by Hana Blue
Realizing that my disappointment in myself would not fade, he pulled back. Taking my face in his hands.
“Say it again.”
I lowered my eyes, but he tightened his grasp on my face, forcing me to look back up.
“Say it again.”
“I think I’m in love with you.” I whispered, letting the words flow through my lips shakily.
“And I think I love you.” He groaned before crashing his lips upon mine. Then, in an instant, I gave in. The understanding finally sinking in. He wasn’t mad, no, but he was feeling as I was. He also was finding himself pulled down into whatever mess was between us, and he was also finding the beauty within it, no matter how twisted.
* * *
DAMIEN ~
“Well, well, well. Don’t you look lovely.” I spoke with a chuckle as I approached the small woman that stood with her back to the entryway of the main foyer.
Startled, the woman spun around, a mass of curly red hair fanning around her side as she did. Once her eyes laid on me, a beaming grin struck her face. Followed by a squeal.
“Damien!” She cried out, leaping in my direction. Throwing herself into my arms, wrapping hers securely around me. “I’m so glad you’re back.” She cooed at me, burying her face into my chest.
I tightened my grip around her, the feeling of her next to me again enchanting me completely. It had been far too long away from her, and I was growing weary from the loneliness. I hadn’t ever intended to feel for this woman like I did, having my faith in women being crushed many years before.
Lilith was different, though. She was pure, carrying a heart made of pure gold in her chest. She had a way about her that was so girlish despite her age. A preciousness that overwhelmed me and drew me in.
“I promised that I would be.” I laughed down to her, cradling the back of her head.
She pulled herself back, leaving her arms lazily wrapped around me, unwilling to put too much space between us. Her beautiful white eyes looking like the portals to heaven as she looked to me. My complete opposite. A pure and divine beauty. Kindness and compassion beyond measure, everything that I was not.
“Well, I finally got to meet that boy of yours.” She giggled. Her eyes never leaving mine, leaving me there hopelessly in the void that was her presence.
When she would look at me like that, I couldn’t help but wonder what the world could have been like if it was her I would have met. I knew better; I knew things happened for a reason, but damnit if I didn’t wish some days she was the woman I tried to start a life with.
“Yeah?” I chuckled, pulling her close. “Me too.”
She looked up to me with a disapproving look, obviously not finding my humor all that well placed. Truthfully I knew it wasn’t, but it always seemed to me that laughing off the darkness was far easier to swallow than just letting it eat you alive.
“Speaking of which.” I cleared my throat, her face softening a bit. “Sorry for being a little rough with Daniel today.”
I swallowed hard. I wasn’t regretful for it by any means, but he was still her son, regardless of how I felt about him, and I wanted to treat him with respect for her sake at least.
Her smile easily returned, reminding me of how much I adored her. “It’s ok Damien. If he deserved it, he deserved it. Plus, I know you never really liked him around Aine, anyway.” She remarked sweetly. Unbothered by anything
The world could crash down around her and this woman would still find something in the rubble to cause her to glow.
“What can I say, she’s like a daughter to me.” I remarked playfully, kissing Lilith’s forehead.
“Well, that’s not so much just an expression anymore, is it?” She remarked sarcastically. “Who knew that all of these years you had spent watching over her, you were actually protecting your own.”
I couldn’t help but find my lightheartedness fade a bit. She was now my daughter, but for the reasons she was, terrified me. Of all the men in the world that poor woman could have found herself mated to, why would it have to be my son?
Recognizing my shift in attitude, Lilith rose onto her toes and took my face into her hands, dragging me down far enough to kiss her. With weary eyes, she placed a soft kiss on my lips and sighed.
“What is it?” She muttered softly, her tone filled with concern. I shook my head at her, pretending that there was nothing to tell, even though I knew she knew me better than that.
“I just pity her for getting stuck with Dominic.” I grumbled under my breath, realizing how harsh that sounds coming from a father.
She raised an eyebrow at me, cocking her head slightly to the side. “And why, pray tell, would you say that?” She questioned, looking at me like I had just insulted her, not my son.
I cleared my throat and ran my hands threw my hair. “The boy is me. Meeting him today made that very clear.” I remarked, feeling that was the most of an explanation that was needed. Lilith on the other hand didn’t agree.
“What’s wrong with that?” She asked, looking up at me skeptically, her hands untangling themselves from around me, finding their rightful place on her hips.
“You are an incredible man, and if your son is anything like you, he will be too.” She added, her tone sharp. Almost like she intended to let the words cut me deep enough until I believed them myself.
“Lilith.” I muttered, taking her hands back into mine. “You see, the good in me, but that’s not who I am. Unfortunately for us all, he is just like me, he inherited all the darkness, all the evil.”
She mockingly laughed and rolled her eyes. “Evil or not, you are an exemplary man, and I’m sure Dominic is as well.” She plainly stated, leaving no more room for argument.
Recognizing that this conversation was over, I relaxed my shoulders, pushing back the worries that pooled within me and focused on the angel that stood before me. Wrapping one of my arms around her waist, I pulled her up to me, kissing her.
Damnit was it good to be back here.
