A DEADLY NUPTIAL

32.

Anger had started to rise inside me, feeling betrayed by his feelings and believing he loved me. I removed my necklace, my earrings, and even my dress, shoving them all into his arms. I was left in the black night gown that left nothing to the imagination. I had bought it for the occasion and had been wearing under my dress. It was going to be a surprise but not anymore. I left him gaping out on the balcony walking back into the bedroom. I picked up my robe attempting to put it on rapidly and leave his room, but in a flash his warm breath was on my neck, his hands on my upper arms pulling me against his body.

"Josephine," his voice caressed my neck making me shiver. "Don't leave me."

I bit my lip trying to resist the temptation of his voice. "Dark, it's too late. You made no attempt to stop me. How do you expect me to stay?"

"When you said you thought I loved you, you were wrong, because I do love you. It's just that when I see you with so many guys I don't know what to think. I get extremely jealous, and I know I shouldn't. I trust you I really do, I've just been doubting whether you love me."

I turned around to face him.

"Why would you doubt that?"

"Well you've never actually said the words."

I sighed stroking his cheek with my thumbs as I held his face, "Dark, do you really need me to say the words? I would've thought you had realized at this point how much I love you. You would've known earlier. I was going to confess my feelings the day you told me you loved me at the ball, but you took my silence the wrong way, and I didn't get to say anything." I dropped my hands from his face, "I was also going to confess today, but now-"

"Shh-" he said placing a finger against my lips "listen. It's my turn to apologize. I didn't mean it when I said I thought us separating would be for the best. I wanted to see if you would really leave me, now here we are, and I'm not letting you go ever." His arms tightened around my waist.

I looked at the fiery expression in his eyes. I could see the truth, the passion, the love. They were all there. I placed my arms around his neck and said the words I'd been dying to say "I love you Dark." He didn't hesitate to claim my mouth in his passionate frenzy. I kissed him back with the same intensity. He laid me across the bed hovering over me. His fingers traced patterns down my body making me shiver "say it again," he whispered against my neck. "I love you," I whispered back. Soon my nightgown was no longer visible and neither was his shirt. I was in my bra and underwear and he was just in his pants. He kissed my neck never seeming to get enough, but once I felt his fangs against my skin he was off me in an instant sitting on the side of the bed with his head in his arms breathing heavily.

"Dark what's wrong?" I said placing my hands on his bare shoulders.

"I can't do it Josephine. I'm afraid I'll hurt you and turn you into a vampire. I don't want you to become what I am, always thinking about blood."

"Dark, look at me," he turned around to face me. I gently grabbed his face with my hands, "I trust you with all my heart. I know you would never hurt me." I looked at him with all sincerity. His fangs retracted. I kissed him softly and soon things were fiery again. All through the night we expressed our love, our bodies combining together into a passionate bliss I never knew existed. As we came back to earth we laid entwined in each other. Our heartbeats finally calmed down although I could hear Dark's beating loudly under my ear as I had my head on his chest. My eyes soon became droopy as I felt Dark kiss my forehead. The last thing I remember was hearing Dark say, "I love you."

Dark's POV

 I woke up as the sun was barely rising through the clouds. Josephine was lightly sleeping on top of my chest, I could feel her soft breaths on my bare chest. She was so beautiful when she slept. It felt as if I was starting a new life with her with the new year. She had confessed what she felt and here she was in my arms.

I looked at the clock on my nightstand. 6:07. A bright object caught my eye on the nightstand. It was Josephine's rings. I extended my arm and grabbed the rings she had put in my hand last night. Just the thought of her leaving me made my chest throb in pain. I looked down at her again and gently grabbed her left hand. Without trying to wake her up I placed the rings on her ring finger where they should be. I kissed her head and got up quietly to take a shower. As I got up my phone vibrated signaling a call, I quickly grabbed it answering it as I turned to see if it had woken up Josephine. She stirred a little before turning on her side and going back to sleep. I quickly put on some clothes and in a flash was in my office with my vampire speed.

"What is it father?"

"Well Happy New Year to you too son," my father greeted in a grim tone.

"I'm sorry I just woke up."

"Well I need you at the office now."

