Bloody Rose

The Hooded Figure

Rose's POV

I stepped into the restaurant, with my hands sweaty and my legs shaking from the nerves, the feeling of uncertainty grew more with every step I took, as my heart thumped loudly in my chest.

''Miss... Mr. Paige is waiting for you," I soon heard the waiter say, and it also broke me out of my invading thoughts.

I nodded my head in response, as my mouth was currently sealed shut because of how nervous I was.

''I can do this, it's just a date, " I said to myself incessantly as I followed the waiter, who soon ushered me to a restricted dining area.

''Mr. Paige is right in there," the waiter said and immediately he walked out, leaving me in front of the door.

I took in several deep breaths, mentally preparing myself for what was behind that door.

Soon enough, after so many conflicting thoughts, I willed myself to open the door as I walked in slowly.

Looking up at Liam, his eyes shone brightly as they fell upon me.

Immediately, I felt self-conscious and vulnerable under his alluring gaze, but at the same time, the look in his eyes made me smile.

''God... You look amazing," Liam said, smiling as he walked up to me.

''Thank you..." I responded shyly, looking down at my feet.

''You don't look bad yourself," I replied, staring back up at him.

Now you just flatter me, I don't look as beautiful as you do right now," he smirked, and I blushed even more.

''Can we sit down, dinner awaits," Liam said, ushering me to the table.

''Thank you...." I said, taking my seat.

''This place is amazing, but you shouldn't have reserved this whole place just for us, it is kind of too much, don't you think," I said.

''No, it's nothing, only but the best for you," he said, staring intensely into my eyes, as he took hold of my hand and kissed it lightly.

My breath hitched immediately, as I saw that look in his eyes, it was the same look I saw in Keith's eyes when I first met him, the same look that I once loved but now I loathe with all of my heart.

That same look that made me fall for Keith's deadly trap was now hovering intensely in Liam's eyes.

I quickly pulled my hand away from his, shifting my weight nervously from one side to the other as I desperately tried to find my composure.

“ Hey are you okay," I soon heard Liam's voice ask, as I quickly turned towards him smiling.

''Yeah, I am," I smiled back at him.

''Okay then, why don't we eat? The chef has made a complimentary meal just for us," Liam said, as he soon signalled the waiter to serve the meal.

We ate and talked for hours, just enjoying each other's company and I must say Liam was different, he is nothing like Keith.

He is sweet, attentive, he made me laugh, and he also made me feel so special, which was a feeling I haven't felt in a very long time.

I didn't think it was possible, but I was actually enjoying his company.

“Dinner was amazing, the chef outdid himself," I smiled, contending with the remaining contents of my glass.

''Yeah, he is the best, that was why I got him to make today a special one for you, "Liam smirked as he stared at me with those big hazel eyes of his.

''You know what, I don't want this night to be over yet, I want to take you somewhere," he said.

“So where are you taking me too," I asked, smiling.

''Tyler, that is going to be a surprise," Liam grinned as he got up, gesturing for me to do the same.

''Can't you just give me a hint," I asked, so desperate to know the secret place he wanted to take me to.

''No, I can't tell, because if I did it would no longer be a secret," Liam smiled and took hold of my hand as he walked me out of the restaurant.

Getting out of the restaurant, his car was already at the entrance, with his chauffeur standing by the door.

''Jacob to the next stop please," Liam told the chauffeur as he opened the car door for us.

Liam helped me into the car as he got in too, sitting beside me.

“You are going to love it," Liam said as he looked at me, with a smile on his face, holding onto my hand and, caressing my palm so softly.

Nodding my head, my heart was beating in anticipation of what was to come.

The car ride was silent and long, as none of us said a word to each other, so I picked up my phone, texting Eve all about how the night was going.

And soon enough, the car stopped. I quickly looked through the window hoping to get a peek at the surprise, but the cover of darkness made it next to impossible.

''We are here," Liam said, ushering me down from the car as I held on to his arm.

''Tyler, I need you to close your eyes for a minute," Liam soon asked.

''Close my eyes? " I asked, confused.

''Yes your eyes, I don't want the surprise to be ruined," Liam answered.

'' But why..." I tried to protest.

''Please just trust me," Liam said with his eyes pleading for me to say yes.

Knowing I couldn't refuse, I closed my eyes tightly, allowing Liam to lead the way.

''If I fall I'm totally killing you," I threatened him, but he only laughed as he continued to lead me to God knows where.

My feet could feel the sand and my ears could hear the sound of the waters hitting the shore and I immediately had a clue of where we were.

''We are at the beach, aren't we? " I asked excitedly.

''Clever girl," I heard Liam laugh and said as he stopped me.

''We are here. You can open your eyes now," he said, and I opened my eyes.

To say I was stunned was an understatement. I couldn't use the right words to describe how I was feeling, because the sight before me was beyond amazing.

It was a beautiful picnic setting on the sand which was facing the rushing waters of the beach. It was arranged with brightly coloured lights and beautifully laid out silky sheets and pillows.

''Oh my goodness, this is beautiful Liam, how did you know I loved the beach," I said, grinning wildly.

It was just a broad guess and I'm glad you like it. Wine ?" He asked and I nodded, and he immediately poured me a glass.

''Thank you for all of this. It is too much for a first date, but I love every bit of it, " I said, sipping the drink.

''It is a pleasure. And no, it is not too much from you. And I'm glad you decided to come out with me tonight. But I think I have your friend to thank for that," Liam chuckled.

Smiling shyly, I unconsciously rubbed my arms trying to warm myself up.

It was chilly outside and my dress wasn't helping to protect me from the cold, but soon enough, I instantly felt a warmth on my shoulders and a scent that was exactly that of Liam's.

Looking up, I saw him standing so close to me and his jacket was over my shoulders.

''Thank you, but shouldn't have," I smiled nervously as his closeness towards me was making my heart race.

He smirked as if he knew the effect his closeness was having on me.

Trailing his fingers down my face, he soon cupped my face with his hands as he lowered his head, bringing his lips down to mine, and kissing me softly.

The kiss was slow, soft and cautious, it was as if he was treading on thin ice with me as if he didn't want to cross any unseen boundaries, but I soon pulled closer to him, grasping at his shirt. I parted my lips slightly, giving him full access to deepen the kiss.

Liam smirked as he immediately gave me more, he held on tightly to my waist, allowing his lips to explore mine so intensely.

Savouring at the feeling of his lips on mine, I ran my fingers deep into his hair as I pulled them slightly, drowning further into this feeling of bliss he was currently giving out.

Suddenly I felt something, a strange presence. I didn't know what it was, but it compelled me to open my eyes, and there it was in the cover of darkness.

“The Hooded figure ”