Shadows Of Desire

The pulse of Las Vegas' neon lights echoed the tumultuous beat of Maya Monroe's heart. She took a momentary break from the heat of the casino floor by leaning against the marble bar, its cool surface offering some relief. A pair of tourists in matching flowered shirts staggered passed her, their faces flushed from the excitement and drink of the evening, while laughter erupted from a neighboring craps table. This city looked to be eating everything in its path; it was a never-ending torrent of color, sound, and sensation.

Maya attempted to ignore the nervous knot that was starting to grow in her stomach as she took another sip of her drink-vodka soda, light on the soda. This was not her intended destination. Actually, she had a Netflix marathon and a pint of Ben & Jerry's planned for the weekend. However, after the week she'd had-her best friend Jen had insisted on a ladies' weekend in Vegas-her hours at the restaurant had been slashed yet again, and the rent was due. Jen had said, "You deserve a break," in an adorable yet slightly condescending tone that was brimming with sympathy for Maya.

While twirling the ice in her drink, Maya whispered to herself, "A break." As though her life's problems could be resolved by spending a weekend in Las Vegas.

In actuality, Maya was worn out. Weary of the never-ending struggle to make ends meet, weary of the never-ending grind. She had struggled all of her life. She was taught early on that the world wasn't a compassionate place because she was raised in the foster care system and moved from home to home. She lost her faith in stability each time she allowed it to grow. At twenty-seven, she had now erected walls so high that nobody could ever get through them, especially not a guy. She couldn't afford the luxury of having relationships. She was too traumatized to trust in love.

She was finishing her drink when she noticed someone standing next to her. A man occupied the stool beside hers, his well-tailored suit standing in sharp contrast to the easygoing attitude of the visitors in the vicinity. Maya's eyes moved up from his shiny shoes to his broad, powerful shoulders and then to his face, which had a sharp jawline, vivid blue eyes, and dark hair pulled back in an authoritative manner. There was power about him in every way.

She averted her gaze, but it was too late. He was aware of her.

"Soda vodka?" His tone was silky, akin to rich cocoa. Maya resisted the want to back off as she felt the weight of his stare. Rather, she nodded while attempting to keep her cool.

"Yes," she answered in the most unbiased tone she could manage. "What made you guess?"

"It's a classic," he remarked, gesturing for another drink from the bartender. "You also seem like a very traditional kind of woman."

Maya arched an eyebrow, unable to contain the smile that was pulling at her mouth. "Is that meant to be an encouraging statement?"

A half-smile curled his lips. "Just in case you wish it to be."

The man held up his glass to her as the bartender set their drinks in front of them. "To timeless selections."

After a moment of hesitation, Maya shook her glass against his. "To Vegas," she answered. Although she spoke softly, the truth was heavy on the inside. This city had the ability to erase memories and give you the impression that, at least for a night, you could be someone else. And that was a risky concept for a woman such as she was.

They sat quietly for a short while, enjoying their drinks, and watching the energy of the casino come and go around them. Although he wasn't staring at her, Maya could sense him observing her. It seemed inquisitive as if he was attempting to understand her. It was evident to her that he was accustomed to maintaining control and that he knew precisely what to say and when. Beyond their wealth and good looks, men such as him were deadly.

Finally breaking the stillness, he replied, "So." What drew you to Las Vegas? For work or play?

Maya chuckled a little. "Joy? Without a doubt not. I was dragged here by my pal. claimed I needed a vacation.

Slightly bending forward, he remarked, "Wise companion." "And you? Do you concur with her?

Maya gave a shrug. "I am present, am I not?"

With a little narrowing of his blue eyes, the man cocked his head. "You don't seem like the kind to blindly follow orders."

Maya shivered because of the way he said it-as if he could see right through her. She averted her gaze and concentrated on the distant flashing lights of the slot machines. She said, more to herself than to him, "Maybe I'm not."

Something more serious took the place of their lighthearted banter as the atmosphere between them changed. Maya was baffled as to why she stayed rather than leaving without offering an explanation. Perhaps it was the wine, or perhaps it was just the way he made her feel as if someone had finally seen her after a long time.

Once more breaking the stillness, he murmured, "I'm Adrian."

Her heart skipped a beat as Maya turned to face him again. She wasn't prepared for that. In a city full of faceless strangers, he wasn't simply another one. He was identified by a name, and now it stood between them, solid and true.

"Maya," she answered.

Adrian grinned a little more. "Maya, nice to meet you."

They conversed for a while more, with the exchange going more smoothly than Maya had expected. She found out that Adrian was in town for work, closing a corporate deal of some kind, though he wouldn't elaborate. She found herself opening up more than usual when he questioned her about her life in New York, even if she kept the details to herself. He had a charming quality that tempted her to lower her guard, even for a brief period of time.

The noise of the city subsided to a low hum as the night went on, and the throng in the casino dwindled. Maya felt lighter as if she could breathe for the first time in a long time. She was unsure of how many drinks they had had or how long they had been conversing.

Adrian eventually stretched out and touched her arm, electrifying her with a sudden surge of energy. Maya's breath seized in her throat, and the surroundings appeared to vanish momentarily. There was only the pair of them, momentarily halted at that bar.

"Maya," he uttered quietly in a solemn, low voice. "Join me here."

It wasn't an order, but it also wasn't a question. It was an invitation, a chance to venture beyond her comfort zone and take in a new experience. Something hazardous.

Maya's thoughts were racing. She was aware of what he was presenting to her. a brief encounter. No obligations or guarantees. Just a little moment of intimacy in a metropolis founded on transient joys. All of her instincts begged her to refuse, to turn around, and never turn back. However, there was another part of her that desired to say yes, a quieter, more desperate portion. She was tired of the heavy weight of her own existence and wanted to feel anything, anything.

Seeking an excuse to decline, she gazed into Adrian's eyes. However, all she perceived was fervor, longing, and perhaps, just possibly, the same sense of isolation that had initially brought her here.

Without hesitation, she gave a nod.

Adrian got up and extended his hand to greet her. Maya took it after just a brief moment of hesitation. His hold was solid, and she couldn't help but worry whether this one rash, impulsive decision would change everything as he walked her past the casino and into the crisp night air of the Vegas strip.

They eventually found themselves in his Bellagio suite, the opulence of which stood in sharp contrast to Maya's modest lifestyle. She had never before visited anywhere similar. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering a beautiful view of the city, the bed was enormous and covered in luxurious bedding. But that was all irrelevant. The way Adrian stared at her as if she were the only person in the world, was all that mattered.

Maya couldn't recall how it happened-one minute they were standing by the window, the other they were sharing a kiss, their bodies entwined in a maze of passion and fire. She had never felt so alive or desired someone so intensely. For the first time in years, she let herself go, and every touch and kiss ignited her flesh.

There was no overanalyzing, no thinking. Simply feeling.

After it was all over, Maya experienced a sensation she hadn't felt in a while as they lay entwined in the sheets with the city lights casting shadows over their bodies.

Hope.