SALEM

My hand latched onto Corrie’s as I guided her toward the club. I spun my head over my shoulder, sneaking a peek at her. Even in the dim light, the flush on her cheeks was visible—the only color on her beautiful face.

She was awkward and shy, yet curious. If she had looked just a bit uncomfortable or irritated, I might have paused and taken her home. But she didn’t. She looked just as beautiful as the first time I met her.

The club music blared in the background, the room was drenched in darkness with flashes of red and blue light flickering across the crowd. I pulled her...