Enticed By His Darkness

1

I looked in the mirror and checked my makeup one last time. The eyeliner was on and the lipstick was neatly applied. I arranged my hair and took one last look at my outfit. My dress flattered my curves and showcased my shoes. I was only two hours back in town and my suitcases were still in my old room. But nothing kept me here in the apartment. Everything reminded me of my parents and I couldn't stand it. I shook off the memories before they took over and grabbed my clutch. My heels clicked on the marble floor.

The night was warm when I stepped outside onto the street. The pub was only a few blocks away so I was able to walk there and enjoy the night and the city. How much I had missed London. My home. New York was just a completely different world that I felt out of place in. Big and hectic. Ruled by money and high society. The city where dreams come true or shatter. Either all or nothing. But finally I had left my personal prison behind and was home. Right at home. After my parents died four years ago, I lived with my uncle. My dad's business partner. He took me in. I was still a minor at the time and my brother lived in Florida. I stayed with my uncle because I wanted to graduate in New York. But now I was twenty-one and nothing had kept me in New York, so I moved back to London as soon as possible. The school of my dreams had accepted me and my new life could finally begin. I could leave everything behind.

Today I would see my best friends again. After almost five long years. My cell phone rang. I had to smile when I saw my girlfriend's name "Where are you staying? Are you on your way?"

"Yeah pops I'll be right there" I grinned and hung up before she could say anything. I shook my head with a smile and put my phone back in my pocket. We've always done it that way. One to zero for me. Suddenly a breeze swept my hair, bringing with it the smell of whiskey and smoke. I looked around reflexively. But there was nobody here. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something red flash past me. I stopped and scanned the area. But there was nobody. I didn't see anything let alone anything red. Unusual. That was definitely due to the long day that I was already imagining things or seeing things.

I pushed open the door to the pub and immediately saw my girlfriend's light blonde hair. I tapped on the bar "One beer please" The bartender nodded and I pushed my way through the crowd to my friends. When Pops saw me her eyes lit up and she jumped out of her chair and charged towards me.

"Oh my god. Are those the new Louboutins?" she cried, staring at my shoes. "And don't say that's the new Prada," she pointed to my bag.

"Yeah Pops, nice to see you too" I laughed, rolling my eyes. She shrieked and pulled me to her and hugged me tight "Of course I missed you Beth" she mumbled into my hair and let go of me and looked at me "You can't imagine how much. Everything went down the drain here without you It just wasn't the same anymore" she sighed.

"So now it's my turn to say hello. Let me be greeted by Poppy" Lucas called and pushed past her "Welcome back you New York It-Girl" Lucas waggled his eyebrows and pulled me into his arms and kissed me profusely the cheek.

"Hi Lucas. Nice to see you" I smiled. It was good to finally be back with my friends.

I sit down next to Poppy and a waiter brings me my beer. "So, shall we do London today?" I asked and took a sip. Popy and Lucas looked at me meaningfully "You can count on that" he grinned and we clinked glasses. I was glad they didn't ask me about New York or how I was doing. They knew exactly how to behave and I loved them for that. "Have a great evening then" I grinned and took another sip of beer.

"Let's get it started, hah! Lets get it started in here" we shrieked and gulped down the tequila shots. The alcohol burned my throat but it felt so good. The bass of the music was pounding in my ears and my mind was already completely foggy. We left get carried away by the music and let us go I flexed my hips to the music and raised my champagne bottle over my head I closed my eyes and let myself drift

"The song is so awesome, I love Black Eyes Pease," Poppy slurred and snuggled up to Lucas. If he weren't gay, you'd think they were a couple be late. I took a sip of my champagne and looked at my girlfriend. They were already swaying quite a bit. "You guys aren't that hard on your drink, are you?" I giggled, pointing to Pops

"Yes, I think I'm getting sick" she shrieked over the music and pointed to the exit "Spoilsport" laughed but I took both hands and pulled them to the exit "All the single ladies, all the single ladies" we sang loudly and as we approached the exit, I handed my champagne bottle to a hot guy and winked at him.

"You b***h!" Poppy yelled and started laughing hysterically.

"I only learned from the best," I giggled, nudging her side. We staggered up the stairs and the fresh air was a slap in the face.

"Well then ladies it was an honor to have drunk with you." Lucas bowed and then kissed us both on the cheek. We giggled and watched him as he hailed a cab.

"See you bitches" he called and the taxi drove away. We had to laugh and waved goodbye and then hailed a taxi for ourselves.