"Why? It's New Year's for god's sake."

"Dark, I'm flying out to Europe with Elsa. I'm have some business to take care of and she has a conference. I'm going to be gone for a week, so I need you in charge. I had scheduled a meeting to discuss the Lombardi case. We need them gone in three days, and all their money transferred into our Swiss account."

I sighed, "Alright, I'll be there."

"The meeting's at 9, don't be late."

"I won't."

The line went dead. I hung up and proceeded to go take a shower. As much as I hated to leave Josephine, I had to oblige.

I returned to the room and found Josephine awake. She was looking through the glass windows wearing my white dress shirt from last night and from what I could tell her bra and underwear. I stood behind her hugging her waist.

"I think you look better in my shirt than me," I teased.

She turned around blushing.

"I always wondered what it would feel like to wear one of your shirts."

"Everything that's mine is yours," I said taking one of her hands and placing it against my chest, so she could feel my heart pounding. She blushed even more. I could almost feel the heat radiating off her body. I kissed both her hands pulling her into a hug. After standing there for a few moments I sighed pulling back to look into her eyes.

"What is it?" She asked concerned.

"I have to go to the company, my father's flying to Europe with Elsa, so I'm going to have to be in charge for a couple days."

Her eyes lowered, and she stayed silent.

"I know you don't want me working, but you have to understand-"

"I know," she interjected, " this is your family's business and one day you'll have to take over. I don't think I'll ever like it, but I do understand."

I kissed her forehead, "Thank you" then proceeded leaving trails of kisses down the side of her face, her neck, and finally the Corner of her mouth. I felt her smile against my lips as she placed a hand against my chest and the other one behind my neck bringing my face down to hers. We gazed into each others eyes before I claimed her mouth.

"I have an idea," I said after we stopped to take a breath.

"What is it?" She asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Come with me."

"Really?" Her eyes searching my face for any signs of joking.

"Yes, I don't want you here alone by yourself. Yusi won't be back for a while."

"Oh," I could see her face fall for a second before she composed herself feigning happiness. It took me 3 seconds to realize what she was thinking. She thought I only wanted her to go because she would be alone not because I wanted her to go.

"And," I said in her ear, "I couldn't bear a moment without you."

I felt her shiver beneath me which was a big turn on.

"I hate when you do that," she whispered biting her lip.

"And I hate when you do that," I said biting her lip before giving her a passionate kiss.

Her hands made their way up my shoulders granting me access to her bare neck. I nuzzled her exposed skin inhaling her pomegranate scent. I nipped her skin causing her to shiver even more against my body. I could feel my body reacting to her expressions. She could also tell.

"Dark,"

"Hmm?" I said still kissing her neck and down her chest stopping at the center where her heart shaped birth marked was located.

"When are we leaving?"

"I have an appointment at 9:00," I said nonchalantly.

"9:00?! It's almost 8! We have to leave soon or you're going to be late."

She pushed me away lightly turning around to walk towards the closet.

"Wait," I said grabbing her around the waist.

"Dark, we don't have time for this," She said attempting to pry off my arms with a sigh of defeat she turned around in my arms.

I pouted which caused her to laugh her melodious laugh I had rarely heard.

"We'll have time for this later," she promised.

"Fine," I said, "but I need one more kiss."

She gave me a small peck leaving me wanting more.

"You said one kiss," she shrugged sashaying her hips as she walked away.

"That woman was going to be the death of me," I thought to myself before getting ready.

30 minutes later

Josephine's POV

I stepped out of the bedroom with a small suitcase in hand. After a quick shower I decided on wearing something casual a teal spaghetti strap shirt with a black leather jacket, dark skinny jeans, and black leather ankle boots, with no time to waste a quick blow dry of my hair, and I was ready.

Dark was downstairs waiting with a mug in one hand and a newspaper in the other as he leaned against the kitchen island. I couldn't help but think how he looked liked the typical businessman. He must've felt my presence ad he looked up right when I entered the kitchen. I walked by him grabbing an apple from the bowl of fruit next to his right elbow. As I took a bite of my apple he placed his mug down stood behind me with both hands against the counter leaving me no escape. I gulped down the piece after what seemed an eternity. I felt him inhaling my hair as I felt his body pressed against mine. I closed my eyes trying to focus on my breakfast I know longer had an appetite for.

