Free Crimson Midnight (A New Adult Dark Urban Fantasy Series) (The Crimson Series Book 1) by Amos Cassidy Page B

her first day at work.
    Dressed warmly in black jeans, a
dark long-sleeved polo neck and a red body warmer, her sneaker-clad feet
slapped against the pavement as she hurried along with a backpack containing
her gym clothes slung casually over her left shoulder. 
    She had showered quickly at the gym
before leaving but hadn’t had time to dry her hair properly. It was pulled back
in a hasty ponytail, and she was completely unaware how this accentuated her cheekbones
and slanted blue eyes. There was a flush to her cheeks brought on by the crisp
afternoon air that was usually absent. She was beautiful, yet Rose was
unconcerned about her appearance and focused only on the day ahead.
    The house Faye was sharing with
three students was a mere two minute walk from Bethnal Green tube station. She
found the house easily and climbed the steps to the door. Searching for a
doorbell and not finding one, she knocked firmly on the thick frosted glass
that made up the top half of the door. A couple of moments passed, and she was
about to try again, when through the frosted glass she saw a figure approach.
The figure was taller and bigger than Faye and she took an involuntary step
back, not wanting to appear too pushy.
    Another moment and the door swung
inwards. Rose found herself staring up at the most gorgeous man she had ever
laid eyes on. He was tall, definitely over six-feet. She sensed power and
energy emanating from his lithe frame, but what captivated her most was his
face. If something could be described as soft and chiselled than this was it.
She had never seen a man that she could describe as beautiful before. But here
he was in the flesh. His dark hair was pulled back at the nape of his neck and
his violet eyes studied her enquiringly.
    “Can I help you?”  His voice was
almost musical with a strange lilting quality she couldn’t quite place. He
cocked his head.
    “Oh…um…I’m Rose...”  Dammit,
pull yourself together!
    “Hello, Rose.  His expression was
serious but his eyes twinkled with amusement.
    Rose stared at him blankly,
waiting…
    “So what can I do for you, Rose?
Are you here to see someone in particular?”
    Of course, he wouldn’t know who she
was. Rose mentally kicked herself for being so dense. “Faye…I’m here to see
Faye.”
    What was wrong with her? Had she
lost the ability of coherent speech?
    Turning his head slightly, he
shouted into the house. “Faye, your friend Rose is here!” Then back to Rose.
“Why don’t you come and wait inside? I’m sure she won’t be long.”  He moved
back into the house in invitation.
    “Thanks.”  She’d recovered her
equilibrium somewhat and stepped over the threshold, allowing herself to be led
into a large living room.
    “Can I get you anything while you
wait?”  He asked in that melodious voice of his.
    She shook her head.
    “Well, it was nice meeting you.” 
He gave her a small nod before disappearing back through the door they had
entered from. She found herself a little disappointed at his departure.
    “Hi, hun.  How’s working life?” 
Faye popped her head around the door.
    “Who was that?”  Rose mouthed.
    “Oh, I think his name’s Ossian or
something. Why? You like?  Got to warn you, though, he’s a first year student–
just transferred to USL this year from…I dunno, somewhere…I wasn’t really
paying attention. Anyway, he’s all about hitting the books and nothing else.”
    “He’s kind of distracting to look
at.”
    “Yeah, major eye candy, but dull me
thinks.”
    “That’s a quick judgment call.
You’ve been here what…two nights?”
    “Trust me, it’s enough time to know
that the bloke is a fuddy-duddy.” Faye rolled her eyes.
    “Oh, hang on a minute.” Rose’s face
broke into a grin as an idea formed in her head. “Let me guess, he didn’t fall
at your feet when he first met you?”  Rose chuckled. 
    Faye was one of the most
flirtatious girls she had ever met, and one of the most self-confident.