'So,' Nia thought, 'He's a gentlemen. And it is a date!' Her excitement bubbled in her chest and she packed it back down.
Nia blushed she didn't protest and it's not because she didn't want to pay because she would have. "Thank you.” she said.
Aaron was satisfied with that and glad she didn't argue.
They grabbed their stuff out of the trunk and got in the car making their way out of 'Little Mexico'. They were headed towards downtown when curiosity got the better of Aaron, "Where to now?” he asked clicking his seatbelt into place.
"It's a surprise." she said simply, giving nothing else away
Nia loved seeing Aaron's confusion and knowing he was wondering. They pulled into the parking lot next to a mall downtown that she loved.
Aaron said, "I've been here for drinks with clients, not that I drink."
He didn't care where they were going really, he was just glad for the time they had together. They crossed the street and went into the mall. She had a grin she looked very cute wearing.
Nia was certain he hadn't been where they were going though. She made her way to what looked like an employee only hallway and started walking down it. They walked side by side with silly smiles going back and forth between them. She distracted him passing the signs so he wouldn't see where they were really going by asking questions.
"How do feel about museums?” Aaron thought for a moment then said, "I like them mostly. I've been to the Natural History Museum and that Butterfly Exhibit thing." He told her.
"Do you think you would like to go to the Museum of Fine Arts?" she asked truly curious.
"With you? Yes.” he answered glancing at her sideways and she laughed.
“What does that mean? You wouldn’t like the place without my company?” She asked him.
“I like the museum and yes I think anywhere with you would be great.” He said coolly though clearly embarrassed. She rewarded him with a timid smile that nearly took his breath away.
Once they started heading at a downward angle he took in the surroundings more. They had to go down three different sets of stairs in a narrow corridor, clearly descending. "Okay. Where are we going?" Aaron asked looking slightly worried.
"Well there are tunnels all underneath downtown and there's all kinds of stuff down here. We just descended twenty feet below the surface and there's seven point five miles of tunnels down here!” Nia said excitedly.
Aaron's eyes went wide as they walked into a large part of the tunnel revealing a restaurant, a doctor’s office and places to shop. "This is really cool!” Aaron said with excitement. They got ice cream from McDonald's and went into some shops. They talked a lot and bought some Houston Tunnels souvenirs. They killed about three hours in the tunnels and were walking pretty focused on each other now.
Breaking the silence first Aaron gulped then spoke softly, "Nia, I am glad you bumped into me. I just feel like I am supposed to know you. I can't describe it right but I don't want this,” he said motioning between the two of them, "to end. I appreciate you taking the time to show me around. I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to get to know you better and be close to you as much as possible. I hope that doesn’t sound weird because I’m pretty sure I have never wanted anything more."
Their walking slowed as Nia’s eyes glistened. He searched her eyes and she smiled a dazzling smile just for him, "Aaron, I feel pretty much the same. Connected to you somehow, I just... it's all happening so fast. You know? It's like I need to know you, everything about you, good and bad. If I sound crazy right now I'm really sorry."
Quickly closing the space between them Aaron was so close Nia could feel his warm breath on her face. He wiped his thumb across her cheek drying tears she wasn't aware had escaped her eyes. She uncontrollably rested her cheek in his hand and leaned into it. "I feel like I've known you my whole life, Nia. I promise you there's no angle and definitely no pressure. This just feels so right.” he said gently moving the hand cupping her cheek.
Nia closed her eyes turning her face in his hand and brushing her lips gently on his palm. Electricity, there was no other way to describe what was sparking between them. It sizzled and pulsed through them like a heartbeat. Aaron let go of her face, she was looking down shyly now as he lifted her chin and moved in closer. Nia knew what was coming and she happily closed the distance to the sweetest moment of her life.
Time stood still for the kiss neither of them would soon forget. Aaron’s hands tangled in her hair as she placed her hands on his chest. It wasn't rushed, it was slow and full of everything they had been feeling for the last twenty four hours. Nia’s blood pounded in her ears as Aaron’s scent enveloped her. Her pulse quickened in time with his, longing and electric buzzing between them. It was amazing and comfortable, Nia opened her eyes and tugged on his bottom lip before pulling away slowly. It made her blush to act so brave, she hadn’t been around like most girls her age.
Backing their faces away from each other slowly just enough to breathe, he rested his forehead on hers slowly caressing her cheek and reaching for her hand. 'Surrounded with Nia.' he thought as his head swam with delight.
Their eyes met and they both smiled. "I'm sorry if you weren't ready for that." Aaron said apologetically, realizing he may have overstepped his bounds. Nia put her free hand on his abdomen and moved it up to his chest where she laid her head. She could feel him shudder as she breathed deep taking in his smell. Whatever that was she found it irresistible.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly with his face buried in her hair. "I was more than ready for that.” she said moving her arms around his waist. She could've stayed there forever, lost in Aaron, it was so comfortable in his arms.
