The dark moon rises

Chapter 4

Amelia pov

“Amelia, wake up you’re going to be late” my Nana’s voice rang in my head. I roll over, trying to get away from her noise.

“Amelia, if you don’t wake up I will get some cold water and wake you that way” I shot up out of bed. Nana is despicably evil sometimes and I’ve been woken up more than once with cold water from her. I instantly regret jumping up so fast. My head feels like a jackhammer is going off inside of it.

“Paracetamol is here sweetheart” nana points to my bedside cabinet and I’m thankful that Nana is so on the ball. We must have woken her up with our talking last night. I look around and realize Nina isn’t here.

“Where’s Nina?”

“She left before with Milo. He dropped her off at her apartment,” how she managed to get up that early I will never know.

After getting showered and eating nana’s hangover cure, I’m finally feeling half-human and make my way to work.

•••

Today was going to be brutal. I have a new client today and I feel like s**t. I hope whoever it is is not some snooty b***h.

I walk into the gym and put my things in my locker.

“Hey Amelia, your first client is here. He’s a little early so you can start now if you want?” I don’t usually have male clients, most men don’t take kindly to a woman bossing them around in the gym, at least all the men I’ve dealt with in the past haven’t.

“I’m coming out now.” I shut my locker and walk out to the reception area.

“Hi, I’m Amelia” I recognise him from the bar last night.

“Randall Buford. It’s a pleasure to see you again Amelia.” He holds his hand out for me to shake and as soon as my hand touches his I get a sick feeling in my stomach. I pull my hand away instantly and wipe it on my leggings.

“Ok let’s get started shall we” I hold my hand out in the direction of the workout area and he slithers past me. My skin is crawling from being so close to him.

“So are you sure we have never met? You look so familiar to me.” Randall asks halfway through some push-ups, he’s not even out of breath. His voice is loathsome. Every time he talks, my skin prickles with goosebumps.

“I’m positive. So I wanna see how you do with the bench press.” I walk towards the area with him following behind. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end with the proximity of him.

“So, how long have you lived here for?” His monotonous voice reaches my ears.

“I’d rather keep this professional.” Good call Amelia set the boundaries straight away.

“Do you love your job, Amelia? You look like you take great care of your body.” The way he looks my body up and down makes me feel dirty.

“I do like to take care of myself” I try to keep my answers short and abrasive. Hopefully, he will get the hint and stop prying into my life.

“Do you have a boyfriend?”

“Yes I do and I’m very happy with him!” I lie straight away, with no hesitation at all. This guy is seriously giving me stalker vibes.

I finish up with Randall, thanking every god I can think of for letting that experience be over.

I have to admit I was really impressed with Randall in a work sense. He has amazing stamina and he’s extremely strong. He was very unexpected. He didn’t look very muscular like Milo but he was able to lift weights like he was lifting a marshmallow. After he left, I went to find my supervisor to see if someone would switch with me. He really creeped me out asking me about personal things.

“Chrissy, can I ask a favor?”

“Sure can unless it’s about time off or a rise” she giggled. Chrissy was a great manager. She was fair but firm.

“Can I switch that guy that I just had? He really creeped me out!”

“I’ll see what I can do but he asked for you personally. Said you were recommended by a friend.” s**t, who the f**k would recommend me to a creep like that.

“Ok, thanks, Chrissy. I’m gonna get back to it” she smiles at me and I leave her to finish what she was doing.

•••

A few hours later I’m teaching a yoga class. All the rooms we hold the classes in have floor-to-ceiling glass windows so that other clients can see what’s going on inside and join if they wanted. The gym has loads of rooms for classes, we have yoga, spin class, self-defense class, there’s even a boxing ring. I have had a few matches in there myself. Milo and my other brother Zak have always taught me how to defend myself. Once I was old enough, we would all go to karate, boxing, and even kickboxing.

