Free The Vengeance by Allison Rios Page A

he said, gently pulling on her to lead her back inside. “On your shoes, too, but mostly on your cheeks. It means you like me.”
    While she should have been taken aback by his bold statement, she only felt hotter. Was that what this feeling was, she wondered as she let him lead her amongst the group of dancers? As her timid feet reached the dance floor, the song changed to one of a much slower pace, the music drifting to a softer level, she was sure the decrease in background noise made her heartbeat vividly audible.
    He wrapped one hand around her waist, lifting her free hand with his. She didn’t put up a fight; she was entranced. Her mind wanted to run but everything inside of her forced her to remain in his arms.
    “What’s your name?” he whispered into her ear as their bodies began to sway to the beat, Matthew careful to keep a safe and respectful distance between their bodies.
    “Helen,” she replied, her eyes catching his momentarily before darting somewhere else.
    “Nice to meet you Helen. I’m Matthew.”
    She cringed at the introduction, feeling instantly rude for not asking his name herself.
    “Hello, Matthew .”
    “What’s a pretty girl like you doing all alone here?”
    “What’s a nosey guy like you doing in this little town?”
    “Now who’s being nosey?” he laughed.
    He twirled her a little and lifted her slim body off the floor. For a moment, she let her guard down and relished in the feeling of the dance. Silence filled the space left between them, leaving her feeling crowded in a good way.
    “I’d better go,” she hoarsely stammered, backing away from his embrace.
    The emotions she felt were overwhelming. His touch made her nervous and excited and the guilt surged through her veins. Her son was in the ground and she was out dancing. Granted, it had been a year, but it just wasn’t right, she thought.
    “Helen, wait . Did I offend you?”
    “No,” she whispered softly. He sensed a profound sadness in her voice. “I just need to go.”
    “Can I see you again?”
    She stared at him fiercely, her eyes nearly angry. Couldn’t he see how damaged she was, she thought?
    “That’s not a good idea.”
    “Can I call you?”
    “No, Matthew. I have to go.”
    “Then may I at least walk you home? I’d feel much better if I did.”
    She sighed in resignation. She was not going to win this back and forth unless she got blatantly rude, which she wasn’t about to do. Life had taken a lot from her, but it wasn’t going to steal what little dignity and honor she had left.
    Helen nodded, starting towards the door.
    “Fine. But only if you know that’s all this is, you walking me home. Nothing more.”
    He nodded his agreement. The blush on her cheeks had receded and left her feeling almost normal. They walked side-by-side in silence, Matthew keeping a safe distance away with his hand s shoved into his pockets.
    “Thank you for the dance,” he muttered, breaking the stillness of the night air between them. “I don’t get to do that often.”
    “I doubt that,” she said without thinking, immediately wanting to reach out into the air and pull the words back into her mouth. She cringed, awaiting his response.
    “Why’s that?” 
    “Have you seen yourself?”
    “That could go two ways,” he laughed. “Are you complimenting or insulting me?”
    She couldn’t help but smile. Cocking her head to the side, she looked into his eyes.
    “I’ll let you decide.”
    He smiled back at her, the warmness of his face melting at her tough exterior. He followed closely to her, entranced by her. She wasn’t supermodel gorgeous but was far from unattractive. To him, she was enthralling and striking in a very different, very real way.
    “So really, why did you come alone?”
    “You really are nosey.”
    “Not nosey. Just curious. And making conversation.”
    “Then why, Matthew, did you come alone?” she threw back at him.
    “Because I am alone. I like being alone. At least I