Page 4 of One Last Wish (The Elder World)

“Y ou scared the shit out of me! Why do you have to be so fucking reckless!” Evelyn was furious by the time we arrived back at the apartment. The events of the last hour had completely sobered her up. “You might not value your life, Alora, but I fucking do !”

“I honestly thought I’d be alright! I didn’t intentionally try to kill myself.”

“Are you sure about that? If I need to sort out an intervention, I will!” Jeez, she was such a drama queen at times. “Why are you smirking, nothing is funny about this! You could have died !”

“But I didn’t, which means we can move the fuck on!” It was almost two in the morning. I was exhausted. “I’m going to bed. You can reprimand me more in the morning.” Evelyn gave me a look but didn’t say anything.

I didn’t even get changed. After collapsing onto my bed, I passed out within minutes.

My dreams began to replay the bridge scene over and over. Between Evelyn’s screams and my hand slipping, I felt myself falling downwards. Even my dreams made no sense. If I was falling down, how did I end up on my back ?

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“Y OU WON’T WORK IT OUT . Forget it!” That familiar male voice called to me. “You’ll drive yourself crazy. Forget it and live , Alora.” It was a soft plea.

“What if this life isn’t enough?” I asked the voice. “I don’t belong anywhere! I’m lost.”

“Lost? Is that what you think you are? You have people around you who care. You don’t fit in because you choose to be an outsider.” That was bullshit! “You could have a fulfilled life if you opened your eyes.”

“I don’t fit in because I’m different !”

“You think so highly of yourself. You choose to push people away. Your loneliness is on you. You could be the same as everyone else if you let people in.”

“Look, asshole! I don’t know who the fuck you are, but get the hell out of my head...or dream! Whatever the hell this is!” Was I really arguing with a voice in my dream?

A soft laugh. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

“For what? Annoying the fuck out of me?”

“You’ll understand one day.” The male voice chuckled as a whisper of dark mist touched my forehead.

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I JUMPED, SITTING UP in bed and reaching for my head. Shit! That felt real ! I could still feel the coolness of the shadow, which had felt like a soft caress. Now might be the time to check myself into the mental ward. Was my brain malfunctioning? This was getting out of hand.

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E VELYN DIDN’T SPEAK to me at all on Sunday. By Monday morning, I was getting one word answers, at least.

“Did you want a coffee?” I asked her while we were both eating breakfast.

“Yeah.”

“Have you got early lectures this morning?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you still think I’m a reckless asshole?”

“YES!” Great! This was going to take longer to sort out than I thought. I didn’t have the energy right now, though. Looking at the time, I was running late for work.

Grabbing my work hoodie, I threw it on over my head. “We’ll talk about this later, okay?”

“You’re going to work ? What if you have a concussion?”

“What else would I be doing at this time of the morning?” I pointed out. “I told you, I didn’t hit my head. I’m fine. I don’t have a single bruise on me.”

“If you get any headaches, let Theo take you to the hospital, okay?”

Shit! “Evelyn, please tell me you didn’t?” I groaned, knowing fully well that she had . On the few nights out with Theo, I knew they’d exchanged numbers. I couldn’t believe she’d told him, though. Theo would be on my case all day.

“What? I need someone to keep an eye on you. Theo was the best option.”

“He already stalks me at work! How much did you tell him?”

“Only that you’d had a fall on Saturday night. I’ve asked him to keep an eye on you for me.” Fucking great! Glaring at her, I grabbed my bag and headed for the front door. “You’re welcome!” Evelyn shouted before I shut the door.

Why did her words make me think of my imaginary male voice from my dreams? I was a little disappointed that the voice hadn’t visited me last night. For the first time in weeks, I slept soundly until my alarm went off.

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T HEO WAS ALREADY WAITING outside Bookends as I approached. Ugh! It was going to be a long day!

“Alora, Evelyn told me what happened! Are you okay?” Theo was by my side in an instant, checking over my face, looking for any signs of pain. He didn’t touch me, but worry was all over his features. Once his blue-grey eyes had realised I’d come to no harm, he ran his hands through his well kept, short brown hair, and moved so I could punch the alarm code in.

“I’m fine. I don’t need all the fuss. Evelyn has blown this way out of proportion, as usual!”

“She asked me not to leave your side today, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.” I was going to kill my roommate!

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T HEO WASN’T KIDDING , the guy only left me alone when I needed to go to the restroom. By lunchtime, I was ready to punch him! Spending this much time with another person was excruciating.