Twenty Three
Believe Me
Aine~
I rubbed the sleep from my eyes with a groan as morning rolled in. Finding myself alone in my bed, the other side lacking any warmth or sign of another body being there. Dominic no where to be found. Scanning over the room groggily, I noticed that he wasn’t in the room either. A sigh of almost relief escaped me as I sat up, pulling the covers from my legs.
My most recent blunder still swirling around in my mind. I’ve always had a tendency to overthink, to analyze things to an excessive point. Almost to a self crippling point. This being no different. I couldn’t comprehend why I let myself profess love to this man, and his response perplexed me.
The thought of him loving me, seeming to be too far fetched to believe.
My mind couldn’t help but wander to what would happen now. What would become of us now that the dreaded word ‘love’ had been shared. Sure, I realized that we were bound and trapped to each other regardless of what we felt, but adding in an emotion as strong as love into the mix, I couldn’t help but be worried.
Not to even mention that his absence this morning made all of it sting just a little more. Leaving me to wonder if he regretted it, or even meant it. If he had gone back home, fleeing from the twisted mess that I had brought him into by being his mate. He brought his own fair share of issues as well.
Shaking the thought from my head, I yawned, willing myself to finally get up and try to get on with my day. I couldn’t just lay here and ponder the what ifs all day. Even if I would be content doing exactly that.
Stumbling off of the bed, I sleepily made my way to take a shower, hoping that I could possibly scrub off some of my thoughts. Of course I knew that would not happen, but I could dream. Even if it was but a dream, I still needed to get clean as well.
The scorching water from the shower felt like a slice of heaven as it berated down on my skin. The steam enveloping around me, bringing me a slight sense of serenity. Eager to get my mind off of Dominic and our apparent share
d feelings, I tried to focus on what Damien could want to talk to both Dominic and I about.
Something in my gut was warning me I would not like what I would hear. Which seemed to be a common trend in my life. I’ve always been a poster child for misery, and disappointment. Even so, I was curious to know. Regardless of how bad it could really be.
Letting my eyelids flutter shut, I sucked in a breath, letting the surrounding warmth soothe my mind and soul. The sound of the water falling easing my thoughts, helping them lull just a little bit. All perception of time went out the window as I stood there in the cascading warmth. Lost in my mind and worries.
Placing my hands on the shower wall, I leaned my forehead against it and let out a sigh. Enjoying the feeling of the water running down my back. Soon a cool breeze flooded into the room and the sound of the shower curtain opening brought me out of my daze. Cracking my eyes open, the feeling of Dominic’s arms wrapping around me brought be completely back to real life.
“I brought you up some coffee.” He cooed against the back of my neck, pulling my sopping wet hair off to the side. Without even thinking, I leaned back into his body, adjusting myself to his touch, enjoying it far more than I should have.
No matter what I felt about him, or how frustrated I was, there was something about how he touched me that calmed me. Even the first time back in the alley. It was like he had a power over me, one that I truly hoped he never realized.
“Thank you.” I breathed out, lulling my head to look down again as he kissed down to my shoulder. Looking down at my hands that were now resembling raisins, I turned around to face him. Preparing to use the pruney state of my limbs as an excuse to put a little distance between us until I could process my own thoughts.
“The shower is all yours.” I muttered, right before he cupped the back of my head with his hand, pulling me in for a kiss. Once our lips parted, I licked my lower lip and watched as a proud smile graced him.
“Ok.” He whispered as he kissed my forehead.
I stepped out of the shower, snatching a towel off of the rack and wrapping it around myself. I ran my fingers through my hair and opened the door to the room.
“Good morning, by the way.” Dominic called out from behind the curtain as I stepped out and I felt myself flush. Every word he now spoke, baited by the memory of our confessions, making them seem far more important in my mind than they should.
Entering the room, I found the steaming cup of coffee that he had so thoughtfully brought for me sitting there on the nightstand. I smiled at it, considering how thoughtful the gesture was before going over to grab it.
Taking a few sips, the liquid being a touch too hot to drink too quickly; I set it down and made my way over to the wardrobe. Grabbing the first pair of jeans I saw, I pulled them on, following it with a loose thin strapped tank top. I was sure the color had been white as some point, but now it was more of a cream color.
Grabbing my brush, I began the treacherous feat of brushing through my hair, hoping to have it untangled mostly before it dried. Again lost in my own thoughts.
“So, my father wanted us to get together and talk today.” I heard Dominic from behind me. Turning to face him, I watched as he walked out of the bathroom, followed by a cloud of steam. A towel was wrapped around his waist loosely, and he was drying his hair with another.
I couldn’t help but stare as he did. I felt I didn’t quite appreciate how perfectly built he was enough. His personality might have some rough spots, but as for looks, I really got lucky getting mated to him.
Lost in the sight of his muscles flexing as he moved, I stood there awkwardly like a statue. Taking in the sight almost shamelessly until I saw a wry smile appear.
“Can I help you with something?” He asked mockingly, twisting the towel he had just been drying his hair with and snapping at me to get my attention. Stumbling back, startled by it, my knees hit the side of the bed, causing me to fall into a sitting position.
