The moment the lights went out, my heart seized in my chest. I reached out blindly for Gabriel, grasping for something solid in the darkness. Strong arms enveloped me, cradling my head against his chest. I inhaled the comforting scent of his soap mixed with the unique aroma of his skin. For a suspended moment, it was just us, and all my fears evaporated.
But then Gabriel’s phone buzzed, shattering the illusion. He pulled away, coughing awkwardly as he cleared his throat. “It’s okay, Naya. You don’t need to be scared.”
I looked up at him, my eyes adjusting to the darkness. “Do you believe me now? That something otherworldly is happening at Club Desire?”
He hesitated before replying, “No.” But the time it took him to answer and his tone spoke volumes.
“We just have to wait a few seconds for the backup generators to kick in,” Gabriel instructed, his voice steady now. “I’m with you. You’re safe.”
As he barked orders into his phone, dim emergency lights flickered to life, casting eerie shadows throughout the club. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to navigate by.
“See?” he said, trying to sound reassuring. “Nothing to worry about.”
Though the darkness had receded, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something sinister lurked just beyond our perception. My heart still hammered in my chest, an erratic rhythm begging me to trust my instincts. I looked into Gabriel’s eyes, searching for any sign that he felt it too – and there, hidden beneath his stoic mask, I caught a glimpse of unease.
But it passed quickly as he shifted back into professional mode. His shoulders shifted, posture straight as he took command of the situation. He typed something into his phone and raised his voice to be heard over the chattering people huddling in clumps together for comfort.
“Listen, everyone. We need to evacuate the club until the main power is back on,” Gabriel announced. Some of my staff is coming up with some additional lights to make sure you can all get outside safely. Please don’t rush or push. Imagine missing the party tomorrow because you feel over a chair in the dark.”
The space erupted in nervous laughter. Everyone seemed to need something to lighten their mood.
Just then, a group of people entered, dressed in black and carrying emergency lanterns that carved circles of light into the gloom. Methodically, they placed the lanterns around the club with precision, creating a path to the front door.
As the people in the club began to filter out, my band made their way over to where I was standing with Gabriel.
“You okay, Naya?” Alex asked.
“Just a little shook.”
He patted me on the shoulder and then smoothed his hand over his long hair. “We’re going to head out. Got another gig tonight. Just keep us posted, okay? We’ll get here as early as you need tomorrow.”
“Thanks, guy,” I said.
As the club emptied, a thought crossed my mind. “Gabriel, how long do you think we’ll have to be gone? We only got through a few songs and I know there were other acts for tomorrow night who didn’t even get that.
He shrugged. “That’s not my department. Alma will figure it all out once the lights are back on for good. Fortunately, most of the decorating is done and doors don’t open until nine tomorrow night, so there should be time to get everyone a chance.” Gabriel paused. “It’s nice that you’re not only thinking about yourself. Even scared and nervous, you’re not being selfish. That’s admirable.”
I ducked my head, though he could barely see my face. It was a sweet thing for him to say, and the words of praise pleased me more than I expected.
“I’m just trying to distract myself from getting too scared,” I admitted.
Gabriel’s hand on my shoulder made me jump. “You’re shaking,” he said, voice tinged with concern. “You’re okay.”
I lifted my gaze to meet his. We were basically alone now in the massive dark space. But as Gabriel’s hand tightened on my shoulder, this time the shiver I felt had nothing to do with fear. Something unidentifiable but exciting passed between us.
“Gabriel,” I said, unsure how to finish the sentence.
“Let me walk you out to your car,” he offered, his gaze holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.
“Thank you,” I whispered, feeling heat rise in my cheeks.
As we stepped out of the club, Gabriel’s hand found its way to the small of my back, gently guiding me through the dimly lit parking lot. The sensation of his touch was both comforting and electrifying, leaving me feeling a bit scrambled inside.
We made our way through the parking lot. “Over there, that’s my car,” I said, pointing towards it. But as we approached, Gabriel’s other hand shot up, stopping me in my tracks. “Wait a second,” he warned, something clearly bothering him.
Squinting in the fading late afternoon light, I followed his gaze and saw what had alarmed him – both tires on the passenger side of my car were completely flat. A quick glance around the lot confirmed that every other vehicle was untouched. The setting sun cast eerie shadows across the asphalt, and I couldn’t help but shiver, wrapping my arms around myself for warmth.
“Stay here,” Gabriel instructed, walking around the front of my car. He bent down to examine the tires on the front driver’s side, and when he stood back up, frowned.
My voice was tiny and hoarse when I spoke. “Those flat too?”
Gabriel nodded, the expression sending a spike of fear through me.
He knelt by the passenger side once more, studying the tire intently. “No signs of puncture or tampering,” he murmured. “Very strange.”
I sagged against the car door, the events of the day finally catching up to me. “I’m cursed. I thought it was the club, but apparently it’s me. Just me.”
In the back of my mind, I’d been expecting something terrible to happen. There was no way my luck could change so fast. No way I’d get away from Damien and just be able to start over. Live my life. It seemed the universe itself didn’t want me to achieve my dreams.
“Come on, Naya, that’s nonsense. But I agree, this can’t just be a coincidence.”
He stood up and took a step closer to me, his presence offering an anchor in the midst of the chaos. “It’s getting cold out here. I’m driving you home.”
“Gabriel, you don’t have to—” I started to protest, but he cut me off.
“Naya, I insist.” Gabriel’s eyes were firm yet warm as he tapped messages into his phone. “Someone will tow your car and get it repaired. It’ll be back at the club tomorrow.”
“Thanks, but how much will that cost me?”
“Nothing. The club will cover it since you were parked in our lot,” Gabriel reassured me, silencing any further objections. He added that his crew would handle things at the club while he drove me home.
In his truck, the tension in my body began to ease. Gabriel’s presence was a comforting balm, his strong demeanor making me feel protected. But beneath that sense of security, an undercurrent of desire electrified each touch, each glance shared between us.
Arriving at my apartment, Gabriel took my keys. “Stay in the truck while I check everything,” he ordered gently. After a few minutes, he waved me inside, signaling that all was safe.
He filled my living-room up, not just from his physical size but the way his eyes scanned the room keenly, as if he was getting to know me by glancing at my second-hand furniture.
“Can I offer you something? A drink or some food? I want to thank you for everything you’ve done today.”
“Sure, a snack would be great. I missed lunch today.”
“Okay. Um, I’m not much of a cook, so don’t expect too much,” I answered as I went over to the kitchenette.
“Anything that doesn’t come out of a vending machine is a step up for me,” Gabriel said.
I was smiling at that as I made grilled cheese sandwiches, feeling a sense of comfort with him in my space. It felt natural, as if he belonged there. I wished we had met under better circumstances, but I couldn’t deny my relief that he was here for me now.
As we dug into the sandwiches, my phone rang. The number was hidden. On edge, I pressed the speaker button. The bloodcurdling screams that erupted from the phone froze me in place. I slapped the screen to end the call just as the shrieks reached a nightmarish crescendo.
All the light and warmth fled the room and my heart, leaving icy dread behind.