Here is chapter 12 everyone hope you enjoy. :) There is something long awaited in this one, also this chapter contains the preview for the story but I made some changes since I published it so it may be a little bit different. Also I'm sorry if I confused anyone with the preview of the chapter that was an excerpt from the middle. Anyways lots of love and appreciation.
Intoxication Chapter 12
Dante and Scarlett walked slowly up to their room in silence. It was still a mess from this morning. Dante unzipped his shirt and disappeared into the bathroom leaving Scarlett alone. She felt numb, and her heart felt raw, sore like Dante had put a bullet throw the center of it. She picked up some of the cloths hanging them back up, and she righted the coffee table. She looked down at her hand she was still wearing the ring. I guess this is useless. She pulled it off her finger and put back in the box, in Dante's coat pocket.
Dante stood in front of the mirror staring at his reflection, the bruise on his jaw was already starting to fade. He splashed some cold water on his face and rubbed the lipstick off his skin. The guilt of his actions was starting to get to him. He took the small cross that hung around his neck off holding it in his hand. The metal was cool in his palm. Why did he have to destroy everything he touched, hurt the only women I've ever truly loved. He had not actually thought what if she had feelings for him, or anything of the sort. He just went out fucked around with women bringing them home, tormenting Scarlett, wrecking ever chance he had with her. He was beginning to understand how she saw him, why she never trusted him, never told him anything, or even showed that she cared in the slightest for him; it was because she was afraid of him. Afraid he'd use her feelings against her to get her into his bed for a night. He saw it now; what he had been missing this whole time. God damn it Dante... was all he could think.
A soft knock came at the door, "Dante, I'm going to order in Chinese is there anything you want, or should I just get the usual?"
He stared at the door; he couldn't face her after what he had done. I'm so sorry my angel...
"Dante?" She asked.
"The usual is fine..." He answered. He could hear his voice shaking; it felt as if his heart was being ripped out of his chest. How can she act like nothing is wrong; act like I'm not hurting her. He felt an angry tear slip down his cheek.
Scarlett opened the door to the balcony, the warm island air flowed into the room, and she smiled to herself. Even though she was upset with him, she wasn't mad at him. She shouldn't have snapped like that, I don't own him, he doesn't answer to me. As much as I want him, I know that I won't ever have him, so it's easier if I act like he's not hurting me.
"Scarlett..." His voice caused her to turn around. He stood there awkwardly, like a child or a lost puppy. "Are you mad at me?" That wasn't the question he had wanted to ask but it's what came out.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "No, I can't be mad at you Dante. I'm sorry I yelled I was just worried about you. Everything from the day caused me to over react." Just keep smiling, and he'll believe you.
The feeling of her in his arms and having her smile at him like he didn't do anything wrong made him extremely happy. He hadn't come to the realization that Scarlett could act like nothing was wrong, and still be dyeing inside. At that moment he knew what he was going to do, he was going to make sure he made his feeling apparent to her, tonight on their walk along the beach.
She pulled away from him, and just stared up into his eyes. If only I could tell you I love you. Then maybe things would be simpler. Even though some days I want to kill you I don't think I could survive without you. Dante reminded her of a puppy, and no one could stay mad at a puppy, as much as she didn't want to she had already forgiven him for his actions earlier, or so she thought.
Her smile is amazing, Dante stared at her as she laughed so hard she almost fell of the edge of the bed. "What's so funny?" he asked.
"Not... no... Nothing." She burst back into fits of laughter.
Dante turned and looked at the TV; she was watching the original three stooges. He just shook his head and continued changing, getting ready for their walk. Scarlett was already wearing her bikini under her shorts and fishnet hoodie. When he had asked why the bathing suit she had simply replied maybe I want to take a dip by moonlight. Her large bag filled with flip flops and water, room keys and a towel sat beside her. Okay Dante, you're going to do it tonight, tell her how you feel. Women love the whole sunset walk on the beach, tell them you love them, and then share a passionate kiss in the fading sun, right? But then again this is Scarlett; she isn't exactly your typical women. Dante rubbed the back of his neck as he tried to give himself a pep talk. It wasn't working; he was just making himself more nervous. He heard the TV shut off and Scarlett get up.
"Are you ready to go? We're going to miss the sunset otherwise."
"Oh yeah..." Dante answered, this is it... Sure he fought demons without fear but telling women his true feelings scared the shit out of him, what if she doesn't feel the same way, I'm I going to scare her off, or are things going to be really awkward.
