Page 1 of Lethal Infatuation

ONE

Clear skies, fresh, salty air, and an unobstructed view of the breathtaking ocean. What could possibly surpass this moment? I jogged along the sidewalk, steadying my breathing to maintain my endurance level.

In. Out. In. Out.

Occasionally, I'd glance to my left, raking my eyes across the never ending body of water. The ocean called to me, it held mysteries that I could only dream of uncovering. If it were possible for me to delve into the deep, dark depths of its waters, I'd do so.

My thighs and calves started burning, the heat spreading rather quickly from my lower body toward my abdominal area due to me constantly engaging my core whilst performing my horrendous choice of physical activity.

Then, in the blink of an eye, someone knocked directly intome with shear force, making me groan softly. I nearly lost my balance, but an arm snaked around my waist and prevented me from plummeting to the ground.

I appreciated the swift reflexes, but that didn't stop the annoyance from seeping into my system. When I looked up, pools of dark grey were focused on me. The last bit of oxygen that remained in my lungs were knocked out of me before I could even blink.

The man's arm set my skin ablaze, but I quickly stepped backward, breaking free of his hold around me. I moved as if though my entire body was set alight and I was currently being burned alive.

"Jesus," I hissed, grimacing as I glared at the handsome stranger. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his grey sweatpants, his muscular arms straining against the fabric of his white t-shirt.

Involuntarily, my eyes raked over the length of his toned, taut body before my gaze lingered on his perfectly chiselled face. Pitch black hair, dark grey eyes, smooth tan skin, and a height difference that made me crane my neck just to glance at his face.

His eyebrows were knitted together, a deep set frown adorning his facial features. "My apologies," he said nonchalantly, his voice so deep and gruff with a slight accent that I couldn’t detect.

I shook my head, side stepping him because he was the one who knocked into me, yet he made it seem like it was the other way around. "Whatever," I murmured, irritation lacing my tone.

I didn't even move an inch because the man stepped in front of me, blocking me from walking any further. My lips parted by his sudden action and I knew that if I attempted to move in the other direction, he'd just easily obstruct me once more.

"Impertinent." My eyes narrowed and I scoffed. This man surely had the audacity, I'd give him that much.

"Audacious," was my bitter response. I thought my comment would've deepened his frown, but instead his lips curled upward, a smirk ghosting his face.

"Allow me to rephrase my words: I apologise for my lack of awareness." His voice sounded soothing against my ears, sending jolts of electricity through my nervous system. "Nicolas."

He held his hand out and I hesitantly reciprocated his actions. "Lack of awareness?" I asked. His large, veiny hand enveloped mine, providing a feeling of warmth on my skin.

"Yes, I should've been moreawareof my surroundings." He squeezed my hand, never breaking eye contact with me. "You aren't going to tell me your name?"

In that moment, he released his grip and I quickly pulled my hand away, dropping it next to my side. It seemed like the rest of world vanished and the only people in it was me and the stranger whose name was Nicolas.

I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. His gaze flickered to my cleavage, but the moment was short lived because he instantly made eye contact again.

"Are introductions really necessary?"

"Definitely."

"You might just be a stalker. Now, if you'll excuse me." Just as I expected, when I tried moving past him, he blocked me once more.

"I'm not a stalker." There was a hint of amusement in his voice, but darkness in his eyes.

"That's something a stalker would say." He chuckled softly, the low sound wrapping around my skin and nearly crushing me. His soft laugh was smooth, enthralling, and made me shiver.

"I suppose you'll have to take a risk, then." He hasn't even attempted to convince me, but I was already considering sharing my name with him. He could've been Satan preparing to drag me to Hell and I'd probably hold my hand out for him to grasp.

That's how enticing the stranger was. "Gabriella," I muttered before putting too much thought into it.

"Gabriella," he repeated. The way he uttered my name almost had me combusting right then and there. "Well, it was nice meeting you." He took a step forward, hovering over me. "I promise to be more vigilant next time, enjoy the rest of your day."

With that, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his pants and side stepped me, walking away and leaving me behind in one giant puddle of mush. Out of instinct, I looked behind me, watching the man retreat.

Broad shoulders directly in my line of vision, and judging by the way his t-shirt clung to him, it was evident that he had an extremely muscular physique. I forced myself to look away and started jogging again, flicking my wrist to check my smart watch.

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