Chapter 5

I'm out of breath. I feel attracted in spite of myself... His eyes, so intense, have changed colour. They seem to have taken on the colour of blood.

How can this be possible? 

Is it because I'm tired? The soft lighting of the room must be playing tricks on me. Not to mention my state of exhaustion! I can see no other explanation!

Instinctively, I realise that this aura is coming from Lucian.

How does he do that?

I'm enthralled.

Without my being able to stop him, he lies on me and immobilises me on the bed! But his look orders me to be silent. My will disappears and I can't speak.

His body weighs down on mine. I can make out the lines of his chest, his impressive muscles. His grip on me is firm, without being painful.

I shudder, I can see a predatory look in his eyes. I'm tetanized

The rubbing of his trousers against my bare thighs makes me tremble uncontrollably. His hands clasp my wrists. His mouth descends on my neck …

My heart is beating fast, and an unexpected warmth engulfs me. I lower my eyelids for a moment to try to recover. In vain.

His odour is addictive, it's pushing me to let go. The air seems to be charged with electricity. There is a clearly perceptible tension between us.

I am completely languid in spite of myself as if he were really able to influence my senses.

I refrain from making the slightest gesture, yet I sense that he's perceived my desire ... I don't understand what's happening to me.

His eyes plunge deep into mine and seem to sound my soul. I forget to breathe. I am both fascinated and terrified.

His hands are still clasping mine. His thumb caresses my palm sending shivers down my spine. 

I should say something, scream and escape. But a part of me likes to be held like this, by this young man that I hardly know.

This is not like me... And yet, it's so good, intoxicating…

I bite my lip.

Lucian smiles and whispers deeply in my ear, "So, little thing, you aren't saying anything now?”

I keep silent but return his cheeky smile. I am madly tempted to abandon myself, here and now, in his arms.

What's the good of fighting?

I try to cling to something real before I completely lose my head and find myself at the mercy of my jailer.

Think, Celi think!

A disturbing current of energy goes through me. I feel as if I'm wrapped in a kind of reassuring cocoon. My skin swarms beneath his touch. It's confusing …

I try to fight but it's impossible, this feeling is stronger than me.

Suddenly a creaking noise from the corridor startles him; He turns his head for a moment. I blink several times as if I were coming out of a long dream.

My heartbeat accelerates, my body stiffens, my senses are returning, it's as if I were retaking possession of my body! He holds me tight against him and I see the reality of the situation!

“Let go of me!!!”

No sooner does he turn his head in my direction than I see him jump to the side! The noise of glass smashing on the floor finally breaks the spell.

He collapses on the floor beside the bed, and rubs his head, grunting.

I straighten up quickly and leap to the other side of the bed.

"What did you do to me?!”

"Nothing that taints your reputation, little thing!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice a lamp broken on the floor. I turn my eyes back to Lucian, accusing.

"My heart beats dangerously fast. My breathing is jerky. What was that strange gleam in his eyes...? And why did I feel under his control?”

“LUCIAN!!!”

I jump, still in shock! Lucian abruptly stiffens! A menacing shadow walks into the room…

"Get out of here right now!” Draven seems really angry! Me who had only seen his warm and welcoming side, I'm impressed!

I hold back a sudden urge to cry that threatens to overwhelm me. These people are crazy! All I want is to get out of here!

I fold my arms across my chest as if to protect myself. My gaze swings frantically from Lucian to Draven, then from Draven to Lucian.

Lucian hesitates, unwilling to obey his brother so easily. Once again he adopts the exaggerated attitude I saw when I arrived. Draven loses patience …

"Lucian, I told you to get out!”

"And since when do you give orders...?” His tone is icy, menacing. 

The two men gauge each other. 

"Since Father is away, now get out now!”

Lucian finally leaves the room, under the watchful eye of his brother who follows him.

I sigh, a sob escapes me. I had been warmed by the fire in the chimney, but now I found myself trembling with all my being. It's as if a whole bunch of contradictory emotions had mingled in the seconds when Lucian was leaning over me ... What happened to me?

I try to hear what Draven is saying in the corridor, but I don't catch much. He closed the door as he went out.

I can make out shouting as Draven raises the tone of his voice.

"Never again... Have you lost your mind? ... Bizarre …”

Well that hasn't got me anywhere!

Never mind that, It's out of the question that I stay another minute in this house!

I quickly pack my books and CDs in my suitcase! Yes, the ones I'd just sorted out!

But I give up quickly and sink to the ground. I have no more energy. I start trembling again. I'm too nervous to concentrate on anything.

I have to refocus, calm my emotions. Breathe. Don't let anxiety get the better of me. That damned anxiety that has so often haunted me since my parents died.

However, there's nothing I can do, I burst into tears! Knowing that I'm defenceless as far as he's concerned makes me really angry.

I try to contain my sobs, in vain.

I lay my forehead on my knees and bring my legs up to my chest.