Darkest Desire I

Chapter 1

Daphne

My heart plummets to my stomach, chest caving in as I plaster a huge smile on my face, trying my best to look as happy as my best friend does.

Stacey rushes past the first row of students, dressed in a sleeveless white top and a hippie looking mini skirt with coins hanging from the edges. Her curly hair is all over the place and her green eyes are fixed on mine. She doesn't even realise the effect she has on the others in the room.

She doesn't notice the pairs of eyes that flit her way and linger. My shoulders tighten as I sneak a look at the guy I've had a crush on since I joined Daltech. Aaron is seated to my right, his body hunched over as he plays with his phone.

He greeted me lazily when I sat down next to him, but I notice - with growing dread - that he sits up straighter now. His face shifts to my line of sight where Stacey is currently bounding up the stairs to reach me.

Why? Why couldn't I have this one thing to myself?

I love my best friend to bits. We practically grew up together. Sometimes we finish each others sentences, wipe each others tears and finish each others food. I wouldn't change her for the world but there's just one small drawback.

Stacey is out of this world gorgeous. The kind of strikingly beautiful that makes you lose your train of thought. I've grown used to the attention she gets. I'm used to the guys I had crushes on turn their attention to her the moment she joins us in conversation.

Which is why graphic design was my safe space. The place I could shine without being over shadowed and Aaron was the first person to notice.

I should have asked him out the moment I had the chance but now it's too late. Aaron adjusts his shirt and runs a hand through his curly dark hair. Men always get self conscious around Stacey.

"Hey!" Stacey says breathlessly, dumping her bag down to the floor as she takes a seat next to me.

"Hey...you." My voice is heavy, forced, my throat growing tight. "What are you doing here?"

"I needed to switch subjects." She brings her unruly hair into a loose ponytail, the white lights above highlighting her high cheekbones and full pink lips. I can sense Aaron staring from my side. "So I chose this one so we could be together!"

She puts her hands out cheerfully and I have no choice but to lean in and hug her back. I'm torn between the guilt of wanting my space and touched that she'd chosen a subject she obviously has no interest in, just so we could spend more time together.

"Hello." Aaron's voice sends a shiver of dread down my spine. He leans over and extends a hand. "I'm Aaron, Daphne's partner."

I shoot him a look, wondering why he never specified that we are simply computer lab partners. He simply said 'partner' like it could mean anything. I tap my foot on the floor, wondering if he's hinting at something.

The two exchange formalities over me and I sit in silence, heart thudding in my chest as I realise I need to up my game. I love Stacey with all my heart but Aaron is special. I'm not willing to give him up so easily.

It would be easy to tell her that I've had a crush on him since forever and he's off limits but that has backfired in the past. I already know that she would bulldoze the whole thing by trying to play matchmaker and in that process the guy would end up falling for her anyway.

And I'm not one for sloppy seconds.

She doesn't know I like Aaron and I intend to keep it that way until we're official.

Thankfully, the lecturer walks in interrupting their conversation and the silence between them gives me momentary solace. That is until the lecture is over and Aaron turns to face us.

"Are you girls free tonight? We're having a party at T bar later, you know the old arcade in town? You two should come." His gaze flits to me briefly and my heart does a little summersault in my chest. I swear he has the warmest smile.

"You mean the dodgy arcade that shut down last year? It's a bar now?" Stacey mutters with distaste. "No, thanks."

Something flares in Aaron's dark brown eyes, so quick and sharp like lightning and then his warm smile is back again, making me wonder if I imagined it. "Alright. See you around then."

He gets up to leave and anxiety pokes and prods at me, urging me to act before it's too late. If I don't do something now, I'll lose him forever.

"One sec, Stace. I need to tell him about that homework we got from the other class." I get up and skip past the rows of seats, rushing towards his retreating back.

"Aaron!" I call out to him and he turns my way. I almost lose balance and stumble into him but I hold on to a seat to steady myself. "Tonight. I'll be there."

Surprise lines his features, his eyes light up and he grins widely. "Awesome. I'll text you the details later then."

I sigh in relief as he bids me goodbye and heads out of the auditorium, leaving me staring after him. I really need to bring my A game tonight. It's time I finally told Aaron how I feel about him.

