QAIS

Chapter 4: The Doe and the Hunter

The scent of musk and sandalwood invaded her senses. And then she became aware of the second presence inside the car.

She screamed, huddling against the door without even looking back. The moment she turned to look around however any words were left hanging in her mouth.

To say he was attractive would be an understatement. He had stunning blue eyes that were shadowed by messy black locks. A man in his mid-twenties. His lips formed a perfect cupid bow. He looked a descendent of aphrodite herself.

Anyone would be awestruck. He had the kind of beauty that had people turn their heads back. Far more dangerous and intimidating than any weapon, if he wanted to. And far more bewitching than any angel if he liked.

Layla felt like she was sinning just looking at him.

A brow was arched at her as his curious blue eyes landed on her hazels. What was she doing in his car?

It took a second for Layla to realize. "Oh uh... there's d-dogs outside.. after me.." She struggled to form her words, hoping he wouldn't kick her out. "J-just let me stay until they leave... please."

He glanced at the window behind her. Sure enough there were dogs loitering outside.

When he didn't say anything in objection, Layla breathed in relief and sat more properly, but still at the edge of her seat. She could feel his intent gaze on her.

He watched her chest rise and fall, panic and fear of being trapped, unable to go out or stay in comfortably with a stranger. He could hear her hammering heart against her weak body as her small form huddled close to the door, putting as much distance between them as possible. She looked so vulnerable, like a cornered bambi.

Mischief birthed in those striking ocean eyes. Qais felt like he got a solution to his boredom.

The loud thudding heart of hers, enticing Qais to feel it stop. The husky wavering breaths. The flush of her pale skin. So delicate, as if it'll bruise at a touch. It was so damn tempting.

Should he kill her?

He tilted his head for a better look. Imagining the smooth skin under all that layers of clothes... Stained with dark red. The dark inky hair under that ridiculous shawl...Disheveled over her lifeless eyes... Eyes, Oh eyes... The look of those starry eyes. She looked like a doe. A doe that had come to the hunter on her own.

Too bad he didn't have any knife on him right now. He tutted in disappointment.

Layla looked at him flustered as he cocked his head, eyeing her as if she was something to eat.

He could strangle her though. Watch the life leave those pretty eyes. The little fair skin of her neck peaking from the shawl was all too enticing. The delicate veins could almost be seen. But that was too much energy and he was tired after traveling for hours.

His lower lip jutted in thought, weighing his options. Layla felt heat rushing up her neck now, why was he staring at her? There wasn't something wrong with him mentally.... was there?

He did have his gun however. The ocean eyes sparkled as he imagined the black metal against her soft skin. Or a piercing hole in her head. Or maybe he should aim for the lungs and see the crimson blood drip down her strawberry lips.

But just the thought of the noise of the gunshot intensified his headache. He sighed.

Maybe some other day.

Layla awkwardly looked anywhere but at him now. He had yet to say a word. Maybe he couldn't speak? She suddenly thought. Oh no.

Her heart swelled with empathy at the thought. He suddenly looked so innocuous. Her kindliness overcoming his intimidation.