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Blaze Within 33
The morning light shined in on my face and I moaned and rolled away. The smell of coffee wafted into my nose, waking my senses. I rolled onto my back and glanced at the empty spot Alaric had left behind. Male voices drifted in from the living room of the cabin. I slowly sat up and looked at the closed bedroom door as I tried to hear what they were saying. I couldn’t make out their words, but Alaric’s laughter rung out loud and clear. The sound put a smile on my face as I stretched and got out of bed. I used the restroom before walking over to the closed door. I grabbed the door handle but froze when I heard my name. “Stella?” I loved hearing my name in Alaric’s British accent. “How serious is it?” a male voice asked. “It is what it is” I heard Alaric reply. A couple male voices laughed. “You know Jeanie was asking about you again?” one of the male voices said. My eyebrows crushed downward, wondering who he was talking to. “What did Jeanie want?” Alaric asked with humor dancing o
Blaze Within 34
I opened the door to my apartment and held my breath as I glanced around the living space. It was empty and silence rung in my ears. I let out a sigh of relief as I tossed my suitcase down and walked over toward the futon. I sat down, laying my head back as I closed my eyes. Footsteps snapped my eyes open as I lifted my head and turned toward the kitchen. My heart pounded furiously in my chest and nearly chocked me as Ace meandered lazily from the kitchen toward me. “The spa, huh?” he drew out casually as he approached me. My entire body began to shake violently as my breath was shaky and a wave of light-headedness overcame me. Had he seen? Of course he had seen! The look of simmering rage upon his face told me the answer. He had seen Alaric drop me off. His eyes weren’t bloodshot though. He had no tell tale signs of drug use. So he wouldn’t hurt me. He never hurt me except when he was under the influence of drugs. “He paid me, Ace” I said in a weaker voice than intended. “I wanted
Blaze Within 35
I walked for miles around the bustling city. I pulled on a sweatshirt over my arms to cover the welts Ace had left on me. I sweated profusely beneath the Florida sunshine, but I ignored it all as I tried to figure out what I was going to do. I thought of going to Catherine’s, but Ace would know to look for me there. I would rather die than put her in danger. I stopped at an ATM to take out some much-needed cash but was dismayed to find Ace had emptied our bank accounts. I had exactly zero cash on me. I was dead broke and completely on my own. As the sky began to darken, I ran out of options and snuck into an outside restroom at a gas station. I locked the door and tried to ignore the stink of the dirty facility as I sat down on the floor in the corner. I hugged my backpack to my body as I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the wall. I would rest for just a little bit before figuring out what else to do. Somehow, I found rest for over three hours before banging on the door st
Blaze Within 36
I worked the reminder of my shift unsure if it was my heart or body which hurt more. They fought for dominance on the pain scale as I clocked out and grabbed my backpack. I wandered out the backdoor having no knowledge where I was going or what I was going to do. My phone was completely dead, and it honestly matched my soul. The day sky was darkened with clouds brewing an upcoming storm. My stomach dropped as I realized I was going to need to find shelter quickly. A warning breeze whipped past me as I pulled the hair tie out and let my hair fall around my face. I idly walked through the back-parking lot to nowhere in particular when movement caught my attention from the corner of my eye. I turned and my heart stopped as Ace stood up from leaning against his car and walked toward me. In my logical mind, I knew I should run. I should probably scream bloody murder and wave my arms to try to attract attention or help. Perhaps I could make it back to the restaurant before he caught me.
Blaze Within 37
Over an hour later, I tiptoed out of the tub and into the huge, tiled shower. The hot water burned all the way to my bones, but the water pressure stung my bruised body. I glanced around at the available soaps and conditioners, and was amused to find his large collection. I scrubbed the soap against my skin and through my hair, as though I could erase the bruises and memories that Ace had left on my body. I got out and dried off with the towel Alaric had left, and noticed he had set my bag inside the door at some point. I borrowed a comb and winced as I pulled it through my hair. It tugged painfully where Ace had dragged me. I gently dried off and stepped over to my bag. In my haste to pack, I failed to grab any pajamas, or anything besides jeans and shirts. I sighed and grabbed jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. Unease seeped through me as I realized I was going to have to go back to my apartment to get the rest of my clothes and belongings. Maybe I could watch the apartment tomorrow a
Blaze Within 38
Morning came and I slowly and achingly got out of bed. I showered again and dressed in my own long-sleeve shirt along with Alaric’s sweatpants he had given me yesterday. I wandered downstairs in the large, silent condo. I searched around the kitchen, carefully touching everything as though it was priceless. I decided on a simple lunch of a banana and grilled cheese sandwich. I found the electric skillet and plugged it in. I began buttering the bread when I heard the front door open and looked up. Alaric walked in looking just as swoon-worthy handsome as he always did. His long, wavy brown hair was pulled up into a man bun. His tight black pants clung tightly to him as his shirt with the fire station emblem hung loosely over his muscular arms and chest. He tossed his shoes off before jogging into the kitchen to me. I nervously looked down at the bread I was buttering in my hand. Would he be angry I was utilizing his kitchen or eating his food? He was sure in a hurry to get over to me
Blaze Within 39
A couple hours later, I sat beside Alaric in his sports car as he drove me back to my apartment. He had showered and changed into black jeans with a bright blue, button up shirt adorned with images of palm trees and mountains. It was halfway unbuttoned, showing off his toned, tattooed chest and silver cross necklace. His brown hair hung down long around his face and aviator sunglasses covered his eyes. An assortment of rings adorned his fingers. I fidgeted nervously in my seat. I put the window down, letting the warm Florida air attempt to calm my frigid nerves. My palms sweated and I felt sick to my stomach. I felt like I was going into a disaster. We pulled into the parking lot and I immediately sat forward in my seat. I scanned the parked cars, looking for Ace. It was no where in sight. “I don’t think he’s home” I whispered softly as Alaric glanced at me and lowered the rock music in the car. He parked in a spot close to my apartment and, with shaking hands, I unbuckled my seatbe
Blaze Within 40
I followed Alaric into his condo. He kicked his shoes off and walked away into the kitchen without a word to me. I cautiously and slowly took my shoes off as a nervous energy began to pump through me. Something wasn't right. I slowly stepped with bare feet into the living room. I stopped at one end of the couch as Alaric walked out of the corner of the kitchen with a glass of water in his hand. He took a long drink and set it down on the counter. He rested his hands on either side of the glass as he looked down, his hair falling like a curtain around his face to hide behind. I chewed on my cheek as I took a step toward the stairs when I suddenly heard his voice. "You're married?" I froze mid-step as I slowly turned toward him. He ran his hand through his hair as he lifted his face to me. It was guarded and unreadable. I slowly shook my head as I raised my left hand with my bare ring finger. "No, I'm not married." His eyes trailed over to my hand and back to my face. "Why did he s
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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
