by Amanda Kay
~Tai
Raiden
He knocked on the door to his dad’s study. “Come in, Raiden.” He pushed the door open at his dad’s invitation and silently sat across from him. He had no words, he had just kissed Tai and he wasn’t sure if he had done the right thing. He knew they barely knew each other and knew she was getting over someone. Who the fuck would let her go? Not to mention she didn’t seem to realize how gorgeous she was. “Talk, Raiden,” his dad broke his thoughts.
“I kissed her,” He stated bluntly.
“And her reaction?” he pressed.
“She didn’t stop me, but something happened. She’s getting over someone. I can’t push her.” His dad just nodded at him, he was deep in thought.
“Just go with the flow, son. Things will work out if they are meant to be. See where she takes you, but at the same time you can’t be afraid to push her a little if she’s been heartbroken. She’s going to want to hide, you can’t let her, but if she needs space, yes, you’ll have to learn give it.”
“A ring on her finger in five months, I’m not sure that’s possible,” Raiden sighed.
“Build something great, find out her hang ups and make her understand what’s at stake. You just need be engaged we have another year before you have to get married according to the rule. That will give you plenty time, but maybe it will be time she doesn’t want.” Yeah, maybe? Maybe not? He wasn’t sure but he understood what his dad meant.
“Maybe, dad,” Raiden chuckled softly. Deep down he was scared. He didn’t know what to expect and that terrified him. Never had a woman had this kind of power over him and so quickly as well.
He left his dad’s study and went to patio that overlooked the pond and the meadow; a place that was special to him and his mother. Somewhere where she gave him great advice about finding love and holding out for the right woman. She had told him that there was no such thing as a perfect woman just a perfect woman for him. Every fiber of his being was telling him that Tai was that woman; he just needed to convince her to let him in, to open her heart, to trust him not to hurt her as she had been hurt in the past.
She finished writing the journal entry and all her thoughts were still with Raiden. If she had any hope of attempting to try a relationship (whether it would turn romantic or not) with Raiden he needed to know where she was coming from. He needed to know what had been going on in her life. He needed to understand why she was nervous about starting a relationship so quickly after meeting and so soon after everything that had just happened in this past month. She pushed off the bed and went in search of him, a task she figured wouldn’t be easy since the house was so large. She wandered through the halls when a dim light from what looked like a back porch caught her eye. Raiden was standing there staring out to what was beyond. He was amazingly handsome and she found herself wondering why he wanted her from just one look, she was adorable and cute but not beautiful. Jordan had always told her that. It was then it occurred to her how wrong that was. They dated for two years, were engaged for six months before he ended things, and he had never once told her she was beautiful, gorgeous, or pretty. She was going to marry him and he didn’t think she was the most beautiful girl in the world. Wasn’t he supposed to think that?
The girl that had left Raiden’s house this morning was pure perfection in the looks department, yet when Raiden looked at her she did indeed feel beautiful, more than that, she felt like the most beautiful girl in the world. One look that was what he said.
She was pondering that thought when he turned around and spotted her staring. She gave an embarrassed smile and wave. He smiled back and waved her outside. She obeyed the gesture and within in seconds she was standing in front of him, but he didn’t make a move to touch her. This disappointed her she wanted his hands on her. ’Damn it, Tai. Stop it.’ She scolded herself.
“I was looking for you,” she finally choked out.
“You found me, Tai, what can I do for you?” He sounded amused at her embarrassment. ‘Jackass’.
“Nothing, was just looking for you,” she smiled. It was at that point his arm wrapped around her waist and she was tugged flush against him. She peered up at him as his other hand came around her neck.
“Was thinking about you, too, Tai.” She was sure the shock registered across her face, as he whispered the words.
“You were?” she finally questioned.
“Someone really did a number on you, didn’t they?” She nodded at his concern filled question. “I thought so, talk to me.” She stood silently for a while pondering that request. “Tai, it’s okay. I know we just met but I want you trust me.” He was being so sweet. This tough player was acting like if she walked out of his life he would cease to exist. How had that happened? It had only been a matter of hours. She shivered, suddenly feeling the cool night air. He grabbed her hands, “Come on, you’re getting cold.” She smiled as he tugged her through the house and back up the stairs. They turned towards a room that was across the hall and three doors down from the room he had told her was hers. She immediately knew this was his bedroom.
Her breath stuttered upon entering his room and she paused just on the inside of his doorway. He turned towards her and his hands rested lightly on her shoulders, “Relax, Tai, I just wanted somewhere private to talk.” She nodded and exhaled.
“I’m sorry, my emotions are running rampant today for a lot of reasons. You’re a pretty intense guy, Raiden.” She let out a nervous chuckle that she was finding was becoming common place when around him.
