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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.
Blaze Within 25
The music in the nightclub pounded loudly, the bass taking control of my heartbeat and forcing it in rhythm with the music. The place was packed with scantily dressed woman and roving men ready to take them home. A DJ sat at the front of the dancefloor, pounding the music out of the speakers. The dancefloor was an ocean of people all moving to the beat of the music. I sat with Ace in a reserved VIP section of the club as I watched the action below. He had his arm around my shoulders as he relaxed beside me. Jaxon sat across from us with his blonde date whose large breasts were spilling out of her dress. They unfortunately seemed to have caught Ace attention and I caught his eyes wandering to them several times already. “Do you want a drink?” Ace asked as he sat forward and spoke into my ear over the music. I shook my head as I turned toward him. “No, thank you.” He nodded as he waved for the waitress for our area. It didn’t seem to matter that neither Ace nor I were twenty-one. Wha
Blaze Within 26
"It's rape, Stella" Catherine stated as she stared wide-eyed at me. I had fled Blue Hades as soon as Ace had left and went straight to her place. She had quickly swept me inside as I showed up sobbing at her doorstep. My hands shook slightly as they held the hot chocolate she had offered me. I sat on her couch, my tears now dry. Why had I run away? What would Jaxon and Ace say? "Stella" Catherine called in her Southern accent. "You need to report this to the police. You can't let him get away with it." I shook my head as I quickly stood up and set the cup down. "I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have told you. I'm sorry. I just ... " "Stella." She quickly leapt to her feet and wrapped me in a surprising hug. "Sweetie, you can't let him do this anymore. I have turned my head to several of his outbursts and one too many bruises, but this is a new low. Even for him. You don't have to allow him to get away with this." "He's my boyfriend," I challenged her. "We have sex." She dr
Blaze Within 27
I skipped working at Blue Hades the next weekend. Truthfully, I never planned to return there again. Ace didn’t have much to say about it. I’m pretty sure the guilt of what had occurred between us last time I was there still weighed heavily on his heart. I was able to pick up a couple shifts at Kiki’s to make up for the loss income, though it came nowhere close to what I made at Blue Hades. I leaned against the wall behind of Kiki’s near the backdoor on my break. Catherine stood beside me. Her and Fred had come in to eat lunch and he had left to wait for her in the car while I took my break at the smoking spot out back to talk to my friend. “So what did Ace say this time?” Catherine asked as she kicked at a cigarette butt on the ground. I hesitated as I mentally debated how much I wanted to tell her. With a sigh, I finally confessed the truth. She was my closest and most trusted friend. She was the only one who knew anything about the abuse I had suffered. “He says he never meant fo
Blaze Within 28
I sat atop my suitcase outside my apartment waiting for Alaric to pick me up. Ace was still inside asleep. He had been snoring soundly when I left, but nerves still made my legs bounce and my hands tremble. I had to get out of here before he woke up. I told him Catherine was driving me to the bus stop for my private getaway. He couldn't find out the truth. I stood up as my eyes caught sight of Alaric's black sports car heading toward me. I grabbed my suitcase and started toward the car before he was even fully parked. He quickly jumped out and ran over to me. He swept the suitcase out of my hand as I took in the sight of him in his skinny blue jeans and an old tour shirt from a rock band. Sunglasses sat atop his head as he smiled at me with his shining green eyes which traveled up and down my body with a simple, yellow sundress on. "Are you in a rush?" he chuckled in his British accent. "Sure" I breathed out in reply as he walked with me over to the passenger door. He opened it for
Blaze Within 29
I emerged over an hour later. I slid my fingers over my red dress. It had a deep v-neck which extended all the way down to the red belted waist. The red fabric beneath the belt flowed freely and openly. A large slit ran up one side to add to the sexy feature of the dress. I matched it with black, strappy heels and left my hair down in beach waves. Alaric stood in front of me openly gawking. His eyes ran over every inch of my body, burning my cheeks and tingling my insides with his inspection. “What?” I asked nervously as I looked down at my feet. “You’re gorgeous.” My eyes slowly lifted at his words, a slight smile tugging at the corner of my lips. I took in the sight of him standing in front of me as he stood star struck before me. He had on black slacks with a white, button up shirt and black suit jacket. He had on a black tie and black dress boots. His hair was slicked up and back and fell in perfect waves on either side of his face. His piercing green eyes drank in the sight of
Blaze Within 30
The quite conversations were soon interrupted by the announcement and arrival of the bridal party. They filed in, waving and dancing along the way to their table. Food was served, toasts were made, and cake was cut. The bride and groom had their first dance before the dancefloor was opened up to everyone. The band’s music was turned up as people began dancing and mingling throughout the tables. Alaric’s arm returned to the back of my chair as he leaned back in his own. I turned toward him and took in his handsome profile as he causally looked around the room. His jawline was strong and pronounced yet his face had a softness. He wet his full, red lips as he turned toward me. “Are you having a good time?” I nodded, refusing to divulge even the slightest hint of my jealousy. “It’s a beautiful wedding.” The band began the first musical bars of an infamous rock song as Alaric opened his mouth to say something but was quickly interrupted. “Alaric! Alaric!” a flock of women suddenly scre
Blaze Within 31
We drove in a nervous excitement in the car back to our cabin. Instead of going inside, Alaric suggested we sit outside near the fire ring. I nodded in agreement as he collected wood and soon had a roaring, orange fire going. I sat in one of the chairs near it as I reached my hands out toward the warmth it let off. Without the sun in the sky, the air had turned chilly and I shivered in the cold beneath the star-filled sky. "Are you cold?" Alaric asked as he walked away from the fire and toward me. I looked up at his muscular build framed by the orange glow behind him. "A little." He quickly took his black suit jacket off and took my hand, pulling me gently to my feet. He laid the jacket around my shoulders and I slid my hands through the sleeves. "Thank you," I said graciously as I wrapped it tightly closed around me. His eyes wandered over me. "You look damn good in my clothes." I laughed lightly as he sat down in the chair I had just been sitting in and he pulled me down into
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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
