It was a familiar place. Rusted metallic chains on a filthy desk, scraped walls with unidentified words, and a stone-cold atmosphere. It's uncanny how this room gets even scarier.

"Please, don't", I whispered, my voice hoarse and small, "not again plea-"

My voice was cut off when I felt a pair of dark, lanky hands against my throat. Tears streamed down my eyes as I started struggling to unlatch the iron hold.

I jolted up from my sleep, sweating profusely. My heart beat faster than ever while I tried to catch my breath. I pushed the blanket off my legs to stand up and wobbled my way across the room. It was around three in the morning when I checked the time while quenching my dry throat.

"It was just a nightmare", I mumbled to myself repeatedly, in a desperate effort to calm my nerves. It has been a very long time since I got a nightmare that I started to believe that they stopped. I, apathetically, blamed stress and the recent burdens of moving to a different place. It has been almost four months since I moved to Shoresland. I just couldn't stay in Seattle anymore. I had to move, after everything. Fortunately, Anna was more than glad to let me stay at hers for a few months until I found a job and moved out. I did make some great friends here, mostly with the ones Anna introduced me to. It has been a great headstart to start a new life.

.

.

I jumped out of my skin when I heard an ear-piercing shrill. Anna? Really? Now?

"You're finally up, sleepyhead. Let's go", she shrieked.

She needs to stop doing that.

"I think the whole world is up, Anna", I replied lazily, "And where are we going exactly?"

I squinted my eyes because every time she plans something all of a sudden, it doesn't go well.

"Don't give me that look, Haven. We are going shopping, remember?", she said with an exasperated sigh.

" I do remember but is it really necessary to go shopping this early? And how did you get in?", I huffed, while trying to get up and make the bed.

" I have the spare key, doofus.", she groaned, setting

the coffee mug on the table.

Anna is a vivacious person. She lives by her own rules and doesn't even hesitate to do what she likes. Modeling has always been her dream job. She is so dead set on taking up a career in the industry that she had to leave her parents when they tried to talk her out of it. Along with the struggles to find opportunities, she also works as a bartender to pay her bills. Such an inspiration, she is.

I quickly showered and wore a simple dress to start the day.

.

.

.

"My legs are killing me. Remind me never to go shopping with you, Ann", I groaned, as we entered the cafe BlossomBee.

It was a homely place with a bunch of dandelions on each table. A delicious scent of coffee and muffins lingered in the air instantly making me relaxed. We ordered cinnamon rolls, pancakes, and blueberry muffins for brunch. The ambiance helped me become more cheery from a semi-querulous phase.

" Oh please, I am sure you enjoyed it. I was just helping you improve your fashion sense", she replied, munching on the blueberry muffin.

I scowled at her false statement and continued eating. Anna started telling me about her boyfriend Kyle, while I patiently listened to her. Without any warning, the entire place fell silent. The only thing audible was the rustling of the slow wind barging its way through the window. I gazed around confused with the sudden change in the atmosphere. When I looked at Anna, I saw her face go pale and her hands fiddle with the hem of her dress.

I looked at the entrance when I heard the shoes clicking against the wooden ground. A dark-haired man made his way through the door with a group of men behind. He had a chiseled jawline with a deep scar on top of his eyebrow. Being such a klutz I am, I accidentally dropped the fork that I was holding a while ago, grabbing all the attention. I looked down at my plate avoiding all the stares that I received. Within a moment, I sneaked a glance to see him looking at me with a grim countenance. His green eyes with a glint of gold at the edges pierced through mine unknowingly making me swarmed with butterflies. They were magnificent. In a matter of time, the people at the cafe broke into whispers and mumbling.

"Oh my God!", Hannah whisper-yelled. " Aiden Walters is back!"

I saw him exit Blossombee taking one last look at me.

"Who is he?", I asked Hannah, digging into my pancakes again. She looked at me with a serious expression and spoke

" He is bad news, Haven. Aiden Walters is a part of Chains and Smokes- one of the most dangerous gangs in this town. Nobody in this town dares to even cross paths with him. He has a temper and it got him into trouble so many times. He almost killed Ryder, a member of his rival group. Four months back, he fled somewhere for some unknown reason. Nobody knows where he went or why. Now that he is back, it's better to stay away from him. He has done bad things, Haven. Really bad things."

A shiver ran across my spine when I heard her last words. It was surely etched in my brain that I need to just stay out of this person's way. After hanging out at the cafe, we went to Anna's to watch movies.

.

.

"You can stay here for the night, you know", Anna said as I pulled myself to the feet with a yawn.

It has been extremely late. The sky was pitch black with no gleaming stars like usual. The Winter breeze swayed through the window sending us icy chills.

