WITCH - ARA

Thirty one

It’s been three agonizing weeks without a single clue about Ava. I’ve been spiraling, feeling like I’m suffocating under the weight of it all. The depression has taken its toll—my clothes fit looser, my face feels hollow when I look in the mirror, and my appetite is gone. Every day feels like a reminder of what I’ve lost, and there’s nothing I can do to fix it.

Keith must’ve noticed because, out of nowhere, he suggested a night out. I wasn’t in the mood, but he wouldn’t take no for an answer. "You need a break, Blaze. Let me take care of it." He didn’t say where we were going, but when he pulled up in his car and opened the door, I found myself sliding into the passenger seat anyway. The truth is, I needed the distraction, even if I wouldn’t admit it to him.

The car ride is silent for a bit, just the hum of the engine and the city lights passing by. I keep my gaze fixed outside, trying not to think about how I’m squeezing my legs together. Every time I’m around Keith, it’s like my body goes into overdrive, craving something I shouldn’t want. I feel the heat building, and I curse myself for it.

I feel his eyes on me, and I know he’s smirking before he even opens his mouth. “Do you still feel me between your legs, princess?” he asks, his voice a low, teasing whisper.

I snap my head toward him, glaring. “Shut up,” I mutter, but I can’t deny the way my body responds to his words. The truth is, he knows exactly what he does to me, and it’s infuriating.

Keith just chuckles, clearly pleased with himself, and I force myself to focus on the passing lights outside, ignoring the way my pulse races.

When we finally pull up, I realize we’re at a movie theater, but not just any theater—it’s one of those vintage, old-fashioned ones with golden chandeliers and velvet curtains. It feels like stepping back in time. As we walk in, I glance around, noticing how the staff greets Keith like he’s royalty. They bow slightly, smiling at us like we’re some kind of VIPs. It’s weird, and I’m not used to this kind of attention.

I raise an eyebrow at him. “Are you stupid, man? You booked the whole theater?”

He just shrugs, that infuriating grin still on his face. “I’d do anything to see you smile again.”

I want to roll my eyes, but something in his voice makes my heart skip. It’s been so long since I’ve felt anything close to happiness. “You didn’t have to do all this,” I mumble as we walk toward the private screening room.

Keith opens the door, and I’m met with the sight of plush, velvet chairs and the kind of ambiance that makes me feel like I’m in an old movie. Everything about this place is elegant, and for a moment, I almost forget the darkness that’s been clinging to me. Almost.

Once we take our seats, the lights dim, and the screen flickers to life. I try to focus, but it’s impossible when Keith is this close. His presence is overwhelming, and I feel like I can’t breathe. He leans in, his voice soft in the dim light. “You know, you never did answer my question in the car.”

I glance at him, my cheeks burning. “Shut up and watch the movie, Keith,” I snap, trying to sound annoyed. But there’s no real anger there—just nervousness. I can feel the tension between us, and it’s electric.

He leans back, still smirking like he’s won. And maybe he has.

Halfway through the movie, I can’t focus. The story on screen blurs as the heat between us builds, and I feel his gaze on me more than I feel anything else. It’s like he’s burning holes through me, and every nerve in my body is on edge. I try to ignore it, try to keep my eyes forward, but I can’t help sneaking a glance at him out of the corner of my eye.