“Well, seeing as I need to keep you alive until I get paid, I need to stitch you up. If you want I'll keep you awake, I can't imagine it will hurt too much. I have stitched myself up more times than I can count. Unless you're a pussy, then I can give you this.” he picks up the syringe again.
“I'd rather not find out what's in that.” I reply coldly.
“Very well, but if you start squirming around or crying like a bitch I won’t hesitate. Understood?”
“Understood.” I nod.
He sets the tray on the table to the left of me and pulls up another chair. He threads the large curved needle and I start to rethink my choice. I hope he does not intentionally inflict unnecessary pain on me.
“What is it from?” I ask, my curiosity getting the best of me.
“What is what from?”
I nod my head to the wound.
“Oh.” He pulls a fucking dagger out of his waistband and sets it on the table. “Was a gift from my father. I used it to cut his heart out when I was nineteen.” he shares with a smirk that makes my skin crawl.
The dagger handle is gold and encrusted with gemstones. If it wasn't the weapon that will probably end my life, I would say it is quite beautiful.
He begins pressing my wound closed and I feel the first prick of the needle. Granted I have more tattoos than visible skin, but this still hurts like hell. It's deeper and tugging on the already irritated flesh. I grit my teeth and keep quiet.
“You see, my father was abusive to my mother and sister. He liked to make my older sister do things no little girl should ever have to do. My mother was weak and never tried to stop him, she turned a blind eye. Not that it saved her from her own torture, but I supposed that is her penance for letting that beast defile my sister.”
“Anyway, my sister ended up killing herself because of him. She was fifteen when she decided the only escape from him was to leave this world. She waited until I was away for school and hung herself. When he found her he blamed my mother and slit her throat with that very dagger.” he said pointing his head back to the table.
“I was ten at the time. I got home from school and he made me bury their bodies. I had to endure another nine years of hell from that man. I trained everyday to become stronger, faster and smarter than him. I knew I would end him someday. Then on my nineteenth birthday he handed me the dagger he used to take my mother's life. He said something about me being a man now and how I needed to make him proud. I took it from his hand and plunged it into his gut. Needless to say he was pissed.” he laughs the darkest laugh I have ever heard. It sent a chill down my spine
“I pulled it out as he wrapped his hand around my neck. Stupid man. Had he been smart he would have put some distance between us. I stabbed him over and over until he released me. When he fell to the ground bleeding out I carved his heart from his chest. I still have it in a jar in my bedroom.” his smile grew wider with every word.
“See, distraction works every time.” he points to my fully stitched wound.
That was one hell of a distraction. I didnt feel anything after the first prick. Though I have no doubt that every word he said was true. This man is out of his mind, and if I don't find a way out of this he will surely kill me.
His phone rings and he pulls it out of his pocket with his blood covered hand. “I should probably take this.” he says as he exits the room.
Now that the lights are on I can see that I am in a basement of some sort. It has a dirt floor, cement walls and pipes along the wall to my left. The door is in front of me, above a small staircase. The chairs and table look to be metal, but for the struggling I have done I can tell it is pliable. I may not be able to break it but I could bend it. There are no windows or vents, just a small grate in the door.
The door opens and he walks back in. “Well, that was your, um, shall we call them your benefactor?” he tilts his head like he is trying to think of a better word. He sounds irritated.
“So I guess my time is up?”
Chapter 23
Ember
I really need to stop having morning sex. Not that I don't enjoy it, but man am I tired. The past weeks have been like living in a dream, a freaking fairy tale. Never did I think when I walked out of a strangers bathroom after having no recollection of the prior night events, that I would find Jonas sitting on the bed. I didn't even know he was back in the country.
After we made up and had a day full of hot sex he told me how he found me being dragged out of the club by some creep and I can't imagine what that man would have done to me. I really am lucky Jonas got there when he did, or who knows I could be kidnaped, raped or even murdered. I don't know what I was thinking that night. I just wanted to forget all the pain of not having him in my life anymore. I was fine until Spence wouldn't shut up about it.
All that aside, I am truly happy. Somehow my life seems to be going just the way I want. My job has never been better, I have all my friends back in my life and the love of my life holding me every night. I swear there is no better feeling.
We have made a little tradition of having date night twice a week, no matter how busy we are. Tonight it's his turn to plan the date. He is so adorable when it comes to his idea of a date. One day he took me to build-a-bear just so we could record sweet messages for each other. He said “Just in case we have to be away from each other for work. I want to be able to leave a piece of me here with you, and take a piece of you with me.”
My heart melted. The simplest of things make me so happy. I never needed all the fancy shit Kade did. All the money he spent on me was more for him than me. Mostly so I didn't look like a lowly peasant at his upscale parties. Jonas is different. Everything is thought out, it has meaning and it makes me love him all the more.
Technically I still live with Spencer, I mean I still have a room and pay bills and all my belongings are there, but I only seem to be there on date nights to get ready. Jonas picks me up, we have our date, go back to his place and end up in bed. I love it. Waking up next to him every morning is the best way to start my day.
“Ember, sweetie.” Melanie pokes her head in my office.