“Are you going with Evelyn to that midnight release of Secret Assassin next Monday?”

“Oh...Oh...Yeah, I forgot to say, all the tickets are sold now. Evelyn is coming with me, though.”

“I got a spare ticket last week. I didn’t like the idea of you going alone. Now the three of us can go together just like last year.” This guy really didn’t give up easily, did he? “I’ve asked for next Monday off, too. I thought we could go for a meal Sunday night before the release party? We can meet Evelyn at the party.”

“She’ll need to eat. We can all go together.” I forced a smile, looking outside through the display window. I needed to look anywhere but at Theo right then.

My breath caught at the sight of a man, dressed all in black, reading the information about the job opportunities at the bookstore. His hair was a messy, mid-length style, that must have been blown around by the wind. I couldn’t even make out the full features of his face, because his head was tilted away from me, but every cell in my body seemed to be drawn to him. Holy shit! I’d give him the job right now if he would simply look at me.

His head snapped up within seconds, and our eyes locked. Fuck! Yes, he could have me... No, I mean... the job! His gaze was dark and commanding, mesmerising. I swallowed hard and gripped the counter, checking that I wasn’t dreaming. This guy was fucking gorgeous ! I had never seen a more heavenly creature with an edge of sin surrounding him. The contours of his divine face spoke to me. This man was the epitome of bad , and was exactly what I had been looking for.

“Alora!” Theo made me look in his direction. “Are you even listening to me?” Nope, not with the hot guy outside. Theo was the furthest thing from my mind. Moving my gaze back outside, my body slumped! He was gone! Damn it! “What are you even looking at?”

“There was a guy outside,” I mumbled, moving towards the door. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of him walking away.

“What? By the window?” Theo frowned. “I didn’t see anyone.” He didn’t? “Are you feeling okay? Maybe you need to sit down for a while?”

“Maybe. I’ll go and check the returns while you man the tills.” At least I could get rid of him for a few hours. It was only the two of us until Alice got in a little later.

I sat, picturing the gorgeous man that had been outside the bookstore. Theo must have seen him. He was probably jealous because I’d been drooling over a total stranger instead of him. I’d never seen such a fine specimen of a man. The problem with living in New York, however, was that you hardly ever bumped into the same person twice. I wanted to do more than bump into him, though. With his dark, hooded gaze, I would let him fuck me within minutes . I really needed to get laid, but now, every guy was going to be measured up against him .

I was fucked, and not in a good way!

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E VELYN WAS WAITING for me on the cream couch when I got home. “Theo told me you were hallucinating at work,” she blurted out while I was pouring myself some water. “I really think you need to get checked over by a doctor.”

“Evelyn, how many times do I have to say it? I. Am. Fine. It was a hot guy that I was perving at through the front window. Theo was clearly jealous and looking for a reason to stalk my ass! That’s what he is! A fucking stalker !”

“Don’t be so dramatic! He’s crazy about you, yes, but he’s harmless. I don’t know why you won’t go on a date with him at least! He cares about you.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” I glared. “Perhaps it’s because he’s not my type !”

“You mean he’s not the fuck and leave you type?”

“YES!”

“Why are you on self destruct, Alora? I have tried to be blind to it all, but why do you hate yourself so much?”

“Oh, fuck off! How I live my life is none of your concern, okay? I lead an uncomplicated life for a reason, and it’s none of your fucking business! If you carry on with this shit, I’ll move out!”

“Fucking do it! I don’t fucking need your money! Good luck finding somewhere as cheap!” Anger flared across her face. “I’m sorry for giving a shit! Don’t worry, lesson learned. I’m fucking done trying to be your friend! You can go to that Secret Assassin midnight launch alone next week. I’m fucking done!” Well, shit! I had really touched a nerve.

“Evelyn....”

“No, Alora. If you want to be a cold hearted bitch, fine! But I’m not letting you get to me anymore. I feel sorry for Theo! He really fucking likes you, the idiot!” Picking up her phone, I knew she was done. She wasn’t planning on talking to me anytime soon. At least I’d get some peace and quiet!

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T HE REST OF THE WEEK went quickly because of work. Richard was finally gone and Mary was still off sick, so I picked up most of the extra shifts. Malcolm told me that he had found Richard’s replacement, who would be starting next Wednesday. The fact he was male, gave me a small hope that it might have been the gorgeous guy that had been looking at the job advert outside. Could I be that lucky?

