Kingdom of isolation - you can't hide

Thirty Seven - Dual POVs (I)

Aurora

Well, crap. The man is either a magician or a genie. How else can I be staring at a car that looks like it came straight out of a video game? Should have asked for a Mario Kart, Rory. 

Alexander steps out of the monster truck, wearing an impeccable dark navy suit, as an entourage of security trails behind him in their respective vehicles. He looks hilariously out of place as he finally stands next to the metal monstrosity. 

I hate to admit it, but the thing is a beauty—the car, not him—a bloody masterpiece. Matte black, nondescript logo and wheels the size of hulk himself, I absolutely love it. And I hate that he's the reason behind my joy right now. 

Midnight blue eyes survey the surroundings, stopping until they find mine.

"Shit!" I hiss, ducking behind the pillars to avoid getting caught. 

Damn him, I was planning on sneaking out with Marcus two seconds before he arrived unannounced.

After weeks of radio silence from him, he's everywhere now. Okay, I might be exaggerating, but it certainly feels like he's everywhere lately. 

I think it has to do with the fact that he's here all week, along with his family, and I'm painfully aware of that fact. After visiting my friends and having to deal with a brooding Caspian, I came home to see Aunt Bella and Uncle Eli sitting in our living room. 

It was..terse yet awkward as hell, especially with Uncle Eli. That man is a menace. But thankfully, Nikolas was there to save the day with his sunshine energy. I like him. He's a breath of fresh air, a relief amidst tense situations. Caspian and Nikolas left shortly after and I decided to head back into my room like a coward. 

I can't recall when was the last time I slept properly. My eyes are dry and itchy as I blink a few times to rid the pressure behind my eye socket. All day, I've been waiting anxiously for him, because a part of me knew he would deliver on his promise. 

And he used that to his advantage, sweating me out and making me anticipate his arrival until the sun disappeared.

I'm too preoccupied in my own bubble of self-hatred and regret to notice the predator standing next to me.

"Hello, Aurora." His voice coasts my ear and I squeak, jumping back and nearly knocking into the pillar behind me.

"What are you doing here?" I cry out, placing a hand over my heart. 

His head tilts at my movement, lips quirking in amusement as he watches me for a few seconds. I've memorised every little detail on his stupid face, hating myself for being alarmingly drawn to him no matter how dangerous he appears. 

His gaze roams over my frame languidly, assessing my attire before settling on my face. He can't complain about me not wearing black like he'd commanded—too bad he didn't specify what I had to wear.

"I'm here to pick up my date." He says, ignoring my earlier question. 

I narrow my eyes briefly, annoyed by his indifference.

"Haven't seen her." I mutter, trying to brush past him quickly. 

Warm fingers clasp around my wrist like manacles, tugging me back to face the devil in disguise. His scent wafts through the small space between us, notes of sandalwood and bergamot permeating and crossing my wires.

"Found her." He chuckles, startling me back to my senses. 

Without hesitation, he turns around and starts walking back toward the car, dragging me along with him.