She opened the door, disappearing down the hall. Dante fallowed like a puppy, not knowing exactly what to do but to fallow. He had never spent this much alone time, or quality romantic time with a woman before now. This was completely new and uncharted territory for the devil hunter. He didn't know what to say for once in his life, but Scarlett didn't say anything either. The silence didn't help to sooth his nerves.
They stepped on to the beach as the sun touched the never ending horizon; the ocean seemed to roll out to meet it. The warm damp sand along the water's edge swished between her toes, the warm water splashing up her legs. Dante was on the left hand side of her. Their footsteps washed away momentarily after they'd been left. She was thinking about everything, rethinking her thoughts to tell him her secret. He so quiet, it's odd for him. She looked up at him, his down cast eyes, hands shoved deep in his pockets, he was thinking obviously. I don't know what to do after today, I wanted to tell him this morning when we were having our moment on the rocks but I couldn't and now I want to tell him because it's the perfect setting but after what happened I know he doesn't feel the same. She looked back out over the ocean, the sky was darkening as the sun slipped lower and lower. She couldn't take the silence anymore. "Only leave footsteps." she whispered.
Dante looked up, "What?"
"Only leave footsteps, it's something my mother said to me a long time ago." she answered moving to sit on the dry sand. She stared out at the horizon, "That's one of the few memories I have of her..." Like Dante Scarlett had lost her mother to cancer before her fifth birthday. She had been raised by her father and the maids or her father's girlfriend at the time.
"Oh," Dante answered quietly.
Scarlett drew her knees up under her chin and continue to watch the sunset. The pair falling back into silence. Dante wasn't watching the sunset, he had seen a million of sunsets before. He gazed longingly at the beauty besides him. Her long blond hair pulled back into a messy bun, bangs shielding her big baby blues from him. Her pink glossy lips set in their ever prominent pout. Her skin had turned a light gold from the sun; it wasn't the porcelain it had once been. Dante found the colouring quite nice, it suited her. He could see her tattoos through the fishnet hoodie, and the one that adorn her foot and calf. He knew every story behind each tattoo. Finally the sun disappeared completely and Scarlett flopped on to her back, to watch the stars pop out from the darkness.
It's so quite I can almost hear his heart beat. It was true, the only sounds that could be heard was the waves lapping gentle against the shore, and Dante's deep calm breaths as he lay down besides her. Every night I've dreamed about spending alone time like this with him, but now that I have the time I wished for, those sweet dreams don't come anymore and I find myself wishing for them to come back. Everything was simpler in dream land, he loved me back, he was sweet loving, and he didn't hurt me. He wasn't Dante; he was my version of Dante. Maybe I should've stayed in my safe dream land down the rabbit hole in my wonder land, were cats and rabbit resided in fancy little houses and be dressed in coats, hats and trousers. She thought as she stared up, the stars could hold all the answers if you only just watched. If I had stayed in dream land I guess I never would have experienced life. Life is a waste if you don't take chances, love freely with your whole heart, yes it may hurt but there will always be something to make you happy. Her mother's words came back to her again. She blinked slowly, Should I tell him? What would my mom do? She looked at Dante and then back at the sky; there her answer was, a shooting star streaked across the sky. It was as if her mother answered her, giving her a reassuring push. She closed her eyes and held her breath, she knew it was childish but she didn't care, I wish upon a falling star that this night goes well...
"Dante?" Scarlett asked rolling over on to her side to face him.
"Hum?"
The sand was still warm from the day time heat even though the sun had set an hour ago. She stared at him; he looked flawless in the moonlight. The warm ocean water beat against the shore, not far from their toes. She froze up she couldn't do it.
"What is it?" He asked opening one eye looking at her.
"I can't remember." She answered shyly, before getting up. She unzipped her fish net hoodie, and dropped it in the sand, and then dropped her shorts. She stood there in her bikini for a moment before walk out into the water. Maybe a cool dip will help.
"Scarlett?" He asked sitting up. His eyes landed on her curved body about waist deep in the water. He couldn't help but stare at her, this was the least amount of clothing he had ever seen her in and he liked the view. Christ she's beautiful. He got up and took off his shirt fallowing her into the water.
Scarlett stood there looking out over the ocean, when she felt his strong arms wrap around her pressing her back against his warm broad chest. "Dante..." She breathed.
"What can't I have some fun."
She could hear the smirk in his voice and she didn't have time to react before he picked her up and threw her into the water soaking her from head to foot.
"Dante!" She yelled.