Aaron was on fire from head to toe but in the best way he could have been. It was like Nia was being branded on his soul. There's no way he could let this be their last day together. He had to find a slow pace so he didn't scare her, but he knew that this was what he wanted. What he's been missing. He felt whole with her, complete. Something he hasn't felt since his mom died. Nia was pulling away and it brought him out of his epiphany.
"Come on, let's go." She said as he released her slowly and nodded.
Nia's heart soared, she had no doubt in that moment that this is how it was supposed to be. They belonged to each other or something like that. That's why they are both so comfortable with this, there just wasn’t any other explanation. Aaron lifted her hand and kissed it. Nia blushed beautifully. He could get lost forever in those eyes, she had no idea how much he already cared for her. And he had no clue that the feeling was mutual but he knew that it was dangerous to risk going too quickly. He'd wait however long he had to. He knew taking it slow was going to be their best chance at a real relationship.
Just then the lights flickered causing them to snap back to reality. A moment later the lights went out completely. Nia pressed closer to Aaron as he put his arm protectively around her. There was a glimmer in the darkness and he quickly put Nia behind him.
A girl with deep red hair dressed all in black was walking towards them, her braid swinging around her shoulder as she rushed towards them. She was the first thing they saw when the lights flickered back on.
It was dimmer than before but brightening by the second. She was looking straight at them and when she reached them she spoke quickly her grey eyes piercing. "You two need to come with me, now!" The urgency in her voice was apparent to both of them. Aaron pulled Nia beside him and narrowed his eyes at the girl who was trying to get them to follow.
Nia was a little freaked out when she got a closer look at the girl. She first noticed the weapons surrounding her torso on her belt and slung across her back. 'This is not good.’ Nia thought. “We’re not going anywhere until you tell us who you are and what the heck is going on!” Aaron bellowed out with as much force as he could muster.
"My name is Avery and you are in grave danger, both of you. I will explain further when we are in your car, Nia." Aaron and Nia looked at each other, eyes full of ques
tions.
Avery didn’t wait but she picked up her pace when she got to the stairs. Her eyes went wide as she glanced in to the distance behind Nia and Aaron.
"Hurry!” Avery practically hollered, trying not to get as annoyed as she truly was now.
Loud footsteps sounded from the direction Avery had been looking. “We have to run now, please!” she hissed at them. The shadow that was lumbering towards them had Nia making a quick decision to follow Avery. They bolted up the few stairs and ran towards the parking garage at full speed. Nia was thankful she was in such good shape or this may have turned out differently.
"How do we know we can trust you?" Nia asked following this stranger, she tugged on Aaron’s arm and they slowed. Avery locked her jaw and spoke, clearly annoyed at their slowing, she turned and locked eyes with Nia. "Lilly sent me.", both Aaron and Nia's eyes went wide at the mention of her name.
"Not now, as soon as we're safe.” Nia was quick to say. Aaron quickly nodded his agreement. They practically ran to keep up with Avery who picked up the pace again.
Once above ground they went into the parking garage. They turned down a row of cars and were quickly cut off by a huge guy in almost the same black garb as Avery. He towered over all of them. "She wants to see them, Avery. Don't go making this harder on yourself." the mammoth of a man said.
Avery hissed, "Go!" at Nia and Aaron drawing a blade from her side. Nia stood frozen as the silver blade extended to a straight edged sword at least three feet long. Aaron tugged on her hand desperate to get her to safety.
"Nia please! She obviously knows what she's doing. She wouldn't be armed otherwise,” he pleaded as the man pulled a sword from over his back. They were snapped out of their tug of war when Avery jumped at the man swinging her sword at his neck, "I said go!" she bellowed landing nimbly behind the man who was now turning towards her.
That was all it took for the pair to move. The sound of clinking swords and grunts fading behind them as they got into the elevator and pushed the button for level three. Nia leaned on the wall with her hands on her knees. Aaron fidgeted waiting for the door to open.
"Are you okay?" He breathed looking her over until their eyes met.
"About Lilly..." Nia said breathing heavily.
"Not now, get ready to run. Okay?” he replied. Nia nodded her head and took a deep breath.
“Let’s go!” Aaron hissed grabbing Nia’s hand and bolting from the elevator.
Nia fumbled in her pocket and smacked into the side of her car with keys in hand. They got in quickly securing their seatbelts and locking their doors. They sped on their way down to where they'd left Avery fighting. She was far off still but they saw a bright orange flash and then it was gone. They rounded the corner as Avery was shaking a black soot like substance from her hair.
She was dusting off her clothes as they pulled up beside her. Aaron got into the back seat and Avery got in on the passenger’s side. "We have to go to see Lilly but I'm going to have to make a stop first. If that's okay with you?" Nia met Aaron's eyes in the rearview and he nodded to her.
She pursed her lips and then set them in a straight line. "Fine. Where to?"
