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Blaze Within 17
The bass pounded loudly from the speakers in the large room where the engagement party was being held. It was packed full of all of Catherine’s and Fred’s family and friends, which seemed to be half the state of Florida. It was an interesting mix of Fred’s accountant friends and upper-class family and Catherine’s former co-workers at Blue Hades and her current co-workers at her receptionist job. There was a large dance floor which was constantly full. Ace had taken me out to dance to a few songs, but had since disappeared. Large, rectangular tables sprawled across the half of the room which was not occupied by the dance floor. I sat at one of them, sipping on sparkling water when Catherine approached. “You can’t look glum at my party,” she drawled out in her Southern accent. “It’s going to be bring the entire party down and Lord knows I can’t have that.” I chuckled at her as she sat down beside me and threw her arm around my shoulders. “I’m just resting my feet. These heels are kill
Blaze Within 18
“You gotta be fucking kidding me,” Ace remarked as I dropped my eyes downward. I was completely and totally ashamed of what had occurred and what Alaric was now witnessing. “What happened?” Alaric asked in his British accent. His voice sounded restrained with anger. “She was clumsy as usual and hit her head,” Ace drew out as he pressed the napkin harder against my head. I winced at the pressure. “Is that what happened?” Alaric asked gently. I lifted my eyes back up and my heart fluttered as he was crouched down, inches away from me. His concerned green eyes bore into my inner soul and I struggled harder than I ever have with the lie. “What the hell, man,” Ace said angrily beside me. “You don’t believe me?” “Yeah,” I whispered out. “That’s what happened. I tripped.” I could see the disappointment in Alaric’s eyes and it tore at my heart. “Let’s take a look,” he instructed as he slowly raised his hand toward my face. He pushed Ace hand away as he reached into a bag behind him. He
Blaze Within 19
Ace didn’t come home that night. I slept alone in the apartment. I hide Alaric’s suit jacket in the back of my closet. I wanted to sleep in it, wrapped in his scent, but I didn’t want to risk Ace coming home and asking questions about it. Alaric came into Kiki’s while I was working the next day. I didn’t wait on his table and tried my best to avoid him. I did sneak some looks at him, and he caught me once. I quickly turned away and acted busy. Ace didn’t come home until Wednesday. He was there when I came home from work. He was sitting on the futon when I walked in. I slowly closed the door behind me as I looked at him. “Hi.” He quickly stood up and walked over to me. I watched in stunned horror as he dropped to his knees in front of me. He grabbed my hands, kissing them as he broke down in tears. ‘I’m so sorry Stella,” he wept as he laid his head in my hands. “I’m so sorry I hurt you again. I’m a fuck up and I know that. I don’t know why you stay here with me. I’m a piece of shit
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I spent the rest of the week dwelling upon what I had agreed to. I sat in my apartment with guilt weighing heavily on my shoulders. I loved Ace. I wanted to be with Ace. He was doing so much better. Why was I willing to risk screwing that up for Alaric? He should just be a client, yet somehow he was something more to me, and that scared me. I told Ace I was going to Catherine on Friday for a girl’s night. He accepted the lie and it broke my heart the trust he had in me. I gave him a kiss as he left for work before going and changing into a black mini-skirt and a lace camisole. I grabbed Alaric’s suit jacket and slipped into it. This encounter would be my opportunity to return it. I left my hair down but put loose waves into it and applied my make-up. I slipped into black heels and hurried out the door to catch the bus. My legs bounced nervously the entire ride to the fight. Once off the bus, I had a few minutes to walk. As I approached the building, I noticed a man standing outside.
Blaze Within 21
Alaric drove us back to his condo. He opened the door for me and I walked in, admiring once again the beauty of the place. He came up behind me, wrapping his arms around me and kissing my neck. I smiled, my body electric with his touches. I turned around to face him and he immediately slid my jacket off. His hands came up to my face, cupping my cheeks as his mouth pressed onto mine. His lips attacked mine, his tongue quickly prodding at my lips. I grabbed his shirt, pulling it over his head and tossing it aside. He quickly did the same to my camisole and made quick work of my bra. He bent down, picking me up as I straddled him. He carried me over to the couch and gently placed me down upon it. He laid down atop me as we made out. He pulled away, moving down my body to pull my skirt and thong off. He lowered his mouth to my most sensitive area and I gasped. My hands went into his hair as he tasted me. Never had a man done this while paying me for sex. It wasn’t about me, it was about
Blaze Within 22
“Stella. Stella.” I slowly opened my eyes and stared into Alaric’s green ones. I quickly sat up and cringed as my abdomen cried out in pain. My hand shot over it as Alaric looked at me in confusion. “You alright?” “Yeah,” I breathed out as I quickly dropped my hand to my side. “Stomach cramp. Sorry. Did I fall asleep?” He grinned broadly at me. “You’ve been snoring for the past couple of hours.” I groaned as I raised my hand to my forehead. “I’m so sorry. You can take off some money from what you owe me for today since … “ He chuckled as he took my hand into his. “I’m not going to do that. I enjoyed the snoring. It went in tune with the music.” I burst into laughter as I covered my face with my hands. “I don’t snore!” His laughter mixed with mine as he gently pulled my hands away from my face. “You do, and it was adorable.” I rolled my eyes as he turned and exited the car. He came around and opened my door and I stepped out beside him. I glanced around and realized we were at
Blaze Within 23
We ate our lunch and packed up before heading back out onto the trail. Alaric held my hand, making sure to always be a gentleman and help me over an uneven area or fallen logs. Being secluded in nature alone with him felt intimate, in a way more intimate than the things we had already done. His hand felt natural and so very right wrapped around mine. He never once lost his temper with me when I was obviously slowing him down or when I clumsily tripped. He had patience for days with me. And his smile. That gorgeous smile that overwhelmed his face and pierced dimples into his cheeks was nearly always on display. He would run his hand through his hair constantly and the urge to run my fingers through it grew with each passing minute. “How do you keep your hair so perfect?” I asked absentmindedly. He glanced at me and grinned. “You like it?” I laughed lightly as I looked up at the tall branches of the trees all around us. They stood green and vivid against the blue sky beyond. “Maybe.”
