Chapter 1 - Closing Time
1135 Words
I stand at the counter, wiping the water from glasses that I just took out of the dishwasher. It was almost eleven, fifteen minutes have passed since the last customer left. I crossed my fingers that no one would step into the bar anymore, so I could go to the dorms and get some sleep before two in the morning. I have a history exam tomorrow and I haven't exactly been studying for it. It's not that I didn't want to, but I had to work at the bar almost every day if I wanted to afford staying in the dorms.
I've been alone since forever. My home was the orphanage and I've never felt good there. The few friends I've made were adopted sooner or later, but I never had that luck. I don't know who my parents are, but they gave me a name at least. It was engraved at the back side of a pendant I had around my neck, when I was left at the doorstep of the orphanage. The pendant is a tear-shaped gemstone, that has all the colours of the ocean and I never take it off. It's my amulet.
The door creaking wakes me up from my thoughts and I sigh. No sleep for me today. I turn around to greet the customer and almost gasp at sight of a gorgeous boy, sitting at the bar. His icy blue eyes stare into mine and it feels like they're piercing through my head. Focus, Arya, focus.
"Hello, how can I help you?" I greet him cheerfully and his lips curve into a dashing smile. Oh my, Lucas from senior year is a nobody compared to this guy.
"I'd like two glasses of bourbon. But only if you'll drink with me," he says in a deep voice that makes my stomach flutter. I force myself to smile politely at him, denying his request.
"I'm sorry, I can't. I'm a minor and I can't drink at work," I explain and he laughs.
"Don't worry, I'm not exactly of-age either." I open my mouth, but he leans forward and keeps speaking. "I just thought it would be inconvenient to hit on you with orange juice." He makes me giggle like a little girl and I can already feel the heat in my cheeks.
"Orange juice is fine, honestly," I say, smiling at him. Whoa, where is all this confidence coming from? What is going on with me? And what is he thinking? Boys with god-like features don't usually give me a second glance.
"Make it two, then," he says, the smile never leaving his face. I turn around to grab two glasses and place them in front of me. Then I grab the bottle with orange juice and pour us both a glass. I take them and turn around, placing them onto the counter in front of him. He grabs his, raising it in the air. I realize, he wants to clink our glasses together, so I quickly join in. "Cheers," he says, winking at me.
"Cheers to you, too," I reply, my head spinning from excitement. As I take a sip, he gulps down the whole glass and puts it back down. He licks his lips and I can't help myself but wonder how soft they might be.
"Sorry, I was thirsty. Could you get me another one?" he asks and I nod, quickly turning around to grab the bottle with juice. But something comes over me and I look at him just in time, to see him putting his hand into the pocket of the jacket he's wearing.
"What was that?" I ask, alerted. He smiles at me.
"Sorry?" he says, confused.
"You spiked my drink," I claim and he tilts his head in wonder. Then he sighs and takes my full glass, pushing his forward.
"Alright then. If I did spike your drink, I will be drugged after I drink this," he says and takes a few sips. That's enough for me to realize I was completely overreacting.
"I'm so sorry, I can be a little paranoid. It's just ... working in a bar forces me to be cautious, there are all sorts of people coming in here. Men that look at me like ..." I shudder and I notice him stiffening.
"It's okay. You can trust me," he says softly and I can't help but believe him as I look into his eyes. I smile thankfully and pour some orange juice into his empty glass. Then I raise it to my lips and slowly sip on it until it's empty. My blissful wish of a good night's sleep is long gone as I stare at him.
"What's your name?" I suddenly hear myself asking. Where is that coming from? I feel odd, almost a little dizzy, but I don't pay much attention to it.
"I'm Eros," he answers smiling, then drinks the rest of his juice.
"That's a lovely name," I tell him. It suits him quite well, the Greek god of love. My head starts spinning, but I choose to ignore it. "Don't you want to know mine?" I ask, desperately wanting his interest.
"I would say I do, but the thing is ... I already know you, Arya," he says in a more serious matter. I freeze. The glass. He put something in the empty glass. Everything starts to get blurry and I hastily grab the counter behind me.
"No ..." I breathe out as I hear him jumping over the counter. "D-Don't touch me," I stutter, gathering all the strength I have left to raise my hand in defense.
"Don't worry, please. I won't hurt you," he tries to reassure me, but I don't believe a single word coming out of his mouth. He gently grabs my raised hand and at his touch a bolt of energy shoots through my body. The tingling sensation is the strongest where our palms are joined together and I can't help but gasp at the warmth I feel inside. Eros takes a shaky breath. Is he feeling the same? What is happening?
His face is still spinning in front of mine and I have to remind myself, that I was struggling to get away from him. But my brain doesn't seem to budge. His arm gently snakes around my waist, pulling me closer. I try to resist, but I'm so weak, I can't even move my lips. So I just hum softly, making him snicker in amusement. His other arm swipes me off the floor effortlessly and he carries me out of the bar.
"Lock the door, Elena," he orders to someone and I hear footsteps behind me. But before I can see who this Elena is, my eyes already close and I find myself drifting into deep slumber.
- Writer
