Chapter 25: Promises of Forever

"You can't do this." Rashel whispered hoarsely, her breath catching as she stared at Leo.

"Unless you don't want that monster to be fed and put into a proper room..." He trailed off, giving her a dazzling smile.

"I want to speak to you...alone."Her eyes darted to the two girls standing off to the side armed with bags of makeup and lace. Getting the hint, they both exited Rashel's and Leo's new room. As soon as the door slammed shut, Rashel walked into Leos still arms. He didn't make the first move like he usually would, she did. In the blink of an eye, he was up against the wall with her pressed against him, her mouth travelling down the length of his jaw.

"Leo..."She muttered slowly into his skin, running her nails down the inside of his arm as she unbuttoned the first few buttons on his shirt.

"Yes?" He mumbled, eyes fluttering close as his arms circled around her.

"Do you want me?" She breathed into his ear, running her fingers through his hair . He said something unintelligible, fingers tightening against her.

"Then why don't you take me, right now?" She kissed him full on, not giving him time to reply. "Are you trying to humiliate me?"

"No, never." He replied breathlessly, trying to pull away from her.

"Yes you are, dressing me up like your doll then using me." She kissed him again, "I thought you love me...?"

Leo shook his head slightly comically, then slowly and gently pushed her away. "I do. But I want you to realize your not in charge. You've always had that problem."

Rashel froze, eyes narrowing as she looked at him. Who did he think he was? Why should she dress up for him just to have him use her? Leo smiled as if he guessed what she was thinking and gave her the curtest of nods. "Your mine Rashel, and I will do what pleases me. Not you."

Leo left, calling the two girls back in. Rashel had half a mind to fight back but thought of the consequences for John, and so she sat perfectly still. They curled her long black hair until it tumbled in ringlets down her back. They filed her nails and painted them a pale pink that nearly made her gag. Then they blushed, and highlighted until her cheeks were pink and her face sickeningly perfect.

The room stayed enclosed in a cold stony silence. When her make-up was done, one of the girls opened a small bag, pulling out black pieces of lace and a bigger piece of silk. Then they left, leaving Rashel with the sacrificial clothes she was supposed to wear.

She took her time changing, avoiding all mirrors. After an appropriate amount of time, the two girls came back in, setting up candles and flowers, while Rashel watched with a growing anxiety.

Finally they left, leaving her alone. She wanted to grab the nearest thing and throw it as hard as she could. She wanted to claw through the walls until she was outside. She wanted to scream and cry a the same time.

Absentmindedly looking for a way to escape, her eyes landed on a pile of bottles. Champagne. He had to be kidding. Champagne? She went over to the table, uncorking the first one she got hold of. Originally she was going to empty it all over the floor and smash the bottles but the sight of the bubbly liquid gave her a better idea. If she was going to sleep with Leo, she might as well not remember it.

It took her a few minutes to down the first bottle, and by then she was already tipsy. Fact and fiction blurred until things she wanted and the things that were happening were merged and she couldn't tell the difference. Her fingers fumbled in opening the second one and when it was open she couldn't bring herself to drink it.

"What the..." She managed when she caught sight of herself in the mirror. She looked different. And not good different. Her vision blurred so she stood up and sauntered to the mirror , squinting at the image of the girl looking back at her.

The image was not her. It was some helpless coward who was doing everything some blackmailing bastard told her to do. That couldn't be her.

Using the back of her hand she wiped the lipstick off, and ran her fingers through her hair. It didn't have the effect she hoped for. If anything, it made her look even more vulnerable with lipstick stained lips and messy ringlets surrounding her face.

"Why are we doing this?" She whispered to the girl in the mirror. The sadness that pooled in her reflected image answered her question. She was doing it for the one she loved. The one she couldn't have anymore.

The door creaked open behind her, startling her. Rashel turned around quickly, stumbling over her own feet. Strong arms caught her just as she was bracing herself for the impact.

She looked up, ready to yell at Leo. But it wasn't him. It was John and he was smiling at her.

She giggled just by the obscurity of what she was thinking a minute ago. Nothing was wrong. Here he was, not tortured and craving blood.

"I had the weirdest feeling, John." She whispered, grazing his cheek with her lips as she spoke.

"And what was that?"