“I understand. Mine too.” The look in his dark eyes told her he was being nothing but honest with her. He went to the bed and sat down pushing himself up to the headboard and patted the space next to him. She was scared but she crawled up next to him.
She was going to tell him why she had traveled here, what sparked this adventure that ended with her in his town and now staying at his house. “Well, I guess the first thing is about a month ago I was called to my parents’ house and informed that after twenty-five years of what seemed like a blissful marriage they had decided to divorce. I was crushed I had always viewed my parents’ marriage as the example. The type of marriage I wanted to have. That same night, my world was ripped apart even further.” She paused looking straight ahead at the door. He was too, but his hand slid across the bed and squeezed her hand in an encouraging and reassuring gesture that put her at ease. “My fiancé came over that night. We were supposed to go out, but instead he ended our two year relationship and our six month engagement. Our wedding was only four months away. And when I thought he couldn’t crush me anymore than he had, he asked for the ring back.” She felt his eyes shoot towards her and she could tell he was pissed before she even looked in his direction.
“That’s low, Tai.” She just nodded. “So you were looking for an escape?” he questioned as his eyes softened under her gaze.
“I needed to get away, find myself again. This last month I was drowning in heartache. I have six month visa. And I plan on regaining myself and focusing on feeling pretty. Jordan always told me I was adorable and cute but never, in two years, did ever call me beautiful.” His hand came up to her chin and his eyes seared through her to her soul.
“Jordan is an idiot,” his tone, flat and serious. She smiled at him as he leaned towards her and brushed his lips lightly on her. He went to pull away but she stopped him.
She wanted him in that moment, maybe not completely, but she wanted to at least feel his lips on hers, his tongue entwining with her own. She needed that, she needed him, because when he touched her, kissed her, no matter how little they knew each other, it set her on fire and she felt like she would explode.
Raiden
When she stalled him so he couldn’t pull away he immediately reacted to what she wanted. He pressed his lips harder against hers and sought out her tongue. He wasn’t going to take it too far, not now, she wasn’t ready for that and he wasn’t going to treat her like every other girl. When they made love for the f
irst time she would know how much she truly meant to him. She pushed against him and he proceeded to lie back taking her with him, resting them both on their sides. Their kiss didn’t break, but he was reaching his breaking point if he stopped their kiss things were going to go further than he wanted right now. He wanted her to feel positively cherished. He slowly broke their kiss and placed a soft kiss on her nose so she wouldn’t feel self-conscious. She peered up at him with contentment in her eyes and he was pleased to not see that defeated look in her eyes that he had already once today.
“You’re beautiful.” Her eyes were shining this time. She didn’t doubt his words. It was a good sign. They both stayed silent after that. She snuggled close to him and his arms wrapped tightly around her. He had never felt so connected to someone.
“Raiden?” she finally whispered against his chest.
“Yes, sweetheart.” Her eyes fluttered up to him the moment the words left his mouth, he cringed a little. ‘Too much, too soon maybe?’
“That’s the first time someone has called me that other than my parents, I think. Anyhow, I wanted to say thank you again you’re being sweet. I...ummm...I don’t think I want to go to the hotel tomorrow. I think I’d rather stay and maybe get to know you better. If umm...that’s okay, of course.” She was being adorable tripping over her words. It was, of course, exactly what he wanted; he wanted her to stay and get to know him better.
“You’re adorable and beautiful. I don’t stand a chance. Of course it’s okay.” She smiled and relaxed against him again. Her breathing evened out. He knew she was tired and having her plastered against him was a plus, so he let her sleep just like that.
A tap came to his door and it was slowly pushed opened. His dad was standing there. The look in his eyes told Raiden there was something urgent to discuss. Raiden just nodded at his dad and refocused on Tai who was now looking at him. “Rest, I’ll be back.” She nodded and he climbed out of bed. He quietly closed the door and walked towards the end of the hall where his father was standing.
“Dad,” Raiden called quietly and his dad turned towards him. Oh no this wasn’t going to be good.
“The girl that left here this morning was less than happy.” Raiden didn’t have words so he shoved his hands in pockets and nodded. “Did she her sitting outside?” Raiden nodded this time more slowly wondering where his dad was going with this. Why did Gloria seeing Tai outside matter? Gloria knew what she was getting last night. “She told Kai.” Raiden felt his eyes widen. Why was Kai even conversing with Gloria? It seriously confused him. Gloria was human and therefore didn’t fit into his ideology.
“I don’t get it,” Raiden said still reeling from this development.
“I don’t either, she’s human, right?” Raiden just nodded. This was a baffling revelation. But if she was talking with Kai it wasn’t good.
“Go get back to...” His dad paused and Raiden realized he hadn’t told his dad her name.
