Well hello again everyone! Sorry for the long wait. I've been VERY busy with many things, and graduation was one of them! I'm finally out of high school! Yay! Anyway I apologize for the long wait. Hopefully this chapter lives up to all your expectations. I don't know if this is exactly how I wanted to turn out, but please leave reviews with your opinions! Thank you so much for all the reviews you have left. They really do mean a lot to me. I'm also very surprised and pleased with all the views and visitors I've gotten for this story. All these things make me want to keep writing, so keep them coming! Thanks again, and enjoy!
Jenny's breath caught in her throat as she opened the door. Darkness was the first thing to greet her. Raising a brow, she stepped closer. "J-Julian?" she whispered, peeking into the closet. Because of the darkness, she couldn't see much. It didn't take long for him to show up after hearing her though.
"Jenny?" his velvet like voice whispered.
Jenny gulped, frozen in place. She watched and soon saw his silver hair appear. Staring intently, she saw Julian step out of the closet. He was just as beautiful and stunning as the last time she'd seen him. His deep blue eyes stared back into Jenny's. Her eyes moved up and down Julian's body. He was still wearing a tight black shirt with black pants. Hands in his pocket, he chuckled. "Well well well," he hissed, stepping closer to Jenny, "look who it is. The oh so wonderful and beautiful Jenny. The one who locked me in here in the first place."
Jenny shuddered at his words, stepping back a little. "Julian…" she whispered.
He didn't respond this time. He only approached her. Jenny shuddered, her eyes filled with terror as she saw the anger in Julian's eyes. She waved her hands and continued to back up as he approached her, shaking her head. "Julian, please-" she begged but stopped when she felt the cool wall press against her back. Her eyes widened with fear. She shivered worriedly. Julian chuckled, stepping close to her. Their bodies were practically touching. Julian placed his hands on either side of Jenny's head, causing her breath to catch in her throat.
"Now," Julian whispered, smirking at her, "it's time to make you pay."
Jenny shook her head and tried to speak but couldn't. Her throat was so dry. When she tried to make noise or scream, a fire burned deep in her throat. She coughed and looked away. I should have known, she thought, closing her eyes. Why did I think he wouldn't just forget everything I did to him? I'm so stupid! Jenny felt Julian's hot breath tickle her neck as he brought his head closer. Struggling, she tried to shove him back. Julian grunted but pushed and held her against the wall. She heard him chuckle at her weak, useless attempts to escape. Please, just do what you're going to do, she begged in her head. Jenny felt him grab her chin and move her face so she was looking at him; however, she didn't open her eyes. Jenny waited, and waited, and waited. Suddenly, when she was expecting the worst, she felt Julian's lips brush against hers. She quickly opened her eyes, surprised by his actions. She moaned quietly, kissing him back. Instinctively, Jenny wrapped her arms around his neck. Julian chuckled at her reaction. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer. His kiss was as soft as a feather and made Jenny's stomach fill with butterflies. She shivered and pressed herself closer, wanting more. Julian tasted Jenny's desire in the kiss, so he kissed her more passionately. Moaning quietly, Jenny pulled Julian's face down closer to hers, deepening the kiss.
Julian furrowed his brows and pulled back. Chuckling, he smiled down at Jenny. "Now now, let's not get ahead of ourselves," he said, tucking Jenny's hair behind her ear and softly stroking her cheek. Jenny shivered but nodded, smiling warmly at him. Letting out a sigh, Julian's eyes softened. His body relaxed as he held Jenny's waist in his arms. "Jenny," he whispered, staring at her. He laughed lightly. "I still can't believe you're right here in front of me.
Rubbing her head, Jenny smiled. "I-I can't either honestly," she replied, giggling a little.
Julian chuckled in reply and nodded. "It's so good to see you," he added, pulling her closer as he rested his forehead against hers.
Jenny nodded before frowning. She pulled back slightly, rubbing her arm sadly. She stared at the ground. "I'm sorry," she said, guilt showing in her eyes. "I-I didn't realize-"
"Jenny." Before Jenny could look up, Julian's arms were wrapped around her. He pulled her into an embrace as her eyes widened. She couldn't speak, nor did she want to. Right now, Julian was humming to her and rocking her slightly. His voice sounded like water running over rocks. It was as beautiful as a bird chirping with the gentle breeze at dawn. He pulled back after a moment, smiling down at her. "Don't be sorry. You came and did the right thing in the end. That's all that matters."
Jenny couldn't take her eyes off of him. A tear trickled down her cheek, which Julian wiped away with his gossamer touch. Jenny smiled up at him and quickly pulled him into a hug. "Oh Julian!" she cried, burying her face in his chest. Julian smiled, taken back by her reaction. Once again, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her and softly stroking her hair as she enjoyed the warmth of his presence.
