FINDING LOVE IN DARKNESS

a

line a cobblestone pathway to a large gazebo in the middle of the yard. Moss has overgrow

hat dinner was being served at six. She didn't pressure

e door knob, I chicken out. This is ridiculous. I am acting like a teenager who stormed off and slammed the door after getting into a

hat will happen? Him pulling a gun on me during des

last room on the right. There doesn't seem to be anyone out in the hallway so I open the door wider and take a step out. The floor is bl

voice of Riley. Her voice is strained like she's trying to control her a

her voice cuts her off. Most definitely male. His voice is de

arer, but I realize that they are speaking Russian. When the guy finishes whatever it was he was saying, a third voice joins them. Another male. He

with them speaking utter gibberish to me. I finish my des

ning table sits in the center. An antique shimmering crystal chandelier hangs low from the ceiling casting shadows on the walls. Old

nd on my finger nervously. I notice that all three individuals are dressed to the nines. Tailored suits and couture dresses. I glance down at my plum

r next to hers and motions for me to sit. I do so but sit with my spine stick straight. I need to be on guard in cas

er something else I can go grab it." R

fine, thanks."

s stare. I feel it digging into the side of my face. He's sitting

ose and an impressive bone structure. He reminds me a bit of Timothee Chalamet. Upon closer inspection I realize he's

hing funn

never had dinner with a ho

ugh harder. I glance over at my captor, and find him

ess you want a fork lodged in the s

e I'm done." He wipes his

giving Fred a scalding look. So this is Riley's brother. I do see the resem

have ever had dinner with any k

't think she likes to be referred to a

humor. I like her alre

nse of humor though. He looks like he's se

em to come at me all at once. Me sitting at the bar waiting for Paul...the guy Clara set me up with. Him not showing but this man did instead. He bo

ing at me now with such loathing

ray wafts up my nose, my stomach growling in response. I realize I haven't eaten since the lunch I ate

aking a bite. It tastes amazing. The combination of the dough and flavorful meat has my taste buds buzzing. Or maybe it's just because I'm starving. W

yes?" H

ious."

ke some more?

he stabbing look my captor is giving me

ood, but t

doesn't seem to like Riley and Fred's hospitality towards

t Riley. She's our host

way. She grabs my arm and pulls me out of my chai

m?" I ask once we'

's got a lot goi

g on right now

." She says. "I want to

s a library?"

. There's a large stone fireplace like the one in the dining room, except much larger. Plush chairs and a couch are

azing." I b

ng, her offer sends a pang in my chest. If she's offering me free r

supposed to s

The moon settles over her face, m

finally answers. "He

gh pitched. I can't seem to control it.

life. It's hard to explain. Difficult to understand. You will learn. If I had a choice I..

closed off again. Instead, she replaces her hau

oom." She stands up and holds out her hand for me to take. I am not satisfied with our conversation. I still have so

your room

. "But I do live close if you e

y stomach. I was here alone in this big m