He was doubled over in the water laughing. He was an ass but she loved him for it. She stood back up and splashed at him. The water droplets covered his exposed skin. He just looked at her with those azure eyes, almost saying you're such a girl. Dante was in no mood to play even though he had thrown her into the water, so she relaxed into the water and floated on her back kicking her legs ever once and a while. The stars were so clear, and there were millions of them. She sat up in the water when she heard a splash. She looked around to see what had made to splash assuming it was Dante, but she didn't expect to see what she did. He emerged from under the water, back towards her. His long silver hair plastered against his skin, water beading down his body like diamonds in the moonlight. She couldn't help but stare. He was a Greek god. He turned and looked at her, his crystal blue eyes finding hers. Ever curve of every muscle seemed as if it had been sculpted a master artist. Scarlett drew herself up to her full height as he came to stand in front of her. She knew Dante was handsome but he was so close to her now she could really see what he had to offer. He leaned over her, the water droplets that clung to the tips of his hair dripped onto her face cutting trails in her makeup. She could feel his breath on her skin as she looked at him; his body heat encircled her even though they weren't touching.
"You like what you see sweetheart?" His husky voice washed over her like a wave.
She felt herself grow weak at the knees. Tell him now; you've got him in your grasp. She had tried to turn Dante to putty over the duration of the trip but his affect on her was so much greater. He knew women inside and out, what they wanted what they liked, and much to her disagreement she knew he knew exactly what she wanted and how she wanted it.
Dante, come on just tell her you've got her practically melting in front of you. Dante was about to speak when Scarlett opened her mouth.
"Dante..." She whispered, "Ithink..." She stuttered. "I think... no not I think, I know." She paused again.
"You know what?" He whispered resting his hands on her hips.
She looked back up into his eyes, they were soft and warm welcoming her to dive right in. "I'm in love with you..." her words came out breathless.
Dante just stood there staring at her; the words that had just come out of her mouth weren't at all what he had expected. His heart stopped, everything stopped; it was just the two of them. He was at a lose of words. Her eyes searched his face desperately for an answer. His eyes were completely blank. Dante's mind raced to find something to say but he came up empty handed.
"Dante," she reached up and touched his cheek, "Say something, anything… please." Scarlett felt her heartbreaking. I should have never said anything… Tears began to well up in her eyes. Dante slowly closed his eyes and his hands left her hips. That was all she needed. As much as she had been expecting this it still hurt. She bit back tears as she turned towards the shore and ran. Way from him, away from everything.
"Scarlett," Dante grabbed for her but she was already out of reach. "Scarlett, wait!" He yelled.
She could hear him yelling for her to stop but she didn't she continued to run; back to the hotel, up to the room. She went out on the balcony and collapsed crying on one of the loungers. She should've known that she was nothing to him, he would never love her.
Dante slowly walked out of the water picking up Scarlett's scattered clothing, and the bag they had brought with them. His heart was sinking lower into the pit of his stomach. She had professed her love to him and he hadn't had the decency to answer her. His angry was building up inside of him. You had your chance to make her yours and you didn't. He walked back to the hotel he needed to talk to her, he needed to make things right.
Scarlett didn't know how long she laid there crying but many of her sobs were coming up dry, she didn't have anymore tears. She heard the door to the room slam shut and something hit the tile floor of the kitchenette. He's back…
"Scarlett…" His deep voice sounded rough and frustrated. She didn't want to face him. But she knew she had too. She waited a few minutes, before getting up; she walked into the room to find him pulling up his jeans. He looked up at her with fire in his eyes. She couldn't tell if he was mad, or frustrated with her.
"We need to talk." He answered straightening up.
"There isn't anything to talk about, Dante."
That was it he snapped. As if those words just came out of her mouth of coarse there is a lot to talk about. He grabbed her and pinned her back to the glass door. "Why? Why me? Why now?"
"Dante…" She tried to push him away.
He only held her tighter. "Answer me!"
Scarlett had never seen him this mad ever and it scared her. She knew what this man was capable of. She felt more tears come into her eyes. "I don't know Dante. Why does anyone fall in love? Why does it matter after this is over you're just going to leave again find some whore and fuck her."
"How do you know that?"
"Because I know you Dante; you're just like every other man you're scare of commitment. You're so scared that you're going to get hurt to protect yourself by hurting other people. You say you care about me, that you've always got my back but that's a load of bull shit. If you did care about me you wouldn't hurt me. Do you know what it was like for me watching you sleep with countless women? Hearing you moan they're names that you didn't even remember in the morning. It almost killed me, I was jealous of them; I wanted to the woman in your bed; the one that lay under your body as pounded away. I never was because I wanted more than just to be good sex to you; I wanted to be with you. Dante you had my heart from the moment I laid eyes on you and you never even seemed to care…"
"How could I care I never even knew." His voice echoed in every corner of the room.