Blaze Within 24
“Married” Jessica remarked as she eyed the man sitting at one of her tables at Kiki’s. He winked at her as we glanced at him. “All the married ones hit on me.” I turned toward her suspiciously. “How do you know he’s married?” She turned her back to the man and leaned against the counter. She raised her left hand and pointed to her ring finger. “He’s got a tan line from his missing ring.” My jaw dropped as I glanced back at him. “That’s disgusting.” She shrugged. “At least I’ll get a good tip if I flirt back. It doesn’t have to go anywhere.” “Stella!” Becca, another waitress, called my name. I turned toward her to find her carrying a beautiful arrangement of a dozen roses. “You have a delivery” she said as she handed me the flowers. “Aw,” Jessica drew out with big eyes. “Ace is such a sweetheart.” “He’s definitely a keeper,” Becca remarked. Jessica sighed. “I need a Ace.” “Don’t we all” Becca called out as she headed off to grab some plates of food to take out to her tables.
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Blaze Within Epilogue
One year later ... I drew in a long, slow breath to calm my nervous excitement as I lit the candle atop the chocolate cupcake I had secretly bought. I had made arrangements for it to be delivered while we were out sightseeing. Never in my wildest dreams had I ever imagined I would be in Hawaii, let alone be enjoying my honeymoon there. Alaric and I had said our vows on the beach just days ago, surrounded by our friends. Now, we were alone, just him and I to start our new life as husband and wife. He was my husband. Just the thought sent butterflies into flight in my stomach. We were married. He was mine forever. I closed my eyes as his vows whispered into my ears in his delicious British accent. He had stared at me with those gorgeous green eyes and declared his never-ending love for me. Somehow, I had managed to stay standing while I melted inside. I had opted out of a big wedding dress. Instead, I wore a knee-length white dress. It was sleeveless and cinched at the waist. It pu
Blaze Within 72
Another month passed by as I forged forward with a life I had once only dreamt about with Alaric. I came home from working at the hospital on a random weekday and opened the condo door. I stepped inside and immediately noticed how eerily quiet the condo was. "Alaric?" I called out as I took a step forward. He was supposed to be off today. My stomach dropped as I wondered if he had been called in. "Alaric?" I took another step forward when something crunched beneath my foot. I lowered my eyes to the floor and looked quizzically at the rose beneath my shoe. I slowly bent down and picked it up. I inspected the red rose in my hand, wondering what on earth it was doing there, as my eyes gazed across the floor of the condo. My breath caught as my heart beat rapidly as I stared at the trail of red roses laid out before me. I trembled with an excited anticipation as I began to follow the trail, picking them up as I walked. I followed their path to the back patio door. I slid the door open
Blaze Within 71
I slowly woke up the next morning, safe and loved in Alaric's strong arms. The sunlight streamed from the balcony doors as I snuggled closer to him. He laid on his back, snoring softly was he slept. His hair was splayed all around him on the pillow. I studied his sharp jawline and perfect, red lips. My eyes slowly trailed to his tattoos on his arms and chest. How had I been so lucky to have him in my life? What I had done so right to deserve him? After the hell of my youth and the struggles I went through before him, he was something I never imagined having. He was more than I ever thought I deserved. And yet here I was, cuddled in his arms in our bed enraptured by him and his love. He stirred and groggily opened his eyes to look at me. He smiled lightly as his green eyes found me. It was me he looked for as soon as he woke up, and it was me who made him smile. The realization warmed my soul. He rolled toward me, his lips quickly finding mine. His hand raised and cupped my face as h
Blaze Within 70
I smiled and nodded my head. He raised his hands and gently wiped my tears away with his thumbs. He kissed my nose before taking a step back and pulling his shirt off. I stared at his bare chest. I slid my robe off and stepped into the hot water. I sat down as I watched Alaric undress. He stepped into the bath and sat down behind me. He pulled me back against him. I leaned into his chest, relaxing in the hot water and his secure embrace. We laid together, our bare bodies touching, as we relaxed but the sexual undercurrent between us made my heart pound. Alaric's fingertips traced up and down my bare arms beneath the hot water. He leaned his head forward and gently kissed my neck. I turned my head to the side, giving him better access as his fingers grazed higher up my arms and closer to my breasts. My breath caught as nerves pumped through my veins. I didn't want to be afraid of him, I didn't want to mess this up. My stomach meanwhile knotted into a tight knot of sexual energy. I bega
