Blood Moon

ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜʀᴇᴇ: ᴀɴɢᴇʟ

As you were finishing eating dinner, Ransom was listening to you tell a story about a rude customer that always made you laugh. He didn't know how long he had been sitting here with you, all he knew is that it had gotten a lot darker outside.

He spent the entire night laughing and smiling, which made him realize that he couldn't remember the last time he had enjoyed himself this much around Christmas time. Usually, Christmas meant a bunch of parties with his family that always ended with his family members screaming at each other and at him.

He was enjoying himself so much that he didn't want the night to end. Whenever he felt like the conversation started to die down, he would quickly think of something to say and ask you questions that, he hoped, would get you to talk for a little while longer.

He hit the jackpot when he asked you if you liked to read and what kind of books you liked to read. Instantly, he saw the excitement in your eyes and he smiled to himself. He had just bought himself a lot more time.

You and Ransom had a lot in common, especially when it came to books. You liked the same genres and a lot of the same authors so the conversation came easily to the both of you.

''It must have been incredible to grow up around your grandfather and see the magic happen.'' You grinned.

''It's one of the reasons why I like to read so much.'' Ransom admitted.

''What are the others?'' You asked, resting your chin in your hand to hold your head up.

You could feel yourself getting more tired with every minute that passed, but just like Ransom, you didn't want this night to end.

He hesitated before answering.

''If you're not comfortable with telling me, you don't have to.'' You quickly reassured him.

He shrugged and looked down at the table. ''Books were my way of escaping my life. You know my family... Let's just say they didn't become this chaotic recently.'' He chuckled, he almost sounded sad.

With your free hand you reached over to him, taking his hand in yours and giving it a gentle squeeze. He looked up and smiled softly.

''I just loved being able to escape to another city, another universe whenever things were bad at home. I could just lock myself up in my room, open a book and suddenly everything was alright.'' He confessed.

It was the first time that he'd talk about himself this freely with someone that wasn't his grandfather. He was usually so closed up, it was an odd feeling for him to open himself up. Especially with a woman he met the day before, but there was something about you that made him relax, he truly felt like he could trust you with anything and you'd never judge him.

He looked down at your hand on his, he squeezed it back and his thumb started brushing the back of your hand.

''I'm sure I have a few books at home that I could lend you, if you need to escape.'' You offered, a small shiver going through you.

''Yeah?'' He asked, his gaze finding yours.

You nodded.

''You're sweet. Thank you angel.''

The way he was looking at you in this moment made you want to melt.

He kept your hand in his, his thumb hadn't stopped moving. With his free hand, he grabbed his phone to check if he had any messages; technically he was still ''working'' though he never really stopped. That's when he noticed the time. It was 12:30. He put his phone back on the table, face down and brought his attention back to you. He didn't want to tell you how late it was, he didn't want you to want to leave but then when he looked back at your face he could see how tired you were.