"It was a wonderful evening Pops" I grinned and slumped in the seat pulling her with me "You bet your ass on it" she slurred giving the driver the address and I mine. We giggled like little girls and told the driver pretty much everything we could think of.

"You know, my girlfriend just got back from New York. We really went for it" she slurred and looked at the driver ahead "Her uncle is filthy rich and she has the most amazing clothes and the best ass of all" she grinned and nudged me.

"Pops, I don't think the driver cares"

"Well, I'm getting sick too," she mumbled, leaning against the seat.

The driver just laughed at us in amusement. "You're great," my friend said, looking at the driver.

How much I missed my girlfriend. Only she was like that. We stopped in front of my apartment. I paid the driver and got out.

"I love you Poppy. You're the best friend ever." I blew her a kiss and slammed the door. She made faces as she drove away and I had to giggle. I fumbled for the key in my pocket. Triumphantly, I pulled it out and felt for the Keyhole. But I couldn't get as far as unlocking the door. Something was digging painfully in my arm and before I could react or say anything I was slumped against the door. I was blinking into the darkness. I couldn't move. The last thing I felt saw was something red before the world went black around me.

I just came home from school. Police and paramedics stood outside Cunningham Tower questioning our neighbors. Our neighbours? What happened? Frowning, I entered the foyer and took the elevator up to the twentieth floor. I stepped into the hallway and looked left and right. It was swarming with officials. I slowly approached our apartment. The door was wide open. I heard voices and peered inside. where were my parents A paramedic noticed me and motioned to a police officer. He looked at me startled and rushed towards me "Miss..Taylor I presume?" he asked putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Yeah, what .. what's going on here officer?"

He looked at me and his eyes were sad. I peered past him. A paramedic pushed a stretcher with a black sack on it. He pushed it past me and my heart stopped.

"Where are my parents?" I yelled at the policeman and tried to get past him.

"You couldn't go in there" he stopped me and I glared at him.

"This is my apartment. I have a right to be here" I shrieked and my voice was starting to turn hysterical. My gaze fell past him. The door to the living room opened and what I saw left me speechless and paralyzed. My mum was lying on the couch. Her throat was cut and the pillows were soaked with her blood. She was staring at the ceiling. Her eyes were empty and lifeless. No. No. NO. This couldn't be. Tears welled up in my eyes. I got it I didn't know what was happening here. When I saw my mum like that, I realized that it must have been my dad in the body bag just now. No. That couldn't be. I sobbed and wanted to go into the living room, but the policeman held me.

"Let me through. I want to go to my mum" I sobbed and wanted to push him away. But I didn't have the strength to do it. "Mum" I screamed and sank to my knees.

The officer knelt in front of me and stroked my arm. "I'm so sorry, Miss Taylor," he said softly. I stared at him and suddenly his face transformed and he lunged at me with his hands at my throat.

I startled and my breathing became difficult. I brushed my hair back from my face and held my head. Everything rumbled and I let myself sink back into the pillows. Moment. Pillow? I sat up abruptly. A small lamp was burning on the bedside table. The rest of the room was in darkness. Where was I here? I blinked and leaned back. Only then did I notice the throbbing pain in my arm.

A thousand questions buzzed through my head.

What happened? How did I get here? Who brought me here? Did I really drink so much that I didn't notice anything anymore? Why did my arm hurt so much?

I hurt all over and my head almost burst. I swung my legs out of bed with difficulty and got up unsteadily. I felt my way along the bed and peered into the darkness. Suddenly the light went on and I spun around, startled.

"Well, did you sleep off your intoxication?"

A boy leaned casually in the doorway. He was wearing a torn denim jacket, a white shirt, faded jeans and biker boots. His brown hair was tousled, but in a deliberate way. He had warm brown eyes and full kissable lips. He was really.. hot.

"Are you done?" he asked in amusement and I tore my eyes away from him.

"I.. who are you and where am I?" I asked, leaning against the bed frame.

"So curious Miss Taylor?" He gave me a sly grin and walked towards me.

"How do you know my name?" I asked, taking a step back.

"Well, I brought you here. So I should probably know the name of my victim"

I backed even further. Was that a game I didn't know about?

"Victim. wait.. do you want to kill me? If so, I at least want to know who my killer is. So. I asked again. I tried to stay calm. After all, I'm supposed to be a pro in difficult situations. He laughed and shook his head.

"I don't want to kill you. But I can't tell you where you are and why either. This is not my task. And my name is Nick"

"Aha and who tells me that? Where am I here and why?” I asked, crossing my arms. He was annoying me with his vague statements. He was overbearing and obviously comfortable in his position.