Nyctophilia : Darkling Book 1​

 

I looked around the clearing. “I didn’t even know this was here.”

Jasper walked up the stairs to the small porch and sat down on the steps. “Not many people do.” He patted the space beside him.

I sat down next to him, enjoying the warmth radiating from his hard, muscular body. “I thought the woods were dangerous. Should we really be out here?” I tried to make it sound like a joke, but nerves were evident in my voice.

“We’re safe here. For whatever reason, what’s happening seems to be staying within the town boundaries right now.” He turned to me, and placed a hand on either side of my face. He was so close to me I thought he might kiss me. His bright eyes stared into me, and I couldn’t tell if they were alive with excitement or fear. “I want you to know you are in no danger tonight. You will never be in any danger with me. Do you understand, Ava?”

“I’m not afraid of you, Jasper. But I can handle myself, you know.”

He smiled, brushing my lips with his thumb. “I know you can.”

I smiled back, his genuine emotions so refreshing. “Okay, but back to business. You said you wanted to explain, so start talking.” He confused me by standing up and slowly taking off his jacket. “Not that I’m minding the show, but don’t think you can distract me from the truth with your gorgeous body.”

He ignored my jab and looked at me seriously, his eyes tight with unspoken emotion. “I’m not going to talk to you, I’m going to show you something, so you need to watch carefully. And remember what I said.” He peeled off his shirt and it was all I could do not to run my hands up and over his chiseled abs. He looked like he was made out of stone for gods sakes. I really needed to start doing something other than running.

“Green. Are you watching closely?”

Was I ever. Jasper was undoing his belt buckle and sliding his black jeans over his hips, until he stood before me in nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. I couldn’t see too much in the filtered moonlight, but I could imagine…

“Ava.”

“Yes Jasper, I’m watching. But what exactly am I supposed to be watching besides your striptease?”

Jasper turned and walked out a few meters into a small clearing, throwing me a smouldering smile over one shoulder. “Don’t blink -- and remember I told you you’ll never be in any danger from me.”

What the hell was going on?