Dark Light (The Dark Light Series)(20)

“So we meet again,” he smiles crookedly. His ice blue eyes flash momentarily and my knees almost buckle underneath me. He waves toward the opposite seat. “Please, sit.”

I do as I’m told, again, with controlled movements, careful not to seem too compliant. That’s when I allow myself to tear my eyes away from him long enough to notice that he has two disposable coffee cups in front of him. He pushes one towards me.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he says.

I take a tiny sip of the steaming liquid and let it quench my parched mouth. It’s a cinnamon latte, my favorite! How did he know? “Thank you,” is all I can choke out in surprise.

“So it seems we have the whole day to enjoy each other. What shall we do?” He takes a sip of his own drink and looks up at me seductively through his thick eyelashes. They are ridiculously long and lush, giving any Covergirl model a run for her money. Contrasted with his unbelievably light eyes, the combination is downright dazzling.

“Hmmm,” I ponder. Then I have an idea that will score me some alone time with him and offer an opportunity for us to enjoy the sunshine. “Ever been to Garden of the Gods?”

“Can’t say that I have. But I’m always up for an adventure.” Dorian cocks his head to one side as if he’s contemplating something. The gesture makes him look incredibly sexy.

“Well, I don’t know about an adventure but it is one of my favorite places,” I smile sheepishly.

Revealing a personal detail about me, especially something as intimate as one of my favorite hideaways, makes me feel bashful, childlike even. I really do care about his opinion of me. It’s more than just the physical attraction; I want him to know me.

“Then I’m sure it will soon be one of my favorites as well.” Dorian then stands, grabs both our coffee cups and I follow suit. “Come on. I’ll drive,” he winks.

The ride in the sleek, black Mercedes is invigorating and I’m pleasantly surprised at how much I’m enjoying it, having never been much of a car enthusiast. Dorian is an impeccable driver and he makes it seem so effortless. We cruise down Academy Boulevard, Robin Thicke crooning sweet, soothing melodies from the state of the art sound system. He’s singing about being all tied up and urging his lover to rescue him, pleading his need for her. It’s provocative and I instantly find myself swaying to the beat. I glance over at Dorian to find him smirking at my little performance.

“Like the music?” he asks when I catch his gaze behind the dark lenses of his designer shades.

“I do. So you listen to a lot of music like this?” Perfect time to squeeze out some information.

“My tastes are eclectic. I listen to whatever moves me,” he responds.

“Humph. Me too, I guess,” I reflect. I do like to mix it up a bit.

“The power that a musician holds is truly fascinating. To touch the masses, relaying their pain, anger, joy, lust… through song…,” he stares ahead lost in his own train of thought. I look intently at him, hanging on to his every word. He seems so passionate, so full of conviction. “The true artist is one who can evoke those raw emotions in their audience, bring them to their knees, and convey their message to them in a foreign tongue. Or without words at all. That type of power is immeasurable.”

I’m totally consumed by Dorian’s outpouring of emotion. It’s so unexpected and unbelievably alluring. Like maybe there is more behind the incredible looks and sex appeal. As if he can sense my suspicions, he turns to flash me a heart-stopping smile.

“Seems like you know a bit about the music business,” I comment, desperately trying to recover from the sight of it.

“A little,” he smirks, and we go back to enjoying the tunes and sensual static of our close proximity.

When we arrive at the park of bizarre red rock formations, I feel a surge of energy. I’m excited even though I’ve been a dozen times. The possibility of spending time with Dorian and sharing this place with him is exhilarating and part of me really wants to impress him. We walk down to the first display of rock and marvel at nature’s splendor.

I take a moment to reflect on all I’ve learned since my birthday, just a meager 2 days ago. What if the red boulders weren’t fashioned this way simply by nature? What if this was the work of a supernatural being? What if the rocks were erected as a result of an intense battle between opposing forces?

“Weird, huh?” I turn to Dorian to gauge his reaction.

“Peculiar, yes, but beautiful.” He grins down at me and I notice he’s removed his shades, giving me full access to his magnificent irises, safeguarded by long, black lashes. I blush and hurriedly turn away to hide the flush of my cheeks.