I tried to focus my attention on something else. The kitchen clock came into view signaling 9 o'clock.

"It's 8:30, I think we should get going," I suggested ducking under his arm to grab my suitcase and head towards the door.

"Josephine, we'll get there in time especially with my driving," he said with a smirk.

"Let's just go, you'll have to stop by your house to drop me off."

"Nonsense, we're staying in my penthouse. It's much closer to the company."

"You have a penthouse?"

"Of course, did you still think I lived with my parents? It's my bachelor pad. Besides me and you are going to be making a lot of noise tonight and that what just be awkward if my sister and parents were in the house."

I blushed at his openness to our s****l relationship, but it irked me a little that he stilled called it his "bachelor pad".

He took the suitcase from my hand placing a kiss on my cheek.

"I think I'm going to have to change the name from bachelor pad to our love nest."

I blushed even harder as he entwined our hands leading the way out.

* * *

Shine's POV

I ended my call with Hulk hoping everything went accordingly. We had devised a plan after finding out that Dark would be for the next week. Surely he would bring that brat, Josephine, and there was nothing more exciting than the revenge she had planned for her taking away Dark and humiliating her last night. Josephine would find a little present waiting for her she arrived at Dark's penthouse.

* * *

Josephine's POV

We arrived at Dark's penthouse located in the center of the city. Dark got out of the car and opened my door then opening the passenger door to grab my suitcase.

"I hope you have a great day at work," I said. "Wow that sounded so.."

"Cheesy?"

I nodded.

"Well, I thought it was adorable." He glanced at his watch. "I've got 5 minutes."

I pouted.

"Try and not have too much fun without me," he said before

Grabbing my chin and placing a lingering kiss.

"I won't," I said walking towards the entrance. I turned around to find him still standing there watching me.

"What?" I couldn't help but ask.

"I love you," he stated.

I beamed, "I love you more."

"Never," he said before blowing me a kiss which I thought was the sweetest thing. I grabbed the kiss placing it in my pocket. I walked away once more. I walked through the automatic slide in doors feeling a cold breeze send goosebumps down my spine. It could have just been the air conditioner but part of me felt this eerie sensation. I walked into the elevator pressing 19, the last floor. I grabbed the key Dark had given me and held it in my hand as I arrived at the top. I unlocked the door stepping into the penthouse. It was so like him. The neutral brown and creme color scheme. The room expressed solitude and masculinity. I toured the house examining all 3 rooms and the kitchen, living room, etc. At the top of the stairs was one more room which I guessed was Dark's. I opened the door finding 2 rooms connected by a door way with no door and a spacious bathroom in his bedroom. The second room was an art studio which didn't surprise me. I went into the bedroom setting down my suitcase. I yawned feeling tired all of a sudden. I laid against the pillow hearing a crinkle of paper. I reached behind my head pulling an envelope addressed to Dark. Not even thinking of what I was doing I ripped open the letter.

Dark,

I left this letter for you knowing it wouldn't cause any trouble. We both know you wouldn't bring Josephine to the place where you've brought all your past girlfriends instead of the penthouse where your parents visit. I just wanted to leave you this little surprise from our passionate night the day before your wedding. Dark't wait to see you tonight.

Xoxo

Shine

I wiped away tears letting the papers slip from fingertips. I felt two papers though, so I sat up grabbing the one that was hidden behind the letter. It was a black photo with little white blurs. I could see a head and a hand. My world came crashing down.

Josephine's POV

It was a sonogram. Shine was pregnant. She was expecting a baby of Dark. My hand covered my mouth stopping the sobs I could feel coming. Dark didn't feel anything for me. This was all a lie. Nothing of last night was true. He would have let me leave, but he couldn't resist seeing me in that night gown. No guy would. He had just wanted to take advantage of me. I could feel myself breaking into millions of pieces like last night, but this was so much worse. It was like everything was sucked from me leaving me empty.

I tried to gulp the huge lump in my throat. I needed to escape this. Thank god it wasn't too late. I could leave and never come back. I wasn't going to just stay and watch Can behind my back besides he was going to be a father. There was no way I was going to stop that innocent baby from having a father.

