CHAPTER 1

Rose

"You…stupid, stupid car!" I cursed, grunting as I struck the heel of my boots against the rear end of my car.

It was a Honda Civic and well past its prime but since it was my only means of transportation, I kept patching it up as best as I could and now…it decided to give up on me on one of the most important days that was vital to my business.

One of my best friends, Anna, was having her book reveal three days away and I was supposed to set up the event space.

Being a young and thriving interior designer in a small town meant grabbing every work opportunity you set your eyes on, including the ones offered by friends.

Of course, I could take the big leap and leave Creek Springs, my home for the past five years but heading back to the big city made me break out in hives…and not just because I had made friends, built a business and sown roots in this beautiful town but…

Let's just say, there's a reason why I skipped town, packed up my things to be with my grandmother five years ago.

Sighing, I shook my head to dislodge those depressing thoughts and slid into the driver's seat, muttering a prayer under my breath in hopes that the car will start up this time around.

Twisting the key around in the ignition, the car sputtered to life, raising my hopes up and just as quickly, they plummeted down a dark hole as it petered out, the engines crashing.

"Dammit!" I groaned, trying to start it three more times but I gave up soon after.

Glancing at my watch, I realized that I would be late if I didn't start thinking of a solution.

I had to be there before 8pm and this was a couple of minutes shy from 7pm.

Slamming the doors shut, I reached into the backseat, shoving some items into my handbag as well as my keys, phone and wallet and started the long trek down the lonely road.

Hopefully, I would meet a friendly neighbour who'd offer me a ride.

As I walked, I kept glancing at my phone, noting that the 'No Service' sign was still present.

Why in God's name would I choose to take this route on today of all days?

I desperately needed this job to boost my finances.

Being in a small town didn't mean that many opportunities, especially when most people around could call on their relatives to throw some balloons around in the name of a decoration.

Most of my savings went up in smoke the first two years I spent here.

Having a sick Grandmother and bills to pay didn't exactly allow me to swim in wealth.

Twenty minutes later and out of breath, Fate decided to ruin my day even further.

Suddenly, the skies turned grey and thunder rolled up, making me jump.

Next thing, rain started coming down in torrents, the small droplets hitting the surface of my skin with force, immediately drenching my clothes.

I gaped in disbelief, staring at the darkened clouds, scanning the surroundings for any signs of shelter but so far, I couldn't see anything.

Cursing under my breath, I raced towards the illusion of shelter blinding cutting through the dark foggy storm that came out from nowhere.

Panting heavily, swinging my arms around ask ran, my heart beat was pounding frantically in my ears.

Maybe that's why I didn't hear the car coming behind me before it was too late.

The driver must have spotted a figure on the road because suddenly I heard the car screech, the tires peeling against the asphalt as he came to a stop.

Unfortunately, it was too late because I had spun around, standing still in the middle of the road, my eyes bulging out of my sockets in shock.

I barely had time to blink or act as the full force of the car barreled right into me, knocking me off my feet.

"Oomphf!!" I landed with a groan on my side, pain spiralling down my entire body.

It was hard for me to move my arms or legs but I could feel a warm, slimy liquid sliding down my forehead.

It most likely was blood.

Urghhh…

Having watched a lot of crime thrillers, I knew I had to move if I didn't want to die out here but I couldn't bring my body to obey.

I must have passed out because the next thing I knew, I was shaking badly, my teeth clattering against each other as the cold started to seep into my bones.

My eyes grew heavy as I didn't have the energy to keep them open for long.

"He…Hel…Help m-me….some…one, ple…please…" I managed to utter those words, staring into the night sky.

I logged off mentally, growing unconscious once more only for me to wake up but this time, I wasn't resting on the cold, hard asphalt bleeding on the road but I was cradled in the arms of….a man?

Maybe I was hallucinating but as my head lolled on the crook of his arm, I caught a whiff of a scent.

Sandalwood and amber perhaps?

Something shook us, making me jerk and the side of my body erupt in flames.

A scream burst forth from my throat as the pain increased, robbing me of any rational thoughts.

A whimper escaped my lips as the burning grew and I passed out.

Again.

When I came to, things were different.

There were movement and I could hear voices.

I managed to pry my eyes open and the shadowy outline of the most beautiful man I've ever seen came through.

He had already turned away from me, about to leave.

"Wa…wait!" I croaked out, using every last ounce of willpower I have to stay conscious. "Who a…are y…you?"

I must have been dreaming because the corners of his lips tipped up in a smile and he leaned down, that familiar scent of sandalwood and amber floating across my nostrils as he tucked a wet strand of hair behind my ear. "Someone you'll never remember meeting."

After that, I promptly passed out.