Jenny felt all her previous anger towards Julian dissipate. Every time she glanced up, their eyes meeting, she felt herself melt inside. All she felt now was love, unconditional love. A love that was stronger than her love for Tom. His touch made her head spin, her vision blur. She unraveled when he brought his lips closer to hers. Everything he did affected Jenny in some way, but she knew she had the same effect on him. Smiling, she looked up at him. She lightly touched his cheek, causing him to shiver and look down at her. She giggled lightly and pulled back, letting go of him and glancing around her grandfather's basement. "Did anyone come down here while you were locked in the closet?" she asked, running her fingers lightly over the binding of the books.
Shaking his head, Julian leaned against a wall, watching her. "No. Some rats were running around but no humans."
Frowning, Jenny nodded and sighed. She stared at the wall blankly, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. I feel so bad for leaving you in there. I-I don't deserve to get off scot free…"
"You really want to be punished?" Jenny felt breathing on the back of her neck. She turned and saw Julian directly in front of her. She gasped and backed away from him, noticing the seriousness in his eyes. Every step she took back, he took another step forward. Eventually, Jenny felt something cool graze against her back. She shivered and turned, seeing the wall behind her again. She pressed herself against it while Julian chuckled. "Looks like you're stuck," he whispered, stepping closer. Jenny's breath caught in her throat. There was no room between them now. Julian brought his face down closer to hers. "Fine. If you really want to be punished, I'll punish you." Jenny nodded, shaking a little with fear. Chuckling, Julian smirked. "Alright." And he kissed her.
Eyes wide, Jenny stared at him surprised. She blushed madly, letting Julian kiss her. One thing was for sure—Julian was a Shadow Man. He knew how to play games, and right now he was playing games with her. She moaned quietly from the softness of his touch on her cheek, the sweetness in his kiss. Closing her eyes, she let her arms lock around his neck. As she pulled his face down to deepen the kiss, Julian pulled her closer to him. She let herself go in his embrace, running her fingers through his hair. This sent a shiver down Julian's spine and set him off. His kiss was no longer soft and sweet—passion developed in his touches. He moved his hands up and down her waist, pressing his lips harder against hers. Jenny sighed happily and let him take control. She smiled in the kiss. Oh Julian, she breathed into the kiss, moving her hands down to his chest and lightly massaging it. Julian moaned before breaking the kiss, breathing heavily. "Jenny," he whispered, catching his breath. He shook his head, smiling to himself as he eyed her up and down. "You've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you."
"Thanks," Jenny whispered, softly stroking Julian's cheek and smiling warmly at him. A light blush dusted her face. Looking away, she let out a sigh. When she returned to face him, Jenny saw Julian staring at her hungrily. His eyes stared deep into hers, paralyzing her. She couldn't move or speak for a moment. She lost herself in those deep, piercing blue eyes, and for a moment Jenny felt as though time had stopped.
Julian raised a brow at her when she didn't move or respond. "Jenny?" he called worriedly, softly stroking her cheek. This broke the trance, and Jenny shook her head. Julian chuckled when Jenny blushed and looked away, embarrassed. "You looked lost there for a moment."
She shook her head, trying to hide her blush. "I-I just was thinking…" she mumbled.
Smirking, Julian pulled her face back to meet his. "About what?"
Jenny let a sigh escape her lips. She smiled warmly, cupping Julian's face in her hands. "About how much I love you," she whispered.
Julian's eyes widened from her words. He stepped closer, leaning down so his lips were only inches from hers. "Say it again," he begged, staring into her eyes.
Jenny's heart began to race. Her eyes moved up and down Julian's body but eventually locked onto his lips. Blushing madly, she stepped closer, her lips brushing over his as she spoke. "I love you Julian," she repeated.
Shivering excitedly, Julian shook his head. "Jenny," he whispered before smashing his lips to hers.
Jenny felt the whole world spin around her. This kiss wasn't as soft and sweet as his previous ones. This one was filled with fire, passion, hunger. Jenny could taste these emotions in Julian's kiss, and she didn't hold back. Wrapping her arms around his neck again, she lifted herself up higher. Julian noticed this and picked her up. Jenny wrapped her legs around his waist, wanting to get as close as possible. Julian grunted, pressing her against the wall. Kissing her roughly, he licked her lips, asking for entrance. His fingers slipped under her shirt and stroked her waistline. Jenny shivered, his cool fingers leaving a trail of goose bumps on her stomach. She slid her hands under his shirt, moving them up to his chest. She massaged his skin, causing him to moan quietly. Pulling out of the kiss, Julian panted as did Jenny. Chuckling, he set her back down on the ground. "Here," he whispered, pulling something out of his pocket.
