Hi, guys! The new chapter is here, enjoy! : )
Every girl dreams about love, finding that one special person that shall cherish only her, and live happily ever after, like in the fairytales. But sadly, I don't believe in fairytales or princes any more. And my present life is certainly not come to life from the pages of a children's book. My story won't be read to little girls and they won't pretend to be me. I know I definitely wouldn't want to, if I had the choice.
I remember years ago as a teenager, head still in the clouds and mind, filled with romance novels, how me and Tamara went to this gypsy fortune teller when circus was in town. We had enjoyed the show, the jugglers, acrobats and lions, circuses were always fun to me.
'' Come on, Mia, don't you want to know your future?''- My friend teased as we stood outside the tent. Tamara had been begging me to come with her the whole day during school.-'' The name of your future husband?'' – God, we were 14 years old back then, drooling over actors and boy bands. In fact there was a boy I have been dying to kiss, but I never had the courage to talk to him.
'' You win, Tammy.'' – And smiling I let my schoolmate in first. I was excited to get my fortune read, too, and I sat on the offered chair, exchanging glances with my friend. The gypsy lady introduced herself as Madame Pricilla, and took Tamara's hands first. My friend smiled at me and turned her attention to the seer. She predicted for my schoolmate a job, connected with kids, and a tall, dark-haired man, which name begins with a C as a partner in life. Tamara's face beamed as she heard about the blissful married life she will have, two girls.
My palms were sweating and I wiped them in my jeans before the gypsy lady held them gently in hers and I met her green eyes.
'' Interesting.''- The woman bit her lips and looked down for a moment.-'' Your future is entangled with your past and it can't be easily seen, as it was for your friend.''- She traced some of the lines on my palm.-'' It's very foggy, but I think I can… '' – The woman frowned and I shot a nervous stare at my friend, who shrugged her shoulders.
'' You were and will be very lucky in love. Your fate will cross with a blond man , wearing the letter E, but I see another … much darker, like a shadow over you, and you had worn his last name…''- At these weird words, even for a fortune teller, I pulled my hands off the gypsy woman's , and stood up abruptly. I was so mad at Tamara for convincing me to come and listen to this nonsense!
'' How much do we owe you? ''- My voice must have been a little rougher than I intended, but I had wanted to leave as soon as possible. This lady was creeping me out! Madame Priscilla stood up too and grabbed my shoulders.
'' My dear girl, you are in danger, he will come for you! And this man will stop at nothing to have you again!''- Prying away from her grip, I ran outside and sat on the nearest bench in front of the Ferris wheel. My breathing was hard and I wrapped myself more tightly in the jacket and zipped it up. Those minutes were one of the strangest in my life! The gypsy's prophesy gave me chills!
'' Never talk me into going to such places again.''- Tamara sat next to me and gave me a bottle of coke and I gratefully drank some.
'' Sorry, Mia. But how should I know that the lady would start to act crazy all of sudden? She scared me, too.''- The cold drink and the gleeful people around were beginning to calm me. We clinked our bottles and I winked.
'' Well, at least your future sounded brighter than mine- a house, a dog, two girls. While mine was more like a horror movie. You owe me a ticket.''- I pointed at the ride before us, and Tamara smiled.
'' All right. But the next ride after that is on you.''- And giggling, we had gone to purchase tickets for the Ferris wheel. I never had much of a faith in telling a man's future by reading palms, cards or crystal balls.
And now, so many years ago, as I recall this, I realize that the gypsy fortune teller was completely right! I indeed met a blond man, Ethan, and he is the one I fell in love with. The doctor makes everything better with his smile, and I desperately need to kiss Ethan Blake again. And my world was indeed ruined by another man, my husband from previous life. A guy that not only kidnapped me, killed my friends, but is also a supernatural being, a vampire, turned not so long after my past self's death.