Evelyn snubbed me until Friday, when she found out that I was going out with the work lot on Saturday night. She never could resist a night out that included alcohol.

It was only with Theo, Ned, and Daisy, but I’d agreed thinking Evelyn wasn’t talking to me anymore. I rarely went out with work colleagues, with the exception of Theo, who would simply invite himself or turn up at the bar or club we were in. I had no doubt it was because Evelyn would message him.

Going clubbing meant an actual outfit choice. It felt nice to wear something different than my usual tight jeans and work polo. I only had around five clubbing outfits, but opted for my short, tight, silver sequin dress tonight. It had been almost twelve weeks since I’d gotten laid. I was on a mission tonight.

Putting my hair into a high ponytail, I checked my makeup before joining Evelyn in the living room. She was already downing shots of Vodka. She looked the total opposite of me in her black dress with long brown hair down in soft ringlets.

“Look at us. We are like good and evil,” she snorted, offering me a shot of vodka. “Friends?”

“We were never friends,” I smirked, taking the shot. Evelyn knew that was the best apology she’d get from me.

Theo and the rest of them were waiting outside Studio 74 for Evelyn and me when we got there. Theo’s eyes almost fell out of his head when he took me in.

“H...Hi, Alora. Y...You look nice,” he stuttered, standing there in his blue checked shirt. He couldn’t look more like the boy next door if he tried.

“Theo,” Evelyn put her arms around his shoulders. “The words are, ‘ You look sexy as hell, Alora!’ or ‘Damn, girl, you are mighty fine .’ Until you can master that, you don’t stand a chance.” Did she forget I was right here ?

“Oh...I...” The poor guy didn’t know where to look.

“Come on, let’s go in. I need a drink.” Daisy and Ned walked in first. Something told me there might be a little romance blooming between them.

The club wasn’t packed yet. It was easy to get to the bar and find a booth for us all to sit down in.

“Did Malcolm tell you about the new guy starting next week?” Daisy shouted over the table.

“No, not much,” I muttered, bored. I wanted to dance and find some hot guy to have sex with down the alley.

“I know his name. Malcolm left some of his details on his desk earlier.” Okay, now my interest peaked a little. I urged her to continue with my eyes. “Darce Undergrove. He’s twenty six and has only just moved to New York.” Darce? What...as in Mr. Darcy ? Damn it! He sounded like a librarian in love with all the classics! Don’t get me wrong, I loved a few of the classics—mostly Lorna Doone, The Great Gatsby and Wuthering Heights—but I had been hoping for someone that sounded a little more... interesting .

“How did you find all of that out?” Ned shook his head. “You had a real good look on Malcolm’s desk, didn’t you?”

“I was curious!” Daisy shrugged, giggling.

Darce Undergrove . Just saying his name made me picture a guy in a knitted cardigan. Twenty six wasn’t much older than me, though. I would be fine working with him as long as he didn’t develop a crush on me like Theo had, and more importantly, he stayed out of my way!

“You’ll be the one training him anyway, Alora,” Theo muttered. “Malcolm doesn't trust anyone else. You trained me so well, after all.”

“Tone it down, loverboy,” Evelyn snorted, giving me a nod to join her on the dance floor as she stood up. Theo stood to join us, but Evelyn pushed him back down with her hand. “No, this is a girls’ dance. At least wait until she’s drunk. Don’t you pay attention to anything I tell you?” Everyone around the table laughed as I led Evelyn away.

“You’ve got to stop making Theo think he stands a chance with me,” I shouted into her ear once we were on the dance floor.

“I can’t help it. His little face when he looks at you...he’s like a little lost puppy. Haven’t I saved you from him numerous times tonight, though?” She made a fair point. “Are you sure you don’t like him a teeny tiny bit? I think you might be destined for each other.”

“NO!” I laughed out loud. “He’s not my type !”

“Oh, and what is?” I scanned around the club. It was hard to see too far with the smoke machine going off. There had to be at least one hot guy in here that was my type. “You see, you can’t find one. I swear you make up your bad boy type so you can push good guys like Theo away.”

Still looking, my eyes caught the back of a tall, dark haired guy. “Him,” I pointed over towards him. Okay, I couldn't see his face yet, but he was a better choice than Theo !

“Where? Who are you pointing at?”

