The Sanctuary

by Arika Stone

  He was clearly inebriated, more so than I had ever seen him before. He stood silent in his drunken madness.

  “May I use this?” I tried to creep past him.

  “No,” he repeated. “Your collar is still on, Eve. Hold it.” Val’s voice dripped pure sex. His lips curled upward. “Be a dear and fetch me a joint.”

  I eyed him before exiting the room. I traveled upstairs, holding him inside of me. It was an odd feeling, but I enjoyed the notion of it. I grabbed a joint from our bar and brought it to him.

  “I thought we didn’t do this when we are drunk.” I handed him the joint.

  “I thought we didn’t speak when our collar was on?” Val teased, lighting the joint before puffing it and passing it to me.

  He leaned in toward the bowl and began to pee. Cocking his head to the side, he said, “You like to watch?” catching me staring as he finished.

  I shifted my eyes downward and sucked on my lip. I didn’t know what to say.

  Val grabbed the joint from my hand and took another hit before flicking it into the sink. He cradled my face in his hand, thrusting me into the wall, forcing my mouth to open to meet his. Exhaling into me, a puff of smoke encircled us. I inhaled deeply, taking it in. His hands slid to my lower back and grasped my ass, raising me to his waist. I wrapped my legs around him and rested my weight in his hands.

  “Am I still inside of you?” He breathed into my ear, his fingers tickling my asshole.

  “Mmm, not the way I’d like you to be.”

  He slipped a finger in my ass. I moaned in pleasure. His finger felt small compared to what had been previously inside.

  “Do you like that?” Val kissed my ear, and his damp hair danced over my face as his finger pushed deeper inside.

  His fluid dripped from me and slid over my flesh.

  “Mmm…I do.”

  He nibbled on my neck. “I think we need a shower.” He carried me into the tub, turning on the water before placing me down on the cool tiles. Grabbing his cock he quickly washed it off as he stroked it. He was ready to go again.

  Val placed his hand on the wall next to my face and leaned into me. His nose pressed to mine as he flicked his tongue on my lips, teasing me with his mouth. “I love you, Eve,” he said before devouring me, not allowing me to respond.

  He grabbed me again by my ass and picked me up, pressing me against the wall. The shower pelted us and created a thick fog of steam, intensifying the smell of sex we shared. He lowered me onto his once-again erect cock. As he entered my pussy, I locked my legs around his hipbones and wound my arms under him, securing my grasp on his shoulders. I rested my head next to his.

  We rocked together, in unison. He drew one hand to my neck and pressed my head against the wall. He moved his lips down my face, stopping above my collar. He bit into me quickly before releasing me.

  “I love your neck, and I love the way it looks in this.” Val sucked on my neck on the same spot he’d bitten, causing waves of pain to shoot down my loins. He grasped my neck and squeezed it, gently resting his fingers around my throat with just enough pressure that I knew at any moment he could prevent me from breathing if he wanted to.

  I looked at him, eyes widened. His eyes danced with madness. He pumped his cock deeper into me, using the wall behind us for support, faster and faster. My body began to feel light before exploding in tremors I couldn’t control. I held on to him, digging my nails into his skin. I felt them pierce his flesh as I pressed harder with each thrust of his cock, with each elongated wave of the orgasm.

  As I neared completion, Val released his grasp on my throat. He slid his cock out, and my body slipped down the tiles. I dragged my nails down his back in my descent before dropping to his feet.

  I leaned against the shower wall. My body heaved with each breath I took. He reached down and unhooked the collar, letting it plunge to the floor with a sharp thud. I stared straight ahead. It had been an amazing orgasm.

  I glanced down at the water swirling around us. It was tinged with blood. “One of us is bleeding.” I jumped up and looked around.

  “That would be me,” he said, pushing me into the wall for a kiss.

  His eyes were entrancing. He turned around. “How does it look?” He grinned, obviously pleased by my actions.