"It's okay Anna. I have work tomorrow.", I replied with an uncertain lump in my throat. "I'll collect the items I bought tomorrow. Is that cool?"

She suspiciously nodded and tried to say something to make me stay. But before I could succumb to her impending attempts to restrain me from going, I made my way out of the door with a quick Adios.

My footsteps against the ground resonated in the empty streets. Not even a single soul was present. Instead of getting freaked out by the fact that I was walking all by my lonesome on empty streets at midnight, I was exhilarated that I could accompany my thoughts in peace and solitude.

As I ambled past the street, humming a tune that had been stuck in my head. Out of nowhere, I saw a silhouette of a tall man limping towards my side. He was over six feet with a dark familiar appearance. As I squinted my eyes, it took me a while to realize that it was Aiden Walters almost approaching me. I tensed up and put my head low planning to avoid him as Anna's words reached my mind again. He has done bad things, Haven. Bad things.

My heart thumped loud against my chest when I felt him nearer. Before I decided to walk from the right side of the street, I caught a glimpse of something. I widened my eyes when I realized it was blood. Aiden was bleeding. At that moment, I didn't know that what I was about to do would change my life.

I approached him and squealed, "You're bleeding! You need help."

His hazel eyes met mine showing a layer of amusement which was immediately replaced with his signature cold look.

Then I did something, I am sure Anna would disapprove.

. . .

The starless night gleamed with city lights and his blazing eyes.

I shook from the trance when I looked at his bruised cheek. My hand involuntarily touched it making me hear a subtle wince.

"You're hurt. Let me help you", I whispered, holding his bleeding arm to take a look.

"I don't need your help. You shouldn't be here at this time", he said, jerking his arm away from me.

I didn't know why, but something in me was determined to not let him walk away hurt.

"You are coming with me. I am sorry but you're extremely hurt. Let me help you,", I argued back with surprisingly a firm voice.

He looked at me with clear amusement and frowned. His lips curled up into a smirk.

"Kitten, you have no idea whom you're dealing with. I suggest you fucking shut your pretty little mouth and go mind your own business," he replied, darkly.

My lower lip shivered from the threat. Yet, I managed to put a straight face before speaking.

"I cannot let a hurt person walk away when I am more than capable of helping them.", I said with a serious look.

I saw his eyes soften for a flash second and I considered it to be a hallucination. I took a minute to observe his features. His dark hair was messy like he had been doing an extreme activity. A deep scar etched on his eyebrow bone gave him an intimidating feature.

He looked around as if someone were watching him.

"Two minutes and I am out.", he stated.

I nodded my head and caught his sleeve to help him walk towards my place.

My mind was clouded with questions about the condition of my house. I hoped that it wasn't messy as I opened the door with my guest trailing behind.

.

.

.

"Stay still", I huffed as I carefully dabbed the spirit on his face.

I was no expert in aiding people, however, I used my common sense and used the necessary items in the first aid kid. Aiden stayed silent all the time while his eyes never left me. I shifted uncomfortably under his piercing gaze.

"I have never seen you around", he said, breaking the silence.

I, somehow expected this question to arise anytime soon. My mind flooded with all the memories back when I used to stay in Seattle. I have never talked about it to anyone and I plan to keep it that way.

" I just moved here a few months ago", I whispered, avoiding his gaze.

He slightly nodded his head and hissed when the cotton ball of spirit made contact with his wound. I squeaked a quick apology and continued aiding his wounds.

"It's obvious you're new. Or you wouldn't even have talked me, Kitten", he said, dangerously. "Haven't you heard of me?"

I looked at him,

"Aiden Walters, I have been warned about you", I replied and shook my head.

He suddenly stood up with a grim countenance and came closer, towering me, his eyes holding a stern expression.

" I don't understand if you are oblivious to everything or simply stupid. I am warning you, Haven. It is not pretty to involve in anything that includes me. Stay away.", he said, putting a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I frowned at his words and saw him walk out of the door. He definitely had some issues. I inwardly shrugged and got ready for bed. Only to stay up for a while with obvious questions and a pair of hazel eyes lingering in my mind.

.

.

I woke up with a heavy gasp. It was the third time I had a nightmare this week. When I realized that it was too late, I jumped off the bed to go to work.

I graduated college with a business major and worked as a marketing coordinator. However, after moving here, I had to search for proper jobs and apply for them. In the meanwhile, I work as a waitress at a cafe closer to Blossombee.

While entering the cafe, I quickly greeted James, my co-worker, and friend, with a bright smile. James had been working here for a few years. We instantly clicked during my first day of work. And I could state, without a doubt, that he is the only reason, I don't die of boredom or stress at work.

