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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
Blaze Within 41
He looked at me in confusion. “What do you mean that’s … “ His words trailed off as his face gave way to realization. When he spoke again, his words were somber. “That’s the identity Jaxon gave you?” I nodded as he studied me intently with those gorgeous green eyes. My heart thudded violently in my chest as he let go of my hand and slowly raised it to my face. I watched it cautiously as he paused to make sure I saw it. He moved closer, his body just inches from me, as his hand gently cupped my face. He lowered his face so our noses touched. “I don’t care what you’re called” he said in a breathy whisper. His breath smelled like mint and I longed to move just an inch or two forward to press my lips to his soft, full lips. My body screamed in desire as a fire erupted within for him. A fire only he could extinguish. “I just want to be with you” he confessed as he moved ever so slowly to kiss me. It was everything I had wanted since I met him. He wanted me for me. This handsome, God of
Blaze Within 42
I paced back and forth in my room while a million thoughts raced around my mind. What in the world was I thinking? I couldn’t just start over. I couldn’t be Stephanie Tompkins again. With Alaric close by, I had a false sense of security. As though somehow, I could take on the entire world and make this all work. Without him near, reality crept in on me and reminded me who I was running from and why I had to remain Stella. A knock on the bedroom door snapped me from my thoughts. I walked over and opened the door to find Alaric standing in the doorway. “You alright?” he asked as he stood with his hands clasped behind his back. I stood unable to answer for a moment. “I’m fine” I finally breathed out as I walked over to the bed and sat down. “May I?” he asked as he waved a hand toward the room. My eyebrows crushed down in confusion. This was his condo and yet he was asking permission to enter a room? “This is your home.” He stood unmoving as he smirked lightly. “This is your room, S
Blaze Within 43
I wandered downstairs a short time later and found Alaric out on the back patio. He had steaks on the grill which emitted a mouth-watering aroma into the air. I slowly stepped outside as he had his back turned toward me. I closed the door and the sound brought him around to look at me. “Hey you,” he smiled his gorgeous smile at me. “Hi,” I replied back with a lame wave. “Do you like steaks?” he questioned as he turned back to his grill. I nodded and then realized he wasn’t looking at me. “Yeah,” I said softly as the sun shone upon my exposed wrists. I stared sadly at the marks Ace had left behind. I pulled the sleeve down and over them as though if they were out of sight, they somehow magically didn’t exist. “Why don’t you sit down?” he asked as he pointed toward a patio chair with his grill tongs as he glanced back at me. “Make yourself comfortable.” I followed his order, but guilt weighed me down in my seat as he worked. “I feel bad you doing everything. I am capable of helping
Blaze Within 44
I screamed, sitting straight up in bed as I gasped for breaths. It was just a nightmare, I assured myself as I looked around my rented room in Alaric’s condo. It seemed despite my physical escape from Ace abuse, my unconscious mind was still trapped. I was haunted my nightmares every time I slept, and they were becoming more and more vivid. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and slowly got up. My body was still sore, and the bruises seemed to darken each day. I knew from experience they would peak in a couple days before slowly beginning to fade over the next couple weeks. It was never fast, but the mental trauma would last the rest of my life. I wandered downstairs and almost expected to find Alaric dancing around in the kitchen like he so often did. Instead, I found an eerie and quiet home. I grabbed some orange juice from the refrigerator and a glass from the cupboard. I set them on the counter and poured my cup when I noticed a note. Steph- I got called overnight to the
Blaze Within 45
Alaric had the next two days off. Our first task was to go to the cellphone carrier which Alaric used and he added me to his plan. His joyful, happy demeanor had returned and I was so happy to see it, I didn't even protest when he insisted on the newest phone for me. I simply smiled and agreed, making sure to thank him throughout. Back at the condo, we began our new normal. Alaric made some of his crazy bread concoctions and made me try each one to noisy protests from me. I laughed until my stomach hurt and tears streamed from my eyes. In the end, I had to admit they didn't taste near as bad as they sounded, and Alaric found this a huge achievement. We went on walks together around his community, and though we walked side by side, I found a piece of myself disappointed he never took my hand into his. I told Alaric all about my research into getting my GED, and after he insisted on paying for the test, I began studying like crazy. I sat for hours on his laptop taking pretests and st
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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
