Read Dark of kNight for Free Online Page B

difference in his voice when he looked into my face.
    “Well, I have always believed that every man should follow his own heart,” Uncle Dave replied.
    “So do I, sir, so do I.” Daniel smiled broadly while his fingers ran lightly up and down my back.
    “Well, I...” Aunt Doris started.
    Uncle Dave turned toward her and cut her off again. “It was nice seeing you again Julie. Daniel it is truly a pleasure to meet you. Hope to see you again. Don’t let your dreams die.” He gave me a quick wink and smile.
    She opened her mouth to protest, but his arm was already moving Aunt Doris away from us. Her voice trailed out in a series of protests while he guided her through the crowd.
    My eyes fell to the table and I couldn’t help laughing again. I felt Daniel’s hand on my back again. “That woman,” I muttered, sounding like my father.
    “I think she’s… well, unique,” he teased.
    “So did Dad.” We both laughed. It was a good feeling to be able to laugh again. The anxiety wasn’t as bad as it was a few minutes ago. The waitress returned with our drinks.
    Daniel held his glass and leaned slightly toward me. His hand touched my back ever so lightly.
    “Shall we… ” My eyes followed his to an outdoor patio. I nodded.
    I knew there were two things I was certain about at this point; first, I didn’t like being in a room full of people. Second, I hated being the center of attention. It was as if he read my mind. Gently he held on to my chair. When I stood, I felt his hand on my back again steadying me, and then guiding me toward the patio.
    The sun had gone down, resting long behind a grove of trees. The full moon illuminated the night, bringing with it a romantic feeling. The gentle chill in the night’s air felt good against my bare skin. I couldn’t express in words my gratitude to Daniel for saving me from my anxieties. The silence of the night, along with Daniel's presence washed away all my fears.
    “Thank you.”
    “For… ” His voice trailed softly in question.
    “For saving me from all those people. I don’t think I could’ve taken another second being in that room.” I ran on.
    “You do not like crowds do you?” Daniel leaned against the railing holding his drink while he looked curiously at me.
    “No, I don’t. I become uncomfortable.”
    “Why?”
    “I don’t know. I just don’t like people staring at me. It makes me… uncomfortable.” A warm rush filled my checks and I lowered my eyes. A quirky grin crossed his lips, followed by a humorous chuckle.
    “What?” I moved closer to the balcony, resting my arms on the concrete rails, my eyes lifted to his.
    “Nothing. I just can’t imagine that you would feel uncomfortable with people staring at you.” The word ‘ you’ pulled on my nerves.
    “What do you mean by that?” The words that left my mouth shot out before I had a chance to control the tone.
    “Well, it’s just… ” he turned to me and glanced around, “You are the most beautiful woman here.” He whispered as if he were telling me a secret.
    A sly and sinister grin crossed his face while he raised his eyebrows. For some reason it was the way he said that and the expression on his face made me laugh. I couldn’t even be offended or embarrassed. The sly grin turned into a complete smile showing off his beautiful teeth. I glanced at the moon again, suddenly remembering the thoughts of why we were here.
    “Daniel would you tell me something?” I hoped since we were alone maybe he would answer some of my questions.
    “I guess that would depend on what you want to know.” He turned the glass to his lips.
    “What happened to my father? Everyone seems to be so sensitivearound me.” I checked the box one more time to make sure I could handle the information. So far, the box was secure. I took a deep breath and prepared myself. His eyes looked deep into mine; the expression on his face showed concern.
    “Dad received a call from one of his friends in the Midwest,