Midnight Lover: The Stranger In My Dreams

III

The first thing Aurora saw was the crystal waters reaching up to her waist. Then her thin, white dress slowly got drenched with the water. She squatted down to let the water flow through the gaps of her fingers, as golden fishes swam past her. The stones lying on the riverbed were smooth, as if giving her comfort as she stepped on them, following the flow of the water. She giggled as she followed the fishes, the cool breeze gently playing with her waist-long hair. Then, she submerged herself and let the water completely relax her. When she took her head out of the water, she was met by the azure skies, meeting the thick, green blanket of trees surrounding her up to the horizon. It felt real and fantasized at the same time. But it did not matter to her. The place soothed her tired and worn soul. She should be alarmed by the darkness lurking between the trees but it did not bother her, not even an inch. There was nothing but her and the water. The relaxing sensation it brings to her. She was… enchanted.

It had already dawned on her that she was in the middle of nowhere. And being a city girl who never stepped out of the noisy urban life, she could not help but to wonder where the place was, or how she managed to go there on her own. She wanted to know so she could bring Sharlene next time. Or maybe her mother. Her dead mother.

She frowned. She was never able to bring her mother to places like this. Aurora always deemed herself a good-for-nothing daughter. A coward who just watched her father hit her mother. If she could only bring back time, she would definitely protect her. And bring her here.

She sighed before trying to wipe her tears away. What matters the most is now. She should let herself disconnect for a little while. Disconnect and let the flow of the water drift her mind somewhere.

After playing with the fishes, Aurora grew tired and decided to walk to the riverbanks. Her attention was caught by the peach tree that grew on the shore. As if on cue, her stomach growled, pushing her to get out of the water and grab a piece of fruit to eat. She picked one, her dress heavy and dripping up with water. She then walked towards one of the large rocks scattered around and sat on top of it as she took a bite out of the peach. It dawned on her that the fruit did not grow in the country, as the sweet taste of it hit her taste buds. She immediately stared at the fruit, ready to throw it away.

She was deep in her thoughts about the peach when she heard a nearby rustling behind the trees. Then it hit her. How could she be so careless and carefree? She was alone! Unarmed, even. She could not even remember how she reached the place. What if someone abducted her and–

She jumped out of her seat when a tall silhouette hiding behind the huge balete tree peeked to steal a glance from her. Not thinking straight, she aimed the half-eaten peach at the stranger, fingers trembling in fear. “Who’s there? I swear to God, don’t come any close! Are you stalking me?”

There was hesitation in his movements when he came out from his hiding spot. And Aurora felt the same when she laid her eyes on the man. Her heart skipped a beat, making her lose her composure. He was… a god.

His eyes were like molten gold, steely yet mixed with a touch of gentleness. His nose was that of Greek sculptures she once saw in a museum, paired with cherry lips that were often moistened by his tongue. Prominent jaws, strong and clenched. His black hair was tied in a loose bun, some strands falling down his face. Aurora almost lost consciousness as her gaze looked down, realizing that he was not wearing any top. A few pieces of firewood hung over his shoulder, an ax tied to his back. He was ripped and painted with tattoos she failed to look at one by one due to embarrassment. Aurora immediately turned her gaze away and cleared her throat. Her cheeks burned as she heard a soft chuckle coming from his direction.

“Don’t be afraid, my lady. I saw you when I passed by here and decided to look after you because you look… lost. I am not stalking you. I was concerned, as I live not far from here, and I know that there are certain parts of the river that are deep and have strong currents that might drown you if you’re not careful.” He gently smiled. “I’m simply looking after you.”

“I can look after myself. Thank you for your concern,” Aurora coldly replied before walking towards the nearest group of trees. Strangely, the man followed her. It did not scare her for a bit, which was strange already, but she could feel her heart beating louder and louder at every step. “Please leave me alone–”

She shrieked when she felt herself sinking into deep waters. She did not even have enough time to fill her lungs with air as water started to fill her throat. The hole was dark and deep and–

She looked up as she felt the movement of the water changing, as if another heavy object had just fallen into the water. Her eyes widened when she saw the man earlier swimming towards her. Everything was slowly fading into black when he grabbed her by the waist and placed his mouth on hers.

She coughed and gasped for air when the stranger helped her up on land before getting out of the water himself, drenched to the skin. Panting, he sat beside her as she caught her breath like she had just ran for miles, her throat hurting like hell. The man then glanced at Aurora. “I already told you to be careful, didn’t I? I mean no harm, and I can’t blame you for not trusting a stranger like me, but at least keep in your mind that I know this place very well and that I don’t want you to get in harm’s way.”

She bit her lower lip. “I’m… sorry. I even compromised you.”

He only smiled before taking the firewood and ax that he left lying on the ground haphazardly when he jumped into the sinkhole to save her. It was covered with bushes and was impossible to spot, especially if someone was being careless, like her. Aurora then glanced at the man again, who offered his hand to help her up. “You should dry your clothes, at least. And have something to eat. Would you mind accompanying me to my home, my lady?”

She knew that she should have said no. Like what he said, he was a stranger to Aurora. His intentions were a mystery too. But as if tranced, she saw herself accepting his offer. Or maybe, by his breath-taking features, which she only read in books. He seemed out of this world. She always had handsome suitors but the stranger’s charisma has a different effect on her. He was… ethereal.

And soon enough, she was already holding his other hand. His calloused, rough, and powerful hands. That was the most intimate she had ever been with a man in her thirty years of existence. She should have pulled her hand away, but no, no… The stranger was already making her resolve weaker and weaker. Sooner enough, she was sitting inside his small, lovely home… waiting for him to finish preparing whatever kind of food he would serve.

“My lady?”

She jolted out of her cozy seat in front of the fireplace when she heard his baritone voice calling. Aurora bumped into the man, causing the water jug he was carrying to spill its contents on his body along with the slice of fruit cake he was holding too. She gasped as she tried to wipe them away with the hem of her still wet dress, cussing to herself. It took her more seconds to realize that he was still shirtless and dangerous, but it was too late, his gaze was already locked on her. She immediately stepped back.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking straight…”

She choked on her words when their eyes locked, his eyes of molten gold hypnotizing her. She stepped closer, as his gaze fell down on her lips. Aurora gulped and subconsciously reached her hand. The stranger did not even take any reservations when he held her on the wrist and let her feel his torso. She flinched a little when she felt his hand slowly making its way to her cheek. And then, she let go of all of the thoughts clouding her judgment.

The inches disappeared little by little, until there was no space between. So close, but still far enough for their lips not to meet. Skins brushing past against each other but only close enough to tease. His breath was warming her face, and she did not even notice that she was already standing on her toes. The stranger took the initiative to pick her up and sit her on top of the kitchen counter of his small, secluded home to make her feel comfortable. Not breaking the gaze, not moving away. Just growing closer and closer until…

She tasted heaven the moment their lips met.