"Uh-huh. You missed Mr. Pineapple-crown head trying to hit on Cinnamon roll.", he said with a fake pout.

These are our code words for the daily customers. We make our own screen time with the people around us with our storylines.

"Really? He made a move? But Cinnamon has a boyfriend", I gasped, while I fixed my hair.

"Guess he'll never know", he said, wiggling his eyebrows. I laughed and punched his arm.

Time passes by quicker with James. He was a fun person to be with. And I think he was the only person who could make me laugh after what felt like eons.

I texted Anna that I'd be meeting her while walking down the street to Blossombee.

"Haven! Hold on!"

I turned around to see James half-sprinting towards me.

"Whoa, James. Is everything alright?", I asked, concerned.

He took a few seconds, trying to catch his breath, and spoke

"I don't have anything to do this evening. And I see you heading to Blossombee. Let's go and grab a coffee?", he asked, trying to catch his breath again.

I smiled at him and said

"Firstly, calm down. Breathe. Secondly, why not? Let's go", I said, walking towards Blossombee.

.

.

"Oh no. You didn't", I said, laughing out loud.

James and I were hanging out at the cafe and talking. He was narrating his childhood story while I snickered at his cheeky past behaviors.

"Unfortunately yes, I did. I also got into detention because of it", he said with a fake groan.

As we continued chatting about things, I saw Aiden walk through the doors like he owned the place.

His eyes met mine for a second before they slipped towards James. He gave one last glance towards me and walked out of the place. I gulped, remembering our last incidence-something I never told anyone.

"He has been like that since high school", mentioned James, observing my curious expression.

"What do you mean?", I asked, processing the fact that James and Aiden used to go to the same school.

"He always used to get into fights and stuff. You can never wish to witness his temper. Trust me, it's very ugly", he said, with a serious tone.

I frowned at his warning. Everybody that I speak to simply warns me to not approach me and I surprisingly find it wrong. Why do they judge him without even talking to him?

.

.

.

I sighed and opened my laptop, checking my emails. I have applied to numerous jobs and I should probably hear from them soon.

A sudden loud knock on the door startled me. Who could it be at this time? I was sure that it wasn't Anna or somebody I knew.

Paranoia took over me and I grabbed a vase with me for my safety. I tiptoed towards the door and carefully opened it, with the vase ready in my other hand.

I frowned when I realized that it was Aiden.

"What are you doing here?", I gulped.

My eyes scanned his whole appearance, making me realize he was hurt. Again.

"And, you're hurt.", I stated.

He made his way inside and raised his brow when he saw the vase in my hand.

"Uhm, nothing. Come in.", I said, inwardly smacking my head.

.

.

.

"You cut open your wound.", I said, cleaning up his wounds and sensing Dejavu. "I think you need stitches for this one."

I was surprised by how calm he looked. It was like he was used to all of this.

"It's not necessary.", he stated.

I scowled at his statement and decided to ask him about all of this.

"What happened?", I asked. "Why do you always get hurt?"

His eyes darkened at my question.

"It's none of your business, Haven.", he snapped.

I gasped at his tone.

"How do you even know my name?", I asked, baffled.

He stood up and raised his hand to ruffle his har which made me flinch.

"I have my ways, Haven.", he replied vaguely.

I was not buying it. I needed to know.

"No! You have to tell me how do you know my name or anything else about me!", I grimly said.

He threw the vase that was on the table, shattering it into numerous pieces. I let out a small scream, startled by the unforeseen smash.

He looked at me, sending me shivers down my body.

"Listen to me and listen good. You better not ask me things you are not ready to hear. Just stay clear and do as your told. Am I clear?", he said.

I slightly nodded, perplexed by everything.

He nodded and let out a "Good" before sitting on the couch for me to continue to aid his wounds.

"Who was he? The one you were sitting with at Blossombee. Is he your boyfriend?", he asked, with an expression that said I better answer him.

"No. James is my friend.", I replied meekly, not wanting to set him off.

He quietly nodded with what looked like relief or satisfaction.

After dressing up his wounds, I quietly arranged everything and asked him if he needed water or anything.

He shook his head and got up to leave.

"Stay safe", he said, before walking out of the door.

I stood there, still contemplating what exactly happened today.

.

.

.

I slightly knocked on Anna's door and waited for her to open it. Her hurried footsteps were heard before the door opened as she peeked from behind the door.

"Haven! You haven't called me?", she exclaimed, quickly opening the door and letting me in.

I was feeling extremely disturbed and I wanted to distract myself badly. Anna is the best person to rely on during any kind of swings.