  I observed his back; there were five irregular, ripped, bleeding wounds diagonal across both of his shoulder blades. “It looks like you were attacked by a lion.”

  His lips curled in a half smile. “Well then, I suppose the lioness marked her territory.”

  Chapter 35

  I traced my finger over his wounds. “Do they hurt?”

  “They’re a bit sore, but I enjoy it. It reminds me of you.” He kissed me before placing his shirt on, covering his back.

  Val had visited his tattoo artist the day after our escapade, to have my claw marks permanently scarified into his flesh. He said he wanted me to be with him for eternity, and this was one of the ways he could do so. The scars were lovely in contrast to his heavily tattooed body. They added a 3D effect to his skin. I couldn’t wait for them to heal. Each time we made love I would be able to run my fingers over the rippled ridges I’d created.

  I slipped into a dark gray suit. “Please don’t bring up anything regarding my family tonight.”

  “It’s not my story to tell, darling,” he said as he finished buttoning his shirt.

  “I can’t wait for this to be over. I am dreading dinner.”

  “If you don’t say anything, I doubt it will be brought up.” He kissed me on the head, holding open my coat for me to put on.

  We drove in silence into the city center; I had much on my mind. A part of me didn’t want to relive my past. If Sofia did want me to plan her daughter’s wedding, it would be awkward. How could I coordinate a wedding for my first cousin and pretend we were not related?

  We arrived at the restaurant and were escorted to the table where Sofia and Timo were already seated. Sofia proceeded to speak to us, but in Finnish. Val took the lead and conversed with her, allowing me time to absorb it. They spoke for a good half-hour, discussing his art and the specifications for the commission.

  Sofia was graceful and elegant in her demeanor. She appeared younger than her sixty plus years. Time had aged her well. Her mannerisms reminded me of my father—the way she pointed her finger to make a point, the way she smiled and cocked her head when she laughed.

  She turned and addressed me in Finnish, asking a question. I was able to catch only a few words, but it wasn’t enough to comprehend what she’d said.

  I responded, “Anteeksi, en puhu suomea.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry, Eve. I thought you were fluent. I assumed you remembered the language.”

  “Excuse me?” Her words surprised me. Did she know who I was?

  My words seemed as shocking to her as they were to me. “I am sorry. I must have you confused with someone else.” She stared at her napkin and fiddled with it. “You remind me of my brother. He was very dear to me but, unfortunately, is no longer with us.”

  Val squeezed my hand under the table. I shot him a sideways glance. Sofia knew who I was.

  “I am assuming you are talking about my father, Henri.” My hands started to shake, and my heart raced. I needed another glass of wine.

  Her eyes widened with recognition. “Ever since we saw you in the paper, I told Timo I knew it was you. I was so excited. I was hoping to see you. But I was not sure you knew of us. If I am imposing, I will not bother you again.”

  I smiled at her warmly. “You are not imposing at all. I had the same fears.”

  “Come here.” She stood up to embrace me, and she started to cry, which in turn brought tears to my eyes. “We have much to talk about. I’m not sure where to begin. I do not know how much you remember.”

  Surprisingly, I was excited to hear my story. “I only discovered a box of photos last month when I visited New York. I didn’t even know you existed until then.”

  Sophia’s eyes were soft an
d loving. “Timo and I tried to win custody, but the courts wouldn’t allow it because we were living here. I was a citizen, but it didn’t matter. The last time I saw you, you were eight, and we were in family court in New York. After your aunt took custody of you, she blocked all access, and we couldn’t contact you.”

  My mouth dropped open. “Yes, I remember you now. I forgot about that day.”

  She reached out and squeezed my hand. “I see Henri in your eyes. And from what I’ve read, you have the determination of your mother. We are proud of you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I heard you are planning a wedding of your own?” She fingered the ring on my hand. “It is a lovely ring.” She winked at Val.

  “We’re getting married tomorrow.” The words tumbled out of my mouth.

  “Congratulations! We are so happy for you.”