The fortune teller hadn't foreseen that I would cause my dear friend's demise .If only Tamara hadn't met me, share a desk with me at school, maybe the blissful life the lady saw for her would have come true- a lovely house, caring husband and adorable daughters…
My shoulders began to shake slightly as another wave of tears was threatening to be shed yet again. A person might have thought that by now, my tears were already dried out, but the pain is still unbearable. My loved one's faces continue to haunt me. I missed their funerals, the last chance to say goodbye and ask for forgiveness, although I know I will never earn it. Nothing I could say or do, could never make me less guilty, or ease the pain of the families. God, the wedding of my friend was going to be next month, in a restaurant with a lovely garden; I was going to be the maid of honor, my dress and shoes were hanging in the wardrobe, hairstylist was already paid for, Ethan as my partner…. I knew everything about the ceremony, the arrangements of the tables, the music… Tammy was glowing, counting the days until the Big day, Carl had already booked a flight and a hotel for the honeymoon, and the little Jeremy had its own suit for the wedding, excited to have another brother or a sister. And my neighbor Eva, she could have seen her granddaughter Diane marrying, if it wasn't for me!
I have to pull myself together and escape again, but how?! Jacob is not leaving my side, controlling my every step with his compulsion. His pet Rose, that carved my skin, and burnt me, is also a problem. The bitch is crazy! Can't the ginger see that Jacob is manipulating her, lying! Part of me pitied her. The ginger vampire probably had tough childhood, took the wrong path with drugs and thefts. And bam! - Jacob Thorn appears with his good looks, power and nice attitude, pulls them both with Jessica from the gutter, turns and treats them like princesses. It easy to see how fast the poor girls have fallen under Jake's spell. A spell, which he was trying to use on me, too.
I had waited for him, Snow in my embrace, as the vampire had written down the list of groceries and left, after he kissed the top of my head and whispered.-'' I have missed you more than you can imagine .''- My jailor ordered me to stay in this room and gave me a book to pass the time. I heard in the corridor shouts between him and Rose, and the ginger vanished from the house, saying that she will find food. The door was locked and despite my efforts, the need to obey was crushing and I sat, back leaned on the wall, and turned the pages of the book, some thriller. I had this same book at home, on my night stand, and I wasn't even surprised! Jake knows all my tastes, even the shampoo and soap in the bathroom here were my favorite brand and flavor. The man had the kind heart to bring with him my phone, wallet and documents, although I am not allowed near them.
As Jake returned an hour ago, shopping bags in both hands, he led me to the kitchen. Even he helped me by cutting the onions, as he did so many years ago as my husband. The view of Jake, with sleeves rolled up, cutting some of the products, brought back unwanted memories and I tried to wave them off.
''It smells divine, Amelia.''- Jacob stood near me, arms crossed as I cooked. My jailor had the kindness to let me in the kitchen, giving me full freedom. Occupying my hands with something was like a heard prayer. I had missed so much this, having fun with such a simple activity as cooking.
'' Could you please get out from my head? It's giving me a migraine.''- Having inside this man, whispering commands, watching my every move was wiring my nerves more than necessary. I wouldn't utter even one syllable to him, especially after what had occurred, but the silence was unbearable. God, what I would do for music right now!
'' It's a precaution.'' – But Jacob read my thoughts again and turned on the radio and pop music filled the kitchen. I realize I hadn't listen to music for ages, and being able to do this now….It was wonderful and I smiled. The vampire seemed pleased with the result, and began humming alongside the song.
'' Where do you want to live? Come on, my dear, pick whichever city you like.'' -The vampire asked as he helped me arrange the table for lunch. Rose shut the front door with force, but she didn't come in. The red-haired vampire had male company and she dragged him, giggling up the stairs. Great, as long as we don't see each other, the better! Let the girl have fun with some poor guy, while I make up another plan to return to my family and Ethan. I wish I could just hear my mother's voice, her to tell me everything is going to be all right, and move her fingers through my hair, as she did when I was a little girl. And my father, always ready to protect me from bullies, checking under the bed for monsters. But I am a grown woman; I have to find a way out!
'' My own, New York, but without you in it.'' – I placed the salad on the table. The vampire kissed my cheek and caressed my hair, which he braided an hour ago, before taking his own seat opposite me. While Jacob was playing with my hair, he said that maybe he would turn me into a vampire.-'' You will remain this beautiful forever, sweet Amelia.''- The man had pressed his lips against mine and I returned his kiss, because he told me to.