"I thought we were kidnapped and you were being tortured." She smiled with relief, "But your alright."

"I'm more then alright now, Rashel." There was something off about him, but she ignored it, letting him carry her over to the bed.

"I love you, you know?" She giggled, pulling him closer.

"I know you do."

"Do you?" She whimpered as he trailed down her throat. She waited for his fangs to brush against her exposed throat but nothing happened. Instead he trailed lower travelling down to her stomach.

"Mmmhm." He breathed, lifting his head back up to kiss her.

His kiss felt strange, and so did his reply. This would be when he told her that he loved her to the stars and back. The candle lights flickered in the background and she concentrated on them. Finding the only balance in their constant light. Everything John was doing confused her. How he touched her. How he kissed her. How he said her name. Even the colour of his hair was off...it seemed more...blonde...

The thoughts faded as the champagne took effect again. Leaving her content and giddy.

Rashel breathed deeply, taking in the cool breeze. Her fingers were already trailing through the sand, pushing them through her fingers as she found Johns body beside hers.

He was awake, watching the stars silently. When he felt her touch he pulled her in, laying her protectively under his arms.

"What are you doing?" She said quietly, resting her head against his shoulder.

"Thinking about you." He replied instantly, fingers brushing through her hair, eyes wandering back to the faint silvery glow of stars clustered above them. "Rashel?"

"Hmm?"

"If you asked me to get you a star, I'd be mad enough to try and get one for you." He whispered, locking his gaze with hers.

"I would never ask for a star, when I've got one right here." She smiled at him, cradling his icy cheek in her hand.

"What would you ask for?" He replied, leaning his face into her hand and closing his eyes.

"I'd only ask that you stay with me."

"Forever." He promised, kissing her palm. She remained silent, watching him with a question building up.

"Forever." She repeated, curling up into his side. His arms tightened around her as they both fell asleep.

Rashel snapped awake, her eyes flickering open than closed again as the sunlight hit her incredibly sensitive eyes. She groaned softly, rolling over to evade the light. She froze when her bare skin made contact with someone else.

Then came the memories. Flooding in like a wild waterfall she drowned in last night. Leo. He...and...

A silent sob escaped her, as she fumbled to slip the silk robe on before he woke up. She felt disgusting and used and alone.

"Leo. Wake up." She nearly yelled, shaking him awake. He jumped awake, eyes roaming until they found her. A look of concern passed across his face but it was short lived.

"What?" He asked sleepily, trying to grab hold of her wrist to pull her back in bed.

"John. I need to see him."

"Right now?" He groaned, getting up with ease. She looked away when he stood up, embarrassed by his lack of clothing. Leo caught on and chuckled darkly.

"Fine, but this is the last time you get your way. After this, you only see him when I say so." He took her wrist, placing the metal bracelet on before he opened the door.

They walked in silence, with him not even seeming to care about his obvious...clothes-less-ness. This time they went up instead of down, until they were at a metal door. It was situated right in front of the stair case, with no hallways or floor between the two.

"A couple hours and that's it." Leo warned, taking the bracelet off and unlocking the door. He pushed her in harshly, bolting the door shut directly after.

The room was smaller then hers but it was clean and at least resembled a guest room.

"John?" She asked, scanning the room for him.

"Rashe-" The bathroom door opened and John stood there, his eyes running up and down her body with a menacing glint. He bared his fangs, looking like he wanted to pounce and kill. Rashel let out a small sob and ran into his arms, throwing herself at him.

"I'm...I'm so...I don't know...Oh god...John- I..."She sobbed into his shoulder, pressing herself against his solid warmth and seeking his protection. He remained tense and stiff, but he held her tightly.

"Now I have to kill him." John growled holding Rashel while she sobbed and tripped over her own words.

"Not if I do it first." She whimpered, hiding her face in his chest from shame and guilt. For his part, John was calm and soothing, hiding his anger from her so she wouldn't feel anymore guilt.

"I can smell him on you." John said quietly after a while, "I don't like it. It smells...wrong." Rashel couldn't smell anything but she hated the thought of his scent on her.

"Remember when you said you'd get me a star if I asked for one?"

"Yes."

"Can I ask for something now?"

"Anything."

"Please don't let him touch me again."

"He won't. I'll get you out before that happens."

"Promise?"

"Promise."