  Val smiled and nodded. It was as if he instinctively knew what I was thinking. I looked at Sofia and Timo. “It will be a small wedding. We want to keep it out of the papers. We’re getting married at the registry office tomorrow at ten a.m. Would you like to join us?”

  “We would love to, but we don’t want to impose on your day.”

  Val interjected, “We would love to have you there.” He held my hand. I could tell he was happy for me.

  “Are you sure?” Sofia questioned.

  “Yes, absolutely,” I insisted.

  “We would be honored to be there.” She paused. “Why did you come to Finland?”

  I laughed at her question. “I have no idea honestly. I guess you could say something drew me here. Maybe I was being called home.”

  “Isn’t it odd how the world works? You came here and met a wonderful man who connected you to us.”

  I looked at Val. “I never believed in fate, but now I do.”

  We spoke for nearly three hours about my life, my interests, my cousins, and my family. It was a life-changing meeting and a cathartic experience. We shared so much in common, our love of the arts, interior design, architecture, and history. It was natural talking to her. It felt as if I’d known her my entire life.

  We stayed until closing. As we waited for our cars to arrive, we continued our conversation. We didn’t want to depart each other’s company.

  “After you marry, where will you be staying? I want to stay in touch. I don’t want to lose you again,” Sofia said, gripping my hand.

  “We’re leaving in four days for New York. I have to finish some current contracts, but I am also in the process of selling my company. Once everything is finalized and Val’s done touring, I will be calling Finland home.”

  Val eyed me but did not say a word. I had not mentioned the buyout to him. I was trying to keep it under wraps until I knew for sure the deal was definite.

  “That’s wonderful news!” Sofia exclaimed. “And once you move here, what are your plans?”

  “For the first time in my life, I have no plans. I think I will let fate decide for me.”

  “That doesn’t seem like you.” Her eyes spoke volumes. She understood my personality.

  “It’s not. Perhaps we’ll start a family. I’m not sure about opening a business here. It’s something Val and I have to discuss before I make any decisions. I want what will be best for us.”

  “You have a good head on your shoulders, and I am sure you will make the right decision for your family. But if you ever want to work again, the doors to my company are open to you.”

  “Thank you, Sofia, that is very kind of you. I appreciate the offer.”

  She hugged me warmly as her car arrived. “That’s what family is for. I am so happy you are home.”

  As we returned to our house, I could tell Val was happy for me. “I am proud of you.” He kissed me on the cheek and nuzzled me next to him. “I know that was tough, and I know how much it meant to you to feel connected to her.”

  “Thank you, Val.” I leaned my head in the nook of his arm.

  “Speaking of family, we have a big day tomorrow.” His eyes glistened. “I’ll be out of the house before you wake. I don’t want to jinx us. It’s bad luck to see each other before the wedding.”

  “Then you better not come home because it’s after midnight,” I teased.

  “And miss out on our last night of single sex?” He laughed and kissed me.

  I laughed with him. “You’re right. How can we miss that?”

  “Speaking of missing things, did you forget to tell me something?” He raised his eyebrows.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I fluttered my eyelashes and laughed.

  “Something about your company?”

  “Oh that.” I smiled. “I have a potential buyer. We’re under negotiations. I’ll know more within the month. If all goes well, I’ll have the company sold by July at the latest.”

  “Just in time for the release.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Who’s going to plan the release party then?” he teased.

  “I don’t need to own a company to throw my husband a party.”

  He laughed and kissed me again. “If I have my way, the only thing we’ll be working on in July is a family.”

  Chapter 36

  I woke the next morning on less than three hours of sleep. Our wedding day had arrived, and I couldn’t loaf in bed any longer. I needed to be out of the house in less than three hours. I wanted a relaxing morning before taking the big plunge.

  Amazingly, I felt calm. I thought I would be excited or wound up like I was when I planned events. But this was different. There were no vendors to scream at, no timelines to meet or fires to put out. I had to worry only about myself.