“The tall dude by the bar!” Evelyn squinted her eyes, looking over in that direction. “He’s right by the bar ! How can you miss him?”

“It’s smoky! Go and fucking get him then! Go and get laid! It might make you more bearable and less suicidal!” Evelyn huffed, pushing me in his direction.

The smoke machine made it difficult to keep my eyes on him, but when he turned in my direction, I froze in place. Dark, hooded eyes were looking directly at me. It was him ! It was the gorgeous guy from outside Bookends! There were still a few people between us, but we both stood motionless, his expression unreadable. Was that desire or annoyance?

A woman stumbled into me, laughing. I grabbed her to stop us both from falling. Once I looked back up, he’d vanished yet again. What the actual fuck? Where did he go this time? Reaching the bar where he’d been standing, I looked around. He was nowhere to be seen. Was I going crazy?

Evelyn was dancing with Ned and Daisy when I got back to her. “That was fucking quick!”

“He disappeared.” I frowned, looking back, hoping I’d see him by the bar again.

“He probably ran scared,” she teased, grabbing my hand and spinning me around. “Dance and drink!” She smiled, handing me a few shots that Theo had brought over. “I’m sure he’ll come back if you keep swinging that ass!” Evelyn had a point. If I wanted to draw him out, my body would do the job.

I drank and danced for a good few hours. The music totally consumed me. Theo had tried countless times to dance with me, but I kept pushing him away while looking to see if those dark, hooded eyes were watching me from somewhere in the club. Sadly, I didn’t see him, but I did notice a group of creepy guys checking me out.

I moved away from them only to find Evelyn had her lips locked with some stocky guy. Theo, Ned and Daisy had already left an hour ago, as it was almost three in the morning. They weren’t quite the party animals Evelyn and I were.

“Hey, sexy. Come and dance with us,” a guy slurred, grabbing my waist. When I looked up, I realised it was the group of men I’d tried to move away from. All five of them now surrounded me in a circle; I couldn’t get out.

“Let me go!” I fumed, pushing at one of their chests. Shit! He didn’t budge.

“Oh, we’ve got a little firecracker. We like those, don't we boys?” Another guy chuckled, his eyes roaming over my body. “How about we take this fine piece of ass out to the alley? You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“NO! I fucking wouldn’t!” I yelled, shoving hard with all my strength, breaking through the wall these assholes had put around me.

“Hey, where do you think you’re going?” One of the guys grabbed my arm, trying to pull me back into the group of men.

“She said no !” A male voice boomed from beside me. My skin began to tingle as I took in the utterly beautiful man standing next to me. If I thought he was good looking from a distance, up close, he was breathtaking !

“This doesn’t concern you!” the guy seethed at him.

The gorgeous guy’s stance looked deadly as he spoke. “I’ll say this only once. Let. Her. Go! ” Whatever threat he held in his eyes worked; I was released and the men backed off.

Turning to look at me, he seemed a little lost for words. It was as if he hadn’t planned this far. “Thank you,” I whispered, becoming lost in the depth of his almost black eyes. It must have been the smoke, but I swear I could see specks of gold and silver in them. Like a whole universe was hiding inside.

“You’re welcome,” he beamed with the most breathtaking grin before darting back into the crowd.

I tried to reach for him, I didn’t want to be separated from him so quickly, but Evelyn touched my shoulder. “Holy fuck! Was that him ? The dude you saw earlier?” Well, at least I wasn’t imagining him.

“Yeah, that...that was really odd .”

“Why? What do you mean?”

“He didn’t stay and talk to me,” I frowned. It wasn’t only that, though. I’d heard his voice before, but I couldn’t place where.

“Awww, you mean your sexiness didn’t work this time? You poor baby. You’ll have to try harder next time.” Evelyn sniggered. If I saw him again. “Are you ready to go? That dude I was kissing...his lips felt like I was kissing a fish!” A fish? I had to laugh at her. Nodding, I looked back into the crowd, desperate to see those eyes one last time. The guys that tried to lure me outside kept their distance. How had my saviour threatened five guys with one look, anyway? Maybe he showed them a knife, or worse, a gun! Getting mixed up with this guy might have been bad news, but who was I kidding? Those eyes were something I wasn’t going to forget anytime soon.

It was safe to say, I was already caught up in his web. I hadn’t been able to get him off my mind since I’d seen him outside Bookends.

Knowing he’d saved me, I’d search every club and bar until I found him again, all the while praying he might find me first.