Tainted

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

I cringed at my reflection as I adjusted the tight Aztec dress, the material stretching around my small figure. I applied some raspberry lipstick to finish off my look and grabbed my bag. My hair was in loose curls cascading down my back, my raspberry lipstick matching the pink on my dress. I had tanned wedge sandals on and clutched a brown handbag, containing all of the things I might need on the date.

After the incident with Dan, I had worked until my body was shaking and my muscles ached. I had trudged up to my room and had a long bath, losing track of time while lost in my thoughts. I then spent about an hour getting ready for my date with Romero, butterflies finding a home in my stomach.

I walked down the street, a dark sunset lining the sky, casting a shadow across the city. I pulled my leather jacket tighter around me as a gust of wind swept through, chilling me down to my bones.

I was stood outside Starbucks waiting, when I saw a shadow in a shop doorway across the street. I tried to take a closer look when a black Audi pulled up in front of me, diverting my attention away from the mysterious figure.

The drivers door opened and a tall figure stepped out. It was only when I caught his face in the dim light, I could tell it was Romero, his high cheekbones and chiseled jaw defining his features.

"Are you alright?" he asked me cautiously.

"Yeah I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?" I asked, confused at his question. He relaxed at my reply and then took the time to take my outfit in.

"You look beautiful." He said, his perfect teeth now gleaming under the flickering lamppost light. I giggled and thanked him before I walked around to the other side of the car. Romero opened the door for me and I thanked him before stepping into the sleek, modern car.

We sat in silence for most of the journey, only my occasional pleas for him to tell me where we were going. The radio played softly in the background, setting a calm atmosphere as we drove down a country road, in between dense green fields I had never seen before.

Romero pulled to a stop next to a field, identical to the rest we had drove by. He got out and I followed suite, greeted by a light breeze, yet it wasn't cold, it was actually quite pleasant. I hadn't noticed Romero had been carrying a basket, but I then noticed it swinging by his side, his muscular arm carrying it with ease.

As we made our way over the hill, a tree came into view, christmas lights woven in between the tree branches, the white bulbs wavering slightly in the breeze. I gasped at how beautiful it was. The view over the city was just.. magical. I could see the whole of London; the London eye, Big Ben, everything, lit up like a city that never sleeps. Romero smiled at me and placed the basket under the tree. I sat on the soft, dry grass, Romero sitting next to me. He opened the basket, and pulled out a banquet of food. Soon, pizza, pasta, sandwiches, nibbles, crips, and so much more was laid out in front of us. I instantly tucked in, grabbing all the food I could pile on my plate. Romero briefly chuckled at me before doing the same.

We talked the whole time, about everything. I found out he wants to be an writer, for a big newspaper company or something, he studied English literature and language in college, and he is originally from Spain, yet he moved to England at the age of 5.

By the end of the date we were both led side by side under the stars, the grass tickling my bare arms. The atmosphere was so calm, so peaceful. I already felt like I had known Romero for years. We carried on chatting, and I found myself laughing more than I had for ages, since.. the last time me and Dan spent time together, properly.

Dan. See, just like that, I would instantly become distracted, just by the thought of him. In one moment he could consume all of my thoughts, controlling me like a drug, he was my addiction. On a date with a perfect guy, I was thinking about the messed up one I had back home. I seriously need some help.

Romero drove me back to Starbucks, I told him I would walk back. He had seemed suspicious, yet he obliged, accepting my secrecy, not pushing the subject.

When he pulled the car to a stop, he turned to me and one corner of his mouth lifted up into a lazy smile. Damn he was hot.

"Thankyou. For agreeing to come out with me." He smiled.

"It was my pleasure, I had a really good time." I replied and Romero simply nodded in response.

We both sat in silence for a few seconds, when my eyes flickered to his full, pink lips, I noticed him doing the same to me. We both leant forward over the divider, our faces inches apart, until our lips melted together. A warmth spread through my body as he cupped my cheek with his hand. The kiss was soft, yet his lips held a desire, a craving, that was obvious as he continued to make my knees slack and my head spin. His tongue gently slipped into my mouth, his soft lips still moulded to my own. A warmth built inside me, yet I couldn't help but compare it to the sparks that flew between me and Dan. It wasn't the same.

We pulled apart and smiled to each other.

"Thank you for tonight, Ill see you soon." I said and got out of the car, standing on the curb as I waved him goodbye.

I smiled the whole walk back, reliving the date in my mind. I had instantly clicked with Romero, yet with Dan it had taken time. I felt a weight at the pit of my stomach. Why did I suddenly feel guilty for kissing Romero? It wasn't like me and Dan were together, but I couldn't shake the feeling I had betrayed him somehow. I headed up the stairs to my floor and felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

'I had a great time tonight, thankyou - Romero x' The message read, I smiled before replying.

'Me too, hope we can hang out again soon :) - Maisie x' I then locked my phone and pushed open the door to my floor.

As I looked up, my heart dropped and the colour drained from my face. All thoughts about feeling guilty had evaporated instantly, tears brimming in my eyes. My vision was blurred yet the image was still clear in my mind.

Dan against the brunette, his mouth moulded with hers while he gripped her hips and she tangled her fingers in his hair. The door swung shut behind me, causing Dan to detach their mouths momentarily.

When he saw me, he smirked, winking before going back to making out with her, lifting her shirt slightly. My cheeks heated and my blood boiled, yet I stood there, frozen. I felt bile rise in my throat, yet I swallowed it down and unlocked my door, fumbling around with my keys. I bursted into my room and slammed it before falling to my knees, tears spilling down my face, my hand on my mouth.

I never thought I could be in as much pain as I was at that moment. What a way to ruin a perfect night.

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SO MANY PLOT TWISTS