“Hey there boss lady, what can I do for you?”
“I’m sorry to spring this on you but Rachle came down with something and I need to find someone to meet with her client. It's a first meet so if you say yes it will be all yours. I know you have a lot going on with the gala so close, but it's a big name client and we can't afford to lose this.” she pleads.
“I have no meetings on my schedule for today, just doing some follow up on calls today so it shouldn't be a problem. What's the event?”
“Well, its a birthday party.”
“Birthday party? Really? For who?” I ask confused. We get birthday parties every once in a while but most are sweet sixteen or some other big age marker for the rich snobs.
“Christopher Blane.”
“Oh my God, really? Wasn't he just voted ‘sexiest man alive’?”
“Yes, yes he was. He will be here in three hours, so if you want to take it here are the files.” She says as she hands them to me. She knows I would never turn down an opportunity this big.
“Well I guess I better get started.”
She smiles and leaves my office.
Wow, I can't believe I get the chance to work with one of the most talented men in the country. Not only is he a great actor, but he also is a very well known singer. Looks like it is his thirtieth birthday, and he wants to have a gatsby themed party. No way! This is so up my alley, I love the roaring 20’s, the flapper, prohibition, speakeasy. I'm sure it's not all as glamorous as I view it in my head, but it has been romanticized through books and films so that is how I chose to see it. I really want this job.
I spent the last three hours going over Christophers preferences, wants and needs. He really wants to go all out, maybe even making this event bigger than the gala. Wow, that would be something. If I had the chance to make the two biggest events of the year come to life I would be
able to make a real name for myself. It would be a lot to take on because they are only a month apart, but I know I can handle it. I'm already so far ahead on the gala due to the fact that North Winds contacted me shortly after the new year to let me know they wanted me for this year.
It's almost time for my meeting with Christpher Blane. To say I'm nervous is an understatement. I am a huge fan of his band and his movies, but it is mostly because I want this event. I need to greet him at reception so I can make a good impression. I grab my tablet and run down the glass staircase to our main floor. Just as I get to the reception desk the elevator opens and out walks ‘the sexies man alive’, People's words, not mine. Though I can't deny he is one good looking man.
“Mr. Blane, my name is Ember Beauvoir.” I extend my hand and he politely shakes it.
“Miss Beauvoir, pleasure to meet you. I was under the impression I was to meet with a Rachel.”
“Yes, that was the plan, unfortunately she has become ill and our director has asked me to take her place. I hope that will not be a problem.” I hold my breath hoping he doesn't walk out.
“Well, I don't see any reason why I shouldnt give you a chance. I am assuming you are prepared?” he replies, still using a polite tone.
“Oh, yes sir. I have spent the morning preparing. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. If you will follow me to my office I can show you my ideas and then you can decide if I have wasted your time.”
He smiles and nods. I walk back up the glass staircase and to my office with him on my heels. He sits down on the couch in my office and I take a seat in the neighboring chair. He has an air around him, so proper. I'm not sure what I was expecting him to be like but he is almost intimidating.
∞∞∞
We spent three hours going over everything from party plans to childhood stories. Turns out Christopher Blane is super down to earth. Once he decided he liked my ideas and saw how much passion I had for the theme he immediately opened up. He even talked about a new song he has been working on and asked if I would like to hear it. Of course I said yes. He gave me his contact info and signed the contract before leaving. I was on cloud nine.
I texted Jonas as soon as Chrisopher left. I wanted him to be the first person to hear my good news. Unfortunately he has yet to text back. I know he had a meeting today but I didn't realize it would take all afternoon. It's nearly 5:00PM and I still haven't heard from him. I'm starting to freak out. Maybe he is taking a nap, or his phone died. I gather my things and head to my Jeep. I need to get back to my apartment to get ready, I am already pushing my time leaving so late.
“Spence? You home pretty boy?” I shout as soon as I walk in the apartment. I had text him before I left the office asking him to pick out an outfit for tonight.
“In your room.” he responds.
“I take it you got my text, did you pick anything yet?”
“Yes I got your text, and I'm working on it. Where are all of your clothes? It's like half of your wordabe is missing.” he huffs.
“Well, probably at my other home.” I smile to myself and Spence groans. “I need to get in the shower, so whatever you find just lay it out for me. Thanks. You are the best.”
“So needy.” he chuckles.
When I get out of the shower I check my phone. Still nothing from Jonas. I feel this tight feeling in my chest. This is not like him, he always responds to me. It's been almost five hours since I first text him, and he is supposed to pick me up in thirty minutes. I dress quickly, dry my hair and put on some mascara and lipgloss. It's 7:00PM and still no word from him, it's not like hime to be late, like for anything. He is the most punctual person I have ever met. I call him, but it goes straight to voicemail.
“Spence, have you by chance heard from Jonas?”
“No, was I supposed to?” he looks at me confused.
“I haven't heard from him all day. He hasn't responded to my text and his phone is going to voicemail. He should have been here to get me ten minutes ago.” I am officially panicking.
“I'm sure he's fine, Emmey.” he tries to calm me down.
