Dark Creations: The Hunted (Part 4) by Jennifer Martucci, Christopher Martucci Read Free Book Online Page A

couldn’t be sure, but Gabriel seemed to be doing the same.  Once they’d finished eating, Gabriel cleared the plates and returned with a bottle of wine and two long-stemmed glasses.
    “I took the liberty of getting cabernet sauvignon, just like the one you liked last time.”
    “Oh, I remember.  It was delicious,” she replied.
    He filled her glass, and his own as well then handed her hers.  She was surprised to see him fill his glass, and confused.  He did not drink when she did, and vice versa, so that one of them was always the designated driver.  While his full glass took her by surprise her, it also heartened her; it meant he intended to spend a significant amount of time with her.  Now that she was eighteen, she did not have a formal curfew.  If she intended to be out very late, all her father asked was that she called him.  She hoped to be making such a phone call tonight.  With his glass in hand, Gabriel seated himself beside her on the couch again and his hand brushed against her bare leg.  His touch, though unintentional, made her insides tremble.  Goosebumps raised in her skin, just as they always did when his skin met hers.  Her reaction did not go unnoticed by him.
    “Are you cold?” he asked
    “No. Why do you ask?” she tried to feign ignorance.
    “You have goose bumps.  It felt hot in here to me, but I could raise the temperature on the thermostat if you’re cold.”
    “I’m not cold,” she said levelly.
    “You don’t have to be shy or anything.  It’s no trouble.  I’ll just put on shorts and a tank top.”
    “Really, Gabriel, I’m not cold.  But feel free to change into whatever you want.  You won’t hear me object to seeing you in a tank top.” 
    And with that, Melissa had flirted for the first time in her life. The words floated from her mouth effortlessly.  She had not given any thought to them, just told the truth.
    “Oh,” he said and seemed happy .  “So it’s not too cold in here.”
    “Not at all.”
    “Then what’s with the goose bumps?”
    “That’s all you , Gabriel,” she said and stared into his sapphire eyes.

Chapter 5
     
     
    Officer Jarrod Richards glanced at himself in the rearview mirror of his unmarked sedan.  Dressed in plain clothes, he felt relaxed and refreshed, and was pleased that his complexion suggested as much.  In the brilliant glow of the Moon, he discovered that his skin texture not only exuded tranquility and vitality, but that his features on the whole also radiated such qualities, along with undeniable appeal.  In the ethereal moonlight, his attractiveness assumed an entirely different quality, an allure that was mysterious, and polished.  He enjoyed his reflection immensely.  But he knew he should not distract himself with his glorious appearance.  After all, his reflection would be there when he returned.  He needed to focus his attention on his current mission.  Still, it was hard to tear his eyes away, especially since it had been such a trying day.  Recalling the day’s events caused him to knit his brow.  He knew that wearing his disappointment so plainly on his face was detrimental to his flawless complexion, but simply could not find a more becoming expression.  A smile or neutral countenance was impossible given that half of his day had been wasted.  And he hated wasting time. 
    Of course, his unproductiveness had not been his fault.  He had thought he was following a pregnant woman, as per his maker’s command, and that he would seize her quickly, then resume his daily activities.  But things had not gone as he’d expected.  She had looked to be approximately five months into her pregnancy, and therefore fit Terzini’s criteria.  He had spotted her near the food court in a crowded shopping center and had tracked her until she had headed to her car.  He had watched her pull away then returned to his patrol car to continue his pursuit.  He had waited until she had been on a virtually