The entrance to T bar is dark and deserted, sending a frenzy of nerves skittering down my spine. I hold my handbag closer to me and call Elizabeth, the only friend who knows about my unrequited love.

"I'm here. I'm keeping my location 'on' just in case."

"Alright," she mumbles across the line. "Is it crowded? Are there other students there?"

"Yeah, it's completely safe," I lie, stepping towards the sealed door with a small keypad fixed to the lock. Aaron texted me the password an hour ago so I key it in with the phone pressed to my ear.

The door unlocks with a 'click' and I hear the soft thrum of music echoing from inside. I peer into the darkness, wondering for the hundredth time if I'm making a mistake.

"Call me if you need me, alright? Lucas and I are on standby." I can sense the worry in Liz's voice and it only makes me more agitated.

"Don't worry, I will. Nights, Liz." I cut the call and take a deep breath, stepping inside. The sight of two burly men guarding the door startles me for a second. I really need to get a hold of myself. One of them eyes me from head to toe, lingering on my bare legs for a moment too long.

I hurry past them, swallowing my discomfort as I text Aaron that I'm here. Her arrived awhile ago so all I need to do is find him.

I haven't been to the arcade since they shut it down. There were rumours about this place being a front for drug dealing and money laundering but none of it was ever confirmed. Nevertheless, the entire games room is gone, replaced by a small bare antechamber.

I'm standing in an empty space, the dim lighting and dull echo of music the only companions to my thudding heart. I walk towards the bookshelf in front of me. It's entirely out of place and the books are fake acrylic blocks, glued to the shelves.

I push it to the side and am immediately assaulted by the smell of smoke and alcohol.

The hidden door slides open to reveal a dark lounge with pulsing lights and loud sensual rap music.

I would have never come to a place like this alone but determination has me taking a step forward into the darkness.

Gyrating bodies fill the centre of the room, most of them grinding against each other. I squint as my eyes adjust to the dark, scanning the room for Aaron. I look through my messages but he hasn't replied.

A feeling of being watched washes over me and I glance to my right to see numerous men looking at me.

They look older. I can't make out their faces but their posture and build reeks of intimidation.

Inky tattoos swirl down their bare arms, their rolled up sleeves revealing thick, corded muscles that has me gulping softly.

One of them tilts his head, patting the arm of the sofa, gesturing for me to sit and I swallow the lump in my throat.

I quickly move away, heading towards the bar where others are standing around. Where the hell is Aaron?

I call him a few times, my chest falling as I wonder if this was all some horrible prank but then I spot him walking into the room from a door at the back.

His eyes lock on mine and he immediately heads my way.

"Daphne! I'm so happy you made it." He gives me a polite side hug - a glaring contrast to the couple dry humping on the couch next to us.

"Me too." I smile, happy to have finally found him. He gives me a once over, his eyes glinting at the sight of my tiny black dress - reserved only for special occasions.

My fingers tingle when he places a hand in mine and leads me over to a table filled with people I don't recognise. And then I see Darren, the student who was kicked out of Daltech for stalking my friend, Elizabeth.

Our eyes meet and I swallow my surprise. I didn't know Aaron was still friends with him. This guy is a certified creep - who is currently smiling up at me.

My hold on Aaron's hand tightens as I pull him towards me. "What is he doing here?"

Aaron blinks in confusion and then he suddenly remembers. "Oh, him. Don't worry about him. He's harmless now. I won't let him near you."

His words contradict each other, making me frown but Aaron guides me to a seat and sits down next to me, our knees brushing.

I shift slightly, keeping a good distance from Darren who has turned his attention to the cards on the table. The group is playing poker with glow in the dark cards and someone cries out in frustration after losing a thousand dollars.

How do they have so much money? Aaron is just a college student, like me and so was Darren up until a few months ago.

"You look really pretty." Aaron distracts me, his breath tickling my ear. "To be honest I've been meaning to ask you out. I'm just too much of a coward to do it."

Hearing this sends a bolt of happiness surging through me. I turn towards him, our faces so close I can see the freckles dusting his nose. "Really?" I breathe out.

He nods and then he leans in and for a second I think we might kiss but then a loud bang interrupts us. His eyes flit up in the direction of the door behind the dj's console.