“No, something is wrong. He should have been here, he should have texted me back. I know something is wrong. What if he decided he doesn't want me anymore?” tears are filling my eyes and my breathing is becoming erratic.
Spence gets off the living room floor and wraps his arms around me. “Ems, relax. If something is wrong, I promise you it is not that. He loves you, no one could ever change that. You two were made for each other. Why don't you sit down and calm down. If he still isn't here by 7:30PM we can go to his place and check it out.”
“No, I'm going now. You stay here and call me if he shows up.” I jump up from the couch he just sat me on and race for the door before he can stop me.
“Emmey, please calm down. I don't want you to drive in this state.” he says as he runs down the steps after me. He catches my arm just before I make it to the outside door. “Please, I need you to breathe. I know you are worried, but think how worried he will be if you get into an accident because of this. Just hold on for a minute, ok?”
I nod and he pulls me into a hug as he tries to sooth me with muffled words he is speaking into my hair. I try to calm down but my heart is racing and that tight feeling I had earlier has now turned to pain.
“Ok, I'm fine. Please Spencer I need to go. I will be safe I promise.” I did my best to be convincing and it seems to have worked. He releases me from his embrace and gives me a once over before sighing and nodding. He opens the door for me and I give him a weak smile.
The drive to Old Town is the longest drive I have ever made. It feels like hours before I find myself in the garage next to his building. I park and notice his car is missing. Hopefully I am freaking out for nothing and Spence will call me to tell me Jonas showed up. I opened the apartment door with the key he gave me. Nothing seems to be out of place, no sign of him being here. His clothes for tonight are still laid out on his bed. My heart stops for a moment.
He hasn't been back from his meeting at all. I open his laptop to see if he has the location in his schedule, but it is open to the email and the address is there. I quickly put it into my phone and set google to direct me there.
I climb back into my Jeep, shaking and almost hyperventilating. I need to breathe, it can't be that bad. Nothing is wrong and I am just freaking out and being a crazy stalker girlfriend. Yes that's it. I'm ok with that.
Soon I am on the road, the drive is relatively short but feels like a million miles. I see his Bentley parked in the alley next to a warehouse and an old canning factory. What the hell was he doing here? What kind of meeting place is this? I look around and there is nothing that would serve as a meeting spot for business. Drug deals maybe but not a reputable company’s business meeting.
My stomach starts to turn as I walk to his car. There are dark spots next to the driver's side, the closer I get the more I begin to panic. There is a dent in the drivers side door, the windshield is cracked and there's blood on the ground. I can't breath. I can't think. Nothing is making any sense. No, this is not happening. It can't be happening.
I fall to my knees and cry. No matter how hard I try I can't seem to stop. My hands are shaking too much for me to function, I try to dial 911, but my uncontrollable sobbing is clouding my eyes and I can barely keep the phone in my hand. Finally I get the police on the phone and try my best to explain.
“911 whats your emergency?”
“Please, help...he's gone...the blood” Is all I manage to get out between sobs.
“Okay, ma’am. I need you to try to calm down, can you take a deep breath for me?”
I try, but end up hyperventilating and crying harder.
“Okay ma’am can you tell me where you are? Anything that can help us find you?”
“Old…old…cannery.” I'm trying my best to get myself under control but all I can see is the blood on the cement next to his damaged car.
“I am contacting offices in the area to come fin
d you. Can you tell me your name?
“Em...ber”
“Okay, Ember there are officers on their way to the old cannery. Are you inside?”
“No.”
“I will stay on the phone with you until the office gets there. Ember, can you help me to calm your breathing?” She pauses but I can't get any words out. “That's okay, you don't need to talk. I'm going to walk you through some breathing techniques. Put your lips into an ‘O’ and work on breathing slowly. Inhale in through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Take your time, don't rush. Now can you try it with me? Breathe in….breathe out.” she instructs.
I try to follow her voice, closing my eyes and focusing on breathing. In through my nose and out my mouth. I don't know how long I was sitting there breathing with her before she spoke again.
“You are doing great Ember. The officers are about two minutes from you. Keep focusing on your breathing.”
The officers arrive and one of them helps me to stand, taking me to sit in the cruiser. He takes my phone and informes the operator he will take care of it from here and disconnects the call. I sit there with my phone in my hands not knowing what to do. The other officer walks to the Bentley and walks around the area before speaking into his radio.
“Ember, right?” the officer that is standing next to me asks.
I nod. I have stopped crying but I'm afraid if I speak I will start again. Right now I just feel numb.
“Can you tell me what happened here?”
I shake my head no and feel tears building in my eyes again. I try to fight them back.
“Okay, can you tell me what you are doing here?”
I take a shaky breath and try to speak. All that comes out is another sob.
The other officer walks over, “Do you know who that car belongs to?”
“Yes...Jonas...Dra..Drak...Drakos.”
He nods and speaks into the radio again.
I zone in and out as more people start to show up. I can't focus, can’t wrap my mind around this. Spencer has texted and called me multiple times but I couldn't answer him like this. The one thing I want the text to say is not there. I just want to read that Jonas is at my apartment waiting for me, but they are all worried questions.
Ribbon of Fate: Love or lust? Page 21