Laughing at my expense, he walked over to me, bending down to eye level, placing his hands on either side of my hips.
“Jumpy today, aren’t we?” He chuckled, watching my expression intently. “Why’s that?” He cooed, causing me to roll my eyes.
My face flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and anger.
* * *
DOMINIC~
The deep tan color of her face quickly turned a shade of pink as she sat there all but snarling at me. Since the moment I stepped into the shower, she seemed iffy with me being around her, which naturally was not the anticipated reaction after last night. But with Aine, who the hell knows what’s going on in her head.
I had to wonder if there would ever come a point where I knew exactly where I stood with her. One minute she is after my head, and the next she seems as frail as a leaf. Kind and gentle. Now I find out she was slowly starting to develop feelings for me, just I was for her. Which was admittedly refreshing, especially since I was almost sure the minute I told her she would knock my lights out?
Even with that admission, it appeared she wanted nothing more than to get away from me. Every nerve in her body filled with nervousness, so much so I could feel it and it was enough to make me feel ill.
I didn’t want her to want to escape me. I had honestly hoped she would have opened herself up to me. Letting me in just a little. But it seemed the closer I wanted to get to her, the father she wanted to get away. Then I realized.
“Are you avoiding me because of what I said last night?” I questioned her, lifting an eyebrow.
The realization that she was most likely avoiding me because of the exact thing that made me think she’d be closer to me, made me worry. Afraid that I might have actually fucked up by telling her.
She shrugged her shoulders, but her nonchalance wasn’t convincing in the slightest. “What do you mean?”
I rolled my eyes at her, then cursing myself for doing so. She has this terrible habit of playing stupid when she isn’t ready to face things head on, which was infuriating. She’s a fighter, and she is always eager to take someone on in physical battle, but emotionally, she always cowers.
Tries to brush it off like it never happened. A coping mechanism that made me rage. God knows I’d rather face it head on, have her scream at me, cry at me, hell, channel the emotional anguish into physical rage and hit me if she had to. Blocking it out, however, I couldn’t stand.
Using the only known technique I knew to catch her off guard, I moved my hands from the bed to her knees and leaned into her, placing my lips to hover above the soft spot on her neck. If there was anything that I had learned about her for sure in this last month or so, was that she became far more open and vocal about issues when things got physical. In the more sexual nature, at least.
Something about the interactions opened her up, so I might as well use that to my advantage. She tensed a little under my touch, remaining quiet, but I could tell it was working. The way her skin burned under my touch and the flustered look on her face returning.
“You know exactly what I mean, Aine.” I muttered to her darkly, watching as goosebumps flooded over her skin. I loved how easily her body would react to my touch, to my voice. It was unlike any woman I had been with. It was like Aine was too fine tuned to every movement I made and it drove me wild.
“I don’t believe you.” She muttered under her breath as I drug my teeth along her soft flesh.
Immediately I froze, hoping that I had heard her wrong.
“What don’t you believe?” I spat at her, rearing back to look her in the eyes.
“That you are falling in love with me.”
Her words cut me like a knife. She might as well have stabbed me in the chest and twisted it. That she still had no faith in me royalty pissed me off. I couldn’t even think of anything else I could do to try to convince her I was trying.
I get that we had a rough start. I’m not a fool. Nor had I forgotten the urge to rip her throat open. I realized that from day one I had done nothing but fuck things
up with her. Marking her without her consent, binding her to me whethershe liked it or not. Providing her with many injuries that I would never forget, since she carried them around with her daily in the form of scars.
But I also have done nothing but be genuine to her since arriving here. Ive done all that I could to show her I want to take this seriously. That I was attempting to be the mate that she need. To be the man she wouldn’t resent for the rest of her life. Sure, I knew I was rough around the edges, but so was she.
When we were dancing last night, I knew whole heartedly that my entire heart belonged to her, not just my soul. I couldn’t explain it, and I honestly didn’t want to over think it either. When she blurted out that she felt the same, I thought we had reached a common ground, but now. I felt sick.
She didn’t believe me. She thought I was fucking lying, and it made me furious. Why would I lie about that? Why would I tell her I felt that way if I didn’t? Wasn’t my stint of hunting her enough to prove to her that if I felt a certain way that I would go for it?
Looking at the dead serious expression on her face, I felt my complete body heat over with rage. Knowing that I needed to get away from her, fearing that I could either make it worse, or worse yet hurt her.
Pulling my hands off of her quickly, afraid of what they would do if I left them, I stood up shaking my head at her, licking my lower lip in irritation.
“Believe whatever the fuck you want, Aine. I can’t believe I’ve tried this fucking hard to win your stubborn ass over. You want to be bound to me forever and fight that entire time? Fine. But when you grow tired of being bitter and angry and find that you want a mate that would hold you and love you, don’t act like it wasn’t because I tried.”
Quickly I spun around, snatching my clothes off of the chair and stormed from the room, leaving her there sitting on the bed in tears. At some point she would have to grow tired of trying to be my enemy. Hopefully sooner than later, but in this moment I didn’t have the patience for it.