In My Veins

by Madden, C. A.

  I cringed and held tighter to James knowing the blood talk would just get him angrier.

  “When I saw that Karina risked her life for you, and even though she was scared and didn’t trust me, she didn’t even try to run. Then when you came she risked her life again to try to fight me off. I just… that’s when I let go…” he started, “The only reason I was attacking Karina was because Jennifer told me to. She said she’d prove her love for me to break the curse if I got rid of her.”

  I gasped. “Jennifer? Jennifer wanted me gone that badly?” Well judging from the past two days of no work and working from home she practically got her way.

  “What’s your point?” James growled, “You already did the damage. Are you coming to finish?”

  “No. I broke up with Jennifer after what I did. I saw the real love you two had for each other…I saw that what Jennifer was feeding me was a lie.” he looked straight at James, “I did some research… a lot of research actually on our curse. There’s still hope for you… there are gypsies in Europe and Asia that could help… “

  “Where?” I asked hopeful.

  “There are a few countries that they still are common. I know of one who lived in Romania. She helped my father break his curse.” He took out a piece of paper from his pocket and placed it on the floor. He grabbed a rock from near the rose garden and placed it on it so the wind wouldn’t blow it away. “I get that you’re angry with me… so I’m leaving the paper with her name and village info here. She roams around so it could be a different village or even country by now. But it’s a good start. I hope you two can forgive me one day… and I truly wish you two the best of luck.”

  Collin stood and walked away slowly away from us.

  “Let’s go inside.” James muttered.

  “What about the paper… shouldn’t we at least look at it?”

  “Last time we listened to people’s advice…”

  I felt a pang of guilt. Last time I was the one who listened to advice and cursed him for life.

  “Baby, that’s not what I meant…” he said apologetically.

  “I’m really sorry James…” I involuntarily pouted trying to hold back the tears. I need to stop crying.

  “I know. It’s okay… it’s not your fault. Let’s go inside…it’s been a long day we both need rest…”

  I nodded and rested my head on his shoulder as he carried me to my apartment. Hopefully that paper will still be here in the morning…

  I woke up feeling really hot. Like really hot. I peeked open my eyes and saw that James was practically wrapped around me. Not sure if it was for protection or so I wouldn’t run away. I tried to ignore the creepy chill I got from his face being buried in my neck.

  I planned on waking up earlier than James the next morning to get the paper from the rooftop. How am I going to escape him?

  I am going to just slowly slip out of his grip. I’m going to think goo and be slippery goo. Think goo. As I took a small breath before starting to slip away, his grip got even tighter, almost blocking my breathing. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked his voice deep and sexy. I ignored the tickles it sent down my body. He nuzzled his face some more then brought it up to look at me.

  He looked down at his clinginess and quickly let go looking almost frightened. “I’m sorry…” he said wide eyed.

  I couldn’t help but stare at his teeth as he was out of breath breathing with his mouth open. They looked super sharp. Just moments ago that was by my artery.

  He noticed my line of vision and quickly closed his mouth. Feeling guilty, I had to fix it. I smiled and pulled him down on top of me and pressing my lips to his. Hopefully he’ll be convinced that’s why I was looking at his lips. “Good morning baby.” I said and looked at his surprised face. “Hungry?”

  He looked at me wide eyed. “No not really.” I noticed his eyes went straight to my neck. I fought with myself not to cover it with my hands.

  “You should eat something… or else you’ll be really hungry later.” And it will be harder for you to control yourself. “I only have instant noodles though.”

  He made a face, “In the morning?”

  I shrugged, “Better than nothing till we go to the market.”

  I think he sensed what I was trying to hint and he nodded. I quickly went into the kitchen, deciding I’ll just get ready for the day after I feed him food. I threw in anything I could get my hands on that would taste good in the soup. Maybe I’m being a little paranoid with the whole keeping him full and not hungry thing, but it’s better for him so he can be comfortable around me.