“Tai,” he said simply, and dad smiled and nodded.
“Go get back to Tai, I’ll have dinner brought to you two. She looked beat.”
“She had just gotten into the country. She’s tired from the traveling.” His dad nodded and proceeded to turn and walk off. “Thank you, dad.” He stopped and turned his smile bright. Raiden knew he loved him and wanted his happiness. That made Raiden feel blessed. Now, what to do about the fact Kai knew about Tai? “Fuck Gloria! Why couldn’t you just keep your big mouth shut?” He growled to the empty hall before returning to Tai.
Tai
The emotion in his eyes when he returned to his room was much different than the emotion that was there when he left and Tai had to admit to herself, it worried her. She was trying to find her voice to ask him what was wrong when he crawled over her and pressed his finger against her lips.
“Don’t worry about it, Tai, it’s not too bad.” Damn he was good at that. How could he read her so well after this short time? It positively astounded her.
“Will you tell me, maybe not now, but soon?” She didn’t want to seem pushy he had gotten her to open up, but something told her his secrets were bigger than she could handle right now so she wasn’t ready for that.
“I want to tell you everything when the time is right.” She nodded in response.
“Was that your dad at the door?” she asked swapping the subject which helped him relax a little.
“It was. I’ll introduce you to him tomorrow.” Her smile widened and she watched his demeanor change even more. He relaxed and rested back next to her on his side. She thought about going back to her room but the look on his face pinned her to his bed and she was unable to move under his stare.
“This day has been insane,” she laughed.
“Why’s that?” he questioned with humor in his eyes and voice. She lightly pushed against him as they both chuckled. He knew the answer to that.
“I came here, not looking for a relationship and yet here I am in your bed, staying in your house and you managed that all within hours.” He smiled knowingly at her, but it didn’t make her fearful of what the future might hold. “I’m terrified, but not, it’s weird.”
“I know what you mean. I feel the same way.” She smiled at his words and yawned he tugged her close against his chest again.
She gingerly wrapped her arms around his waist and she felt herself begin to doze. Before she completely fell asleep, she murmured against his chest. “I might have found Prince Charming.” She felt his arms tighten and she relaxed falling fast asleep in his arms.
‘I might have found Prince Charming.’ That’s what she murmured before falling back to sleep and more than anything he wanted to be her Prince Charming. He was beyond terrified of what would happen when he told her everything. Told her he was a prince, but also a vampire. Could she handle that? Maybe if she was truly in love when he told her. It would take time to process and she might need space, but he felt she could work through it. He would need her to work through it; she was already turning his world on its head in the best of ways.
About two hours later, his dad had trays of food brought in for them and he had the staff set it on the desk in his room. They did as ordered and quietly left. He twisted out of her grasp so he could lean over her. She looked so peaceful he hated to disturb her, but he lightly brushed her hair from her forehead and she stirred. Her chocolate eyes looked up him and then around the room taking in the surroundings. She quickly sat up, and started to climb off the bed. She looked terrified. He reached for her hand as she attempted to get off. Her eyes came back him he was on his knees in the center of the bed.
“What’s wrong, Tai?” he questioned.
“We...I umm...I need to go back to my room.” She was doing what his dad warned him would happen. She had been hurt she would try to run and hide, but Raiden couldn’t let her.
“Tai, dinner was brought in.” His head nodded towards his desk and her eyes followed. “Let’s eat then you can go back to your room.” She nodded slowly and the look of terror slowly left her face. While he knew he couldn’t let her get sucked in by her fears, he also understood she would need space and time, and she would be worth the wait.
“I...ummm....I...” His finger went to her lips successfully silencing her.
“Tai, I know you’ve been hurt, you’re scared. I want you, but know we need to tread slowly. Believe me when I say I don’t care what Gloria said to you this morning. I want something everlasting. I want to be your Prince Charming.” Her eyes flashed with embarrassment. Oops, she didn’t realize he heard that before she fell asleep. It didn’t bother him when it fell from her mouth he wanted to be that for her, that and so much more.
“Okay, I’ll try, Raiden, but I’m going to have my moments.” He leaned forward placing a kiss on her cheek. He got that, he understood and he could respect it.
Before leaving her skin completely, he trailed light kisses towards her ear and whispered, “I know, sweetheart, we will take things as they come.” When he gazed up at her again
the euphoric smile that was there when she fell asleep a few hours before was back.
He knew that to have a relationship with Tai he would have to be patient. Like his dad said, learn her hang ups and help her to work through them. That Jordan guy was beyond a moron for dumping Tai. He was going to make sure she knew how attractive she was, how special she was, and he was going to make sure he found way to create forever for them.
He brought the plates of food to the bed and she settled against the headboard. He could tell she was still relaxing herself but she at least no longer looked afraid.