I was halfway through my class when I spotted Milo walking in through the front door with no other than Hayden. They looked like old friends laughing together, but Milo has never mentioned a friend called Hayden before. At least I don’t think he has. I watch them walk in and Hayden’s eyes snap to mine. I find myself smiling at him, he has a smug look plastered across his face. I can’t tear my eyes from him. They walk towards the boxing ring and the trance Hayden had over me is broken. I’m able to give my full concentration back to my class. I’ve decided I’m going to stay away from Hayden. It’s more trouble than it’s worth. He obviously comes from money and I’ve had to work hard to make sure I can look after Nana. I know Zak and Milo help out with money but it always seemed to be a struggle for us. We are complete opposites of each other. I bet he doesn’t even know how to look after anyone else other than himself.

•••

As I’m finishing up for the day and heading to my locker, I hear my phone buzzing. I open my locker and grab my phone from my bag. It’s a message from Nina.

‘ Chica, we have the night off and we are going out tonight. I’m not taking no for an answer. Il pick you up at 9,’

‘ If I have no choice, then fine. See you at 9.’

‘ None whatsoever. Love ya’

I grabbed my stuff and left the gym. Walking through the parking lot was creepy. I felt like I was being watched. I looked around but couldn’t see anyone. I got my keys out ready so I wasn’t standing around trying to find them. I hear a can rolling across the floor like it had just been kicked. There’s no wind in here. It’s an enclosed parking lot. The sound of tin rolling across the concrete echoes throughout the building. I turn and see someone duck behind a car. I walk faster. I’m almost at my car now.

“Amelia.” I hear my name hissed quietly. I can only just make it out. I turn around to see if I can see who it is and how close they are. I catch a glimpse of a shadow darting behind a pillar. Why the f**k did I park at the end of the f*****g parking lot. Someone’s hand lands on my shoulder. I spin around and punch my attacker in the face.

“Owww f**k!” I grab my hand to stop the pain. It feels like I’ve punched a brick wall.

“Are you ok? You look terrified. What’s up?” Hayden looks very concerned about me and completely unfazed that I punched him square in his beautiful face.

“What are you doing here?” I ask suspiciously.

“I parked in here. I was on a call in my car when I saw you. What was it?” So he does care about others.

“I thought I heard someone behind me… when I looked, I swear I saw someone!”

“Get in your car and lock the door!” He demands and runs off in the direction I was looking in.

“Hayden no!” He’s already reached the pillar. I thought I saw someone standing behind. He’s bloody fast. He looks around and walks back over to me.

“There’s no one here now. Would you like me to take you home?”

“It’s ok, I'll be fine. Thank you, Hayden.” I smile at him, truly grateful for his help.

“You got it right… my name.” I giggle at him and his smile broadens. His smile is beautiful, his dimple is so cute, he should smile more.

“At least let me walk you to your car.”

“Ok, thank you” we walk towards my car. The surrounding air is thick with tension. I quickly open the door and get in.

“I will see you then, Amelia.” He smiles and walks back over to his very fancy car. He climbs inside and sits, waiting for me to leave. I wave at him and start my car and drive home.

•••

“Chica, you ready?” Nina got here half an hour earlier than she said and is pestering me to hurry up.

“Almost” I walk out of my tiny closet and Nina nods her head in approval at my outfit. I have a red bodycon dress on that goes to above my knee. My long blonde hair is down and wavy and my makeup is done perfectly to make my baby blues pop.

“Damn girl you look hotttt”

“Me. Have you seen yourself, Nina? You are super sexy.” Nina is wearing a body-fitting green dress that hugs her in all the right places. She has her hair pulled back into a high ponytail with her long hair poker straight.

“Come on, let's go.” We walk down the stairs and I see Milo do a double take at Nina. I don’t know why he fights it. He obviously likes her.

“You two look nice. Have a good night.” Milo is all dressed up as well.

“Are you going out? Where’s Nana?”

“Yes I’m going out and Nana is fine. She’s gone to visit Zak, remember.” I forgot she was staying with Zak for a few nights. She goes every few months.

“Well, less chit-chat, more walking. The uber is here.” Nina nudge’s me towards the door.

“Have a good night” I shout over Nina to Milo.

“You too, be careful both of you!”

“I always am.” Nina winks at me, making me laugh.

