CHAPTER 3
Vincent opened his eyes to blurry surroundings. Taking a minute to refocus his eyes, everything came into view as well as his memory. Looking around, he recognized the layout. He was being held captive in the dungeon. Thinking back, the last thing he remembered was proposing to Catherine, and then a guard came, stating his father needed him. All of a sudden, everything had gone black, and by the painful headache he was experiencing, he'd been hit with something, knocking him out cold. Now he found himself a prisoner in a dusty cell. Looking around he didn't see anyone. The only face he could see was Catherine's. After so many years, so many obstacles, was this finally the end. He'd gone to his father, pleading his case, and after everything short of renouncing the throne, his father had finally conceded. A few antiquated laws would have to be rewritten before he could marry Catherine, but it would have been worth it in the end. Maybe if he'd acknowledged from the start, he still loved Catherine, he wouldn't be in the current predicament.
Standing to his feet, the sound of metal scraping the concrete brought him to a screeching halt. Looking down, he saw shackles on his ankles. He was chained like a hardened criminal, sporting a tux at that. Looking around, he surveyed the area, trying to map out an escape route. In his line of sight was an old table and some chairs that lay turned over on the floor. And there was the issue of the manacles. He collected himself at the sound of footsteps in the distance.
For far too long, he'd kept his head low, toed the line, walked the walk, talked the talk, sacrificed every belief he'd known, just to feel normal in his new country, his new life. To think it had all been in vain, left a hollow feeling deep in his solar plexus. Walking away from his old life had been harder than he'd imagined. Fighting the urge to call Catherine had been even harder. He had fooled himself thinking it was for the best. He'd never imagined he would see her again, especially in Elsidora. He had been given a second chance to make everything right, but now that window of opportunity was closing fast. Catherine was probably worried sick. It seemed rather cruel that she could be facing the possibility of losing him again. In that moment, he knew he had to do whatever he could to get back to her. He vowed he wouldn't let her suffer the unthinkable again.
"Good, you're awake."
Looking up, Vincent saw a tall guard in full uniform, wearing a mask. For a second, he relaxed, having come to the realization that killing him wasn't part of the plan, since he couldn't identify his kidnapper. But then it also raised the more pressing question. Why was he kidnapped in the first place?
Growing more impatient by the minute, he angrily asked, "Who are you and what do you want with me?"
"No need to get dramatic just yet. You'll have plenty of time for that later. The man turned to leave, but stopped and looked back. "Did you seriously expect to be king one day? An illegitimate son, nothing more than a bastard. Where is the honor in that?" Chuckling, he turned and walked away.
Vincent focused on the unknown man's voice. It sounded vaguely familiar. Racking his brain, he tried to place it, with very little luck. Frustration was building by the minute. He had to remember. Finally, he gave up for the time being. He assumed it would be easier to just let his mind rest and hopefully the name would come to him. Time was of the essence and he had to find a way out of the dungeon.
CATHERINE
Endless tears saturated Catherine's worried face. She was a nervous wreck, with her uncontrollable emotions. The pain of her past was miniscule, compared to the emotional dagger twisting around in her chest. Her body trembled with fear as every thought, every scenerio grew darker, driving her to the edge. She was dangerously close to losing it. A knock came at her bedroom door, eliciting a sigh. Without looking in the mirror, she knew her eyes were red and puffy, with tears still falling. There was no point in masking her pain and agony. Her composure had long vacated her body, leaving her vulnerable to anyone who saw her.
Expelling a breath. "Come in," she muttered, as she sat on the side of the bed.
Her mother entered the room slowly. Taking in the scene, she quickly gauged her daughter's emotional struggle. Grabbing a chair, she pulled it close to Catherine. Taking Catherine's hands into her hands, she spoke softly, "Tell me what's wrong."
With no more fight left in her, Catherine shared every detail, beginning from when she and Vincent met in college.
Expecting her mother to lecture her, Catherine braced herself, but her mother simply held her hand and said, "I'm here for you honey. Don't give up on, Vincent. A man in love can be quite motivated. If there's a way to get back to you, I'm sure he'll find it. Now let's try to get some rest for now."
Catherine got in the bed and Vanessa joined her. Taking her daughter in her arms, they fell asleep.
VINCENT
Vincent looked at his watch. It would be daylight soon and he still didn't have an escape plan. It was hard to think with hunger pangs assaulting his stomach sporadically. Remembering he had a piece of candy in his pocket, he dug in his pockets. In the process, he pulled out the emerald ring. He'd forgotten it was in his pocket. He had put it there so he could ask his father about it after the party. He had been so caught up in convincing his father to allow him to marry Catherine, he'd forgotten to ask his father about it the night before. He absently slipped the ring on his finger and ate the piece of candy.
