His Special Place

^

"You're here," Aurora whispered, her voice nearly caught in her throat.

Mateo stood there, dressed in his usual white shirt, now layered with a sleek black leather jacket and matching black pants. His shoes clicked against the pavement as he approached her, casual but confident. He was every bit the bad boy people whispered about.

He looked at her quietly.

She was wearing a soft blue spaghetti-strap gown that stopped at her knees, hugging her figure and leaving much of her skin bare under the moonlight.

"Let's go," he said, handing her the helmet she'd worn the last time.

Aurora hesitated. He always made decisions for her—like she didn't have a say.

But before she could overthink, she was already seated behind him, her arms instinctively wrapping around his waist.

⸻

He drove fast through the quiet streets of Morsvil, toward a part of town Aurora didn't recognize. The further they rode, the darker the road became. She frowned.

"Where are we going?" she asked, raising her voice over the wind.

"You'll see," he replied, giving her no real answer.

It was getting late. The sky above turned deeper blue, almost black.

When he finally stopped the bike, they were at the edge of a deserted forest trail. No streetlights. No passing cars. Just the quiet hum of night.

Aurora stepped off cautiously, her heart thumping harder.

"Why are we here?" she asked, eyeing the shadowy trees.

He didn't answer. He just started walking.

Afraid to be left alone in the middle of nowhere, she followed, even though every instinct told her this might not be wise. She'd heard the rumors about him...dark, dangerous ones. Yet here she was, chasing him into the woods.

And then...

Her eyes widened.

There, hidden in the trees, was a secret place—a sparkling pool fed by a small waterfall from the mouth of a stone mermaid statue. Fireflies danced above the surface, glowing like tiny stars.

It was beautiful. Magical.

Aurora stood frozen, enchanted.

"Care for a swim?" Mateo asked casually, already stripping down.

Her jaw dropped. "Swim?!"

Before she knew it, they were both in the pool, wearing only their underclothes. To her surprise, the water was warm, not cold like she expected. Aurora swirled her fingers through it, smiling quietly to herself.

She felt...free.

Mateo, meanwhile, couldn't take his eyes off her.

Her body was soft, full in all the right places. Her curves held his gaze, her flushed skin glowing faintly beneath the moonlight. She had no idea how beautiful she was...and that made her even more irresistible.

He stared at her like he'd made a decision. She was his. And he wasn't the type to share what he wanted.

⸻

"How did you find this place?" Aurora asked, still in awe, brushing her wet hair back as she got out of the pool.

The night air hit her skin and she shivered.

Mateo walked over and, without a word, draped his leather jacket around her shoulders.

"I found it when I was younger," he replied simply. "It's always been my place."

Aurora looked up at him, her heart fluttering. He brought me to his special place... why?

"Have you ever taken another girl here?" she asked before she could stop herself. Her cheeks immediately flushed.

"No," he said. Just one word...but it landed with weight.

⸻

It was late when he dropped her off in front of the mansion. She felt like one of those high school girls sneaking in after curfew. The feeling made her nervous...but oddly happy.

"Thank you for tonight," she said sincerely.

"That should be in exchange for your number," he replied, holding out his phone.

Aurora stared at him. Bold, shameless, and always confident.

She hesitated, then took the phone and typed in her number.

Just as she handed it back—

"Miss Aurora."

She turned quickly to see Mr. Jones standing at the doorway, eyes narrowed. Her stomach dropped.

Oh no.

She looked down at herself...still wearing Mateo's leather jacket.

Mateo frowned but said nothing.

"I tutor him," she blurted out, offering Mr. Jones an awkward smile. "He... just dropped me off."

Mr. Jones said nothing, only studying her closely. Mateo's brow rose slightly, clearly amused by her panicked cover-up.

"You should get going now," she told Mateo, waving her hand as if it would erase the tension in the air.

"Let's go in, Mr. Jones," she added quickly, walking ahead into the mansion.

The man followed but stopped at the door. "Miss."

She turned slowly.

"Be careful," he said simply.

She nodded and hurried up the stairs, heart racing.

Was she caught? What if he told her aunt? What if Peter found out?

⸻

Back in her room, Aurora stood in front of her mirror. She took off Mateo's jacket and held it close. It still smelled like him...his cologne sharp and fresh, with a hint of something wild.

Her cheeks turned red again.

Why is he like this? Why am I acting like some girl with a school crush?

She changed into something comfortable, then crept back downstairs, praying Mr. Jones hadn't sold her out.

⸻

To her surprise, everyone was already seated in the dining room—Aunt Stella, Peter, Vivian... and Mr. Jones.

Aurora took a breath and stepped forward.

"Heard you went out tutoring," her aunt said with a smile.

Aurora nodded, eyes flicking to Mr. Jones, who gave nothing away.

"Yes, Aunt."

"Who did you tutor, cous?" Peter asked, squinting at her.

"Just a girl from my class. Doubt you'd know her," she replied, flashing a nervous grin.

She sat down as Mr. Jones served her food in silence.

Thank you for not saying anything, she thought, glancing his way.

"Anyway, Mr. Vane died last night," Aunt Stella said suddenly, her tone turning solemn.

Aurora blinked. "Who?"

"He was a very respected man in Morsvil. Such a kind soul," her aunt explained.

"So sad," Vivian added, folding her hands.

"We'll be attending the funeral tomorrow," her aunt continued.

Aurora nodded. Thankfully, there were no classes on weekends. But the thought of another funeral pulled her into old memories.

She remembered her father's death. The ache it brought. The shock. The silence that followed.

Suddenly, she wasn't hungry anymore.