Chapter 5.
Riddick had occupied himself with another workout, and instructions for dinner to his employees. He had granted Jade with almost six hours of silence and rest, before he made his way towards her room to see if she was already awake. He gently opened her door and saw she was on top of the sheets, curtains open, and still fast asleep. Her hair was sprawled around her pillow, her mouth slightly open, tears dried upon her cheeks. He walked a little closer towards the bed, making sure not to wake her. So, he had heard it right, she had cried herself to sleep once more. He felt a stinging sensation in his chest at that thought. He reached out to touch her cheek, her presence did that to him, but he could stop himself before skin touched skin. He would wait a few more hours till she woke. She needed sleep more than food. He left her to sleep some more, closing the door as he walked out. He went to tell his staff to delay dinner, not knowing Jade had sensed his presence and slowly opened her eyes.
Jade finally felt a little more rested after waking up. She knew he had been in here not so long ago, his smell lingered inside of the room. She couldn't help but liking his smell. It was for some reason familiar. She shook her head and got up from the bed. She needed to shower and get her head together, before she turned crazy like he had.
She took her time, washing herself and her hair, trying to dry her hair the best she could, before wrapping herself in a soft white bathrobe. She watched her face in the mirror, seeing she still was looking rather tired, but it was not so bad as she had felt before. She swallowed. Here she was, all alone and in the hands of some devil who would not let her go before he had his way with her. It sickened her to think he would force himself upon her. She really needed to get away before that would happen. Walking out of the bathroom she made sure to close the door behind her to not let all of the steam escape into the bedroom, not once thinking she would not be alone in there. She froze when she saw him, sitting on the bed, watching her with an appreciative glance in his eyes. His eyes watched hers, before they went over her body, to stop at her naked feet, all the way up to her naked knees, before he watched her eyes once more.
'Feeling better Jade?' His tone was one of amusement, his lips forming a grin, but as soon as he tasted her fear in the air and watched her cling to her robe a little too tight for his taste, he dropped his grin. Her resting time had done nothing for her nerves and fear off him, he felt and saw. That was something he had not expected or wanted.
'I am not here to hurt you Jade.' She nodded the littlest nod he had ever seen, but she kept her distance. She was acting too submissive to his liking.
'I thought you might be hungry, and in need of more answers.'
Jade had glanced away, but slowly forced herself to meet his gaze again. It took a lot of effort, but she did. She nodded once more, not sure what he was up to. Was he here to force her to be his already?
He nodded too. It was time to take the lead, before she would turn even more silent.
'Get dressed and meet me on the other side of the door. I'll be waiting.' With those words he stood and left her alone, closing the door behind him.
Jade made haste to get dressed before he would change his mind and barge in on her. She grabbed her underwear and the first jeans she found. A soft black sweater warmed her skin instantly. She pulled her hair into a bun and stepped in her shoes. She felt her heart race and wondered if that was because of her haste to get dressed or the fear she felt for the man on the other side of the door. She wasn't completely sure…
She bit her lip, wondering how long he would stand on the other side of the door before he would grow tired of waiting and just barge in. Till now she had not heard him make any sounds. She took a deep breath and knew she could not delay any longer. She had to face her fears. She swallowed the lump in her throat and opened the door, finding him stand on the opposite side of the wall, giving her some space to walk out of the room. He scanned her body quickly, before he nodded in the direction of the stairs. She nervously wrapped her arms around herself and followed him in silence.
Riddick watched her sit down at the dining table, her eyes searching his from time to time, but mostly she tried to stare before her. He sensed her level of fear was high and he wondered what about him scared her even more than before. What was going on in that beautiful little head? While he had given her a full plate, she was not eating. He was halfway through his own plate when he decided to finally address that to her.
'You should eat.' Jade watched up, meeting his eyes. He saw the uncertainty in them.
Jade was not hungry, in fact she felt very sick. The thought of what would happen to her, of what he could do to her, was just too much.
'I can't.' Riddick watched her a moment, before he lay down his fork. He drank from his water and then placed his full attention on her, something that made her very nervous, very aware of the possible danger she was in.
'Speak, something is troubling you more than earlier this morning.' She instantly recognized the authority in his voice and felt compelled to answer, but she was also very stubborn. She bit her lip, trying to figure out what to answer. It was until she tastes blood, she suddenly released her lip from between her teeth and he raised his brow.
'I don't want to be here.' He nodded once.
'That you made very clear, and you know my answer too. It is something else that troubles you. Tell me.' Jade bit her lip once more, watching his eyes land on her lips as she did.
'That's it.' He moved his chair back, so he had room to stand.
He knew she would need to be led, in order to feel safe. But he had wanted for her to learn a little more before he would grow stricter with her. He was not entirely sure how to proceed without feeding her fear of him. But he had made a choice. She seemed so fragile, sitting before him in her black shirt, wet bun on top of her head. But she had never looked more beautiful to him. He walked until he stood behind her, feeling her tensing even more as he rested him hands on her shoulders. She tensed up completely, before she froze again. He bowed his head down bring his lips next to her ear.
