Page 11 of Claimed by the Fallen
“Want me to go withyou?”
“No,” I tell Annie, glancing at the people around us. Some of them saw my unfortunate accident, but they’d since returned their focus to the impending concert. “I’ll be fine. Stay here and help Joey keep our spot. I’ll be right back.” I retreat towards the back of the venue before she has the chance toobject.
Annoyed and embarrassed, I tuck my chin and keep my eyes on the ground as I weave against the traffic. I bend my arms and pull them tightly against my body, doing my best to avoid colliding with anyone else or their alcoholicdrinks.
I sigh when I reach the very back of the venue. There are less people here. I can actually walk without needing to sidestepanyone.
I identify the “Restrooms” sign hanging over two black doors directly across from me. I’m about to walk that way when I hear someone say, “Hello”.
I turn towards the sound, and I stumble back a couple of steps when I identify the man from the staircase. I blink and shake my head, thinking I’m imaging the sight beforeme.
I’mnot.
The stranger from the staircase is watching me. His hair flops to the side as he tilts his head. The blond color is much brighter up close. How in the world did he get here sofast?
I stare at the man, realizing distance did his looks a disservice. I’d only seen people look so attractive in movies. And even then, I feel like it was all a trick of makeup and lighting. The same could not be said about the man in front of me. Even in the dark lighting, I know he isattractive.
And based on the self-satisfied smirk on his lips, he knows ittoo.
“Hello,” herepeats.
Stop staring, youidiot.
“H-hello,” I try to choke out. I clear my throat and try again, “Hello.” My voice isn’t entirely steady, but it’s better than my firstattempt.
His smirk grows. “I’m Adrian,” he says withoutpreamble.
Adrian.My mind repeats thename.
Again, I have the feeling that I know this guy. But that’s impossible. I would remember meeting someone who looks likethat.
He continues to stare at me, and I realize he’s waiting for me to respond. “I’m Veronica.” I throw my hand out. He eyes the offer, stillsmirking.
I’m about to retract my arm when he grips my palm, tight. Adrian shakes my hand one time before releasing me. My skin tingles as my arm falls back to myside.
“You have unique eyes,” he states, staring at myirises.
I’m taken aback by the abrupt comment and his intense stare. The guy is seriously hot, but I’m beginning to wonder if he has any socialskills.
“Uh… yeah. They’re definitely different.” I consider how he is able to see my eye color in the dark venue. My pupils should be dilated, hiding the majority of the coloredirises.
I try, but fail, to determine the color of his eyes. Not only is the venue dark, but he also stands at least six inches taller than me. And I’m not brave enough to close the distance between us. In fact, I should walk away. He’s a stranger, and I don’t owe him a conversation. But my feet seem glued to the stickyfloor.
Adrian’s watching me like I’m a curiosity. I squirm, imagining that this is what it feels like to be a zoo animal. I turn my neck towards the beer sign against the wall, needing to break eye contact to maintain what little composure I haveleft.
“Where are you from?” heasks.
Not wanting to be rude, I reluctantly let my gaze travel back to him. I tilt my head to the side, curious as to what he is trying to achieve by talking to me. “I’m from ValleyLake.”
“Really?” He tucks his hands into his pockets and mimics my head-tilt. “That’s a smalltown.”
“Yep… it is.” I feel awkward standing with my hands by my side. I cross them over mychest.
“Do you come to the cityoften?”
“Not really. This is my first time to this venue.” I realize I’m offering too much information, but I can’tstop.
“What brings youout?”
