Chapter 5

His voice was so husky and attractive; he got all my attention with simpler words. I believed in the existence of other races but the first thing I got from interacting with everyone since coming to the Earth was that they knew nothing of it. I couldn't see anyone belonging to a different blood race; they had such good camouflage artefacts and I would definitely report that when I come back to the moon.

"… The investigation stopped and it was almost impossible getting some kind of evidence to continue my articles. People like gossip and lately, there was a trend of people liking supernatural beings. So it is better to classify this case as a vampire or a werewolf case, like one of them did that. Your job consists of finding out the facts and matters on this case and if you could other cases as well."

"So you want me to find out gossips to fill out articles in your magazine."

"Exactly, miss of the Cross. I like hardworking people and you are one. Shall we head out for tonight? It was such a long day for both of us and having a good time is a must in my life. How about joining me for a stroll?" he offered me his hand.

My heart started racing feeling I was doing something dangerous. Hesitation took a hold of me and Andre's words resounded in my ears like it was just now he said those. I didn't want to cause trouble for Anais but it isn't wrong either to have a good time and he was asking for it. In the end, I grabbed his hand helping me get up from my seat.

"You look stunning in your dress. I don't want to ruin this evening while you went to such great length to dress up for the occasion."

My blush extended to my other body parts. I didn't dress up for him; I just wanted to get a good impression to guarantee the job. We got out of the restaurant after having a good meal. I guess the atmosphere makes the food more delicious. We walked side by side exchanging looks and words.

"You know what I want to do most tonight… Ammm… I want to draw you and we are at the perfect place for that," a glimmer of interest sparkled in his eyes.

"I didn't know you had such hidden talents, Mister Flambert. I thought you were a Folk investigator."

This made me wonder what kind of relationship he shared with Anais. I sat down in front of a drawing table where my boss attempted to draw me; I just wish he won't mess up my appearance. I worked so hard on it. He threw a coin at a young man renting his painting materials.

"Do you know Mister Andre Rousseau, Mister Flambert?" I blurt out.

He put down his brush and rubbed his chin. Brad Pitt; he had the stance of Brad Pitt, something about him made me remember the actor. His golden hair sparkled under the street lamps and his aquamarine eyes narrowed at me, reminiscing some kind of distant memories.

"Are you curious about another man when you are in my presence? You wound me, miss of the Cross. I thought we were in for something for a while. Why do you think I know him?"

"You higher-ups possess some kind of relativeness; you all know each other. It is like you belong to a secret club or a circle no one is allowed inside. I saw him the other day after the interview."

"Indeed, he visited me that day," he picked his brush again and returned drawing. "Indeed, I used to know him. He is an unapproachable man now; no one comes close to him. We are just… Acquaintances. Nothing more. What are you so curious about?"

"Nothing special. My friend used to speak about him like an idol so I thought maybe you knew him since he came out from your office," lies. "Is he married? I don't mean anything by this answer… I just think guys like him are most likely married and kept it a secret."

Okay, why did I have to ask that? It makes me look desperate while I am the wife.

I averted my eyes and caught a familiar silhouette walking hand by hand with someone I have never seen. Darcie looked so happy that I felt I should let her enjoy the moment. When she turned her head towards us, I immediately ducked behind the drawing table. Alexandre looked back and saw nothing unusual.

"What made you hide this way, miss of the Cross? Did you meet someone unwanted? You don't have to worry about anything."

"Did you have to point at me like this? There is someone if she met me here, she will turn all shy. So better stay out of her way until she tells me herself about her night."

"I bet she is the girl in white. You are such a good friend. Do you want to go somewhere else? I finished drawing you. Don't be shocked by the outcome," he removed his coat and put it on me. "We better be careful. You don't know when she will come."

"I am not that scared. I just want her to have a good time and anyway, she is too relaxed. I don't want to turn her all tense. Let the magic of the moment sink in the depth of the consciousness."

"Do you believe in love, Miss of the Cross?"

"I do but it's hard to feel it when all the odds are against you. Love is a luxury meant for the rich to get the advantage of; the best example is Valentine's Day, who wouldn't buy a red rose for a girl and waste money on gifts for the beloved?"

"But it is romantic. Like now, we are hiding under a big tree and enjoying the moment. How does it make you feel? Isn't it a good feeling? Like life blossomed in a wonderful shape."

He stepped forward making me back down, my back against the tree, and he leaned closer until our breaths were an inch away. I tried to keep my eyes on his but they went down checking his lips. I always read those romantic stories and imagined their protagonists enjoying their touches.

Andre's warning came to my mind, ruining the moment. I pushed him away and gave him his coat back. It was true I wasn't Anais but Anais made a huge effort to sustain her family. If she didn't love them, why would she put herself in harm's way to secure their lives?

"No, I won't do that," I took a deep breath and walked away, my arms wrapped around myself. "I don't kiss just anyone."

He caught up to me and grabbed my arm forcing me to look at him. "But I am not anyone, Anais. I waited for so long for our meeting and it started wrong. I am sorry. I thought the mood was going for that," he furrowed.

But I am not allowed to do anything. But I am not a human… One day, I will leave and I don't want to give someone false hopes. I don't want to love… It will go wrong. Andre warned me and I don't want to ruin things. Furthermore, I had to find the man I need to help. When two mates are late for meeting each other, it might go badly.

"I can't."

I turned back and hurried home.