'I can smell your fear, your nerves. I can feel it when you tremble being around me and that is completely opposite of what I want you to feel when you are around me.' She shuddered within his grasp, so he continued, almost certain what was troubling his young, innocent mate.
'You are worrying about completing the bond, right Jade? Something that will happen eventually, but not tonight. Not like this.' He gently touched the skin of her neck, letting a single finger feel how soft she felt to his touch, before he released her and walked on, once again taking place in his seat before her. Her eyes were large, watching her hands before glancing at him.
Jade wondered how he knew… Could he read her mind too? She shuddered thinking of his large, warm hands on her shoulders. His finger tracing her skin. And the worst part was that she did not even felt that repulsed by his touch. She should… shouldn't she?
'Not like what?' she then dared to ask him. He watched her closely now, feeling a little victorious that he had finally made her speak and pulled her from her trance.
'When we will complete the bond and mate, you will not be cowering in fear of me, my Jade. You will be willing, curious, maybe a little nervous, but you will want me. As long as you fear me so, I will not take you.' She felt her heart jump a little. Sure, she could not know if he would be true to his word, but this was something.
Riddick inwardly smiled. This had been what she needed to hear in order to open up just the tiniest bit. He felt her incredible high fear level decrease just a little. That would be enough for tonight. It was what made his animal purr, seeing her start her journey with him. Her fear should be of the world around them, but never him. She would learn.
'Now eat, you need it.'
Later that evening, Jade found herself in the saloon, alone. Riddick had told her he would join her shortly, but until now he had not returned to her. She wondered around the room, reading the titles of books placed on shelves and stared outside the window, watching the dark night sky. She felt his presence before she heard or saw him and turned around. He lingered in the doorway, his eyes glued to her form.
'Quite the evening sky, isn't it?' he asked her, walking inside while a young man walked in too, placing a tray of coffee and treats on the side table, before nodding once at Riddick before leaving them alone. It was the first time she saw someone else in this house, but she had gathered there had to be people tending to such a large house.
'Yes,' was her short answer, not wanting to anger him by remaining completely silent, but also not wanting to speak more.
'Come, have some coffee.' She sat down on the sofa and watched him take a cup himself, before he sat down with a groan. While he took a sip, she let her eyes wonder over his muscles and saw them clearly under his shirt. His chest, arms and even stomach seemed rock hard and strong.
'My eyes are up here, you know.' She felt her cheeks grow red at his words, instantly locking eyes with him. She had been caught staring and she felt afraid he might get the wrong idea. She thought hard on how to talk it right, but he just chuckled and took another sip. He humored her and it made his eyes just a little less scary. Only a little. Just because he smiled. She swallowed and decided to distract him.
'I have a job to get back to. They will miss me when I don't return on Monday.' She saw the left corner of his mouth twitch, before his lips formed a small smile.
'I am sure you would be missed greatly, but not for another week or so, since you took that time off.' Jade opened her mouth to reply he was wrong. She had not taken any time off, wanting to spend some more time with her coworkers before she left her old job for good.
'You mailed them two nights ago Jade. And your manager confirmed.' She bit her lip, what was he referring to? He then chuckled.
'Well, actually I did, knowing you'd need a little more time to adjust to our… bonding. I already told you that you cannot leave this house, or my side, before the bond is completed. I meant that.' Jade felt her heart race at his words. He had given her a false sense of security at dinner, wanting her to eat something. He now was telling her he would have her before the week was out? She felt herself panic and stood suddenly, seeing his amusement vanish immediately as she attempted to leave the saloon.
Before she could set another step, she felt his hand grip her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
'You can't keep running from me Jade. This will happen.' She tried to pull herself free from his grasp, but he was simply too strong. She wondered how he had gotten that strong, his steel grip almost hurting her.
'I don't want any of this-' She felt tears cloud her vision again as words suddenly felt too hard to speak. How much tears had she even left to cry? She wondered if he would get angry with her tears, with her endless crying ever since she got here. Maybe he would yell at her, force her to do as he pleased. She felt her heart pounding loudly, afraid of what he would do.
She was surprised as he pulled her closer and before she could move, held her in his arms, bringing her close to his chest. She softly cried, feeling his hands on her back, gently caressing her there. His steady breathing was the only comfort she found in his embrace, that and the fact he kept caressing her, easing her fear a little. His proximity was almost too much to bear, but strangely comforting too. She tried to focus on his breathing, and the rise and fall of his chest against hers. It stopped her from panicking any further and she even felt herself calm down more. After a few more moments she more felt than heard him make a soft sound. It came from somewhere deep within his chest, some sort of growling. It scared her at first, not sure what he was doing, but then it made her feel even more calm, safe even. She swallowed and tried to pull away as her tears mostly had stopped from falling, but he was not letting her go. She felt so tired of everything, she was truly exhausted. He allowed her a little space, by releasing her a bit, but his hands found her arms and took hold of her gently.
