Aria rushed towards her closet to get a cloth that could cover her up because it was cold in the night. The room was so quiet that she could hear her own heartbeat. Her hands shook as she pulled open the heavy closet doors. The soft glow of the chandelier above her made the gold handles on the closet shine. Her fingers brushed over her clothes, searching for something warm.
She grabbed a long black coat, the one that had a hood attached. It was her favorite, not because it was stylish, but because it had saved her many times. It helped her hide. It helped her feel safe. Tonight, she needed that feeling more than ever.
As she slipped the coat over her body, she took a quick look in the mirror. The hood fell over her face, casting a shadow that hid the scars on her cheek and near her temple. Her fingers touched the scar lightly, feeling the rough skin. As a deep sigh left her lips.
I hate this. I hate what I see. But I have to go, she told herself.
Aria rushed downstairs. Her heels clicked softly against the marble floor. Everything in the house spoke of wealth. The grand staircase with its silver railings, the paintings on the walls, the giant vase of fresh roses by the entrance. But none of these could calm her racing heart.
She reached the door, her breath was shaky. Why am I taking this risk? Why am I stepping out into the night to meet a man I barely know?
Her hand hesitated on the door handle. But before she could change her mind, she pushed the door open. The cool night air hit her face, making her shiver.
The estate was quiet, peaceful even. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over everything. The sea breeze carried the faint scent of salt and flowers.
She walked slowly towards the roadside, her coat wrapped tightly around her. Every step felt heavy. Her heart beat in a strange rhythm, almost like it was dancing to a tune she couldn't hear.
At the corner of the road, a soft beep made her stop in her tracks.
Her eyes widened as she saw the car. A sleek black Lamborghini sat quietly at the edge of the road, its headlights flickering gently.
Aria stared at it, unsure. Who could it be? she wondered. The lights flickered again, almost like the car was calling to her.
And then the door opened. A man stepped out. His tall figure was clear under the moonlight. His hair, dark and a bit messy, fell over his forehead. His sharp jawline and straight nose made him look like he had walked out of a magazine.
He waved at her, a small smirk playing on his lips.
Aria's breath hitched. She whispered to herself, "Oh… you."
Her feet carried her towards the car, though her mind screamed at her to turn back. Before she reached him, Ethan slid back into the car, as if he didn't want to wait for her.
Aria felt a small sting in her heart at the coldness of that act. But she shook it off. She opened the passenger door and got in. The soft leather seat felt cold against her skin.
She turned her face towards the window, not wanting to look at him. Not wanting him to see her eyes, full of confusion and fear.
Ethan started the car, the engine purring softly as he drove off.
He spoke first. "Surprised?" His voice was low, almost amused. His eyes stayed on the road, like he didn't care what her answer would be.
Aria kept her voice steady though her heart trembled. "Yes. You took me unaware."
Ethan gave a soft huff, almost like a laugh but not quite. He glanced at her, and then rolled his eyes away, as if the sight of her annoyed him.
"You don't need to cover your face with that," he said, his voice flat. "It's obvious your face doesn't look good."
His words cut deep. Aria's hand pulled the hood closer, trying to hide more of herself. Her heart sank.
"You don't have to say that," she started, but before she could finish, Ethan slammed on the brakes.
The car screeched to a stop.
Aria's whole body jerked forward. Her heart felt like it would leap out of her chest. Her breath came out fast and shaky.
"What did you just do?" she shouted, shocked at her own voice. I'm shouting at him? At Ethan? The man who makes my heart race?
Ethan leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms over his chest. His eyes stayed cold. "Just to make you not bluff near me," he said simply.
Aria stared at him, trying to understand him. Trying to see past the cold look in his eyes. But it felt like he didn't care. Like he didn't want to care.
"Drive," she said after a long silence. Her voice was softer now, almost pleading.
But Ethan didn't move. Instead, he looked at her with disgust. "Seems like your scar couldn't let you read properly. We're at a hotel."
Aria turned her head to look out the window. And there it was. The grand building stood tall, lights glowing warmly from the windows. The name of the hotel shone brightly at the top. She hadn't even noticed when they arrived.
Her mind raced. So this is why he brought me here. I almost forgot. He said he wanted me. This must be what he meant.
Her voice was low, unsure. "Are we not entering there…"
But before she could finish, Ethan burst into a laugh. It wasn't kind. It was almost like he couldn't believe what she just said.
"Are you insane? I can't step out here with you. What do you want people to say about me?" His eyes were wide, like the thought of being seen with her frightened him.
Aria felt her heart crack a little. Her hands shook as she reached for the door. "Oh okay," she said quietly.
She stepped out of the car, the night air hitting her harder this time.
As she closed the door gently behind her, Ethan called out, almost shouting, "Room 56!"