Where would I go?

I couldn't go back home, that's the first place he would look. I had to go to a place he would never think of. I paced the room looking out the giant glass window. Where. Where. Where.

A light bulb flashed. I ran to my purse emptying out all its contents until I found the card.

Casper.

Dark would never think of looking for me there. I knew I was taking a chance going to a stranger I had met once and probably didn't remember me. At the moment I didn't care. I just had to be away, far away. I flipped over the card, it had the address of the diner. I sighed a breath of relief. I grabbed my unpacked suitcase and quickly headed down the elevator to the lobby. At the receptionist desk there was a tall blonde woman answering calls. I waited until she was finished.

"Dark I help you?" She asked after she finally set down the phone.

"Could I have a taxi please," I said sweetly.

"Does Mr. Evan know your leaving?" She said eyeing my suitcase.

"He wants me to meet him in his office, we're going to be staying with his sister," I lied through my teeth.

She raised a skeptical eyebrow before grabbing the phone again. 15 minutes later a taxi arrived. I slipped into the back seat as the driver placed my suitcase in the trunk. He returned to the car asking "Where to?"

I handed him the card.

"That's pretty far m'aam it'll cost you," he said looking at me through the rear view mirror.

I handed him a wad of money leaving him speechless. I had saved money Dark had given me from a shopping spree with his sister and I had no intention of keeping it or anything of his for that matter.

"Could we please hurry?" I asked impatiently.

"Of course," he quickly replied.

* * *

Hulk's POV

I watched Josephine leave in the taxi. It hadn't taken her long to leave Dark. Soon I would have my opportunity and have her in my arms again.

After a few cars passed I parked along the curb trying to look unsuspicious. I slipped in the lobby unnoticed. The receptionist was not at the desk. Now was my opportunity. I headed up to the 19th floor. I opened the door using the key Shine had given me. I didn't hesitate to walk into Dark's room looking for the ripped pieces of the letter I expected, but surprisingly the letter was folder neatly against the pillow. I removed the letter from the open envelope sliding it into a fresh envelope Shine had given me.

One I had replaced the letter I eyed a second letter next to the other pillow. It didn't take me long to recognize Josephine's handwriting. I opened the letter wanting to see what was in it.

Dark,

You bastard. I have no other words to describe what you are. I can't believe I fell into your trap. I can't believe I fell in love with you. I can't believe I trusted you. I NEVER want to see you again. I hope you live happily with Shine and your baby. There's one thing I want to ask of you. Don't look for me; forget about me.

Josephine

I laughed at her letter. She was always an emotional girl. I couldn't believe she had fallen for him either. I wanted to make things more juicy so I sat at the desk and took out a pen from my jacket. I found a piece of paper and began to write a letter in Josephine's handwriting. I had always been good at faking these sort of things. I finished the letter deciding to place it next to Shine's. Sensing my work here was done I left not bothering to cover my scent.

Dark's POV

I came home excited to see Josephine. I had been thinking about her all day not being able to concentrate on anything. I walked by the front desk but was stopped by Susan, the receptionist. She gave me a puzzled look.

"Mr. Evan?"

"Yes Susan?"

"I didn't expect you to come tonight. Mrs. Evan said you were going to be staying with her at your sister's house."

"What are you talking about?"

"Didn't Mrs.Evan meet you at your office? She had a suitcase with her saying she was meeting you there."

As realization hit us both I ran to the staircase using my vampire speed. I practically broke the door off its hinges.

"Josephine?!" I called through the apartment. Her scent was fading, but there was another scent with it. A male scent. I raced to our room hoping with all my heart that she was in there. The room was empty except for a card on the bed. I opened it and began to read. I let the letter slip through my hands. I put my face in my hands not wanting to remember that night. As the letter fell to the ground I looked through my hands at the floor noticing a photograph behind the letter. I picked it up but once I realized what it was I let it fall again. This can not be happening I thought a s I stood up a paced the room back and forth. Shine could not be pregnant. Another envelope caught my eye. It was Josephine's handwriting. I snatched the letter making sure I didn't tear anything I opened the envelope. I sat on the edge of the bed my eyes scanning every word.