'' Oh, come on, Amelia! You can't possibly desire to be stuck in that small rental flat, when the world could be yours to explore!''- I shot Jake a cold look, as he was tasting the salad. Yeah, like living with a murderous, love crazy vampire, will be all hearts and roses!
'''Thanks, but anywhere will be hell with you.'' -That guy can't be serious! We are not on a honeymoon, madly in love! Jacob can't just use my passion to travel and cities that I want to see, for his advantage. He can't buy my affections!
''I could take you to Vienna. It's really wonderful in there and you would surely enjoy it. Just imagine, Mia, attending operas at the City Opera, seeing the Imperial Crown Jewels, the Palaces Belvedere and Schönbrunn.The Prater is really a sight to behold- the Ferris wheel, numerous rides, water slides. Or maybe the Louvre in Paris. Pamukkale, Istanbul, Madrid, Milano... Just imagine… ''- He hasn't the right to do this! I freed my hand under his and took another bite from the main course.
'' No, still not tempted.''- I am aware that every woman in my place, if she doesn't know about Jacob's dangerous personality or vampire nature, would gladly agree to be with him. He looks like a male model, his voice is pleasant to listen to, and he offers the whole world on a silver platter.
'' As far as I can remember, Cassandra wasn't interested in your wealth. So why try to impress me with it? And how did you became so rich?'' – The dish was really good, and it was the first one I prepared since my abduction and this hell. The cause of my misery reached and grabbed my hand again and kissed the knuckles.
'' I am not trying to impress with you with my money.''- Jake took a bottle of white wine and poured me some. I wished for a lot stronger drink, anything that will help me forget my current problems. But my mind has to be clear, and I swore to go easy with the glasses. –'' I simply want to give you comforts, a way of life a woman such as yourself deserve. I believe every young lady needs it. And to your second question… Being alive for so long has its benefits. Countries, languages – there are no limits for me anymore. I have participated in so many fields of work, that I lost count. If you agree to be mine, as you were before, there is so much I could teach you, my stubborn beauty. Why work for others, when you can be your own boss? You will run your own place, shop in the finest boutiques, and travel all around the globe. Just think about it.''- Standing from the table and heading to the door, when his fingers wrapped around my forearm and I crushed into his body.
'' You are offering me the easy way, where you just buy everything. I worked so hard to fit in at Alfredo's, and I will safe as long as it takes to afford my own place. Plus, I hate you, you ruined my life.''- I slapped Jacob and he kissed me again, biting the bottom lip and his hands moved down my back.
''Oh, come on, Mia. You kissed me so passionately not so long ago.'' – Jake winked at me.-'' You wanted to undress me. Why deny it?''- I wish I could wipe the smug smile off his face.
'' That was a huge, gigantic mistake. You used your inhuman powers on me, that's all.''- Liar! , my inner voice yelled. I was unbuttoning his shirt, fingers practically tearing the fabric so I could touch his skin. But that was my past self, not …! God, I am going crazy!
'' I didn't lure you in with my compulsion, Amelia.''- The man put a strand of hair, which was loose from the braid, behind my ear and whispered in it. - ''You simply remembered our nights together. And I know you had dreamt about me as younger.''
Swallowing hard, I lifted my eyes to his. God, Jacob was so close and I as much as I hate him to be right, he is! I was sickened by my reaction; and I kicked him in the knee and Jake released me with a groan.
'' Yes, years ago. You were handsome as a prince, always saying the right, sweet words, caring me in your arms… But I grew up, and you, Jacob Thorn, are not the man you used to be!''- I went to the open window and breathed the fresh air. The vampire was behind me and I turned around.
'' And this is why it is so wrong! Can't you see that this is abuse?! Over my free will, body?! God, your bitch even branded me and burnt my skin!'' - The stupid , ugly scar didn't give me peace and I wanted to drive the knife on the table through Jacob's black heart , cut Rose's head, but the vampire ordered me not to use it to harm anyone, even myself.
