Beneath The Moonlight

Chapter 3

Escape From Reality

Three Years Before

Aria

I sat at the bar of the club, I wondered, staring at the drink in front of me– the only one I could afford. I’m not sure where I am, but I must be miles away from Hunter’s Creek, and that’s exactly what I wanted.

I needed to get away, even if it was just for a night. Go to a place where no one would know me. Where I can at least pretend to be something other than the pathetic and defenseless little creature that I am. Tonight, I can pretend to be strong, and no one will be able to see through the facade.

I reach for my drink, about to knock the entire thing back in one gulp when a deep, oddly soothing voice calls out to me from beside me.

“Do you plan on watching everyone else have a good time while you sit here with your sad little drink and mope? "Or do you have plans to enjoy the night too?” A deep, velvet-smooth baritone voice says from beside me.

Even with the loud music blasting through the speakers and reverberating throughout the entire place, somehow, I can hear him. His warm, minty breath brushes against the nape of my neck, sending slight tremors through my whole body.

I swiveled around on the tall bar stool so fast I almost gave myself a whiplash. I blink, facing the stranger, and the first thing that catches my eye is blue.

I’m met with the most vivid blue eyes, mere inches away from my silver ones. Sharp, bright, calculating, and impossible to miss. Captivating in the kind of way that would have you staring into his eyes even if you didn’t want to. His lips curve, and my breath catches in my throat.

Maybe the alcohol is finally starting to kick in, but the only conscious thought I have is that he’s gorgeous. So gorgeous that he has me randomly wondering, in a haze, what angels must look like. A straight, perfectly symmetrical nose leads to his full, pink lips that he swipes his tongue across now. A slight stubble completes his look of utter sexiness. There's something about the way his eyes stare into mine and the way he arches a dark eyebrow that sends a shudder down my spine.

I can't exactly make out the color of his long-sleeved button shirt, but I can tell that it was tailored specifically for him. It hugs his biceps devilishly well, showing off his carved chest through the undone buttons of his shirt.

“Excuse me?” I ask slowly, my mind still reeling from his audacity. He smirks at me, flashing me a dimple on his left cheek. He leans in closer, placing his hand on the small of my back.

“I’ve been watching you for quite a while, and all you seem to be doing is staring at that drink. "Will you come with me?” he asks brazenly. My mouth hangs open, completely stunned by his forwardness. He doesn’t even know my name.

I should say no.

I should have brushed his hand off me and walked away from him right now, but instead, my feet remain firmly planted on the ground, unmoved . Every fiber in my being screams at me that it’s a reckless idea to go anywhere with this gorgeous stranger, yet here I stand, contemplating what could potentially be the best night of my life. After all, isn’t that why I’m here? To get away from my life as I know it, and do something different for a change? To be reckless and bold, at least for one night before I crawl back into my shell where the only thing that matters is my brother.

Tonight is for me. My decisions are my own. I don’t have to worry about what anyone would think, because no one knows me here. Perhaps it’s finally time to take a risk for the chance to have the night of a lifetime.

Even though what’s left of my rational brain is screaming at me to say no, I nod slowly, taking his outstretched arm as he helps me down from the bar stool.

We walk right past the watching eyes, and then we push through the sea of bodies, making our way past dozens of half-naked people gyrating to the music on the dance floor. The entire time, this gorgeous stranger didn’t let go of my hand, pulling me along through the crowd until we finally made it to the door. He slips out of the door, pulling me behind him and shutting it once I pass through. The lobby is much quieter than it was inside the club, and even though the music is still thumping lightly in the background, my eyes are completely focused on him, and there’s just no room to wonder about anything else.

He stands across from me, leaning against the wall of the small lobby, and then he watches me. His eyes trail all over my body, looking at me like I’m the last meal on earth, and it’s a miracle my legs don’t give out from underneath me right on the spot. My cheeks flared red, fingers fumbling slightly. His smoldering hot gaze is enough to make me weak on my knees.

He pushes himself off the wall, walking so close to me that his hot breath tickles my cheek. He raises a warm, calloused palm and brushes my cheek, letting his thumb glide across my bottom lip slowly, lust dancing in his eyes.

Suddenly, so fast I can barely register what’s going on, he slams his lips against mine, taking my lips in a kiss so passionate it steals the breath right out of me. He licks and nips my bottom lip, forcing me to gasp slightly, and then he slips his hot wet tongue into my mouth, instantly intertwining our tongues in a passionate kiss. His other hand snakes around my back, pulling me flush against his hard chest.

He trails hot wet kisses down my neck, biting my earlobe lightly as my heart thumps violently in my chest. He leans in to say,

“Come up to my room with me. Maybe we can finish what we’ve started.”

His hand wraps even tighter around my waist, almost possessively. He takes a step back to watch me while he waits for my response, and I can’t help the warmth that colors my cheeks. His tone is firm– commanding. Yet somehow, I can tell from his softer gestures that he will not pressure me to come with him.

But I want this.

Maybe it’s reckless and stupid to go with this blue-eyed stranger, but I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing at this exact moment. Somehow, he’s completely captured my attention and now, I have to know what it feels like. So I nod, a small, excited smile on my face.

He smirks, taking my hand and leading me out of the hallway.