The Promise

Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-One

"What do you want to do?" David's rough voice finally broke the heavy silence that had enveloped the five of us. Standing across from him, I observed the faint glow of his cigarette as he dragged the addicting nicotine deep into his lungs, the tendrils of smoke curling and dispersing into the air like a phantom dance.

"The Boardwalk?" As I contemplated for a while, I finally gathered the courage to ask. Having spent quite some time in Santa Carla, I realized that I didn't quite have a good grasp of the town. It seemed that the heart of the town revolved around the events and attractions of the Boardwalk. Despite the hour being only 9:38, I was not yet prepared to conclude the night. The four men concurred with my sentiment, and Paul took the opportunity to claim having me on his bike.

As we reached the bustling boardwalk, my boyfriends convinced me to hop on the beautifully decorated carousel and then take on the towering Ferris Wheel. The laughter and excitement, like a symphony of joy, echoed around us as we enjoyed these classic rides. After we disembarked, Marko, with a casual yet deliberate movement, draped his arm around my waist, offering a comforting and warm gesture. As the chilly ocean breeze swept in, I couldn't help but shiver, feeling the contrast between the cool air and Marko's comforting presence.

"David," Marko called out, ever vigilant to my comfort. David twirled around, peacoat billowing around his leather-clad legs. "Let's head to the cave."

"You cold, kitten?" David let out a soft hum as his eyes leisurely swept over every contour of my body. He couldn't help but notice how I shivered in response to the crisp, cool ocean breeze. With summer on the verge of fading into memory, the air was already hinting at the approaching colder months. Stepping closer, David gently stroked my cheek with his smooth, leather-clad hand, his touch providing a stark contrast to the chill in the air. As I nodded in acknowledgment, I struggled to suppress the involuntary chattering of my teeth, a testament to the penetrating cold.

Even though David was soft with me, I was still shocked to witness him begin to pull off the peacoat. Underneath his peacoat was another jacket – a shorter leather jacket that exposed his legs covered in black leather. He handed his peacoat to Dwayne, before peeling off the second layer – the leather jacket.

As David nonchalantly slid his jacket off his shoulders, my gaze was drawn to the sight of a sleek, black t-shirt molding itself to the contours of his well-defined muscles. The fabric clung to him like a second skin, serving as a testament to his physical prowess. As he wrapped me in the supple embrace of his leather jacket, I found myself enveloped in a mixture of scents that seemed to define him - a rich blend of leather, tobacco, iron, copper, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of something spicy. Once he had shrugged into his impeccably tailored peacoat, he motioned for us to make our way towards the waiting motorcycles.

I felt the rush of excitement as I straddled the back of Marko's sleek and powerful motorcycle, enveloped in the worn, protective embrace of David's supple leather jacket. My fingers delicately brushed against the soft, breathable fabric of Marko's well-worn cropped white t-shirt as I held on securely, savoring every moment.

"Behave," Marko let out a low, menacing growl as his intense gaze shimmered with an almost unearthly light. I could have sworn his eyes flickered a captivating shade of gold for a fleeting moment, but the sight was gone before I could fully focus. Marko repositioned my hands with a tender touch, prompting a lighthearted giggle to escape my lips. Before riding off, I leaned in to kiss his cheek gently, feeling his skin's warmth against my lips. As we set off, I nestled my head against his back, feeling a sense of contentment as I exchanged a smile with Paul, who winked playfully as he rode alongside us.

The four guys were riding their motorcycles at a much higher speed than I had experienced riding with them in my first experience. As the wind rushed past us, my heart started fluttering and palpitating, making me aware of the increased speed. I felt a sense of apprehension as we zipped across the beach, skillfully swerving in and out of the crowd of people enjoying the last vestiges of the summer.

"Don't be scared, Aria!" Marko's voice echoed as a sly smile formed on his face.

"Breathe," David decelerated his motorcycle, matching his speed with Marko's, and positioned himself side by side with him. He locked eyes with me, and I was captivated by the intense gaze of his pale blue eyes, feeling my heartbeat gradually slowing down in response. His lips curved into a warm and reassuring smile, filling me with a sense of calm and contentment. "Hold on tight to Marko."

As the four men rode their motorcycles into the dense, dark forest, the sound of the engines echoed through the trees, sending shivers down my spine. Their excited shouts and cheers filled the air, creating an atmosphere of wild exhilaration. Despite my trust in them, I clung onto Marko with such intensity that my joints ached with the effort. The rush of adrenaline and the unfamiliar thrill of the ride left me feeling both anxious and alive in equal measure.

They finally came to a halt, with the thick fog engulfing them. As I released my grip on Marko, I inhaled deeply, feeling the oxygen rush into my lungs. I dismounted the bike, my legs feeling unsteady as I took a few wobbly steps before emptying the meager dinner I had consumed onto the ground.

"Are you okay?" Dwayne inquired with concern, his large hand gently spreading out along the expanse of my back. As I nodded in response and wiped my mouth with my hand, a wave of lightheadedness washed over me, causing me to straighten up for stability.

"I'm Sorry. I get airsick," I apologized to the four males for throwing up. "It's not your fault. I promise Marko."

"Are you sure, baby?" Marko's face contorted with distress as he bit down hard on his thumb, his brow furrowed with worry. In response, I offered him a warm smile and a nod to convey my reassurance.

"Alright, let's go into the cave," David finally spoke, placing his hand on my lower back as he gently guided me toward the enigmatic cave.