Blaze Within 69
Alaric took a week off work to be home with me. He planned to take another, but I assured him I would be fine. He waited on me hand and foot. He acted as though I was a fragile, porcelain doll and handled me with excessive gentleness and care. His antics brought back my smile and laughter, and slowly began to erase the nightmares and flashbacks. He danced around with his goofy moves, and every time my mind seemed to start to drift to those dark days, he would tell one of his cheesy jokes to bring me back. He was my hero from my kidnapping, and my hero now. He saved me both physically and mentally and I could never repay him for what he had done for me. Despite his hovering care of me, he would only kiss me quickly on the lips. He would kiss my forehead, my hand, or even my cheeks for much longer, but never my lips. He also never made love to me or even tried. Of course, I wouldn't want to either with how I looked. The bruises seemed to darken each day, and I walked around with a hunc
Blaze Within 68
Drake's body pressed down atop me, his weight pinning me down. He began biting at my neck between his slobbery kisses. "You're mine, Stephanie," he asserted in his monotone voice. "No!" I screamed as I began thrashing beneath him. His hands caught mine, trying to control them. His grip was surprisingly gentle, but as I swung at him, his hands wouldn't let go "You'll always be mine, Stephanie," he threatened as he unzipped my pants and prepared to take me against my will. "Stop!" I screamed, tears beginning to stream from my eyes. "Please stop!" My voice broke as I began sobbing. I yanked my hands back toward myself, breaking free from his grasp. As he lifted off me to undue his pants, I put my hands on his chest and tried to push him away. "Steph," he protested in a British accent. He tried to grab my hands but I ripped them away before he could try to restrain me again. I drew my right hand back and prepared to swing at him with an open hand. "Steph." His voice again had a Br
Blaze Within 67
I was transported by ambulance to the emergency room. Alaric never left my side. He held my hand, his worried and upset green eyes staying on me the entire time. He was dressed in his black skinny jeans and a brownish-red button up shirt with gray squares and white lines. It was half unbuttoned, as usual for him. It was tucked partially in the front, exposing his brown belt. His brown hair fell wavy around his face beneath the tan fedora atop his head. The doctor and nurses checked me over and tended to my injuries. A couple police officers arrived, and Alaric left the room to speak with them a moment. The way they talked and greeted each other, it appeared they all knew each other. Alaric came back into the room moments later with them trailing behind him. He took my hand into his, giving it a squeeze as the officers walked over to me. "They just need you to tell them what happened" Alaric said gently in his British accent. "Do you feel up to that?" he asked as he gently brushed so
Blaze Within 66
I sat silent as the miles flew by out my window. I watched the sun begin to set as I wondered if I would ever see Alaric again. Would I ever see his green eyes dance over me again? Would I ever feel his touch or kiss his lips? Ace remained as quiet as me. He changed the radio station occasionally, his eyebrows furrowing down until he found something good. He threw a jacket over my handcuffed wrist as we went through a drive-thru for food and told me to keep my head down to hide my injuries. We stopped at a hotel as the sun disappeared. He made me wait in the car as he checked in. I searched around the parking lot but there was no one else around to signal for help. He took the handcuffs off me and walked me in, gun in his pocket. Ace may have hurt me, but he didn't scare me the same way Drake did. Drake had no regard for my life. At least Ace had some resemblance of feelings for me, even if they were warped and misguided. I was able to take a shower, and Ace gave me one of his t-sh
Blaze Within 65
I had nothing to do but wait. I stood for a while, but eventually got tired and sat down on the bed. The minutes ticked by, but I had no idea how many. There was no freaking clock in this dungeon. There was just me and my thoughts which were solely focused on Alaric. My entire being ached for him. Being back here, at Heaven's Reign Cult, brought back every horrible memory and beating. My body began to tremble and shake with the memories. I tried to hold them back, I tried to remain strong, but it was all too much. One moment I was walking down the street planning my future with Alaric, and the next I'm being dragged back forcibly to the life I never wanted to revisit. All I wanted was to go home. All I wanted was Alaric. The door opened and I shot to my feet. Drake walked in slowly and calmly. He closed the door behind him but didn't lock it. Apparently the lock was only used to keep people trapped in his sick room when he wasn't present. "Stephanie," he drew out slowly as he steppe
