There’s a sudden dark cloud looming over our once kind of romantic dinner.
Elijah’s lips were pressed into a thin line, eyes trained on me. His hold on his glass was so tight it seemed that it’ll break any moment now. From the folded sleeves of his flannel shirt, I got a glimpse of how the veins in his arms were popping out.
“Elijah.” I tried to say his name, and it felt like everything fell in its right place.
Me and him, staring at each other. I’m losing myself in his eyes. They’re so expressive, as if they’re telling me something he couldn’t say in words. Everything around me became trivial, the noise of the people ordering drinks in the bar; the couple arguing about where to go on their summer vacation by the booth next to us; they all faded in the background.
I swallowed the lump forming in my throat, feeling the dire need to moisten my drying pipes under the intensity of his eyes.
“Your eyes,” I murmured, almost a whisper.
I wasn’t sure if he heard me, but then he replied, “what about them?”
“I’ve seen them before.”
There was a swift whip of air that passed through my face, caressing my skin. It was warm and strong, the wisp of air; just like in my dreams; the same one followed by the watchful silver eyes. It was enough for the flame on the fireplace to hiss wildly, lapping out of the brick encasing it.
Elijah stood up so abruptly that it startled me. “It’s late. I should drive you home.” The warmth in his voice was long gone, replaced by a commanding tone that had my confidence cowering away like a turtle forced to hide back in its shell.
He didn’t wait for my response. Stepping out of the booth, pulling a few bills from his wallet, dropping them on the table. I followed him out of the pub, barely slipping my coat on while he just crossed the parking lot, clutching his coat with one hand.
I was contemplating whether it’s safe for me to get a ride from him. It was pretty obvious that he was pissed. I didn’t mean to ask and say those strange things. Usually, I have complete control over the things I say, but they spill out casually.
I debated on calling an Uber, but when I saw Elijah holding the passenger side door open, waiting for me, I mustered the strength to be in a confined space with him for another twenty minutes. How I wish I carried my gun with me. I’d feel a little better when I’m armed with a gun than a dagger.
The drive was spent in utter silence. I couldn’t even scold Elijah for driving over the speed limit, as if he can’t wait to get rid of me. When we reached my apartment building, he remained seated in the driver’s seat with a passive look on his face. I slid out, thanking him, saving both of us from the awkwardness that my curiosity created.
He said no words in return, keeping his gaze ahead so I didn’t look back as well. So much for hoping that this will turn out to be something good, that he’s different from all the men I went out with. In fact, he is worse than them. At least they put an effort into pretending to enjoy my company, walked me up to my door, and bid me goodnight. Elijah didn’t even bother to say goodnight to me.
I have to admit, his actions hurt me in ways a stranger shouldn’t.
‘Did I really screw up big time for him to act that way?’
‘Probably,’ the small voice in my head annoyingly answered.
I reached my door with slumped shoulders, slipped in the key to open it, twisting the knob but a hand came to stop me from doing so.
I glanced to my right and Elijah was there, a remorseful expression on his face. I haven’t even heard him come up to me, making me gasp at his sudden appearance on my side.
“I’m sorry,” he said, letting my hand go.
I shook my head, swallowing hard. “It’s my fault for making things weird, saying those weird things. I’m usually not so upfront like that. It’s just that…” I realized I was talking too much again. The secret I’m keeping - the dreams - I almost voiced it out.
He took a step forward. I let go of the knob and stepped back. With a determined step, Elijah invaded my personal space until my back was against the wall beside my door.
“Just what, Rory?” he breathed, jaw tense. The veins on his neck are practically on the brink of snapping.
I should be scared of him. He’s a lion taunting its prey, and I have nowhere to go. He was in front of me, hands coming up, fencing my arms frozen on my side.
I shook my head, praying for my brain to do what it’s supposed to do and not act like a derailed train.
