Secrets beneath the Surface

's

wasn't perfect, but it was safe. Samantha's warm smile and gentle words made me feel like I could breathe again. I foc

oom. The TV was on, but neither of us was really watching it. My mind was

this," Samantha said, breaking the silence. "But

mitted. "The one-night stand. It was such a mistake, but I can't seem to shake

k it could be because you haven't really dealt wi

ing. "But what can I do? I

autiously. "I mean, you said you went to that

ouldn't just keep running from it. If I wanted to move o

Maybe I should go back there and see if an

smile returning. "And I'll come with

e next night, we dressed up and headed out to the club where it all happened. My heart pounded in my chest as we approac

d with people. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. Sa

ing over the counter. He was a middle-aged man with a k

ago," he replied, nodding. "Had

wondering if you could help me. I was with a guy that night,

people come through here, but I think I remember him. Tal

I said eagerly. "D

ad. "But he comes here often. Maybe if you

ded to stick around for a while, hoping that the mysterious man would show up. We

ight wore on. Just when I was about to give up, I spotted a tall figure enterin

o Samantha, my voice trembli

?" she asked,

some than I remembered, with his dark hair and sharp features. H

Samantha urged, giv

et some answers. Taking a deep breath, I stood up and made my way towar

moment, neither of us said anything. I could see the re

ly, my voice barely a

s voice deep and smoo

for you," I admitted, f

aid, raising an

aid, trying to keep my voice steady. "I don't reme

g whether or not to tell me the truth. Finally, he nodde

osphere was much calmer, and I felt a little more at eas

g back in his chair. "W

the eye. "I need to know who you are

h. Ziah Randolph. And that night... well, it wasn't supposed to happen. Bu

both familiar and foreign on my tongue

his tone apologetic. "I'm sorry, Eve. I

he explanation I was hoping for, but at least now

ling that there was more to this story than Ziah was l