What made her nervous was that he remained silent. He watched her, really seeing into her soul, before he seemed to make some sort of decision and without any hesitation scooped her up in his arms.
'Stop. What are you-' But he was already walking her out of the saloon, and without any effort taking the stairs with her in his arms.
`she expected him to walk her to the room she had been in before, but her walked towards the next door, opening it with one hand, without even placing her on her feet. The room was dark, but a little light went on as he entered and with his shoulder closed the door behind them. At first, she was curious what he was doing, bringing her in here. But now she was here, seeing how dark this room was furnished and how immensely large the bed with black sheets was, she grew completely terrified.
'Your bedroom.' It was all she could say. He walked her over towards the bed and gently placed her down on the soft sheets. He kneeled beside her, his face not that far from hers.
'Our room.' Jade gripped the sheets and braced herself for the worst that he could do to her. But he remained beside her, not moving, just watching her closely with those strange eyes.
Riddick was sure she would feel terrified for a few more days, weeks even. But he also knew she would find comfort in his presence. He had been true when he told her he would not force her, but she would be by his side, even while sleeping. Forming the bond sooner rather than later would keep her from more fear and pain. He didn't want to make her suffer longer than she had to. It would take a while for her to put her feelings in place and dare to act on them. That was fine, he was going to give her that time. But he wasn't going to let her hide anymore. He also had certain needs, some sexual, that he would spare her for the time being. He wouldn't touch her purity until she could turn her fear into nervousness and curiosity. But he also needed her presence. The bond was messing with him too.
'What?' Her soft voice made him feel things he thought he was no longer capable of. He took a deep breath, making sure his tone would be definite, but not frighten her more than needed.
'From now on, you sleep in here, with me.' He saw her tense and decided to go on, pulling off the band aid in one quick move.
'I will not force you into anything just yet. But you will share this room with me. No more hiding away. If you behave, I will respect your privacy as much as I can, but that's it. Our bonding has begun.' He felt her stress, her fear, but this needed to be said and done. He moved away, granting her with a little time.
'I'm going to take a shower so that you can go to sleep. I count on you to understand me and not to wander around the house. There are no doors locked, but I am willing to lock them if you don't obey me.' He saw her lip tremble, but this time she fought her tears bravely. Or maybe she really had no tears left now, he didn't know what it was. But she opened her mouth, hesitated for a moment before speaking.
'There are no doors locked, except for the front door, you mean.' He couldn't resist a grin. How stubborn and clever she could be, even in all her fear. Unbelievable. He bit his lip so as not to laugh out loud.
'Even that door will be unlocked one day Jade. I will inform you when.'
While he finally left her alone and disappeared into what she assumed to be the bathroom, she stood from the bed and walked over towards the window, glancing outside. Once again it was pitch dark and she couldn't see much. She watched the bed and felt her heart sink. She didn't want to be here and certainly not in one room or bed with him. The bed was big enough yes, but she just didn't feel safe. He was a predator, she had seen him move and felt his touches. She also knew he could force her into anything he wanted. And the scariest part was, she could actually feel something withing her glow when he spoke, when he touched her. Sometimes even when he only looked at her. Was that, that ridiculous bond thing?
She feared for what he would do if he didn't find her in bed when he would walk into the room again. She then found she had nothing to wear but the clothes on her body. She was definitely not sleeping in her underwear with him in the same bed. But her jeans would not be really comfortable either. Not that she expected to sleep at all.
She compromised, stepping out of her jeans, but keeping her sweater on. She removed her socks and then stepped into the bed, moving herself as much to the edge as she could. Her eyes hurt, her heart was heavy. She tried to keep herself in check. It would be alright. She would survive this. She was strong, she had to keep herself in once piece.
Hearing the bathroom door open made her tense up again, keeping her eyes closed, but listening to every sound there was to be heard.
He seemed to be taking his time, closing the bathroom door behind him before walking to the bed. She felt the bed move a little as he sat down. For a moment nothing happened, nothing could be heard, and Jade did not dare to open her eyes and look at him. But then she heard him take a deep breath before he got under the sheets too and made himself comfortable in bed. He moved for a moment and Jade was very afraid he would touch her, but he didn't do that, he turned on his back and with a clap in his hands the room went pitch dark. Jade also turned herself on her back and made the mistake of searching for his eyes. It was strange, but the silver balls that were his eyes were very visible in the dark. And the way they seemed to see her told her he could see perfectly in the dark.
'Sweet dreams Jade. You are safe here, you can sleep. We will talk more tomorrow. Believe me, you will have more questions.'
Are you enjoying this story so far? I know there are not that many Riddick readers out there, but I would love to hear your thoughts!