  As we were eating I noticed he was watching me the whole time. He was a total lion. And eating with him made it feel like I was caged in with one. And I was the marinating steak. It seemed to be working though, as our meal progressed he started de-tensing his jaw and talking more comfortably with me.

  I told him he could take a shower first since we were both morning shower people and I’d clean the dishes and stuff while he did.

  I got to wash the dishes and kept my ears sharp. As soon as the water started I quickly finished washing the last plate and ran out of the apartment to go up to the rooftop.

  I went up to the now sunny rooftop garden and glanced around. It was near the rose bushes. I searched around the rose bushes and there was no sign of the paper. It’s not that windy so I doubt it flew away… unless it was really windy during the night? The rocks not even there… so I don’t think it was the wind.

  Did someone pick it up? Maybe throw it away? I glanced under the bench we were sitting on and smiled at the memory. Did he seriously ask me to marry him? Was that for real? It didn’t feel real. Can he marry?

  I shrugged off the thought and glanced around. Sighing, I might not be able to find it. I went to the edge of the roof that was safely guarded by the brick barrier that went well above my waist I glanced down at the people walking in and out of the apartment building. I should probably head back in soon.

  Just as I was about to turn around I felt arms wrap around my waist. I tensed up and looked down to see it was James’s arms and was quickly put back in ease. His head rested on my shoulder and the freshly showered scent engulfed me. His damp hair dripped on my shoulder making me smile.

  “Were you looking for this?” he asked bringing up one of his hands showing a folded paper. I examined the paper more closely and noticed it was the paper Collin left behind!

  “You found it?!” I said excitedly.

  He laughed, “After you fell asleep I couldn’t sleep… I was distracted so I went for some fresh air and to see if Collin was still around. I saw the paper and took it.”

  “Are you thinking about it?”

  He heisted and sighed, “Honestly… yes. I guess the worst has happened already.”

  I had a pang of guilt causing me to tense up. He shifted his head to look at me instead of the traffic and people, “Don’t feel guilty. It’s not your fault. I’m the one who got in a fight with him. You tried to prevent me from coming there.” He kissed my check and let me go. He quickly grabbed my hand, “Let’s go inside?”

  I nodded but grabbed his hand so he couldn’t keep going. “The worst didn’t happen James. I can’t lose you… would it be safe to go to a foreign country asking around about a curse?”

  He sighed, “Baby… being in the same room as me isn’t safe for you. I have to try anything I can.”

  Still feeling guilty he pulled me with him and I followed him back to my apartment. Once we got inside I went to shower and get ready for my day. I quickly semi dried my hair and put it into a cute messy side braid for a quick style and did my makeup in record time. After picking out a simple purple blouse that was really open in the back. I always thought showing a little back was sexy.

  When I got out he was sitting on one of my sofa’s and was deep in thought. He looked over at me and smiled. His eyes looked so worried. I walked over to him and cuddled into his side. “Are you okay?” I asked as I took his hand to ma
ssage it.

  “Yeah… I’m fine.” His finger slid down my bare spine and he kissed the side of my head, “You look beautiful, like always.”

  I smiled sadly. I didn’t believe that he was okay. I looked up at him and he looked at me. He looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Talk to me…”

  He sighed, “It’s really nothing… I’m just thinking about the whole Collin thing… I don’t know whether to believe him or not. I didn’t sense any tension or threats when he was around us. So he really didn’t have his guard up. I sensed more…sadness.”

  “So maybe he really did feel bad…” I said hopeful.

  “Maybe…”

  I looked up at his now dry hair and brushed the long strands away from his eyes. “I like your hair long.” I said and ran my fingers through it, “Let’s go to Romania and see what we can find.”

  He looked at me shocked, “I…”

  “Come on… it’s worth the try. If not it will be a well-deserved vacation for you. I remember seeing some pictures, looks like a beautiful country. I’ve never been out of the States and would want to go with you…” I tried smiling at him to put him at ease.

