Roses Are Red (book 1)

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Night Whispers

Ruby stood frozen, surrounded by the scent of roses. Her heart races.

The red-haired stranger stopped just a few steps from her, one hand in his pocket. His black suit jacket casually draped over his shoulders, leaving his fitted white shirt and dark purple tie, adorned with star-shaped diamonds. His clothes glimmered deep purple glimmered under the light, the colors making his red hair stand out even more under the stars.

The golden eyes of his shimmered as they slowly trailed down Ruby's dress, then back to her face, lingering. Ruby's heart skipped a beat, an uneasy flutter settling in her chest.

"I'm not lost," she finally replied, trying to keep her voice steady, but the magnetic pull of the red-haired stranger's presence was strong. "I was just... exploring," she replied softly, feeling the words falter as they left her lips.

"Exploring alone? That's brave." The red-haired stranger smiled a little, "I'd be careful if I were you."

His golden eyes swept over Ruby, lingering on the intricate lace and feathers of her crimson gown. The dress shimmered in the moonlight, hugging her figure before falling in soft, elegant layers. Her caramel hair glowed in the gentle breeze, catching hints of red and gold, glowing softly as if kissed by starlight. Her eyes were a shade of green, like dew-kissed leaves—held him captive for just a moment.

"But then again," he added a moment later, his voice smooth as silk, "You're dressed like the roses...It's like you're one of them, meant to be here." He looked down at the vibrant blooms, their crimson petals glowing softly in the moonlight. The flowers seemed almost alive, their red hues mirroring Ruby's dress. "Maybe even more beautiful, more perfect, than any of them." he said, his tone lighter now, almost casual, though his eyes—those burning gold eyes—never left hers.

"You seem to be enjoying the party," he said after breaking the intense eye contact, a little sarcastically. His gaze briefly scans the garden around them. "The Lancasters certainly know how to put on a show, don't they?"

Ruby nodded, though the question felt strange. "Yes, they do. It's... grand."

"Grand?" His smirk widened, amusement flickering in his eyes. "And yet, here you are, hiding from it."

Ruby averted his gaze, suddenly aware of the tension knotting in her chest. She had to say something, had to break whatever spell this stranger was weaving over her. "And what about you?" she asked, turning the question back on him. "What are you doing in a place like this? Shouldn't you be charming the guests over there?"

"They kicked me out."

Ruby couldn't help but let out a small, unexpected laugh, "Must've been a real disappointment," She said.

"Crushing," he said mockingly, his smirk growing as he leaned slightly closer, his presence like a dark pull. "But I think I found better company out here."

Epsilon took a step closer, his gaze assessing. "I didn't catch your name."

She hesitated, glancing back at him. "Ruby," she said, and internally cringed at how breathless her voice sounded.

The second she spoke, she saw the change in him—a flicker of realization that crossed his face, the way his posture subtly shifted. For a split second, something flashed in his eyes, something sharp and guarded. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by that same unreadable smile from before. His golden eyes narrowed just slightly as though pieces of a puzzle had fallen into place.

"Well, well," The red-haired stranger leaned closer, and she caught a whiff of something intoxicating—danger mingled with allure. "Little Miss Nightingale. I didn't expect to meet you here." he mused, his voice carrying a darker note now.

Ruby's pulse quickened at his word. "Okay, so you know me as well." A mixture of annoyance and curiosity bubbled inside her, though she forced herself to stay composed. "May I ask who I'm speaking to then?"

"Names are overrated, don't you think?" The red-haired stranger tilted his head, studying her. "Besides, I enjoy a little mystery. Don't you?"

Ruby frowned, feeling her heartbeat quicken again. The way he dodged her question made her uneasy. His presence—undeniably magnetic—held an undercurrent of danger that she couldn't quite place, but it lingered, impossible to ignore.

As his words sank in, Ruby swallowed, her thoughts drifting to Orion. "I should be going back," she said, the words more for herself than him.

"Why? Is your prince charming looking for you?" Epsilon's tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it that made her pulse race.

"I just like to go back." Her voice was firm.

"Of course you do." There was a knowing look in his eyes as if he could see straight through her defenses.

Who was he? What was his connection to the Lancaster family?

Before Ruby could respond, something in the stranger's expression shifted. His golden eyes flicked toward the main entrance to the garden. "Well, well. Speak of the devil," he called out, sarcasm curling in his tone.

Orion stepped into the garden, putting his hand on Ruby's shoulders. "Ruby?" His voice carried through the night, filled with concern. "There you are, are you alright?"

Ruby nodded but said nothing. She felt Orion's gaze, the way it softened as he looked at her, but her attention was pulled away as Orion's focus shifted to the red-haired stranger immediately after.

Orion's eyes narrowed, and his tone turned authoritative. Orion's ocean-blue eyes locked with his golden eyes, "What are you doing here?" he demanded, the warning in his voice echoing through the garden.

"Your father kicked me out, remember?" He said sarcastically.

Orion, beside Ruby, narrowed his brow and then signed, "Epsilon, he is your father too."

Epsilon chuckled a little, paused, and said, "Don't worry, I was just enjoying a conversation," The red-haired stranger replied, lowering his head a little, then looking up, his lips curved up, "With your daring fiancee."