Withering Rose

Chapter 1

Destiny's P.O.V.

I stood surrounded by a sea of blooming flowers bathed in the golden light of spring. Across from me was the man I was deeply, dangerously in love with. His voice, rich and commanding, sent shivers cascading down my spine.

"I want you," he growled, his eyes burning with raw intensity. "I want you here and now."

I felt like his prey, and yet I wanted nothing more than to be caught—again and again. Like a predator, he moved slowly toward me, each step tightening the air in my lungs as if his mere presence could overpower me. Now only inches away, his face was all I could see, and I never wanted to look away. He was breathtaking, as if God Himself had taken His time sculpting this man into perfection.

He leaned closer, his eyes locking onto mine. The space between us disappeared, and his lips hovered just a whisper away from mine...

"DESTINY!"

My eyes snapped open, and the dream vanished like smoke. Blinking into reality, I found myself face-to-face with Stephanie, grinning like the Cheshire Cat and sitting squarely on top of me.

"Why must you wake me up like this?" I whined, rubbing the crust from my eyes.

"Because it's funnier this way," she laughed, hopping off the bed with a spring in her step.

"And what did I tell you about calling first before barging into my apartment? I didn't give you the spare key to scare me half to death!" I yelled after her.

She flipped me off playfully as she waltzed out of the room, closing the door behind her. I sighed, shaking my head. What am I going to do with her? I thought before dragging myself out of bed and into the shower.

Stephanie and I had been inseparable since our first year of college, when we were randomly assigned as roommates. Now, years later, she was still practically glued to my side. Even though she had her own place, she was at my apartment more often than not. Not that I minded—I loved her company. She was my best friend, after all.

Once I was showered and dressed in my work clothes, my hair pulled into a neat ponytail, I walked into the living room to find Stephanie flipping through channels on the TV. She looked up and grinned.

"Finally! You take forever to get ready for work."

I rolled my eyes, shutting the TV off. "Yeah, yeah, let's go already," I groaned. She hopped up, grabbing her bag as we headed out the door.

At work, I found myself lost in the monotony of my routine: phone calls, paperwork, breaktime, more paperwork, and then the prospect of heading home. But as I sat in my cubicle, typing away, I couldn't shake the lingering memory of my dream. He felt so real, so tangible. I could still feel his touch, hear his voice. The thought of it made me flush, heat pooling in places I didn't want to think about.

Without realizing it, my hand drifted from my neck to my chest, trailing downward until—

"HEY, DESTINY!"

I jumped, slamming my knees against the desk in the process. Pain shot through my legs, and I yelped.

"FOR FUCK'S SAKE, STEPHANIE!" I shouted, rubbing my knees.

Stephanie leaned casually against the cubicle wall, her signature smirk firmly in place. "What were you doing, Destiny?"

I could feel the heat creeping up my neck. "Nothing, Stephanie. What do you want?" I muttered, trying to avoid her mischievous gaze.

"Well," she said, drawing the word out, "I was thinking you work way too much, so maybe it's time for a girls' night out!" She waved her hands in mock jazz hands for emphasis.

Unimpressed, I turned back to my computer. "Not interested."

"Hello? Destiny? Earth to Destiny!" she huffed.

I sighed. Stephanie's persistence was legendary. I knew why she wanted me to go—either because I "needed a man" or "needed to have fun." The truth was, I didn't care about either. I liked my routines. I liked my money. Everything else felt like a distraction.

"Stephanie, I don't want to go."

"Why not? You never go anywhere!"

"Because I like staying home," I said, not looking up from the computer. "Why is that so hard to understand?"

Stephanie pouted, leaning dramatically against the cubicle wall. "Fine. I'll make you a deal. If you go, I'll do all your work tomorrow so you can have a relaxing day."

I paused, glancing at her suspiciously. "Are you serious, or are you messing with me?"

"Dead serious," she said, raising her hand like she was taking an oath. "But there's a catch—you have to let me pick out your outfit for tonight."

I groaned, weighing my options. Finally, I sighed. "...Fine."

By the time I stood in front of the tall mirror in my bedroom, I barely recognized myself. My hair cascaded down my back in loose waves, my makeup was subtle but flawless, and my favorite gold hoop earrings matched the necklace Stephanie had chosen for me. My skin-tight red dress hugged my curves, barely covering enough to make me feel modest, and the red bottoms completed the look.

I looked amazing. But I hated the attention I knew I'd get.

Stephanie squealed behind me, interrupting my thoughts. "Destiny... you look so... so... wow," she said, her voice awestruck.

I offered her a shy smile, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Thanks," I murmured, grabbing my bag and heading to the door.

"You're not going to regret this," she insisted, practically bouncing with excitement.

"I hope you're right, Stephanie," I said with a sigh. "I really hope you're right."