I was about to suggest her that we could watch a movie when I noticed a purple contusion on her arm that she desperately was trying to hide. I took a step forward near her to see a faint bruise on her cheek.

Was she hurt?

My mind concocted different scenarios in which Anna could get hurt. I gently touched her cheek and saw her flinch.

"Anna? What happened? Were you hurt?", I asked, softly, holding her hand.

She fiddled with the hem of her dress, something she used to never do, and looked at me.

"Uhm, it's stupid, I fell down the stairs", she nervously laughed.

I narrowed my eyes, not completely believing her. She would've told me if she fell, right. I brushed it off, not wanting to push her more.

"Let me guess. Here to watch movies?", she asked, eyeing the snacks I bought on the way.

My lips broke into a smile as I dumped all the junk on the couch. In a few moments, we were giggling as we opened the bag of chips while flipping through the movies. I honestly needed it with everything happening so fast.

.

It was late at night. I could stay back at Anna's for the night. However, a part of me wanted to see him around. Would he be there lurking around the streets? Is he hurt again?

I brushed off all the thoughts and decided to stay with Anna. Somebody needs to be there with her to help her with the mild injuries. The injuries that I believe she blatantly lied about. I decided to ask her about it once again.

However, I brushed it off, not wanting to make the situation serious again.

.

.

.

"Haven!", Anna screamed, making me shoot my eyes open and widen them as they meet her worried ones. I sat up, breathing heavily while she stumbled outside to get me some water. I wiped the stagnant sweat beads on my forehead and sighed. The nightmares just keep coming back.

My mind wandered off to the conversation I had with Anna. I couldn't get anything out of her when I asked her about the injuries again. I groaned while sitting up straight as Anna extended a glass of water to me. She observed with utmost concentration and spoke

"Another nightmare?", she asked me, softly. "I thought they stopped."

I have never told Anna about my recent series of nightmares as I didn't want her worrying.

"It wasn't that bad. Not a big deal, Ann", I said assuring her that everything is alright.

She looked like she didn't believe any of it, however, she nodded giving me a small smile. Tears threatened to spill as I realized how fortunate I am to have her. I jumped to give her a long hug sending a clear message of how grateful I am to her.

"Scoot over", she said, tossing her pillow next to mine after we pulled away from the embrace.

I snuggled towards her while she put her arm across me and drifted back to sleep.

.

.

.

The next day was the usual until I completed my work. I nonchalantly made my way to Blossombee, slightly frustrated at how robotic my life seemed. I smiled to myself reminiscing all the jokes James (my co-worker) had pulled today.

As I wobbled my way across the street, I felt a firm grip on my upper arm. Before I could do anything, I was being dragged towards an empty alley nearby. I opened my mouth to scream only to be clamped shut by a large hand. Tears clouded my vision and I began to take heavy breathes, thinking of the worst possibilities.

"Shh, it's just me", I heard a familiar voice. Aiden.

He gently caged me against the wall and pulled my chin up. His eyes electrocuted my whole body sending involuntary shivers to my lips.

"What do you want?", I breathed, with a mixture of relief and frustration. I was shaken up.

"Where the **** were you last night?", he had the audacity to ask.

That's it. Aiden Walters is crazy. In fact, he is crazier than he's dangerous.

" Why do you want to know?", I asked, " And, you can't just drag me to an isolated place to ask this. Are you crazy?"

He clenched his jaw and pinched his nose, probably trying not to snap.

"I can't risk talking to you in public. Now, shut that fucking attitude of yours and answer me", he replied, sternly.

I let out a sigh, not seeing any benefit in pushing him for answers.

"I was at Anna's", I whispered, "I slept over at her place."

I realized that he might have shown up at my place yesterday night. Uncannily, I found myself worried as he could have hurt himself like always for him to knock on my door.

"Were you hurt?", I asked him.

He slightly widened his eyes likely surprised by my question. I observed his state while waiting for his reply. His hair was messy from running his hand through it many times. Those majestic eyes still had the dangerous glint in them making me want to stare at them longer.

"No. Why did you ask that?", he replied, seriously expecting an answer.

His gentle grip on my arm tightened when I didn't give a reply. Before I was about to give out a concocted answer, I felt his luscious lips on mine. Glimmers of sparks exploded in my gut at the sudden contact of his warm lips. Aiden Walters kissed me. I was still for a second before reciprocating back. With time, he deepened his kiss and pushed his tongue demanding entrance. That made me pull away suddenly. Before anyone could say anything, I took off.

My heartbeat was loud and I could imagine it leaping out of my chest. I could think of anything just to get away from the realization of what happened. My mind flooded with all kinds of questions. Why would Aiden kiss me, of all people?