Chapter 5 Girl's night gone wrong

"Did you just say, Mom?" Max asks, looking bewildered.

This can't be happening. Who could have told her that I was here? What a terrible timing, I exclaim in my mind.

"Do you have a car? If we get caught, I am dead," I say, looking at Max with all the courage I can muster.

"Sorry, Mom," I mutter, running off with Max as we head to his car.

Stepping into the driveway, my gaze immediately falls on a sleek, black car parked there. Its glossy finish reflects the morning sun, giving it a mirror-like sheen that is almost blinding. Despite the chaos I am in, I can't help but admire its elegant curves and the way the light dances across its surface. The tinted windows add a touch of mystery, hinting at the luxury and sophistication within. My heart flutters, causing me to smile.

Entering the car, I am greeted by the scent of rich leather. I know deep down that the car must be very expensive because the quality of the leather is unmistakable.

How can a bartender afford such a car? That's rare. But I decided that today, I must find out.

Jarring me from my thoughts, I hear Max shut the front door. As he starts the car, I let my eyes wander inside, taking in every little detail.

The interior is just as impressive as the exterior. Placing my hand carefully on the seats, I notice the black leather is impeccably stitched, providing both comfort and a sense of luxury.

As we drive out of the driveway, the car is so silent that it's impossible to tell it's moving. My heart skips a beat when we start approaching where my mother stands. Fear etches deep into my heart as I quickly look down, hoping she won't see me.

"Come back here, Jenna!" I hear my mom shout, but there's nothing I can do. I can't even recall why I am doing this; it feels like a force beyond my control is moving me.

Looking over at Max, his profile is everything I could ever wish for, making my heart flutter.

As we move down the lonely road, I know I need to break the ice.

"So, what's on your mind? I should be the one thinking about the mess I've made and you consoling me that everything is going to be fine. Not the other way around."

A small smile etches at the corner of his lips. Driving to the side of the road, he pulls the car to a stop.

"Why did you stop?" I ask, regretting immediately why I chose to break the ice.

"You aren't wearing your seatbelt, that's dangerous," he says, looking deep into my eyes and leaning toward me. The moment his broad chest reaches out to me, I force myself to look away before I do something regretful.

Darting my eyes away from his mesmerizing green eyes that always trap me, I notice his neck. My hunger sets in again, this time feeling different.

The urge to bite him comes, and his neck looks so appetizing. Still staring at it, I hold my breath.

"Is there anything wrong, Jenna?" he asks, worry etched on his face.

"Nah, I'm good. I just had a blackout thinking about what will happen to me when I get home," I say, forcing a smile.

"Nothing is going to happen to you," he says, taking my hands in his. I can hear my pulse quickening with anticipation.

"Okay," I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

"So... you are a bartender, right?" I ask, curiosity eating at me.

"Maybe," he says, unfazed. I watch as his gigantic hands grip the steering wheel and as he swerves past too many houses.

"Hmm, that's awkward. What do you mean by 'maybe'?" I ask, not letting his fine face deter my curiosity.

"It's nothing much. Sometimes I just help out at the bar. But it's okay to refer to me as a bartender," he says, increasing the car's speed, and I guess immediately that he might not like my questions.

"Can you please open the window?" I ask, staring at the windshield.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't know you were hot," he says, increasing the AC.

"It's not yet open," I say, picking at my fingers.

"Don't worry, Jenna. The AC works better than the dusty breeze," he says, winking at me.

"Uh... okay," I stutter, trying not to let the wink do more harm than it already has.

"I just wanted to see the view as we go. You know, it's almost morning; everywhere will be at its best," I say with a shy smile.

"I understand," he replies, not sparing me a glance.

"Do you not want to talk to me, or do you prefer silence while driving?" I ask, sounding annoyed.

"I'm sorry. It's not that. I just have a lot on my mind, but I'm listening. You have my attention," he says, flashing me a smile as the car pulls up to a gigantic all-black building.

Adrenaline courses through my veins, and I tell myself inwardly that this building is not our destination.

"We're here," I hear him say, interrupting my thoughts.

I stare at him and ask, "Are you a vampire? Is that why you're so fine? Did you compel me to follow you here?" But there are no answers. it's all in my head.

Max steps out of the car, his expression unreadable. He walks around to my side and opens the door, offering his hand. I hesitate, a chill running down my spine. Something about the building, the car, and Max himself feels increasingly surreal as if I'm slipping into a dream I can't wake from.

"Jenna, trust me," he says softly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that sends shivers through me. The air around us feels electric, charged with an unspoken promise of danger and mystery.

I take his hand, and as I step out of the car, I glance back at the imposing black building. It looms over us, casting long shadows in the early morning light. Every instinct screams at me to run, but I'm inexplicably drawn forward, compelled by an unseen force.

As I stand there, trembling with uncertainty, one thing becomes clear: whatever lies ahead, my life will never be the same.