She shrugged not bothering to fight back her new tears; she wanted to make him fell every inch of pain she had felt to last year. "I thought I made it obvious when I tried to pleasure you that one time when you were still acting as my bodyguard, or when I relentlessly flirted with you, batted my eyelashes at you, or walked around the house in just a towel, begging you to take my bait, but you didn't. Those screams you heard in the night, was because I was dreaming about you, every inch of this perfect body of yours, the way you smiled at me or were sweet and caring towards me. But that doesn't matter. When we get home I'll leave, walk out of your life for good, you wouldn't have to worry about me ever again." She pushed his arm way from her and side stepped. "I'm sorry it had to be like this…" She whispered walking towards the bathroom.
"Stop…" He ordered.
"Why? So you can yell at me some more?" She snapped turning to face him, holding her ground.
"It doesn't have to be like this Scarlett it doesn't have to end here."
"It's already too late, Dante."
"No it's not, love doesn't know age or time, it just knows the present." He advanced on her.
Scarlett prepared herself to fight if he tried anything.
"Scarlett, I love you…"
Scarlett dropped her guard and he grabbed her pulling her into him. Her world came crashing down when she heard those words. She brought her hand up and slapped him across his heartbreaking face. She pulled back out of his arms backing away from him, his hand covering the spot where she had just hit him. There was a red hand print forming. "You had your chance and you didn't take it. I wouldn't stand to have my heart broken again by the same man that broke it before."
Dante glared at her, he knew she was right to say that to him, he had his chance. He knew how she felt now, and to say the least his heart was breaking because of losing her. He watched as she disappeared into the bathroom. He stood out side the door listening, he could hear her crying. He pulled on a shirt grabbed his jacket and left.
Scarlett heard the door slam again, he was gone. She turned the shower on the stripped down. The hot water didn't sooth her, they just made her think of the warmth he had provided her with the nights they had slept together. Maybe I was wrong not to give him another chance, I don't know anymore. She leaned forward placing her hand on the wall; she was shaking uncontrollably, her legs felt as if they would give out. "Dante…" She choked out his name.
Dante sat by the bar that was attached to the hotel.
"What will it be?" The bartender asked.
"Just a beer, it doesn't matter what kind."
"You having woman troubles?" he asked setting Dante's beer down in front of him.
"You could say that." Dante dug into his pocket finding the ring box. He pulled it out and opened it. The engagement ring they had used to fool everyone sat inside of it. He took it out and looked at it. He remembered how nice it had looked on her hand, how he had wished how that ring had actually meant something.
"She said no or what?"
"Kind of, I haven't asked her yet, and we had a big fight." Dante ran a through his hair.
"Well if you love her and she loves you, things will work themselves out." The bartender answered before turning and leaving to tend to another customer.
Dante sat there thinking and drinking his beer. I shouldn't give up on her so easily. I can't live without her and she'll leave if I do nothing about it… He drained the rest of his beer, paid and head back to the room. He wasn't going to let her go that easily. Dante was determined to make her his mate.
He opened the room door to darkness and walked in. Scarlett lay asleep in the bed the blankets wrapped tightly around her. He stripped down to his boxers and climbed into the bed next to her. Tomorrow he was going to make everything right.
Dante's back slammed in to the ground. He lay there, trying to get his breath back. This was the first time in a long time he had had the wind knock out of him. Every inch of his body was hurting.
"Dante…" He felt her soft hands on his skin. She lifted him so he was leaning back against her bosom. He rested back into her, her cool skin felt nice on his heated skin. He could taste cooper in his moth. He licked his parched lips. He leaned forward and climbed to his feet.
"What are you doing?" She asked.
He picked up Rebellion, and spit out the blood that was filling his mouth, "I'm finishing this."
The large demon reared up on its back legs and roared. Dante continued to walk towards it. It came back down on all fours snapping its jaws at him. He brought his sword up on to his shoulder. He was acting to calm for this. She sat there not knowing what was going to happen. The demon charged Dante. He gracefully side stepped and brought his blade down across its neck, decapitating it. He was wiping of his sword when she felt someone grab her by the hair. A hand came down over her mouth. She bit into the leather glove, and the hand quickly retraced.
"Dan…" She screamed she didn't want to need him to protect her. The hand came down over her mouth again, and she kicked and trashed trying to get lose. She saw Dante look up, anger flashed in his eyes.
"Let her go!" He ordered. His silver hair was soaked red, sweat cut trails in the caked blood and dirt that covered his pale chest.
