Fear and Blood

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

Rome was in her room when she heard a light knock on her apartment door. She turned to look at the clock on her bedside table to find that it was close to eleven pm. Who could be visiting at this time of night? Alex is here, asleep as far as I know, and Samantha's in the kitchen so...

“Rome,” the red-head heard her room mate call out. Sam sounded a little nervous, which was odd because the brunette was one of the most confident people Rome had ever met. “There's someone here to see you.”

Reluctantly Rome got up and walked out into the small hallway. As she approached the front door she saw a man standing with Sam. He was rather tall, about ten or so years older than her, with long, pitch black hair, which was tied back to keep it off his face.

To Rome's surprise he reminded her a lot of Ly. There were a lot of small differences though. This man's features were softer, more open and friendly and his eyes were a deep, forest green. He also seemed to be in a good mood, something which Ly never was.

“Can I help you?” Rome asked, glancing quickly at Sam, who shrugged. She seemed to notice Rome's unease, because she stayed where she was, not wanting to leave her young roommate alone with a stranger.

“Miss Rome Armida?” the man said, his voice was deep and smooth, for some reason it seemed to have a calming effect. She was almost certain he didn't mean her any harm.

“Yes,” Rome said, quite confused. How did he know who she was? He might not have been dangerous, but she still didn't like complete strangers coming to her house in the middle of the night and asking for her by name.

The raven haired man smiled and held out his hand, which Rome took nervously. “So nice to finally meet you, I was wondering if I ever would,” he said as he shook the young woman's hand. “My name is Tristan.”

Rome frowned, she had heard that name before. Ly was always getting calls from someone named Tristan, and that man in the car park, Cassian, had mentioned the name as well. Could this possibly be the same person?

“You seem to be confused about who I am,” Tristan said, the cheerful smile never leaving his handsome face. “I hope you will forgive the hour of my visit, but if you will allow me to come in I can explain who I am an why I have come to see you.”

Sam gave Rome a sideways look. “You...you wouldn't be here because of Ly would you?” Rome asked, trying not to look Tristan in the eyes. They were clear and deep green and seemed to look straight through her.

If possible Tristan's smile grew wider. “So he has mentioned me,” he said, rubbing his hands together. “Well that is a surprise. Usually he tries to ignore my existence. I think I make him rather uncomfortable at times.”

“Well,” Rome began, feeling that she didn't want to disappoint this man, but not really wanting to lie to him either. “He hasn't really mentioned you. I've just been around when you've called. Honestly, he never seems happy to talk to you.”

To Rome's great surprise, instead of being disappointed, Tristan laughed. “That, sadly, is not unusual,” he said in the same cheerful tone. “So can I come in? I really do have some matters of importance to discuss with you.”

“Um...all right,” Rome replied, as Sam moved aside to let Tristan in. The tall man stepped inside and looked around the small apartment and Rome couldn't help but think that he just didn't fit. For some reason he looked really out of place.

Sam looked Tristan up and down before turning to her roommate. “Is it all right if I go to bed Rome, or do you want me to stay up until this guy leaves?” She gestured in Tristan's direction. Good old Sam, as blunt as ever.