^
"We're here," the sexy stranger said as he parked the sleek black car in front of a cozy coffee shop.
He stepped out smoothly, tossing his keys to a waiting valet. Emily followed behind, still a little dazed that coffee was his choice of compensation. No lawsuits, no repairs...just coffee.
Inside, they found a quiet booth, and Emily sat across from him, still wondering if this was real.
"I'm still sorry for the damages," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Mister—"
"Ethan," he cut in.
She repeated the name in her mind. Ethan. It suited him...smooth and dark, with something hidden underneath.
Their drinks arrived. Emily nervously gulped hers down too quickly and set the cup down with a little thud. Her heart raced. Sitting across from him like this was too much. Too surreal.
"What's your taste in a man?" Ethan asked, watching her with that unreadable look.
Emily nearly choked. "What?"
"I like you." His tone didn't waver. His gaze remained fixed on her.
Her breath caught in her throat. So direct. So calm.
"I don't expect a reply," he added, softening just slightly. "But I want to get to know you."
He held out his hand. "Your phone?"
She blinked, then handed it to him hesitantly. He typed his number in and handed it back.
They spoke for a little while longer, this time about mundane things...music, books, little memories. And strangely, Emily relaxed. His presence, though intense, had a pull. Like gravity.
Afterward, he drove her home and dropped her off without asking for anything more. No pressure. Just a soft goodbye.
She stood at the gate, watching the taillights of his car disappear down the street.
Was she... falling already?
⸻
"You finally found a boyfriend," Riley grinned as Emily returned to her room.
Emily giggled. "I don't know about boyfriend, but..."
Riley rolled her eyes. "You like him. You definitely like him."
Before Emily could reply, a voice thundered from the living room. "Emily!!"
Both girls froze.
"That's Mom," Emily said. They rushed downstairs.
"Mom?" Emily stopped in her tracks, her gaze shifting to the unfamiliar man seated comfortably on their couch.
Tall. Brown-haired. Wearing a smug smile.
"Hello, Emily," he spoke warmly. His eyes studied her like he knew her.
"This man says he is a friend of yours," her mother added stiffly.
"Forgive me, ma'am," the stranger stood and smiled. "She's dating my brother."
Emily blinked. "Excuse me?"
"I'm Ryder," he introduced, extending his hand. "Ethan's brother."
Emily hesitated. "Ethan's... brother?"
Ryder's brow furrowed. "He didn't tell you about me?" He withdrew his hand slowly, looking wounded.
"Mom, can you give us a minute?" Emily turned to her mother, who gave her a look but left the room.
Emily turned back to Ryder, eyes narrowed. "Why are you here?"
"To meet my future sister-in-law," he said with a smirk.
"I'm not his girlfriend. We're just talking," she shot back.
He dropped the grin, gaze hardening. "Then do yourself a favor. Stay away from my brother."
Emily blinked. "Excuse me?"
"Let me show you something," he said and everything changed.
Suddenly, they were standing atop a skyscraper, surrounded by clouds and the sharp wind of impossible height.
Emily staggered back in horror. "What...Where are we?!"
Ryder stood tall beside her, hands in his pockets, as calm as if they were on a walk in the park.
"How did we get here?" she breathed.
He tilted his head. "That's the real question."
Her eyes widened. "Are you... Batman?"
He scowled. "Did you just compare me to an animation?"
With terrifying speed, he dashed forward. One blink, and he was in front of her.
The world tilted,Emily slipped, her foot skidding across the metal edge but Ryder caught her. His eyes met hers and they were glowing red.
Emily gasped.
His smile widened, and sharp canines gleamed behind his lips. Her breath hitched in her throat.
"What... what are you?" she whispered.
And then,just as suddenly,they were back in the living room.
Riley sat on the couch eating snacks, watching TV like nothing had happened.
"I'll be on my way," Ryder said casually, his eyes now brown again.
He left with a grin, and Emily ran after him, yanking the front door open...only to find nothing.
No car. No trace.
Just silence.
She turned back, breathless.
"Ril," she said, re-entering the living room.
Riley looked up. "Yeah?"
"Did you notice I was gone?"
Riley frowned. "Gone? What are you talking about? You've been watching TV with me."
"But—I wasn't—" Emily paused. "You really didn't see the man who came?"
"No one came," Riley said, now genuinely worried. "Emily... are you okay?"
Emily ran to her mother. "Mom! That man—didn't you see the man?"
Her mother smiled gently. "Emily, no one came. It's just us, sweetheart."
Emily stood frozen, confusion knotting in her stomach. He erased their memories.
She clutched her phone tightly and, without overthinking, texted the only person who might understand.
She didn't know if it was safe. She barely knew him. But she needed answers.
⸻
Emily drove for nearly half an hour, following the directions Ethan had once sent her.
The address led to a quiet, elegant estate surrounded by forest. The building was old, familiar somehow, though she couldn't place why.
She parked her car in front of the tall gate and stepped out.
Her heart pounded as she approached the door and rang the bell.
A few seconds passed, and then an elderly man opened the door. He looked poised, dignified, and not quite... normal.
"Yes?" he asked with narrowed eyes.
"I'm Emily," she said softly. "I'm here to see Ethan."