The shadow
616 Words
~Ariana Cross ~
The rest of the day dragged like a misfiring engine.
After the meeting with the professors, I threw myself into classes, trying to ignore the whispers that followed me through the halls. Serena had apparently told half the Uni that I was “jealous and unprofessional.” By late afternoon, my head was throbbing, and my patience was gone.
I barely had time to check on Lena at the hospital before rushing to my night job at The Grid, a loud, smoky nightclub on the edge of the city that catered to racing fans and college kids. The pay was decent, and the tips kept the lights on. Tonight, I was on waitress duty, which meant a short black skirt, a tight top, and a fake smile that made my cheeks hurt.
I was balancing three drinks on a tray when I felt that prickling sensation on the back of my neck. Someone was watching. I scanned the crowded room, but nothing stood out. Just the usual mix of loud music, flashing lights, and drunk guys shouting engine specs like they actually knew what they were talking about.
Then my boss, Tony, waved me over near the VIP section with a weird look on his face.
“Ariana, special request,” he said, counting a thick stack of cash in his hand. “Table 12. You’re serving him exclusively tonight. He paid enough to cover your whole week’s shift.”
I frowned. “What? I have other tables—”
“Already reassigned. Just go.” Tony gave me a look and said, Don’t argue. “And be nice. He’s important.”
My stomach sank as I approached Table 12.
A young man sat alone in the dimly lit VIP booth like he owned the place. Black shirt unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up, one arm draped casually over the back of the leather seat. His dark eyes locked onto me the second I stepped into view.
My steps faltered.
“Mr Vale”?
It was him.
“You,” I hissed, setting the tray down hard enough that the glasses rattled.
“Wait” …… You….
“What”? He cut me off.
“You’ve been the one following me? The car outside campus, outside my apartment, everywhere? Are you serious right now?”
Lucien didn’t deny it. He simply watched me with that unnerving intensity, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his mouth.
“I prefer to call it… observing,” he said smoothly.
“OBSERVING?” I let out a sharp, incredulous laugh.
A couple at the next table glanced over. “That’s what stalkers call it these days? You’re unbelievable. Focus on your own messed-up life, Vale. The drug scandal, your reputation tanking, handle that instead of creeping on random girls who bruised your precious ego.”
I turned to walk away, but his voice stopped me.
For some reason……
I want you to be close to me, Ariana.”
The way he said it was low, possessive, almost intimate, sent a chill down my spine. Not a request. Not even a proposition. Just a simple, bizarre declaration like it was already decided.
I spun back around, leaning down until we were eye-level, my voice shaking with fury.
“You’re out of your mind. Stay away from me. I mean it.”
His gaze dropped slowly to my lips for a fraction of a second before returning to my eyes. Something dark and hungry flickered there, not anger, but a deeper, more dangerous curiosity. Like my rejection
On had only sharpened his fascination.
Tony appeared behind me, clearing his throat.
“Everything alright?”
- Writer
