, confused. “What do you mean by ‘nice’?”

  “I mean, you’re nice. You help damsels in distress by offering them your jacket. You also give them rides on your moped when they flake and almost miss their Zoology quizzes.” I laughed.

  He brought me into his body. My back touched his chest before he whipped me out with one hand. I didn’t know he could dance this well. I guessed I should add that to our imaginary list.

  We danced normally again. Blaine’s expression changed, sadness appeared in his eyes. “I guess there’s no room for nice guys here.” He gazed down.

  I brought his clean-shaven chin back with my fingers. “I think we can make room for one more.” I smiled.

  He gave a slow smile in the corner of his mouth. “Thanks, Richmond.”

  “No problem. Don’t ever change.” I hoped he never would.

  “May I cut in?” Luca stood behind Blaine in a body-sculpting, collared white shirt and dark gray vest. And his matching gray slacks screamed sexy.

  “No problem, dude,” Blaine said, though he looked a little disappointed. He stepped away and handed me off to Luca.

  As Blaine walked away, I looked back over to Piper. That warm expression I saw before was long gone from her face. Her usual scowl she reserved for him returned. And as Blaine approached her, she left Portia and ran into the crowd. Her red bob was gone before I could blink.

  I sighed. If Piper wasn’t willing to admit her feelings, then I hoped Blaine would move on soon. He deserved to get what he was looking for.

  My thought process was cut off by Luca’s touch.