  I scanned our bedroom and listened to the sounds of the house. All was quiet and still. Val had already left. The only remnant of his sweetness was the impression of his body on the bed where he’d slept last night. I smiled. The next time I saw him we would be husband and wife.

  I quickly washed, observing the things scattered across our bathroom. They were our possessions—not mine, not his, but ours. It felt as if we were already married. I wondered how life would change for us after this morning.

  I slipped into my bathrobe and headed downstairs for coffee. It was lonely without him here. I wondered what I would do while we were apart after next month. Had I become dependent on him? I shook my head. It was amazing how three short months could change my personality so drastically. Would I be an independent married woman? Or, more to the point, did I want to be?

  The phone rang, snapping me out of my daydream.

  “And how’s my sister-in-law-to-be?” Jenni asked on the other end.

  “I’m just watching the clock.”

  She laughed. “Are you nervous?”

  “No, not at all. It’s weird. I’m calm.”

  “I’ll be there in twenty minutes. I’ll make sure you’re excited.”

  I giggled at her comment. I was sure she would be able to cure any feelings of tranquility I had.

  Jenni arrived right on time. I had packed everything I needed and was relaxing on the couch watching television.

  “You’re watching TV on your wedding day? What’s wrong with you?” She draped her arms over the couch onto me. “Come on.” She tried to pull me up. “Why aren’t you more excited? This is the biggest day of your life.”

  I sighed. “I’ve done this so many times before with my brides that I guess it feels normal for me.” I sat up. “Wait until you see the dress.”

  “It came, and you never showed me?” Her voice was giddy.

  “It arrived two days ago. I didn’t want to show it off. Val’s been home.” As soon as I started talking about the dress, my spirits perked up. It was the one thing I would not deny myself for my wedding. They could keep all the festivities. As long as I had my dress and a photographer to capture it, my wedding would be perfect.

  “Can I see it?” She started unzipping the bag.

  “Nope.” I playfully slapped her hand. “You’ll see it soon enough. We hav
e to leave.” I grabbed my dress and purse, and we headed out.

  As we drove in the car, a nervous anticipation slowly set in. “Does Val have the rings?” I asked Jenni.

  “I think Eero does.”

  “Are you kidding me? What if he loses them? He doesn’t want us married.”

  “Don’t worry, he won’t. He will respect Val’s wishes. Besides, Dad already warned him not to pull anything today.”

  “And my bouquet?” Suddenly, I morphed into a stressed-out bride.

  “Relax. Mum picked it up.” She smiled. “So, reality finally kicked in?”

  “I feel like I’ve lost control.” I scanned the buildings passing us by.

  “You have. There’s nothing you can do but go with it.” Jenni squeezed my hand, “Everything will be fine.”

  “And the photographer?” I couldn’t believe I’d forgotten to make the calls I needed to.

  “Already called, he’s on his way. Do you think I would let you down?”

  “And the reservations for the restaurant?”

  “Already confirmed.” She smiled again. “You need to calm down. It’s your day; you need to enjoy it. Stop getting caught up in the details. That’s what I’m here for. I’ve got you covered.”

  “Do you want to come and work for me?” I laughed. Jenni was perfect.

  We arrived at the registry office; I scanned the street checking for paparazzi before exiting the car. We quickly rushed into the building. I didn’t want any press photographing the wedding. We navigated our way to the small suite reserved for the wedding party. Maaria and Sofia were already there, making small talk. Both women greeted me in unison, hugging me.

  Maaria looked at me. “Your aunt told me you are Finnish. Why didn’t you mention it?”

  I smiled. “Because I didn’t know until a month ago.”

  There was a knock on the door. Jenni opened it. It was a clerk from the office.

  “Is Eveliina Laurikkonen here?” she asked.

  “That would be me.” I placed my things down on the chair. Jenni and Maaria appeared confused at my acknowledgement of my name.

  The woman entered the room. “I have paperwork here I need you to review.”