Page 3 of His Dark Cravings

The charity event is in full swing, and I'm in my element, moving through the crowd with ease. Ember's Glow, the charity I work at, is my sanctuary, the place where I feel most alive. The buzz of the crowd and the hum of their chatter fill the room. I can smell expensive cologne and the rich, heady aroma of fine wine. I don't mind—as long as that smell translates into donations!

I spot Max across the room, his curly chestnut hair shining under the soft lighting. He's talking animatedly with an older donor, his kind brown eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as he gestures enthusiastically. There's a quality to his voice that makes people want to listen, to lean in closer. That's one of the things I admire about him. People are drawn to his genuine nature, his open, honest smile.

As I weave my way through the crowd, I can't help but steal glances at Max, my heart fluttering with each step. It's silly, really. I've known him for years, volunteering alongside him at Ember's Glow, but I still get nervous around him. Max is... well, he's everything I'm not. Confident, outgoing, always knowing the right thing to say. My heart flutters like a butterfly trapped in my ribcage, and I can't help but wonder if he feels the same way about me.

"Everly, perfect timing!" One of the volunteers, Sarah, rushes up to me, her arms laden with donation boxes. "Can you help me carry these to the storage room? We're running out of space out here."

"Of course," I reply with a smile.

Sarah's energy is infectious, and I can't help but match her enthusiasm. We weave our way back through the crowd, and I take the opportunity to ask about her recent trip to help build a school in one of the poorer districts. Her eyes light up as she describes the experience, and I listen intently, nodding along.

"You're an angel, you know that?" Sarah gives me a sidelong glance as we maneuver past a group of donors. "Always so dedicated. The way you throw yourself into this work, it's inspiring."

I feel my cheeks color at her words. "It's nothing, really. Ember's Glow is my second home, and helping others is... it's just who I am."

"Well, the world needs more people like you." She gives me a knowing smile as we reach the storage room and begin stacking the boxes neatly on the shelves. "Max certainly seems to think so."

My heart skips a beat at the mention of his name. "What do you mean?"

Sarah winks. "Oh, come on, Everly. It's so obvious. You two are perfect for each other. Everyone can see it."

I feel my face flush, and I look away, busying myself with straightening the boxes. "We're just friends," I murmur. "I mean, he's never given me any indication that he feels the same way."

"Maybe you just need to look a little closer." Sarah's voice is teasing, but her eyes are kind. "Besides, a guy like Max? He's probably just nervous about making the first move. You're an intimidating package, you know."

I shake my head, a nervous laugh escaping my lips. "Me? Intimidating? That's the last thing I am."

"Hey you two!" a male voice calls out, and we turn to see Max approaching, a wide grin on his face. "I've been looking all over for you, Everly. We need your expertise over at the auction tables."

I feel a rush of warmth at his words, at the way his eyes seem to light up when he sees me. "Of course," I reply, smoothing down my dress. "Lead the way."

As we make our way across the room, Max chats easily, filling me in on the latest developments with one of our ongoing projects. I hang on his every word, my heart fluttering with each sentence. I can't help but imagine what it would be like if he felt the same way about me, if those easy smiles and friendly touches meant something more.

The rest of the night passes in a blur of auctions, donations, and eager volunteers. Max and I work side by side, our hands touching occasionally as we reach for the same item. Each time it sends a spark through me, and I catch my breath, hoping he doesn't notice.

As the event winds down, we stand side by side, watching as the last of the guests depart.

"Another successful night," Max says, turning to me with a smile. "You did an amazing job, as always."

"Thanks," I murmur. "It was a team effort."

There's a moment of silence as we stand there, and I can't help but wonder if he's thinking the same things I am. Is he feeling this electric tension between us? Does he sense the unspoken words hanging in the air?

"Well," he says finally, breaking the spell. "I should probably get going. Early start tomorrow."

"Oh, okay." I force a smile, trying to hide my disappointment. "Me too."

"See you soon, Everly." He gives me a small wave.

I stand there, watching as he walks away. I know I'm probably reading too much into things, but I can't shake the feeling that there's something there. Something unspoken between us.

Maybe it's just my imagination.

As I make my way home, my mind is filled with thoughts of Max. I imagine us together, building a future, making a difference in the world. This is what I usually think of after a shift at the charity. This is my routine. It's a comforting fantasy, one that I've indulged in many times before. But tonight, there's an edge to it. A frustration.

By the time I reach home, I'm a mess of conflicting emotions. I close the door behind me, leaning back against it as I try to gather my thoughts. My heart is still racing, my skin tingling with unspent energy.

Without thinking, I find myself moving to my bedroom, the familiarity of my childhood home surrounding me. I feel safe here, in this space that has known me my whole life. I undress slowly, sliding my dress over my head, revealing my modest underwear. Then I quickly throw on some cozy pajamas.

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