•••

We hit a few bars before Nina decides we should just go to one of the nightclubs. We end up going to a new club called Entice. It opened up a couple of months ago and I’ve not been here yet. Yes, I’m a bit of a party girl. I love to dance and let loose. The club has a huge line outside but Nina strolls over to the doorman and says something and we stroll right into a load of groans behind us.

“How did you manage that?” I ask her.

“He comes to the bar and told me he would let us in anytime.” She pretends to dust her shoulders off.

“Wow!” We both say when we walk in. This club is on a whole different level. In the center of the room is a massive dance floor. Along one wall are private booths, some even have curtains that close for privacy.

On the other wall are multiple bars, each serving a specific drink. One serves cocktails, one serves spirits, one serves just beer and the other serves wine.

“Cocktails!” Nina grins at me and I nod my head in agreement. The place is packed already so we try to make our way towards the cocktail bar. One man grazes his hand across my ass as I walk by. I give him a dirty look and continue forward with Nina.

We get our drinks and make our way towards the booths. I’m already feeling tipsy so have no problem starting up a conversation with a good-looking guy who sat at one of them. Nina moves in on his friend and we sit chatting with them for a while.

“Oh, I love this song!” Nina stands up and pulls me onto the dance floor. We both dance along to the music, our bodies sway along to the beat. The music drummed in my ears. Nina moves her body so that she is rubbing up against me and a few of the men start to stare at us.

“Milo is here!” Nina pulls me towards her and shouts into my ear.

“What? Where?” She points over to the booth area and my eyes land on Hayden. He stands out above everyone else towering over most in the room. He looks so sexy in a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt that looks like it can only just contain his muscles. He has his hair styled in a classic quiff. It looks so smooth and suave. Women are falling over themselves to look at him. He looks over at me and it feels like his eyes are looking into my soul. My stomach does a flip and I quickly get back to the task at hand. Dancing with Nina. I can’t help myself though. Every time I get a chance my eyes flicker over to Hayden.

“He’s hot!” she shouts into my ear again.

“Yes, he is. He’s also not interested and even if he was, I’m not!” I shout back.

“Yeah, keep telling yourself that. He can’t stop looking at you and I know you like him. You can’t keep your pretty little eyes off him.”

“Let’s go get a drink.” I didn’t realize I kept looking at him. I need to sort myself out.

We headed back over to the booth we were sitting in before to find the two men still there, so I sat down and continued my chat. A waitress came over so I ordered a cocktail for both me and Nina, but I would keep glancing over at Hayden. I couldn’t stop myself. God, what is wrong with me?

He has a constant stream of women trying to talk to him and to my surprise, he keeps brushing them off.

Milo plops himself down next to me.

“What’s going on?” He shouts towards me. It’s not as loud here so I can hear better.

“Just out having a good time.” I wink at my brother and get an eye roll back.

“And who the f**k are these?” He points towards the two guys we are currently sitting with.

“Our new friends!” Nina shouts across. Milo doesn’t even look at her. His jaw clenches when she talks. I see the hurt flash in her eyes when he doesn’t look at her.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room.” She stands up.

“I’m coming as well” I give my brother a dirty look as I stand up to go with Nina.

“I’m sorry Mimi, I can’t help it when Milo is around I just…. “

“Hey don’t explain to me. Tell Milo how you feel. What harm can it do apart from maybe something coming from it? If not, then you know and can move on. I know my brother Nina and I know he likes you. I see the way he looks at you.”

“Yeah right, and that’s why he’s constantly flaunting other girls in my face.”

“My brother is a dick.” She laughs at this and I can see she feels a little better.

We make our way back to find the two guys gone and our table was taken over by Milo, Hayden, and two other men.

“Where are those two other guys?” I ask Milo.

“Why was this a date?” Hayden asks. I didn’t think he would be able to hear me through the noise of the music.

“No, we just met them and they were nice.”

“So you wanted to sleep with them?” He says with a nasty tone to it. This rubs me up the wrong way.

“No! But so what if I did. It’s none of your business!” one of the other guys says something to Hayden and gets up and walks away with the other guy I don’t know.

“Can I talk with you?” He asks me. The way he looks at me makes me feel weak in the knees. God, he’s so f*****g sexy.

