Desires in Haven: Jaded Flames

Chapter 19: Hunt or be Hunted

I glanced at the clock on my wall for what felt like the hundredth time, the seconds ticking by with a strange, quiet urgency. Max was supposed to be here any minute, and somehow, the waiting was the hardest part. I wasn’t nervous, not exactly. Or at least, that’s what I kept telling myself.

I stood in front of the mirror, absently adjusting the strap of my dress for the third time. It was a simple dress, one I hadn’t thought too much about when I pulled it from the back of my closet, but somehow it felt different tonight. It was as if every stitch and seam reminded me that this wasn’t just any night—it was our first official date. Which, ironically, felt like it carried a little weight, especially after the less-than-perfect lunch date.

No one came to visit me this time around. I guess they both told me how they felt on the situation, it’s up to me now.

A faint vibration snapped me out of my thoughts. It was a text from Max: “Be there in two minutes” It was odd, this feeling of anticipation that wasn’t exactly nerves. It was softer, like the warmth of a blanket or the first sip of hot chocolate. It was so unfamiliar that I almost didn’t trust it.

I head out of my room and too my surprise Kai is standing at the door. Looking as if he was about to knock but I prevented it. “Oh hey, wassup” I say trying to stay calm. “Umm well I was coming to let you know I’ll be on duty while you’re on your date tonight” he says before putting both of his hands to his side. “Oh is that all you had to say?” I ask

“Yeah that it” he says looking straight ahead.

Of course he wasn’t going to make his presence known to Max but he’ll be watching from the shadows following closely behind. Especially since the lunch incident. Alex did give me permission to go on the lunch date unaccompanied because it was mid day and not too far away but he sees that was a clear mistake on his judgment.

I make my way down the corridor leading to the parking lot but I turn to see if Kai was behind me. He wasn’t. I wanted to talk to him more tonight but I guess it’ll have to wait. I have so many questions.

A black truck pulls up in front of me, and Max hops out. I look up to find him looking so ravishing, I know I’m standing there looking dumbstruck. “Good evening beautiful lady, are you ready for a great night out?” “ Yes I’m ready” I say at barely a whisper.

“Jade” “ Yes” “Don’t look away from me when you’re talking” that caught me by surprise. Made me feel warm inside “ummm ok max” “sorry”

He walks up to me talking my hand “Don’t say sorry either unless you’re in trouble” “ And right now you’re being a good girl” I shot up at him. Looking confused. I can start my p***y juices starting to flow. “Hey max what do you mean by that?” I ask. Trying to keep my composure. “Oh don’t worry about it, let’s get our evening started” opening the door for me to slide into the truck.

Why did that just turn me on so much. I know Max is handsome but why did him calling me a good girl set off this fire inside me. Only Kai was able to do that. And he’s really the only man I want. Maybe I can want both ?

I’m in my thoughts but also very aware of Max. He has on a black suit no tie, with a white shirt that’s slightly unbuttoned at the top showing some of his chest. His cologne is intoxicating. He smells so good.

He has his hair slicked back with a taper fade. And a gold chain that looks so good against his sun tanned skin.

“So for tonight we will have dinner then I have another surprise for you.” He says looking directly into my eyes. Like he’s looking into my soul. I look away not being able to stand the tension. I didn’t know this side of him. He’s always so goofy and loud who would have thought he had such a demanding presence.

I could feel his gaze upon me like I was an animal being hunted. Not in a bad way. I think I kind of enjoyed it. I turn to look at him to see if he’d look away but he have his eyes locked on me. They are hooded and dark at the moment. Turning me on even more I move ever so slightly to the left because I feel my juices starting to flow even more.

Although we are beast we aren’t animals. But I know Max can smell me from here. I try to control myself “So umm Max that surprise you mentioned earlier can I have a hint?” I ask in a more playful tone to lighten the mood. “Well when I think about it I don’t know a hint that wouldn’t give it away” “so I’ll have to pass on the hint giving”

“Well I guess I could wait, a little longer.”

“Yeah we’re pulling up to the restaurant now” just as he says that the truck comes to a slow then stop.

He gets out talking with the driver then comes to get me. He holds his arm out which I grab and we head inside. A waitress guides us to our seat. And hands us a menu. I look up to her and see her eyes stuck on max. “ anything else sir?” She asks “Bo thank you” he says keeping his eyes on me.

If I’m being honest I don’t see any red flags with max so far he’s showed just how much of a gentleman he is. At least he likes me. And I like him as well.

We have dinner chatting about how school have been so far. I mention how hard it was for me at the beginning but how I’m adjusting pretty quickly. Max comes from a family of warriors so he knew when he was born who he was.

The conversation was effortless and I really enjoyed myself. Once we was done with dessert Max paid and we left.

“On to the surprise” he says while putting me into the truck. “You look very beautiful tonight Jade” “thank you” I say checks in fire but I looked away. He grabs my chin and turn my head to look at him “you don’t have to look away when someone gives you a compliment” as he leans back into his seat “I know about your past but you’re stronger than you were it’s time to act like it.” He says almost like a big brother would have.

“You will have to change into this though” he says passing me a white jumper and goggles. Oh yeah we’re about to have fun.

We stop and I see the neon lights PAINTBALL STUDIO. We head in and the hunt is on. He booked a private room for just us two. I saw the lights turn from red to green as to go and I took off. Hiding behind the mounds shooting at any movement and running immediately after. I was having the time of my life. I only had a few more bullets left and it hit me I haven’t actually seen max yet. Oh I’m sure I got him doe. I look down at myself and I’m covered in paint. Thank God I have a high paint tolerance I almost didn’t feel when I got hit.

The timer start to count down and right when it hits 10 seconds left I can sense max presence really close to me. I break for the tunnel in the room but the presence never left I look at the time I have 3 seconds left and as I slid into it I see him directly in front of me. I close my eyes. The buzzer goes off. GAMEOVER.

That was more than fun it was exhilarating. He helps me up and I look at his suit. It’s spotless . I really was the prey and he showed me exactly how he’d hunt me. “I can smell you baby girl”