His eyes softened, roaming around my face. I swear I can practically feel his gaze caressing my skin. It started in my forehead as if he was tracing the edge of my hair down to my cheeks. I closed my eyes, savoring the warmth his gaze was providing as it evens out the cold wall behind me.
‘What the hell is happening to me?’
“Rory…” he whispered. I gasped at the touch of his warm breath against my cheeks. When I opened my eyes, his silver hues were glowing. It’s a wonder since the overhead lights in the hallway were behind him, shadowing his features. “Tell me what you’re thinking. I can’t read you.”
Funny how it goes both ways. It’s usually so easy to figure out people. I had to be in my line of work. But this man intrigued me in ways no one ever did before.
“This night…” I whispered, “... I was hoping it would end differently. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
He smirked, eyes dancing with amusement. “I’m not upset. I’m frustrated with myself.”
“Why?”
“You’ve been on my head since we first met. I want to know you, be around you… Protect you.”
His admission held me speechless. The sincerity as he spoke sliced through my chest. The more he says, the more I’m confused and lost.
He seemed to realize how bizarre his words were. He pulled away, giving me enough space to breathe, but not enough for my mind to function properly. The goosebump on my clothed arm, while his bare hands remained bound on my side, is crawling up to my entire body.
“Hypothetically, how do you wish to end this night?” His eyes trailed down the slope of my nose, down to my lips and back up to meet my eyes, hypnotizing me to confess what’s inside my head.
“You’ll walk me up to my door…” I gulped loudly while he watched my throat bobbed up and down. “And I’ll invite you in for one glass of wine… since you’ll be driving. We’ll talk some more and when the night falls deeper, I’ll walk you out of my door. I thought of you making a move to kiss me. It’ll be awkward at first. We’ll laugh about it but then we’ll try again, only this time, you’ll hold me by my neck, tip my chin and claim my lips with passion until we lose our breath.”
My senses were aware of the thickening air between us as I uttered each word. His breathing and mine were speeding up like race cars aiming to reach the finish line.
“Hypothetically, of course,” I added, sensing the inferno of embarrassment blooming on my cheeks, spreading fast on the entirety of my skin.
I’m sure Eloisa would be proud of the boldness I just put up, but I am not. Definitely not.
I deserve an award for screwing every chance I had with this man. Now that he’s just gazing down at me with glazed-over eyes, all I want to do is hibernate and come out after ten years.
“I should probably-”
“Invite me in.”
We said at the same time.
“What?”
“Invite me in. Let me make up for the night, Rory.”
Aw, I see Rory and Elijah's number of subs are growing gradually. Thank you for giving my book a chance. xx 12.16.21
If anyone would tell me how deranged I became, I wouldn’t argue with them.The hypothetical question-and-answer Elijah and I had were certainly not intended to produce a hypothesis. He asked. I answered, less the hypothetical words.I sighed, hands trembling while I gripped the edge of the kitchen counter. I glanced over my shoulder, wondering how I even thought that this place was bigger for one person in the first place.Elijah, peering at my endless stack of books on the shelf, made the living area look smaller than it actually is. He blends in perfectly on the beach-inspired decoration I managed to put up little by little.I’ve always wanted to live close to the beach. That’s the reason for the white and blue drapes around the apartment. The dark bl
~Every life has its essence. Every sacrifice has its gain. Every death has its purpose~ Thank you for reaching this far on the story ;)I’d like to introduce my books before HELLBOUND if it’s your first time stumbling upon my work. COMPLETED1|Devin ~ CEO/Billionaire Romance2|Don’s Fiancée ~ Mafia Romance3|Promise Me Jake ~ Teen Romance [A sad love story.]4|Evan ~ CEO/Billionaire Romance [Devin’s spin-off, but it can be read as standalone]5|Falling For My Husband ~ Mafia Romance6| A Game With No Rules ~ Mafia Romance7| HellBound: The Last Tribute ~ Fantasy/Mystery Romance Lastly, this novel is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual people living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. Don't forget to follow me on lnstagram Castiel.Lj.xx12.19.21
