My heart skipped as I drank him in.

He was looking at the scene with a smirk on his face; His bright eyes glittered in the candlelight. The man caught me staring and smiled, motioning for me to join him as he turned and slipped out of the room. 

I turned my attention to Lila who was shuffling her cards and calling for the spirit to "guide her".

I glanced back towards the doorway once again, and there he was, his massive frame taking up the space. He smiled, perfect teeth obvious even from this distance, holding up two glasses, once again silently asking me to join him.

Dark hair grazed his collar and curled ever so slightly, making me want to run my fingers through it.

What the hell was wrong with me?

I decided I needed to meet him, whoever he was. I had to find out.

Although I wanted to watch Lila's performance and her audience's reaction for some strange reason, I felt drawn to him. I slipped quietly from my seat, and upon reaching him I accepted the drink from his hand, smiling up at him.

Our hands brushed and heat pooled in my core. I felt a flush creep up my neck, and I was suddenly thankful that the room was dim and that candlelight was the only source of lighting in the space.

My heart sped up, and I was entranced as he towered over me staring as he sipped from his drink. His smile was infectious, and I couldn't help but return the gesture.

He leaned against the door frame watching the crowd behind me.

Warmth enveloped me as he leaned down, whispering."Your first time?"

 His voice cocooned me as if I were wrapped in a soft blanket. Caressing my skin with every word that dripped from his lips.

 He watched the crowd, their heads bowed a smirk dancing on his lips.

I nodded sipping from the glass. The familiar burn comforted me. "So, you didn't want to participate in the..." I paused sweeping my arm towards the strange scene before me, unsure of what to even call the night's event.

"You don't approve?" He asked his eyebrow shooting up questioningly.

I could feel my brow furrow, "No, it's not that at all. It is just very different from where I was before I came here; where I was raised. The people there—"

"Wouldn't be caught dead at an event like this" He finished my sentence, his voice hushed, a smile playing on his lips.

I glanced up at him, his eyes glimmering in the low light as they held mine. I felt like I was floating, straight in the middle of the dark visions that I was so frequently used to.

"Who are you?" I questioned my voice barely a whisper. "W-w-we weren't introduced earlier." I still felt lost in his gaze.

"Ah, yes, where are my manners?" He looked down at me, the glimmer intensifying. "My name is Berith. And you are?"

"Nova" I replied grasping his outstretched hand. An involuntary gasp escaped at the contact as a strange tingle moved up my arm.

"A very beautiful name." Berith crooned as a familiar pull washed over me.

A loud gasp sounded from the crowd, drawing our attention away from each other. The candle flames flickered wildly, and a soft foggy gray glow emanated from the crystal ball that was in front of Lila.

I glanced up at him, and he once again had that captivating half smile on his face.

"You're not a believer?" I asked turning to face Lila and the guests. It was easier to collect my thoughts and have a conversation when I wasn't staring into his emerald eyes, lost in their depths; the flecks of gold in them glittering, and his dark lashes framing them perfectly.

"Well, it's not that. I believe that there are all manners of the unexplainable. I know that she is truly gifted, but that in there," He pointed a finger at Lila, "is just for the show."

I stood silently, weighing his words. He said she was gifted and he sounded sincere. Like he truly believed. It was unusual. It was something that I wasn't used to.

"Come," he whispered, "this is almost over. Let's get a refill and then I would like to show you something."

"What?" I asked, hesitant to follow him through some stranger's home. "We can't just sneak off, roaming around someone else's private space." But I found myself downing the contents of my glass, following him as he slipped quietly from the room.

He stopped glancing back at me. "Well, it's a good thing that we are in my home." He winked and disappeared down the hallway.

I trailed after him, and found Berith standing at a small gleaming wood bar set up in a beautiful study; its walls lined with books. 

The sight of it made my heart skip, and my hands itch. I could spend the rest of the night in this room, looking through the massive collection.

"This room is amazing," I breathed as I walked up behind him, "your book collection is magnificent."

He turned to refill my glass nodding his head, "Thank you, Nova; I have always loved collecting things." He ran his hand absently through his dark mop of curls, staring at me as he did.

"So, what did you want to show me?" I questioned glancing around the room once again.

"A, yes," he said setting his glass on the large mahogany desk. 

He walked to the only wall that wasn't lined wot books from floor to ceiling and pulled open a thick set of damask curtains. Pushing through a set of French doors he revealed a beautiful courtyard twinkling with candlelight.

"Oh, wow."

I scanned my surroundings as I stepped through the doorway sipping the drink in my hand.

This would be a fantastic space for one of your parties." I mused turning to look at him leaning in the doorway.

A moment later he walked out with his glass in hand, joining me, as we stared into the vast green flowered space.

"That is a great idea, Nova. Would you be interested in entertaining a party out here?"

I know I looked like a fish out of water at the moment. My mouth opened and closed, no words coming out.

"I-I'm -I'm sorry," I stammered, "what do you mean by entertaining a party? Doing what Lila is doing in there?" I squeaked.

Actually squeaked.

Berith laughed, the sound reverberating in his chest, deep and rich, "Well yes, but I know it wouldn't be exactly like this tonight.

"What makes you think that I could host a party as she can? That I'm "gifted", as, as you called it."

"Let's just say that I have a special affinity for spotting people's hidden talents; and I know that you are especially gifted, Nova."

The words poured out before registering what he just said about me. "So you are gifted as well, then?"

He laughed again, sending chills through me. "Well, I am. I have my own unique and specific skill set and talents."

"I see."

I sipped my drink, studying the courtyard area.

God who was this man?

The walls were covered in lush green vines covered with tiny white blooms that looked like little white stars. A small table decorated one of the corners and a few chaise lounge chairs rounded the perimeter.

It really was a lovely space. I had never been in any home that had its own courtyard like his. I could feel his eyes on me as I roamed the open space. Finally settling on one of the lounge chairs.

"Would you like a refill?" He asked, and I glanced his way, noticing a bar in one of the corners.

"Mmmhmm," I replied and watched him as he moved quickly from the bar to where I was sitting.

Once he filled my glass as well as his own he returned to where I was sitting "May I?" He questioned, motioning to the space beside me.

I swallowed thickly, taking a gulp of the amber liquid, nodding my consent.

He lowered his massive frame next to me, a sigh escaping him, causing me to stare up at him.

"Are you okay Ber-" I began, but he cut me off as his hand brushed a strand of hair from my face.

I gasped at the sudden contact, closing my eyes as a shudder passed through me.

"I have been waiting for you for so long now, Nova."His lips not moving but I could hear him as if he had spoken volumes.

"Berith, who are you?" I choked. Already suspecting the answer.

He leaned towards me, his green eyes shining, and I knew he was about to say it.

He had to tell me.  

Just then laughter and chatter began to float through the house. The guests were once again mingling, which meant Lila's performance was completed.

And that meant that the conversation that we were in the middle of was about be interrupted.

I groaned inwardly, receiving a laugh from Berith as he leaned away from me, sipping his drink.

"There you are!" I heard a familiar voice call out.

Turning I saw Lila walking towards us.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Lila said stopping at the bar and filling up an empty glass.

"So how did the rest of the performance go?" I asked, sipping my drink.

Lila smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Perfect,"She replied, "as usual."

Berith cleared his throat, standing. "Well, I need to go check on my guests. Be a good host."

I felt my face fall briefly and I couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed that my time with him had come to an end already. It surprised me how relaxed and open he made me feel.

The night continued with drinks and laughter. The most fun I think I had had in my entire life, so far.

We stumbled into the house well after one AM. And I couldn't help but try and hold on to that giddy feeling as I fell into a deep sleep.