THE STRANGER IN THE MORNING

The first light of dawn painted the room in soft pastels, casting a gentle glow on the peaceful scene. Birds chirped in the distance, their melody blending with the rustle of leaves outside the window. A crisp breeze carried the scent of dew-kissed flowers, filling the air with a freshness that whispered promises of a serene day ahead.

Tracy stirred beneath the covers, warmth from the morning sun wrapping around her like a comforting embrace. She stretched lazily, her body sinking deeper into the mattress. The world outside was waking in harmony, a delicate ballet of nature unfolding beyond her window.

But something was wrong.

A shift in the air. A presence.

Her eyelids fluttered open, and her breath caught in her throat.

At the foot of her bed stood a man.

He watched her in silence, his gaze fixed with an intensity that sent a bolt of ice through her veins. She knew that face chiseled features, piercing eyes, an aura that seemed both alluring and terrifying. The stranger from the club.

Tracy's pulse roared in her ears. She tried to scream, but no sound came. It was as if an unseen force had wrapped its fingers around her throat, choking her voice before it could escape. The room, once a sanctuary, now felt suffocating, its morning glow turning eerie as shadows stretched unnaturally along the walls.

The man did not move. He did not speak. Yet his presence consumed the space, warping reality itself. A silent force pressed down on her chest, making every breath a struggle.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"Didn't mean to scare you."

His voice was a deep, velvety resonance a sound so rich and smooth it sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. It was the kind of voice that could lull someone into a trance, carrying both warmth and an undeniable power. Every word rolled off his tongue with a practiced elegance, weaving a spell that made it hard to think clearly.

Tracy's fear tangled with something unexpected. Fascination.

She shouldn't have felt it, but she did.

His presence was unnatural, his beauty almost inhuman sharp angles, perfect symmetry, a magnetism that made it impossible to look away. The way he stood, confident yet unreadable, sent a thrill down her spine. Her thoughts spiraled, painting dangerous fantasies before she could stop them.

What would it feel like to have those lips brush against hers? To have those hands trace over her skin?

She swallowed hard, heat creeping up her neck.

"Hello…" The same hypnotic voice that had pulled her into a daze now yanked her out of it. His lips curled slightly. "I appreciate the admiration, but your thoughts are far too dirty for this moment."

Tracy's breath hitched.

He can hear my thoughts?!

"Loud and clear."

Embarrassment turned to fury. She clenched her fists, willing her face to cool. "Answer my question," she demanded, her voice laced with disgust, pushing down the lingering warmth his presence stirred.

The stranger tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"I need you."

The weight of his words settled between them, thick with unspoken meaning.

Tracy had no idea what he truly meant.

But something told her that whatever it was… it would change everything.