Darkest Desires [Joel Miller]

4

As I was finished with my first shift at Vasantas bar (I was officially hired to work there) and closed the door behind me, I could feel someone's presence behind me. And it wasn't a friendly presence. I pulled the jacket closer to my body, covering myself up and took out my phone just in case I needed to call for help.

It was a dark autumn night and the streets were quiet. So quiet I could hear my own heart beating faster in my chest. I took a quick glance to the back, seeing a black hooded figure but I couldn't recognize him. I only know it was a man. I quickened my pace and I turned to the corner of the streets, which was the fastest way to the Miller's house. The black figure behind me quickened his pace as well, confirming my fear that I was in fact being followed.

"Fuck..."I mumbeled to myself. I quickened my pace once more, hoping to get safely to the Miller's house.

Seeing that I was about to reach Miller's house, I reached for the keys in my bag with trembling hands. When I reached the front of the house, I felt someone grabbing my hand, pulling me closer to them. I was about to scream but he covered my mouth with his hand, preventing me from making a sound. 

"Don't scream, Daisy,"he whispered, letting his other hand fall to his side.

"Marcus?"I asked him, hearing his familiar voice. "Fucking hell, you scared me to death."

I punched his chest, mad at him for scaring me like that. I wasn't happy about seeing him but it could have been worse. He let go of me, sighing.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,"he said, looking at me. "I just... needed to talk to you properly."

"About what?" I didn't even know why I asked, knowing very well what he wanted to talk about.

 "Daisy, I admit, I made a mistake,"he said, sighing again. "Please, come back to me."

"Really? You think I would come back to you after you cheated on me?"I asked, rolling my eyes. "Not to mention, you hit me."

He wanted to take my hand but I took a quick step back, not letting him touch me. "I know and I feel like shit."

"Great, you should feel like shit."

Marcus rubbed his face with hands, pacing around. He looked at me with his sad eyes and I almost felt sorry for him but I didn't let his sad eyes affect me. I didn't want to go back to him, no matter how much he apologized.

"Daisy, please..."he begged. "I need you."

I shaked my head. "Marcus, we are done. You can beg me and apologize how many times you want but I won't come back."

Suddenly his whole demeanor changed: he grabbed my arm, a burning look in his eyes. My heart started to beat faster again, knowing this won't end well if I don't do something.  

"You will regret it, Daisy,"he whispered, squeezing my arm.

"Let go of me, Marcus."

He didn't let go of me, squeezing my arm even harder. My mind told me to do something but I was too shocked by his burning eyes that still looked into mine. Suddenly the front door opened, revealing Joel who pushed Marcus away from me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I've never seen Joel this angry. Even Marcus was startled by Joel's sudden appearance for a moment but he quickly turned to his normal demeanor, trying to play it cool.

"I need to talk to Daisy. It's none of your business."

"It is my business if you're hurting her."

Joel was tightening his grip around Marcus's arm, giving him a threatening look. Marcus was trying to play it cool but I knew he was a little bit afraid of Joel by his body language. Joel was a lot taller and muscular than Marcus and Marcus knew he had no chance against Joel.

"Get inside, Daisy,"Joel said in a commanding tone. 

"But Joel.."

"I said, get inside, Daisy,"he gave me a quick glance, making sure I was okay. "I'll deal with him."

I went inside, feeling relieved to be far away from Marcus. I left my jacket in the corridor, not caring one bit that I should probably hang it up correctly. I sat down on the couch, calming down my nerves. Joel entered the house a second later, giving me a worried look.

"Do you need something?"he asked gently, which surprised me. "Water?"

I nodded. "Water sounds nice. Thanks."

He went to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water, sitting next to me. Joel handed the glass of water to me, rubbing my back gently. I have to admit, it was comforting and I didn't want him to stop.

I drink the whole glass of water, feeling myself slowly begin to calm down. Joel also played his part in the calming down process and he continued to rub my back gently. We sat there in silence for couple of minutes but it wasn't awkward silence, thankfully.

"Feeling better?"Joel asked, taking his hand off my back.

"A little bit,"I sighed. "Sorry if we woke you up."

"It's fine, I was already awake,"he said, looking at me. "I was grabbing a glass of water when I saw you two. This was your ex?"

I nodded. "He followed me since I finished my shift at the bar."

"He followed you? You should stay away from him."

"I know,"I sighed. "Thank you... for stepping in."

"You don't need to thank me."

"Well... good night, then, Joel."

Joel gave me one of his rare smiles. "Good night, Daisy."