The Introduction

After failing every attempt to read what appeared to be another mundane novel saturated with clichés, Jeffrey decided to take a break. Besides, he couldn't concentrate. His thoughts were someplace else, on someone else. He was thinking about her and the way she made him feel with just one glance. He found himself staring at her and getting lost in the vision of her. It was more than just her beauty that captivated him. He was drawn to her in a way he could not explain. Yes, he thought, it was time to get a little up close and personal. Normally, if a woman caught his attention he would walk right up to her and introduce himself allowing nature, along with his charm, take its course. This time he was experiencing a feeling he hadn’t felt since the tenth grade. The butterflies in his stomach were plenty.

Pushing those thoughts aside and drowning the butterflies with a healthy swallow of strong coffee, he made up his mind. With confident steps he walked toward her. As he got closer something called to him in soft whispers swirling around him like a warm summer breeze. The reality of the moment felt surreal, like when you’re half asleep and half awake. Gathering his composure he introduced himself asking if he could join her. She accepted with a smile.

Jeffrey suggested they move to a nearby couch. Now, sitting face to face, he got a chance to really look into her eyes. The uniqueness of the color caught his attention. They were a shade of green he never saw before. The only thing he could compare them to were emeralds. Taking a closer look he saw flecks of gold in them, giving them a subtle glow. The gentleness of her stare calmed the anxiousness he felt earlier. Her name was Rose. A fitting name for such a lovely woman. He learned that she was on her way home from a tedious dinner party when the storm hit full force. Thankfully she saw the lounge and came in to warm up. Jeffrey smiled inside. How wonderful it was to have the storm be the fate that brought them together. It all made perfect sense.

Jeffrey ordered a bottle of wine and for the next couple of hours they drank too much, talked a lot, and laughed even more. All the while the storm got worse and neither of them noticed. They discussed the theater, the arts, and even briefly touched upon their dreams. He told her about his growing publishing company and she of her love for music and poetry. He found himself opening up to this beautiful stranger. Jeffrey even shared with her one of his childhood secret fantasies. It was rather simple. Whereas most boys wished to be more like Superman or perhaps to be lucky enough to out with the girl next door, all he desired was the power to make it rain. They both laughed at the innocence of a child’s mind.

Her smile illuminated his dark heart. Her raspy voice both soothed and seduced him. When she laughed it was like soft music blending together with kittenish undertones. He could tell by the way she spoke and the selected phrases used, that Rose was a highly intelligent, strong, and very passionate woman. A woman who could easily strip down to truth and bone, expressing feelings with honesty and conviction. A woman rarely intimidated. Their attraction for one another was more than obvious. Rose nervously tapped on the rim of her wine glass, finding it increasingly difficult to look into his eyes. Eyes that reeked of lust. Jeffrey wanted nothing more than to get lost in the green sea of hers. He briefly touched her hand and upon contact, his heart fluttered. He was more turned on with each passing minute. One time he caught her staring but when their eyes met she just smiled, her cheeks flushing the color of rose petals. His thoughts then wandered to another place. A dark place with only the two of them there. She’s touching and caressing him. He’s slowly undressing her. They kiss. She softly moans. It’s hot yet she’s cold to the touch. He wonders why. A flicker of the chandelier brings him back.

There was definitely something there between them. A connection that went beyond physical. Something spiritual or maybe even soulful. Their combined energy was electric, as if two chemical compounds were being mixed together and at any moment could explode. A combination needing exploration.

Rose squirmed in her seat feeling the moisture and fullness flowering between her legs. She wanted him. There was no doubt about that. But haunting visions of the past darkened the moment.

Jeffrey noticed a black leather book on the table and questioned its contents. It was her writing book. After some persuasion on his part she allowed him to read a few of her poems and then, feeling rather courageous, Rose read one aloud. As she spoke he fell helplessly under her spell. Her words touched upon passion and longing. Seduction and surrender. As she read on, each verse sent him back to that dark place again. He felt the urgency of their touch as pleasures of the flesh began to unfold. He felt the spreading warmth as she became his intimate cover.

All of a sudden the front window smashed, splattering shards of glass came crashing down everywhere. A woman screamed as blood covered her face. Another man fell to the floor. People started panicking, rushing to the door and out into the swallows of the storm, which by now was violently out of control. Luckily, Rose and Jeffrey were sitting much further back and only felt the rush of coldness that quickly spread through the room. Jeffrey’s eyes expressed that of alarm, while Rose, upon seeing the fresh blood, fell deep into her own twisted rapture dominated by pure hunger.

Any means of transportation had ceased because of the velocity of the storm. Feeling responsible for her safety, Jeffrey invited Rose to stay at his home for the rest of the evening. He mentioned there being a spare bedroom because that was the right thing to do. Secretly he hoped they would share only one bed - his. There was no place else she’d rather be and no one else she’d rather be with. She wanted so much to tell him that but instead just smiled and thanked him for his generosity. As they headed for the door Jeffrey saw Rose look back at the bleeding woman. Blood poured from a multitude of cuts on her face. Rose was drawn to its scent like honey to a bee. She tried to fight the urge to devour this woman in front of all these people, especially Jeffrey. Her eyes flashed something wild and for a fleeting moment her face took on its true form. Using all of her strength she managed to stay unchanged.

Rose didn’t know Jeffrey saw what happened. She didn’t see the fear in his eyes. But even being witness to such a sight Jeffrey wanted her even more. A feeling of foreboding washed over him with the strength of an ocean’s tide, but her incredible beauty kept him spellbound.

The wind shrieked and whistled. Thunder crashed and lightning lit up the sky like the fourth of July. Rain poured down relentlessly from the overactive sky. Jeffrey stared in wonderment of this treacherous tempest that nature had unleashed. Taking her hand Jeffrey and Rose ran hand in hand into the arms of their destiny.

Part Three
Fatal Embrace