Footsteps sounded in the distance, so he prepared himself mentally for the unknown. Eventually a guard approached the cell. Without ceremony, he took one of the chairs and sat down. He appeared to be the same guard from earlier, donning the same mask over his face.
"Now, this is where it gets interesting, Vincent. I need you to listen carefully and when I'm done, make sure your decision is a well thought out one. We wouldn't want anything to happen to your pretty little American friend, now would we," the guard stated in an omnious tone.
Vincent snarled "If you hurt her..."
He promptly cut Vincent off. "You Americans are not known for patience are you? No worries, as long as you do as instructed, she'll be safe. Actually the solution is quite simple. I need you to renounce the throne."
Snapping back, Vincent said. "Are you crazy? Why would I do that? I'm the heir apparent. You know what that would do to my father. I'm his only child."
The guards simply chuckled. "But that's where you're wrong. There is another heir and he has more right to the throne than you. You came out of nowhere and you have no clue about how to rule over a country. Do us all a favor and just go back to America."
"And if I don't?"
"Let's just say, the end will be fatal for you and your little female friend," the guard stated scathingly.
Vincent could feel his anger rising. His blood was boiling and he was seething mad. He unconsciously turned the emerald ring around in a circular motion on his finger, in an effort to suppress his anger.
In a last ditch effort, he tried his hand at the powers of persuasion. "You won't get away with this. I'm being held captive in the dungeon, because you can't get off the palace grounds with me. Why don't we forget this ever happened? I haven't seen your face so I can't identify you."
"Ah, how pragmatic of you. But you see it's not that simple. As I've stated before, you need to walk away. I don't have time to coddle you, so I need an answer now."
Desperately attempting to buy more time, Vincent tried to get the unknown man talking. "Let me get this straight. You're saying if I agree to your terms, you'll set me free. What if I change my mind once you release me?"
"I wouldn't advise it if you want to live. I got to you this time and I can get to you again. I assure you the next time I won't be so nice."
Vincent attempted to turn the ring again, but inadvertently turned the stone instead. The ring became tighter on his finger and his body heat started to rise. His body took in a mind of its own. Something was happening, but what?
The guard looked on, undoubtedly shocked. "Vincent, what is wrong with you? You don't look so good."
Vincent couldn't respond. His faculties were being controlled by a mysterious source. The smell of insects and rodents imbued the air. The stench of death permeated throughout the room, invading his senses. Every smell so acute, so pungent. Suddenly an excruciating tore through his body, bringing him to his knees. His skin stretched and pulled, paralyzing his movements, until it was almost unbearable. Fabric ripped and buttons popped, ruining the bespoke tuxedo. His mouth opened voluntarily, allowing his canine teeth to protrude, while claws extended from his fingertips. Finally able to move, he stood up and moved forward, only to be jerked back by the restraints. Glancing down angrily, he growled and yanked the metal, freeing himself. The smell of human blood, mixed with musk and something woodsy infiltrated his nose. With his magnified vision, an unknown figure came into view. Temporarily slowed by the metal bars, his anger escalated. He growled and roared. The sound so profound, so loud, the human backed away, trembling and shocked by what he saw.
"What are you?" the guard muttered.
Visibly perturbed by his imprisonment, the beast attacked the bars. Angling his body and attacking the metal, weakening the metal with every blow. In seconds, the antiquated structure came tumbling down. Tilting his head, his eyes zoomed in on the lone figure. He could smell his fear, and heard his erratic heartbeat. Moving methodically, he approached the crouching human. Immediately a visceral need to feed consumed him. Weak and dehydrated, he lunged forward striking the human. Blood seeped from his mask, as the man begged for mercy. Suddenly the beast stopped. He seemed distracted. Turning on his feet, he ran out of the dungeon, leaving the guard injured and scared.
THE NEXT DAY
Catherine walked into the kitchen wearing her nightgown. Her mother stood over the stove cooking breakfast. The smell of coffee filled the air. As if feeling her presence, her mother turned around.
"Good morning, honey. I fixed you breakfast. Take a seat. Moments later, her mother set a plate with eggs and sausage in front of her with a cup of coffee.
Looking at Catherine. "Are you feeling better today?"
Moving her food around on the plate, she said, "A little."
Vanessa placed her hand over Catherine's. "I wish I could take your pain away. There's nothing I can say that will make you feel better, but know I am here for you. Try to remain optimistic. I have to be on set in thirty minutes, but call me if you need anything. I am never too busy for you."
Catherine's mother left for work and Catherine relaxed on the couch to watch a movie. She flipped through the channels until she came across an old movie called Mr. Sardonicus. A horror movie was just what she needed. The last thing she needed to watch was a romantic movie. As soon as the movie started getting good, a knock came at the door. Thinking her mother had forgotten her key, she opened the door. Shocked and surprised, she stepped back. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. In a matter of seconds, a pair of strong hands engulfed her, bringing her in contact with a wall of muscles. Her body shuddered, tears welled up in her eyes as she lovingly looked up into alluring hazel eyes, if seeing them for the first time.
