Desperate Temptation

Chapter I

Damien POV

The first time I saw her was in the rain. It was a light drizzle on a cold evening with grey clouds, but nothing obscured my sight of her colorful dress and soft, auburn hair. An umbrella was perched on her bare shoulder so I couldn't quite see her face.

I wondered what she was doing in this part of the town at this hour. It wasn't safe for girls like her. I knew that too well by now. I recalled that she looked lost, glancing around with a confused expression. She also seemed a bit frightened.

In that moment, I instinctively wanted to help her. I wanted to wrap my arms around her shoulders and encase her in my protection. She looked so defenseless, but I didn't know how to help her.

I kept my hood on, and slowly made my way towards her, still unsure of what course of action I should take. Now that I was nearer, I noticed that the frills on her party dress were getting soaked, even with the protection of her umbrella, and she was shivering in her shoes. The voice within me knew I had to take action.

She saw me approaching her out of the corner of her eye, and squealed a little. She closed her umbrella and pointed it at me, with drops of rain slipping down her ivory cheeks. I took another step closer, almost entranced by her beauty.

"Get away from me, you creep!" I stopped in my tracks. She had spunk, which I always knew I liked in girls. "Another step closer and I'll--"

"What're you going to do?" I cut in. "Poke me with the tiny umbrella?" She was silenced, but she was still eyeing me suspiciously, her feet poised to make a run for it. "I just want to help you," I said.

"I don't need your help. I can find my way home from here."

"You sure? You're going the opposite way from the station. You shouldn't be out here this late." I stepped directly in front of her, and while she still looked a bit shaken, she accepted me. I would've expected a girl like her to run away screaming.

I took off my leather jacket, even though I wasn't wearing a shirt underneath it, and put it around her shoulders.

"Why are you--"

"You're freezing. I can tell."

"I don't need this!" She tried to shrug off the jacket, but I kept it firmly around her.

"You can catch the bus if you cross the street and turn left." I pointed her in the right direction. She kept standing there for a bit. "Well? Aren't you going to go?"

". . . Thanks." She looked a bit reluctant, but I saw her bright eyes holding gratitude towards me.

"Do you want me to walk you?" I asked her.

She withdrew from me a little, seeming a little indignant. "Thanks," she started. "But I can take care of myself."

She turned on her heel and walked in the direction I had just pointed her in swiftly, clutching the umbrella tightly, her laced boots splashing the puddles.

Feisty girl, huh? I like that.