The dipping sun’s burst of orange, yellow and red pigment in the western clearing reflected on the calm waters of Lake Salvatore.On the other side of the lake, where the water meets the bank, fescue and ryegrass grew in abundance, green and full of life, gently swaying as the wind swept by. As the stretch of the grass field ends, the treeline begins. Towering trees loomed over the forest grounds. Movements from pygmy rabbits, squirrels, and deers echoed with the cacophony of the twittering birds and insects.The water moved in small waves, crashing on the bank closer to where I stood. Warm air, telling me Silver eyes were watching in the distance, caressed my skin ever so softly.I closed my eyes, inhaling the cedarwood scent fused in the air, smiling at the stillness and fire that slowly ignited within my ch
I’ve witnessed countless deaths in all forms and manners. Some were untold to the public, sugar-coated to avoid stirring chaos and panic in their everyday lives.The entire town mourned Corina’s death. A vigil was held in the town square. Everyone, including Mayor Davis Howard, gathered together in memory of Corina Parker.Her family and friends created a board where they wrote farewells and goodbyes in colorful papers, unspoken words they couldn’t say when Corina was still alive. The words ‘farewell Corina’ were written in bold letters above the thousand little notes. Flowers were overflowing everywhere. Red roses, which I learned were Corina’s favorite, filled the air with a scent that haggles between sweet, fruity, and minty.Even the night seemed to mourn with the entire Salva
Elijah once again turned my apartment into a claustrophobic place - the good kind, if that even makes sense. I’m tucked in the couch, a white woven blanket around me, while Elijah forages through my kitchen.Upon my request, he drove me home and refused to leave, telling me I was in some kind of shock and something of the same scenario might happen again.I doubt it. The only possibility I see is me drowning in the dark nightmares just like every night.Just when I’m starting to accept my fate of having such horrid dreams, now I’m faced with another reality I should accept. Is it really the man in dreams I saw in the square, or was I just hallucinating? But I’m certain it was him. I’ll never forget the shape of his face, that nose, and that wicked smile.
~Elijah~I reached for Rory’s face, hoping I could ease away her agony. Her dreams… I knew all about those because I saw what she was dreaming about. It’s the only time when I can see what’s on her mind. But Henry is right. I cannot tell her anything, and it’s my fault that her abilities are awakening at a faster pace than they should.Fat tears rolled down her cheeks, drenching her shaking hands.“Rory,” I waited for her to lock gaze with me, eyes softening at the torment in her brown eyes. “Get some rest for now, okay? You’re in shock. Things like this happen all the time to people when they see death. And I know for a fact that Rivera and Corina’s death is more brutal than most.”Her pearl white teeth
~Rory~The moment I woke up, I ran my fingers through my hair and checked if it had turned blond. I actually love my hair color, and I don’t think any other shade will suit my light skin tone. A heavy breath left my lips when I saw it was still the same.This is the first time I didn’t have any nightmares in weeks. But I had a weird dream that gave me a funny feeling in my chest, and Elijah was in it. We held hands, walking through the forest into the sunrise wearing happy faces. Speaking of Elijah, he’s not in bed anymore.I felt utterly cold without him. He was always so warm, like a portable furnace. How I wish I could keep him in my bed.‘Oh God,’ I audibly groaned. I’m really losing my head. We’re not even together nor datin
~Rory~ The last time I saw Paul, I still had that bitterness in my chest because of what he did. But now, I don’t feel anything while staring deep into his blue eyes. All I see is the boy who I grew up with, my friend. It’s weird since I’ve always thought that I won’t be able to move on from him. He was my first everything, after all. “Friendship is all I can offer for you, Paul. You knew I never keep broken, unrepairable things in my life, and our relationship crossed that line the moment I saw you with Merideth.” “We started as friends, and I can work with that.” The determination in his face never wavered. I knew him too well to know that that look meant he wouldn’t be taking no for an answer. Ignoring the glint in his eyes, I sipped my coffee and remembered why I