Jenny raised a brow, frowning at him. "What is it?" she asked.
He didn't respond but grabbed her hand. Before Jenny could ask again, Julian pulled out a ring. He smiled at her. Slowly, Julian knelt down on his knees, slipping the ring on her finger. "Jenny," he whispered, staring into her eyes lovingly, "will you marry me?"
Eyes wide, Jenny stared at him in disbelief. She glanced down at her ring. It was a simple band but felt as hot as fire on her finger. "Where did this come from?" she asked, looking up into his eyes.
Chuckling, Julian winked at her. "Don't question my powers Jenny," he whispered, leaning closer to her. "You wouldn't be able to fully comprehend what I can do." He took her hand in his and kissed it, smiling at her. "So, what do you say? Will you be my wife?"
A small smile appeared on her face as she squeezed his hands. "Of course," she whispered, tears of joy forming in her eyes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him into a hug. "Yes Julian!"
"Thank you," he breathed in her ear as he returned her hug, "for making me the luckiest man in the world." His tone changed a little as he sighed. "I'll treat you way better than that Tom ever could have."
Shuddering at his words, Jenny pulled back slightly. She shook her head, a small frown forming on her face. "I need to tell them," she stated.
"Why?" Jenny was shocked at Julian's question. She stared at him confused as he shrugged. "If you tell them, they'll just try to stop us from being together." He looked away sadly. "Right now, I'm the last person they want you to be with. Telling them would only make matters worse."
Jenny stepped closer to him and shook her head. "I don't care what they think," she whispered, reaching out to softly stroke his cheek. Tilting her head, she smiled. "I only want to be with you. But I need to tell my parents."
Julian furrowed his brows, shaking his head. "I think that would be a mistake," he mumbled, standing beside her. He stared into her eyes, taking her hands in his. He frowned. "They won't understand either Jenny. What are you going to tell them? The truth?"
Jenny looked away. He's right, she thought, frowning sadly. They won't believe me. They'll lock me up. A few tears formed in her eyes as she thought about her parents, her annoying but loving younger brother, all her friends. Lastly, she thought of Tom. Images and memories flashed through her mind. Their first kiss, their first date, all the fun times they had shared. To Jenny's surprise, she didn't hurt as much as she thought she would. Sure she had loved him, and he had made her happy, but as she stared into the Shadow Man's eyes standing in front of her now, she felt a new kind of love. When Julian looked at her, Jenny couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. His touch sent a shock through her body. Those eyes looked at her like no other eyes had. Each time he gazed into her eyes, Jenny felt like a goddess. Eyes filled with love, passion and hunger all at once.
Julian stared at her again. "Jenny?" he asked, reaching out and lightly touching her arm. "Jenny are you okay?"
Breaking from her train of thought, Jenny looked at Julian. A light blush dusted her face as she smiled at him. "Y-Yeah! Just thinking," she replied, glancing away.
Nodding, Julian smiled at her. "Trust me," he whispered, pulling her closer to him. "I'll take care of you."
Jenny frowned one last time before letting out a sigh. She smiled and nodded, taking Julian's hands in hers. "Alright," she replied. "I trust you."
Immediately Julian wrapped her up in his arms, pulling her into an embrace. "Thank you," he whispered, kissing her lips softly. He chuckled at Jenny's pouting face when he pulled away. Lightly stroking her cheek, he flashed her another wicked, devious grin. "Don't worry. We'll have plenty of time for that later."
Grabbing her hand, Julian closed his eyes and began to chant mysterious words, making shapes with his free hand. Jenny gripped his other one tightly. After a few minutes, the ground began to shake. A portal began to form where the closet door used to be. Jenny peeked over Julian's shoulder and could see the ice and snow blowing through the portal. She shivered in fear. Opening his eyes, Julian turned towards Jenny. He smiled at her warmly. "Don't be afraid," he reassured, squeezing her hand comfortingly. "I'll be right here with you."
Nodding, Jenny let Julian lead her towards the portal. They stood directly in front of it now. Jenny could feel the ice and snow brush against her skin. The hair on her arms and neck stood up, from the cold or her fear she couldn't tell. Suddenly, Jenny felt warmth on her finger. Glancing down, she saw the ring Julian had given her glow slightly. He chuckled as she looked up at him surprised. "This ring symbolizes my love towards you," he explained, lightly tracing over it. "I love you more than anything ever could in this world, and I will keep you safe in the next. This ring signifies the passion in our relationship: A ring of fire."
Jenny smiled and nodded. Her fear dissipated quickly. After a small sigh, they stepped into the portal, hand in hand. They smiled at each other lovingly, and Jenny didn't look back.