The Bringer Of Death

Chapter 11

Serena POV

"What are you doing here, Clayton?" I ask and he smiles down at me.

He was wearing a nice black button-up and a pair of black jeans. His hair was slicked back attractively. He looked ready for a date.

"The real question is, why are you going for a walk on the beach by yourself? Isn't it a little late to be out in the dark alone?" He asks with a playful tone.

I cross my arms over my chest self-consciously.

"Walking on the beach alone is a great way to clear your mind," I tell him and he nods his head.

"Plus I can more than handle myself. Now, why are you here?" I ask with harshness in my voice. He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I came to apologize for my behavior. What I asked was not fair of me and I was just caught in the moment. I'm sorry for the way I acted and I have no excuse for it."

I stared at him as he looked up and met my eyes.

He was standing there so awkwardly like he had never apologized to someone before and didn't know if he was doing it right.

I let a deep breath out as I let the situation roll out.

I stare at him for a few more seconds before I point a finger at him.

"No more crazy shit, alright?" I ask but a smile peaks at the corner of my lips.

"Cross my heart," He says putting his hands up with a smile. "I got something to make up for it."

I watch as he leans down and grabs something from the floor before pulling it into view.

A little basket with a bottle of red wine, two glasses, and a baguette.

I look from the basket and then up to him.

"How did you know I was going to be here and not out with Spencer and Joyce?" I ask curiously.

"Your friend knows you better than you think," He says while leaning against the door frame. "Now how about that walk on the beach?"

A wide smile forms on my lips.

Not exactly how I pictured the night going, but I would take it.

* * *

The night was beautiful, perfect for a walk on the beach.

The moon was bright above the ocean, giving light to the night.

The cold sand between my toes, my dress whipping behind me from the wind, and the warm hand holding mine.

I look up at Clayton and smile to myself before looking forward again.

"Want to sit?" I ask and he looks down at me with a small nod. I lead him over to a few chairs and sit on the edge of one. He sets the basket in the sand before sitting next to me.

My eyes move to the stars in appreciation of their beauty.

"The stars are so bright here," I say in nearly a whisper. "I have never seen them so beautiful before."

The sounds of the waves could have drowned out my voice as he didn't speak for a while.

"You should see them in winter when they are paired with the cold brisk air," He says and I look over my shoulder at him. His head was craned up to the sky, his Adam's apple bulging out over his shirt.

He slowly moves his head to look at me and I give a small smile.

"Care for some wine?" He asks in a husky voice.