'' And I am terribly sorry for this. Rose wanted to carve Jessica's name too, but on your other leg. I was so blinded by rage, by your nonstop running and rejecting me. You even stabbed me.'' - Sliding down the wall, I sat and hugged my knees, the man mimicked my pose. Jacob pulled me close to his body.
'' Why you can let me go? Why force me so?''- My fists pounded on his chest, but the man grabbed and pinned them above my head.
'' Because we are meant to be! You pledged yourself to me to always love and support me. You clearly see, Amelia, that death couldn't separate us!'' – The dark-haired guy's brown eyes bored into mine and I saw before me a scene from my past life. Jacob lifting the bridal veil, smiling, before our lips locked into our first kiss as a married couple. My heart was melting, as I ran my fingers though my love's black curls….
'' Cassie did, not me! I don't owe you anything, Jacob! My life is mine! Mine!''- Trying to block the memory, I focused my thoughts on Ethan. He was so good with kids, as one day we were helping Tammy take her kindergarten class to the zoo. The smile never left my face as Ethan was walking hand to hand with the little boys, giving them piggy bag rides, pushing the girls on the swings, and making up stories about the animals we passed to entertain the kids. My friend had said, as she heard the laughter, that this man is really great, and would be an awesome father some day. And I was falling more and more for Ethan Blake each day we spent together.
'' I just wanted happiness and love.'' – Part of me felt sorry for Jacob, he was crying as he kissed me again. Losing a loved one can really change a person, but … - ''It was so cold without you, so lonely.'' -His head fell on my shoulder and he hugged me tighter, like I was a plush toy, a teddy bear.
'' But not built on the ruins of my life. Why didn't you just came and ask me out, like any man would? Why did you think that the best approach was the lurking in the shadows and stalking? And abducting me from a taxi?''- The man was still sobbing against my shoulder, and if he wasn't my jailor, my hell, I would embrace him too. When the vampire lifted his head, he looked so vulnerable like a child, still clutching me close.
'' Because when I first saw you, I couldn't believe my eyes. You were more beautiful than I remembered. I wanted to get to know you, my treasure, so I started with your flat, and I couldn't stop. You became my drug, Amelia.''- Jake leaned forward and bit my neck, just a little, and licked the blood drops. - ''You are my weakness, and no man will have you. ''- I pushed him off me, and rose up, he was suffocating me.
Suddenly the room started swaying before my eyes and I grabbed the dark-haired man's forearms to steady myself. Heat rose to my cheeks and I wiped my forehead- it was sweaty.
'' What was in that wine?''- I realized that the vampire never drank from the wine, and I only took a few gulps. My vision was blurry and Jacob's face swam before my eyes, my legs were hardly supporting my weight and my jailor lifted me up and carried me to my room.
'' A little potion, nothing harmful or temporary. Something to loosen you up a bit, my beloved. The dizziness will soon pass.''- The man gently placed me on the bed and I groaned at how soft it was. Snow, who was sleeping to that moment, ran and hid under the bed.
'' But why?''- The words slurred in my mouth and I squinted my eyes from the bright sunlight and Jacob slid down the curtains.
''I missed you so much. In every woman I saw you, my only love.''- The vampire sat on the bed beside me and caressed my hair, which he freed from the braid. –''I have always adored your hair, so soft.''- Then he laid next to me and hugged me. The dark-haired guy pressed kisses on my neck and despite my efforts I moaned. We stood like this for a couple of minutes, until my vision got better.
'' Let go of me.''- My voice was barely a whisper, but my hands pulled the man above me for a kiss and I responded his hungry one. Whatever was in that potion, it took away my self control and I fought to touch as more of Jacob as I could. His shirt, his belt were getting in the way, and between our kisses, my fingers were tearing the fabrics. In my mind he wasn't the guy ,responsible for my friends' death , taking me away from Ethan, but Cassie's , mine ,husband and I , she, adored him. Part of me, a small one, told me that this is wrong, unreal, he poisoned me with magic, but it was stronger than me. I just couldn't break free from this spell. Clothes were piling on the floor. I returned all of his kisses, touches, and Jacob Thorn made love to me again and again.