  He was about to say something but the door buzzed. I looked at him curiously, “Did you invite someone?”

  “No…” he said tensing.

  I stood up to go to the buzzer, “Who is it?”

  “Ellie…” she said plainly, “and Jenny!” I heard Jenny yell excitedly making me smile.

  “They knew where I lived?” I asked him. He shrugged looking equally confused.

  I buzzed them in and David came soon after. He smiled at me warmly and walked towards the living room, he had been here before so he knew his way around.

  Ellie came with a box of what looked like pastries and handed them to me, “Um… ‘cause you know…first time over your house. They’re my favorite cupcakes…” she smiled and followed David. I couldn’t stop my smile from taking over my face. A teenage girl sharing her favorite cupcakes is definitely a good sign.

  Last to enter was the gorgeous and chipper Jenny who hugged me tightly. “Everyone’s warming up to you now! I’m still your favorite though, right?” she whispered as she let go. I laughed and closed the door after them. Jenny linked her arm around mine as we went to the living room.

  Jenny let go and sat by David and Ellie who were sitting on the long sofa and I went to stand by James. “Would you guys like anything to drink or eat?” I think I had a box of tea in the pantry so I hoped they’d say tea.

  “No thank you.” They all said in unison.

  I sat by James and noticed they all looked at us. Their eyes were testing our comfort with each other. Taking note of how we were sitting close to each other that our legs were touching. Ellie’s eyes went on James’s hand as he placed it on my leg. Jenny was smiling approvingly but Ellie still seemed doubtful.

  I think, no I knew, James sensed that so he leaned in and kissed my cheek making me get out of my thoughts and look at him with a big grin.

  I looked back at them and Ellie was finally smiling as well. David noticed the paper on the coffee table and looked at James. James nodded making David lean forward and pick it up. He must have talked to him about it on the phone or something.

  “What’s that?” Ellie asked peeking over to the paper in David’s hand. “Who’s Andrea and why does she live in Romania?”

  James sighed and explained the Collin situation to Ellie and Jenny. Ellie sat up, “You’re going right?!”

  “I don’t know…” James said sadly.

  “I think you should! Don’t you Karina!?” She asked me. Shocked that she even considered James to go after being so protective I could only simply nod.

  “What if it’s a lie…?” James said.

  “It’s worth the try James…” I said squeezing his hand. He sighed again and nodded hesitantly. I smiled that he was at least hopeful.

  After they left James and I sat in the living room and planned out the trip. His record company had a deal with an airline so we got our last minute flight prepared. I called work and used my sick days. Told my family that James wanted to be sweet by surprising me to a trip to Europe. And we were ready to go.

  After planning everything out, I noticed James was getting tenser by the minute. I glanced at the clock and it was already four in the afternoon. James started scooting away from me inch by inch and I realized he must be getting hungry. I put down the papers and stood up, “Are you getting hungry? I kind of am... Want me to cook something or order?”

  “What’s faster?” he asked with pleading eyes.

  “Ordering pizza? They always deliver within thirty minutes. Cooking or ordering anything else would take at least an hour. Unless you want noodles again.”

  “Okay. Pizza it is.”

  The pizzas came just in time. Knowing he’d be really hungry I ordered two with every meat topic they had. He ate as if he had been starving for days and finally would slowly drift closer to me as his tenseness faded. I really hope there was a cure for this… I hate that he feels so uncomfortable around me.

  Just as we were getting back to extra comfortable the door buzzed again. “Who could that be?”

  I pressed the buzzer waiting for a reply, “It’s me Tiff!”

  Tiffany!

  James looked at me wide eyed as he stood up “I’ll hide in your room.”

  I was about to argue and tell him to stay but he grabbed another slice and dashed past me into the bedroom.

  Just in time too because Tiffany knew the code to the door and had started knocking. At least she practically warned me before… I felt guilty that James thought he had to hide. Tiffany would understand… I hoped.