Chapter 5
They were idling in front of an old house in Houston’s second ward. Avery had gone inside ordering them to lock all of the doors but Nia wasn't scared here, she grew up close by. Crossing her arms in frustration she waited almost coming undone.
She was so peeved they weren't getting squat out of the tight lipped crazy woman in black.
Avery came out of the house carrying three duffle bags, a large black purse and a messenger bag. Nia popped the trunk as she neared and cracked her door.
"Need any help?" she asked a red faced Avery.
"No! Now close the freaking door!” was her loudly whispered response before she went around and got in.
"Drive Nia. Now!” she did what Avery asked but she was far from happy.
The silence was thick in the car as Avery was checked all the mirrors nonstop.
Nia followed the directions on her GPS for the address Avery had given her. They had stopped once for gas but continued on.
"I thought you were going to tell us something! Anything, but you've been shushing us the whole ride!" Nia said, clearly frustrated.
"Not yet!" Avery hissed.
This all had them both pretty freaked out but Aaron rubbed Nia's shoulders as she drove. Once it was clear they were headed for some abandoned warehouses Aaron started to wonder if they really were safe. It’s not every day you willingly go to an abandoned warehouse in this part of town willingly.
Through gritted teeth Avery turned in her seat, "Look, I saved your lives back there and I would appreciate some trust here. I mean did you not see the guy back there?" Avery said angrily grinding her teeth.
Nia scoffed, "Look I'm thankful you were there, I really am. But what the heck does that guy have to do with you not telling us anything, yet? And do you mind telling me why we're not safe?” she added, getting pretty pissed herself.
Avery took a deep breath, "Okay well that guy is a guard to someone high up and corrupt in my world and make no mistake he is not dead. Although he could be quite deadly! I'm from the same place as the person that I mentioned earlier, and do not say her name here! It is dangerous to speak of her because he was there and that means they know about the both of you.” she held up a hand indicating they should wait before asking anything else.
"I am really sorry but that's all I can say for now. I get that you're pretty pissed at me right now, I do. I assure you this is all for your own good." Nia and Aaron exchanged uncomfortable glances as Avery turned and looked out the window.
Aaron reached forward and brushed Nia's side by the driver side door, she felt a calming warmth radiate from his touch and took a deep breath. Reaching back, Nia grabbed his hand, gave it a squeeze then put her hand back on the wheel. She wasn’t alone and that was a comfort even if it was a small one.
They were finally pulling into their destination.
"Wait in here for me and lock the doors, I mean it! I will be right back." Avery slipped out of the car and disappeared into the shadows of the awning that looked unsafe attached to this particular warehouse.
Nia turned to Aaron and asked, "So did you have a... weird dream?”
Aaron thought for a moment then bit his lip and answered, "Yes. What about you?"
Nia let out a sigh. "Yup and I got this.” she said showing him the blue stoned bracelet.
He met her eyes and put his wrists between the seats, "I woke up with these."
She grabbed his wrists and rubbed the beautiful designs there. Nia laid her hand over each one noticing the peculiar hum the gesture elicited.
"Aaron I think we just need to stick together. Whatever this all is or whatever it means, you're the only thing I'm certain of right now.” she explained as she nervously contemplated her next statement. "I've known I was different nearly all my life and I have no idea what it has to do with you. But I feel a lot safer with you here with me.” she squeezed his hand and Aaron offered an assuring smile.
"I couldn't agree more about sticking together and if we make it out of this mess in one piece, I promise to tell you everything I know." he replied.
Avery came out of the shadows followed by a man that was dressed similar to her. He had icy green eyes and brown hair that was a little long for his military posture. He was tall from where she was seeing him, he looked to be six two at least and he was broad and beefy.
"This is Darragh. He will take us to Lilly. He's here to help too. Go ahead and pull the car inside.” Avery said closing the door and stepping away while Darragh only nodded.
Driving into the dark warehouse Nia parked her baby hoping it would be safe there. Popping the trunk she went to look on as Avery pulled her things out and Darragh helped. Then Nia and Aaron went to put their bags in. She and Aaron checked their pockets for their phones. Aaron put his on silent and Nia followed his lead. Pulling two knives out
of his backpack he gave one to Nia shrugging. They were concealed by the trunk while Avery and Darragh stood at the front waiting.
Aaron hugged Nia to him, "Whatever happens I promise to keep you safe.” he whispered in her ear.
"Thank you.” she replied then softly brushed his ear with her lip.
This was all so crazy she can't be moving fast with a guy she just met even though the zing that went through her said otherwise. Nia would have to remember to put the brakes on if anything got out of hand too quickly. The attraction she felt was so strong it scared her.
He shut the trunk and she locked up the car setting the alarm then stuffed the keys deep into her pocket. They followed the two black clad figures ahead of them. There was narrow beams of light shining through the cracks of the run-down building. It was still daylight outside and Nia was glad for it. All of this would have been a lot scarier in the dark.
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