Shadows Of Desire

le bar, its cool surface offering some relief. A pair of tourists in matching flowered shirts staggered passed her, their faces flushed from the excitement and drink of the ev

ually, she had a Netflix marathon and a pint of Ben & Jerry's planned for the weekend. However, after the week she'd had-her best friend Jen had insisted on a ladies' weekend in Vegas-her hours

to herself, "A break." As though her life's problems

d wasn't a compassionate place because she was raised in the foster care system and moved from home to home. She lost her faith in stability each time she allowed it to grow. At twenty-seven,

p contrast to the easygoing attitude of the visitors in the vicinity. Maya's eyes moved up from his shiny shoes to his broad, powerful shoulders and the

but it was too late.

resisted the want to back off as she felt the weight of his

ost unbiased tone she could

another drink from the bartender. "You also

he smile that was pulling at her mouth. "Is

is lips. "Just in cas

the bartender set their drinks in fr

tly, the truth was heavy on the inside. This city had the ability to erase memories and give you the impression

ng at her, Maya could sense him observing her. It seemed inquisitive as if he was attempting to understand her. It was evident to her that he was

he replied, "So." What drew yo

t a doubt not. I was dragged here by

emarked, "Wise companion." "An

rug. "I am pre

the man cocked his head. "You don't seem

her. She averted her gaze and concentrated on the distant flashing lights o

aya was baffled as to why she stayed rather than leaving without offering an explanation. Perhaps it was the

he stillness, he mur

d for that. In a city full of faceless strangers, he wasn't simply another on

she an

ittle more. "Maya,

ng a corporate deal of some kind, though he wouldn't elaborate. She found herself opening up more than usual when he questioned her about her life i

casino dwindled. Maya felt lighter as if she could breathe for the first time in a long

surge of energy. Maya's breath seized in her throat, and the surroundings appeared t

etly in a solemn, low

as an invitation, a chance to venture beyond her comfor

in a metropolis founded on transient joys. All of her instincts begged her to refuse, to turn around, and never turn back. However, there was another part of

r, all she perceived was fervor, longing, and perhaps, just possib

itation, sh

n. His hold was solid, and she couldn't help but worry whether this one rash, impulsive decision woul

r before visited anywhere similar. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering a beautiful view of the city, the bed was enormous and covered in lu

g a kiss, their bodies entwined in a maze of passion and fire. She had never felt so alive or desired someon

nalyzing, no think

hadn't felt in a while as they lay entwined in the sheet

o