Page 16 of Dark Awakening

Emily shakes her head, bewildered. "Honestly, I have no clue. I don't remember JACK."

Emily fixes me with an intense stare. "So what was Batman's deal? Did you get a good look at him?"

I chase some pancakes with coffee before responding, trying to seem nonchalant even as my mind floods with memories of his tall, muscular frame pressed against me.

"It was dark. But he was huge, like six-foot-two at least," I say, remembering how he towered over me, enveloping me in his presence.

Emily shudders. "Well, that's terrifying. Was he creepy, or did he seem legitimately concerned for you?"

I take a slow sip of coffee, tamping down the heat spreading through me as I recall his firm body and seductive voice murmuring in my ear. Outwardly, I keep my tone casual.

"I mean, it freaked me out at first. But he genuinely seemed to want to help." I neglected to mention how his scent made my head spin with dangerous desire.

"Plus, he got rid of that creep for me," I add casually, as if this dark savior's presence hadn't affected me at all. "Who knows what would have happened if the Dark Knight hadn't shown up?"

Inwardly, my pulse quickens, remembering his strong arms around me. But I banish the arousal, keeping my surface emotions in check.

"Anyway, it was weird. Could've been a hella of a lot worse," I conclude, feigning a calm I don't feel.

Emily nods slowly, processing it all. "Damn, what a fucked up night."

“It was like someone slipped us a roofie or something, y’know?!” I say jokingly, but I’m serious at the same time.

Emily's face twists in outrage. "Wait, hold up. Did you say roofie?"

I wince as she raises her voice, drawing eyes. I shush her gently.

"Yeah, I was just spitballing—" I say uncertainly.

Emily softens and leans in. "I've studied date rape drugs. They cause confusion, loss of motor control, unconsciousness..."I'm stunned, silent as her meaning sinks in.

She continues solemnly and speaks again, “It’s quite obvious that we were drugged last night—which explains why my memories are zapped and why ‘Captain Save A Ho’ came to your aid.”

"Shit..." I breathe. Emily's theory unravels the bizarre night chillingly well. We make uneasy eye contact, the unspoken question hanging between us.

Emily inhales sharply.

I quickly intercept her distressing implication. "No, nothing like that! Let's go to the cops first, okay?"

I suggest returning to Karma for security footage of Emily leaving. If we can identify who she left with, it will unravel this twisted scheme.

Emily dives into her phone, researching date rape drugs. She shows me an article about GHB that depicts a disturbingly accurate account of our experience.

I'm appalled by the calculated malice behind this sick act against us. Yet even in this moment of concern for my friend, my thoughts can't help but drift back to my dark guardian from last night.

I remember the arousal he made me feel. But was he genuinely protecting me? Or did he have more sinister, hidden motives himself?

Emily made it home safely without me driving her. Was that the work of my guardian as well? If so, why? My mind spins with unanswered questions about him even as I try to focus on Emily.

I feel conflicted, disturbed by my obsession with this stranger, and longing to feel his touch again. I shouldn't crave the presence of someone so mysterious and potentially dangerous. Yet the desire simmers traitorously inside me.

Is it just twisted fascination and adrenaline that draws me to him? His mystery excites me, sparking my curiosity even when it should repel me.

I force myself to refocus on Emily... But the questions and exhilarating memories linger, a tantalizing puzzle I'm compelled to solve no matter the danger it brings.

Emily spits, "It's fucking disgusting, having no respect for consent."

I clench my fists, anger boiling at Emily being so violated. These scumbags thought they could drug and take advantage of us? Oh no, they'll regret ever crossing us.

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