  She hugged me and came in. “How are you feeling?”

  “I’m okay, how are you?” I asked looking past her to see if there was any sign of Collin before closing the door.

  “Good. I’ve been worried about you since you left yesterday. Have you talked to James?”

  “Yeah… we’re okay again.” I smiled. She sat on the couch we were sitting at and glanced at the pizza boxes on the coffee table. “Want some?” I asked.

  “Um…no. I just ate out with my Dani-bear…but do you have company or something?” she asked looking around.

  “No… no one’s here.” I lied. “Dani-bear?”

  She smiled, “That’s what I call him.”

  “Wow.” Was all I could say.

  “So you had a box and a half of pizza…”she asked looking at all the missing slices. “I mean… I’ve been letting it go that you had not been to yoga in weeks but this is pushing it.”

  “I’m really hungry… when I’m sad…”

  “I thought you and James were okay?” she inquired.

  “We are. We’re great actually. He’s taking me to Europe tomorrow.” I didn’t realize how crazy that sounds for a couple that just got in a fight till I actually said it out loud to someone who knew we had been in a fight.

  “You two just fought and he’s taking you to Europe as an apology!? Whoa. You struck gold. Not only does he have a nice bod, he gives good make-up gifts. You’ve got yourself a keeper.”

  I looked in the direction of my room and cringed, “Yeah…” I laughed nervously with her.

  “Oh my gosh, that’s amazing though. You want me to help you pack?!” she said cheerfully.

  “NO!” I said a little too aggressively. “I already packed and my stuff in his car ready for the early flight in the morning.”

  “Oh okay, well then I need you to explain everything.”

  I told her we just had a misunderstanding and he showed up at my apartment last night and we made up. I kind of explained the make up in detail because he was so sweet but didn’t say anything about the getting married thing since we haven’t really talked about that in detail yet.

  She swooned, “I swear. The day you went to the coffee shop was such good luck for us. You met James and I met Daniel because of you meeting James.”
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  I cringed at the mention of Lana. She eventually left after half an hour which is record time for her visits.

  After she left James appeared behind me as I closed the door. As I turned around I pulled him into a hug, “Why did you leave? Tiffany would have been okay with everything.”

  “Thank you…” he said

  “For what?”

  “You lied for me… I know how much you hate lying.”

  I smiled realizing he wasn’t tense anymore because he ate. That doesn’t make him any more different than other guys.

  ‘What’s so funny?” he asked looking confused.

  “Nothing…just thinking about how all guys are the same. You guys always get cranky when hungry and once you eat you can’t keep your hands off your girlfriend” I poked his hard abs making him laugh.

  I felt James’s eyes on me as we sat in the plane quietly. He found it weird that I trusted him enough to go in a plane thousands of feet in the air with no escape. I didn’t even think about the ‘need to escape’ till he mentioned it. But I didn’t want to or need it. I held onto his hand tightly, more afraid of the turbulence than anything.

  “Baby… why didn’t you mention the engagement to Tiffany?”

  I was surprised by his question, “Um… I don’t know. I guess I wanted to wait till we really talked about it… just in case you changed your mind or something.”

  “Changed my mind?” He said as if the thought was crazy. He squeezed my hand between both of his, “Of course not. Where else am I going to find a girl who would go in public with this” he pointed to his eyes. I smiled at the thought of all the stares he got from wearing sunglasses and a beanie in the airport.

  I laughed, “True.”

  He looked down in his lap as the stewardess came to ask us if we wanted anything to drink. I answered no and looked back at James so that he could look back up. “How about you sleep? I’ll wake you up.” I suggested.

  Once we got out of the airport and into town, he put on his sunglasses again and a beanie. It wasn’t cold but it was chillier than Los Angeles so he got away with the beanie. It’s not that he needed it. Black hair isn’t a rare thing, but something about his hair just stood out.