“Sure.” I sit down in the booth next to him and notice he tenses up a little.

“I didn’t like you talking with them Amelia, I’m sorry if I overstepped, but I can’t help it when it comes to you.” What does that mean? Does he like me?

“It’s ok Hayden. Honestly, we just wanted to sit down and couldn’t find anywhere else.” He laughs at me and his laughter sounds like music for my soul. I really need to get a grip. This guy is way out of my league and is just been nice because of my brother.

“Hey, I forgot to ask. How do you know Milo?”

He takes a second to answer me.

“We work together but I’ve known Milo for a while now. He’s an old friend.” he nods his head as if he’s happy with the answer he’s given me.

I spent the rest of the night laughing and joking with Hayden. I keep looking over and Nina and Milo seem to be in a deep conversation. I hope they are telling each other how they feel. Them two are meant to be together. I feel at ease with Hayden. The conversation comes so easily with him.

“It’s getting late. I’m gonna go home.”

“I’ll take you home.”

“Ok, let me see if Nina is coming.” I turn to ask Nina and find her sucking my brother’s face off.

“I think she’s good!” I say. Hayden laughs.

“Yep, she seems good to me.”

He takes my hand and the moment he touches me, I get tingles. He looks down at our hands and I see a smile play on his lips.

“My car is over here.” He says as we leave the club.

“Have you not been drinking?”

“No. I haven’t had anything to drink tonight.”

“Oh… why did you go to the club if you weren’t drinking?”

He doesn’t answer my question.

“I want to ask if you would like to go somewhere with me one day?”

“Go somewhere with you?” He nods his head at me and smiles. His smile is beautiful.

“Like a date?” I ask, completely confused.

“Yes, you are very special Amelia.” I can’t help smiling like a school kid and nodding my head.

“Is that a yes?”

“Yes.” Hayden drives me home and walks me to my door like a perfect gentleman.

“Can I pick you up tomorrow?” He asks me.

“I don’t finish work until 11 tomorrow night, but I have the whole day off on Monday.”

“I will pick you up from work. Until tomorrow.” He leans down and kisses my cheek. I get a strange sensation when his lips touch my skin. It feels like little fireworks explode on my skin. I can feel my skin heating up from the blush that’s creeping up my face. I open the door and step inside the house, closing the door behind me. As soon as I close the door, I do my happy dance.

•••

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

Someone is banging on the front door. I glance at the clock, it’s 2.30 am. Milo must have forgotten his keys. I drag myself out of bed and go to open the door. As it opens, no one is stood there. I pop my head out and look around, but I can’t see Milo anywhere. I close the door, grab my phone out of my bag on the sofa and go back to my room and grab my phone to see where he is.

“Hello.” He groggily answers the phone.

“Milo, are you asleep?”

“I was!”

“Are you at home? Someone was banging on the door.”

“No, I’m at Nina’s. Who was banging on the door?” I smile when he says this.

“No one was there. Probably the wrong house. I’m gonna go back to bed, have fun, Milo.” He grunts and hangs up the phone.

As I’m settling back down for the night, someone bangs on the door again. I sit up in my bed and listen.

BANG BANG BANG BANG

I walk back down the stairs and try to see who it is from the window. It’s someone dressed in black. They have a black hoodie on and it’s pulled up over their head.

I unlock my phone ready to call the police when it rings in my hand, scaring the life out of me.

“Hello!” I whisper into the phone. I don’t want whoever is on the other side of the door to hear me.

“Amelia.” A hoarse voice comes through my phone.

“Yes, who is this?”

“Amelia. I’ve waited for you for so long.” My blood runs cold.

“Who is this?” I demand, raising my voice. The knocking has stopped now. I wonder if it’s him. I peek out the window, but whoever it was is gone now.

“Soon. We'll be together soon.” The call disconnects and I’m stood feeling terrified, alone in my living room.

I run back up the stairs and throw the cover over my head. I struggle to get back to sleep. Every time I’m about to nod off, I think I hear a noise. It sounds like someone is walking around downstairs, but I know I locked the house up. My imagination is getting the best of me.