Cupping her face, Vincent said, "Hey, hey..it's okay. I'm safe. I came back to you"
Catherine threw her arms around his neck and his lips claimed hers without warning, without preamble. It was hot and sensual. Fueled with passion, it deepened, as did her arousal. There were no doubts, they had missed each other.
Her body melted into his. Her tongue tangled with his, exploring and dancing. Their hunger mutual. In the process, she found herself lifted off the floor and her legs wrapped around his waist. He caressed her buttocks and sparks shot through her body. She tingled all over.
He had come back to her and she didn't want to talk. She needed to feel him. Connect with him. No inhibitions. No fears.
Pausing, she whispered softly in his ear, "Make love to me."
Without hesitating, he closed the front door and headed down the hallway.
"Second door on the right." Catherine muttered.
Depositing her on the bed, he leaned over her. His lips came down so fast, her breath hitched in her throat. She had kissed him many times, but this kiss had an urgency behind it. Her pulse quickened and her body yielded.
Flashbacks invaded his mind as he kissed Catherine. Memories came crashing back. He remembered the first time they'd made love. She tried to be brave, but her body revealed her fears. He pleasured her until she relaxed. Her eyes met his, her love and trust visible in her beautiful irises. And now those same irises displayed the same emotions, the same feelings.
Removing her gown, he then cupped her breast, his tongue circled her nipple until she arched her back. She moaned and he felt his control dwindle. He wanted her badly. His thumb found her other nipple as he continued to circle her breast with his hot, wet tongue. Her body writhed under him.
She spoke in a breathy voice. "I want you inside me."
Pausing, he replied, "no yet."
"You're torturing me."
"It will be worth it, baby."
He removed her panties. His eyes drank in every detail. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. His manhood became engorged, pressing against the denim barrier, begging to come out. Fighting his erection, he parted her thighs, his fingers connected with her wet center. The pleasure was so intense, his name fell from her lips followed by soft moans. And within minutes her body shuddered with an orgasm as spasms took over. He looked at her and his heart skipped a beat. Nothing could replace the vision before him. Catherine was absolutely stunning as she lay completely sated from being pleasured by him.
Standing up, Vincent removed his clothes. He then removed a foil packet from his wallet and sheathed himself. Leaning over her, he entered slowly. She was extremely tight and wet.
"You are really tight."
"I guess I would be, since you were the last person I slept with."
His body stilled and he looked into her eyes. He could tell she was telling the truth. His heart dropped and shattered in tiny pieces. He struggled to block the thoughts running through his mind. He couldn't lose his erection. That would be devastating and embarrassing.
"Is something wrong?"Catherine asked, concern written over her face.
"You just surprised me. I guess it wasn't the response I was expecting."
"I know, but can we discuss it later?"
"Yeah. Sure."
He penetrated deeper, until every inch was inside her. She winced a little and he stopped.
"Don't stop," she purred.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"You won't."
He began to move slowly and then faster. He leaned in and kissed her. Her nails dug into his back, but he didn't care. He had to make up for lost times. For all the hurt and sadness he'd caused her. She needed a big release and he would give it to her. He grabbed her arms and put them over her head. He stroked and stroked, hitting every internal erogenous zone.
Her eyes rolled in the back of her head. She was feeling good and her climax was near and so was his. He couldn't hold back. He stroked one last time and she hollered an expletive as her body shook with pleasure. His orgasm followed hers. The intensity rocked him to the core. Grabbing the headboard for support, his body convulsed, leaving him weak.
He rolled over on his back, his breathing labored and his energy spent. He had just experienced mind blowing sex for the first time in his life. Although the position was ordinary, the pleasure had been extraordinary. But even as he lay repleted, Catherine's words came to mind. She hadn't had sex since their last encounter. It had taken everything in him to continue making love to her, because deep down he knew the reason for her abstinence. Or more accurately, the person behind her abstinence. It was him. He hadn't realized how much he'd hurt her. How selfish he'd truly been. Sure his mother's death had traumatized him, but he should have called Catherine and opened up to her.
She snuggled under him, but he couldn't look at her. Not now. He needed time to think. He had to regroup. How could he ever forgive himself for causing her so much pain? And now she'd given her heart and body to him again. He couldn't hurt her again. He wouldn't. But he knew he had a new secret that could change everything between them. He didn't know how to tell her, but he had to find a way.
Getting out of the bed, he went into the bathroom and disposed of the condom. Reclaiming his spot in the bed, he found Catherine fast asleep. Pulling the cover over them, he closed his eyes. For now he would enjoy the moment. She had been through so much, he couldn't bring himself to shatter her world right then. Tomorrow could break both of their hearts, but today, they were in sync, in love, and that's all that mattered.