"Not so fast little brother. One more step and she dies!"
She felt a cool blade touch her neck. I'm going to die… He'll kill me no matter what Dante does. She looked at him, trying to memorize his body, his face one more time. If I was to die now, at least I'd die with him. I'd have one last handsome picture in my memory. As much as she didn't want to admit it but right now Dante was literally dripping in sex appeal.
"What do you want Vergil?"
"What do you think? I'm here for the pendent and Yamato."
"You can't have them!"
"Then I guess she dies."
She felt the cool blade began to slide across her skin, "Dante… Please…" She screamed.
Dante felt his heartbreak. Memories filled his head; his mothers dying screams had haunted his for so many years and now this. "Fine you win." He ripped the pendent off his neck and threw it at Vergil's feet. He walked over to where the sword hung and took it off the wall, passing it over to its rightful owner.
"Brother you've become weak. She's weakened you. Our father would have been ashamed."
"Our father knew what love was. Now let her go."
"Here take her." Vergil pushed her towards Dante. His replacement for Yamato grazed the side of her neck.
"You've got what you wanted brother… But for how long." Vergil sneered.
She feel into his arms, "Dante…" she whispered.
He knelt down cradling her to him, "Its okay now, I've got you."
"No… it's all over." She touched her hand to her neck. Her hand was covering in blood.
"Oh god…" his voice trembled; the artery in her neck had been cut. She was going to bleed out. He only had a few moments with her.
"Dante, I love you." She whispered. The light in her eyes was already fading.
"Stay with me a little longer." He breathed dropping her head down.
"I have no regrets Dante, the only regret I have is that I'm leaving you. The only thing I was for is this." She lifted her head slightly and pressed her lips to his for one last time.
He felt tears come to his eyes, as he kissed her. He felt her hand slip from his cheek, and her lips relax. Her breath ceased and her body fell completely limp in his arms. He lifted his lips away. He felt his heart being ripped out of his chest, and he cried.
He shot start up in bed; he could felt hot tears, on his cheeks. He looked around for Scarlett. There she was fast asleep in the large bed next to him. Maybe sharing a hotel bed isn't so bad. He thought as he brushed some hair out of her face. He had fallen so hard for her, he climbed out of bed; he really needed to have a moment to clear his head. He pulled on his pants and walked out onto the balcony. The cool ocean air blew against his skin. He leaned on the railing; thinking about the dream, about everything, especially Scarlett. The minutes ticked by.
Scarlett awake by Dante's movements in the room. She had felt him bolt out of bed, she didn't want to go to him, see what's wrong, but even though she was still heartbroken she still wanted to show him he meant something to her.
"Hey there handsome,"
He looked over his shoulder to see her stepping out on to the balcony, wrapping her short black silk robe around her. He knew she would cover up, because she didn't sleep in very much.
He just smiled at her. He was surprised she had woken up or was even talking to him.
"So, what's wrong, you bolted out of bed like there were demons hot on your heels."
"A nightmare," He breathed.
He felt her hands on his shoulder, and she leaned her head on him so she could look into his eyes.
"I see."
"Scarlett?" he asked softly.
"Yes," Her blue eyes twinkled in the moon, her golden hair creating a halo.
His movements we so quick she didn't have time to react. He pushed his lips against hers, with need passion, lust. He heard a small gasp come from her, and he kissed deeper. She could feel her heart fluttering, as she kissed back.
Looks like the tropical air is really having an affect on him, She thought. She couldn't lie she enjoyed it. She had waited for this moment so long. She just prayed that his feeling were true and he wasn't just using this to get her into bed. He pushed her against the railing tipping her head back so he could have dominance. He tasted like strawberries. He sucked on her bottom lips gently. "Dante…" She moaned his name against his lips.
He forced himself on her even more, kissing along her jaw, down her neck, looking for her sweet spot. He found it right above her collarbone; he licked it before heading back north towards her lips. She put a hand on the back of his head. His hair was like silk thread so fine and thick. She could feel the lust, and heated passion that burned with in the handsome demon pressed against her. His skin was warm and damp from the humid air. She couldn't ignore the tingling in her more feminine regions. Dante slowly pulled back, looking into her eyes, sexual desires to light in his eyes. He wanted her in so many ways; this was how he was going to show her he loved her, making every inch of her being beg for him, make her see that he truly loved her the way Sparda had loved Eva.
"What was that about?" She asked.
"I had to make sure my dreams and nightmares hadn't been lying to me. I had to prove to you you're not just a throw away whore to me." He answered, letting go of her, and going back inside.
