Forsaken Blood

- HORROR -

The red eyes glowing from the other side of the river had transfixed Layla to the spot. The thought of what they might be, horrified her but also left her morbidly intrigued. She had to know what secrets were being hidden on the other side. The sudden sound of marching footsteps behind her broke the trance.

"You know it's not safe to be out here alone at this time of night." It was the voice of a stranger.

Layla's heart pounded and she quickly span around to meet the intruder. Her jaw dropped and eyes widened. It was him.

"Just what are you doing?" He asked.

Layla was mesmerized. He swept her away with such little effort.

"I heard a woman screaming," She spoke slowly as if dazed, "and was worried something happened to her. I wanted to see if she was ok."

"Im sure she is just fine. But you..." His voice was soft and smooth like honey, "you don't look like you're from around here."

"I'm actually from Charleston Hill," she uttered.

"A young rich woman down in the dirty slums, are you trying to prove something?" he said it with sarcasm in his voice that angered Layla.

She lowered her eyebrows and replied, "I am not a spoiled brat having a hissy fit if that's what you're insinuating."

"Forgive my rudeness," he remarked.

"I needed to be away from all the egotism, it's not who I am." She snapped.

"...and just who are you?" His eyes widened in curiosity.

"I'm Layla, and you are?" She asked but she already knew the answer.

"Marco. It is nice to know you, Layla." He smiled with glistening teeth.

He was so amazingly handsome, dressed in dark threads that showed off his amazingly bright blue eyes. She couldn't believe he was there talking to her.

"Well, Miss Layla, you best be getting home, it really isn't safe out here for someone like you."

"I can look after myself, thanks, Marco." She said with a cheeky smirk.

He smiled and seemed to appreciate her fiery side.

"You're going to freeze to death out here. Go home to your family, I'm sure they're worried about where you are."

Layla dropped her head studying the floor beneath her. The sadness she was trying to forget suddenly came rushing back to meet her. Marco noticed her heartache and felt an odd sense of empathy for her.

"Come with me," he said as he offered his hand for her to take.

She looked up in excitement and impulsively took his hand. It was ice cold.

"You're freezing, Marco," she said in shock.

Marco laughed and looked her deep in the eyes.

"It's a cold night, but thank you for your concern," he smiled.

He took her for a walk through the docks. Old warehouses and workshops lined the waterfront with shattered windows and industrial chain-link fences. He brought her up to one of the garages and pulled out a set of keys from his pocket. He unlocked the door and let it slide back with a screech. Layla gasped at the sight of classic motorcycles and expensive sports cars. He led her over to a black Mercedes and she couldn't help but stare at all the bikes that lined the walls, their polished chrome reflecting the moonlight.

"Let me drive you home," He insisted as he opened the Mercedes' door.

"Um, okay, thank you." She smiled.