SCENTS AND SHADOWS
Aurora's Pov
I was in Damon's sleek car, sitting in the passenger seat. The air smelled fresh and sweet because of the little humidifier on the dashboard..
I loved the smell, it was peaceful reminding me of everything I was hiding.
Damon could never know the truth.
I couldn't bring myself to tell him that I lived in an almost collapsed apartment and was struggling to care for my sick father.
"Thanks for tonight," I whispered, my voice soft as I held my purse,ready to go back to my sick father. I smiled slightly, even though I felt exhausted.
The dinner at the restaurant had been exhausting. My mind kept wandering back to that stranger, the man I bumped into, the man had a powerful aura. I could picture clearly, the way he had looked at me, It was a feeling I couldn't just shake off .
Damon stared at me, there was a crease between his eyebrows, He kept staring at me like he was trying to see right through me. His fingers circled around the steering wheel,I could see worry all over him.
" you don't want me to drive you home??"
I stared out the window hiding the hurt on my face.
"No. I have to...ermmm...pick up.... a few things before heading home."
He nodded slightly and stared at me like he was trying to catch me in a lie.
We'd been friends for three years, but I kept my distance. We always met in public, had dinner, watched movies or played games. I never invited him over, and I never went to his place either, enough for him to wonder if I was hiding something.
"It's late, Aurora," he insisted. "You shouldn't....."
"I'll be fine," I said in a sharp tone, interrupting him.
"Really. Don't worry about me, it's me" I said playfully trying to ease the tension in the atmosphere, not like it worked.
He sighed and leaned back to his seat.
"Alright," he said reluctantly. "But text me the second you get home. Please."
"I promise," I said, stepping out, and the cool night breeze slapped my face. I plugged in my earphones listening to my favorite artist, 'zevia'.
As I walked away, I felt him still staring at me. He had no idea I had a weight upon myself nor did he know the fear that I had to live with every single day.
"Bye" I said as I looked back and waved.
Damien's Pov
I kept thinking about her, that woman at the restaurant, she was so different. Most women looked at me with hope, just wanting me to glance at them,but she just focused on her purse.
we bumped into each other, and she didn't flinch,there was not even a flicker of fear or intrigue.
Who is she?, and there was something about her scent. She smelled sweet, sharp and intoxicating, it was so attractive.
I lit up a cigarette, something to help me focus. The smoke coiled around me as I had a battle in my head.
"She's different, Theo," I said to my closest friend.
Theo Blackwood raised an eyebrow. He was a very calculative man, he calculated by every move and action "Different? how?"
"i ....," I replied, short of words, exhaling a huge puff of smoke. "Her scent, the way she walked, the confidence she carried. She wasn't trying to impress. She didn't even acknowledge who I was, and yet... Or does she not know who I.... everyone knows me" I said, trying to explain and at the same time answering questions in my head.
My voice grew deeper. "There is a magnetic pull. I can feel it."
Theo smiled softly. "You're obsessed, Damien. Be careful. Chasing someone like that can get messy." He was smiling, but he was serious.
"I don't care" I snarled, dabbing the ash from my cigarette on the ash tray.
Why do I want to know more about this woman, this is unlike me.
***********************************************
The basement was cold, smelling like old metal and oil. Dim lights flickered over a mess. My guys were moving drug crates while a few kept watch over the prisoners groaning on the floor.
Metals clashed, boots thumped. As I walked into a dark room, my men snapped to attention.
"Boss," they said quietly and in unison. It was out of respect and fear.
I stood in front of a kid, barely twenty years old. He was trembling and on the floor, trying to hide his face. I looked down at him, my glare cold and piercing as ever.
"Where is it?" I asked. My voice was low but dangerous.
"I... I don't know! Please!" he sobbed.
I slammed my fist against a metal table. The loud bang thundered like a gunshot, and the room went completely silent. I leaned down until my lips were almost touching his ear, enough sensation to send shrivers down his spine. "I don't like repeating myself and I don't negotiate. Where are the drugs!!!?" I asked sternly
The boy broke from fear and terror, He pointed to a hidden crate in the dark corner, his body shaking with sobs. I stood up and adjusted my coat.
"Good," I said, showing no emotion. "Remember this lesson."
I walked off, hearing my boots hit the concrete.
In my world, power was the only way to survive.
Aurora's Pov
It was morning again, it came way too quick. Sunlight slipped through the blinds, painting patterns on my skin and almost blinding me. I stretched out, took a deep breath, and tried to find the courage for a new day.
My day started with preparing simple toast with tea, my dad was up already.
"Breakfast is ready dad" I said smiling, he was the only reason I kept going.
"Thank you ora" is what he likes to call me. I dispensed his medications and ensured he was properly tucked in bed.
Continued with my other daily rituals and got ready to job hunt
As I brushed my hair, I was staring at the outfit of the day, I was going to put on a corporate white gown, slightly above my knees, and wine heels. I sprayed my signature perfume "dancer women" and I layered with all other scents. I wanted to wear confidence as a scent.
I put on my "mask",the version of me that was independent, professional and strong, different from the vulnerable, weak me.
I grabbed my CV, heaved a sigh, kissed my dad on his forehead and was ready to head out.
But somewhere in my mind, was this strange man,I wanted to know him more, why can't I take my mind off him??
But I was certain:
our paths would cross again. And maybe this time, I would find my answers.