✔ Dracula's Talisman #RomanceHalloweenMasqueradeContest

HALLOWE'EN NIGHT PARTY - 2

10:30pm - Thirty minutes into the party.

Dara said she'd be back in five minutes, but thirty minutes later, she was still no where to be found. If she chickened out and betrayed me already, I swear, I'll never forgive her.

I walked deeper into the crowd that had thickened with time, and searched for the horn of maleficent. I spotted someone who had also put on the costume, but the physique was way different from Dara's.  This person was fat, Dara was slim and tall.

I walked further, turned to look back again, to scan the unfamiliar faces one last time, then I saw my father, coming towards me. My heart slammed hard against my chest and I started to panic.

Oh my gosh! They found out I was gone already. They're looking for me. Looks like my to be in-laws have arrived.

Oh God, help me.

How could he have come so deeply into the crowd to find me? He must be so angry, for him to have come looking for me himself.

My father's eyes scrutinised every one and when his eyes almost fell on me, I spun around and bumped into a hard wall. A hard wall of muscle.

It was very impulsive of me, but I chose to bury my face into the hard chest of whoever, and remain there until the end of time.

Oh God, let dad walk away. Let him walk away.

I prayed silently in my mind, all the while the hard chest was stiff. Probably out of surprise and shock at my unruly behaviour. I hadn't thought at all before acting.

Wide, warm hands landed on my shoulders, sending hot shivers down my spine, making me release my tight arms around his waist, just a fraction. "How can I help you miss? Do I know you?"

His baritone voice rang into my ears like a melody. I could call him melody, but I thought against it, as he moved me gently and slowly away from him. I got a good look at him and his costume.

He was dressed as Dracula, the Vampire. But one thing was off.

He also had a mask on. A Batman's mask.

What a cool combination!

"Hi, Dracula." I said lamely and watched as his brows lifted. Jeez, I was acting like an idiot. I checked myself, flushing with embarrassment. "Uh, I'm—I apologise for jumping on you like that. I was hiding from someone. I'm so sorry."

Through his mask, I could feel his gaze on me. They felt like laser beams on my skin, and it tingled. I suddenly felt so shy and I couldn't even look up at him anymore. "It's fine. You didn't hurt me in any way. Relax." His voice came again and it was all I could do not to swoon in ecstasy.

His hands slide down my shoulders, drop to his sides, and I felt so cold at once, empty.  I looked up at him and our eyes connected, held for moments. I felt lost in that moment, as we silently stared at each other. The time stood still, the noise and music drowned out, the people, everything faded, and it remained just him and myself.

I blinked, the magic snapped, and I came back to my senses. Flustered and embarrassed, my eyes darted everywhere except his face, and I gave a fake cough to cover up the embarrassment I felt. "Uhm...I should get going now, and leave you alone, before I do something stupid. Thanks again." I bowed quickly and side stepped him.

Before I could take another step, his fingers wrapped firmly around my wrist and sparks flew, rushed up my arms, into my veins, making me so aware of his touch.

I barely know this man, and yet, here I am responding to his slightest touch, like the first drop of rain after years of drought. "Please wait!" His voice rang with urgency. "Who were you running from? He might still be looking for you."

My brows raised in amusement. "How do you know it's a he?"

He shrugged slowly, still didn't release my wrist. "I just guessed. It has to be a he. Am I right?"

"Well... maybe." I smiled at my attempt at being mysterious.

A smile touched his lips, and my heart melted right there. Such a beautiful smile, perfect white teeth. Oh God! My heart was beating so fast in my chest, it was almost hurting.

"So, it might not be safe for you to go right now. Spend some time with me and let's escape everything chasing us together." He drawled and I could have sworn that he winked at me through his mask.

I studied him for a minute, battling with myself to get going, or spend the entire time with a stranger.

"Please." He added and my mind was made up. I couldn't possibly reject a request, when it's asked with such politeness, could I?

"Okay." I smiled and him and he returned it with his heart melting own.

Isn't it just ironic? I was running from one strange man, but here I am running into the arms of another.

***

*865 words*