One Night, Endless Secrets

Chapter 3: The Hidden Side of Desire

They went out into the cold night, all the noises of that great city surrounding them. Roman took Isla's hand and led her down a well illuminated street filled with various cafés and boutiques. It was as if a sword hung between them all the while tension built up.

“Where are we going?” Then Isla inquired, and the little girl jumped with concern.

“Just a little place I know,” Roman retorted, smiling wickedly. “Trust me.”

And as they walked he told them about some places in the city that could probably be of interest, his eagerness of the dark side emphasized. He narrated live art which was present but unseen; artists endured suffering but found meaning in their suffering. This is a decodable excerpt that puts meat on the bones of Isla’s character and on Roman as a flawed but sympathetic figure.

A few minutes later, they came to a wine bar located between two art galleries and blinded by the warm light. Outside there was a live band or music played softly indoors in a very private manner. In forcefully leading them to a small corner, their own private booth, away from the sight of prying eyes, he restored their belief.

“What would you like?” Roman asked. He sat right across from her in the booth.

“Red wine, please.” Isla rejoined, and her heart was beating rapidly.

He raised his hand and beckoned the awaiting bartender, nodding to get a red bottle. While they looked forward, readying the next question, the tension between Thomas and Isla grew to be strong enough to be almost seen; looks exchanged, their hands touching the table.

Once wine came, Roman served them both the drink, staring into each other’s eyes as they took it. “To unexpected opportunities,” he said, looking very mischievous.

“To unexpected opportunities” Isla repeated as she realized what he was saying.

The two_HOSTS drank the wine, and they engaged in rich conversation talking passionately and laughing at various jokes. The attraction towards Roman became even stronger and the craving in Isla that she could no longer afford to subdue.

Finally, there was a change on the face of Roman; he became rather stern. “We’ve become very good friends.” “Isla, do you mind if I tell you the truth?”

“Of course,” she answered, a little surprised about the sudden switch of topics.

I like him and I don’t know how to describe it but I think we have some sort of bond. But, perhaps most important, there is something else you must know: I’m not the sort of man you imagine me to be. My life is complex, and I can not say that I will protect you.”

Isla could feel the discouragement settle in her very bones when he spoke those words, and she feared for him. “What do you mean?” she said nervously, the fun night they had completely ignored by this question.

“I find myself doing things that could get you killed,” he said softly. Some people I know do not have allegiance to the rules of this society. This is not likely to happen because the Chosen One must be prepared to embrace that world and not be brought into it unwillingly; “I don’t want to pull you into that world.”

This was the first time he had sounded so serious, and it caused shivers to run down Isla’s spine. She was torn between the soft feelings building up in her heart for him and the basic human urge to fight off any man who tried to lay his hands on her. “Roman, I am capable of protecting myself,” she told the officer and her tone was rather assertive. “But if you are lying to me, then you should tell me you are doing so.”

Roman looked at her for a long while and seemed to be torn between what he should do next. “I’ve been hurt before, Isla. I have said goodbye to people who I am related to. That’s why I’m hesitant. But, I cannot close my eyes on what I have inside me for you.”

This resulted in the sincerity in his eyes making Isla’s heart beat fast. In it there was a weakness under the patina of his bravado: he discovered something inside her that made her strong. Where do secrets belong?” Where do secrets belong, Roman?” “I don’t want to be just another secret in your life”. “But I don’t want to know that person,” she whispered; “I want to know you—the you that you hide.”