Dark,

You foolish bastard. I can't believe you actually fell for this whole charade. I laugh at the thought of you actually thinking I loved you. Did you really think I'd fall for your charm? Think again. When you read this I'll probably be thousands of miles away with someone else. Don't look for me. I'll send my lawyer soon for the divorce.

Josephine

It was as if I had been hit with a blow to the chest. Sucking out the air and life out of me. I don't know how long I sat there or when I actually breathed again. Denial was the next thing I felt. This wasn't happening. Josephine wouldn't do this to me. Last night she had confessed her feelings. After denial there was doubt. Is this why she took so long to tell me she loved me, because she actually never did? Then there was the surge of anger. Anger towards myself, towards the world, towards HER. I punched the glass night stand breaking it to millions of pieces of glass. The pain was nothing compared to what I was feeling inside. How could I have been such an i***t and actually fall for HER, when my plan was never to fall in love with her. I had even told her the night we got married that this was only business yet I fell in love with her. I subconsciously made my way to the small bar I had in the living room. I gulped down drink after drink slowly starting to feel the effects of the alcohol finally kicking in. I was out of it when I heard something ring. Was that the doorbell? I stumbled to the door opening it. From my blurry vision I could make out a woman by the way the fabric clung to her skin. The scent of someone familiar.

"Shine?" I asked.

Josephine's POV

After literally hours of driving I finally arrived at the familiar old fashioned diner just as the last strike of light was fading. The lights were dim. I wondered if it was already closed. My hope of finding Casper was slowly dying just as everything inside me was. If he wasn't here, I didn't know what I was going to do with myself. The taxi pulled onto the gravel road. I bit my lip in desperation searching for anyone left in the diner.

"Well here we are," the taxi driver said yawning. He turned back to look at me. "Are you sure you want to stay here it looks like everyone's gone."

Before I answered I spotted somebody coming out of the diner locking up the diner. Could it be? He turned around. It was him! He looked exactly like I remembered him from weeks ago. He walked to his old Chevy pickup looking for the right key. I didn't hesitate to tell the taxi driver I was fine before grabbing my suitcase and quickly jumping out of the car. I heard the taxi leave but Casper still didn't look up. I wobbled with the suitcase by my side until I was 100 ft behind him.

"Casper." That one word that left my mouth said so many things. It didn't even sound like me. I could tell by the way he turned around and looked at me as if he were looking at a stranger.

"Josephine?"

Casper's POV

"Josephine?" I asked not sure if that's who I was seeing.

"Oh Casper," she said tearing up. She looked as if she was going shatter on the gravel and just break. I reached her just in time as she fell into my arms sobbing.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt?" I asked scanning her to make sure she wasn't harmed.

Josephine's POV

"I'm hurting inside Casper. I've never felt so much pain since my mom died." I sobbed into his shoulder not even sure if he could understand what I was saying through all the sobbing.

He hugged me firmly making me feel protected and safe.

"Come let's go somewhere where we can talk."

I simply nodded letting him lead the way to his truck.

* * *

I lay in a bed staring at the wall. After we had arrived at Casper's huge estate I had calmed down enough to tell him my story. He had listened intently never taking his eyes off of me or giving my hand a squeeze. He had let me use one of the guest rooms. Which all I really saw was a bed. My eyes didn't look at all the details, I was mentally exhausted and just wanted to sleep it all off, but no matter how tired I was, I wasn't able to sleep. The sun was now rising and Dark would be waking up who knows where.

Dark's POV

I woke up with the sun flashing through the glass windows. I covered my eyes rolling over draping my arm over Josephine. Josephine? Was this a dream? I squinted before fully opening my eyes. My head was about to burst. The person next to me wasn't Josephine, it was Shine. What was she doing here? And why was she naked? I looked at myself and I was also naked. Could we have-? No we couldn't have. I didn't remember any of this.

Shine rolled over facing me. She opened her eyes smiling when she saw I was awake.

"Morning sleepy head," she said playing with my hand.

I took my hand back glaring at her.

"Shine, what did we do last night?"

"You don't remember?" She pouted.

"No," I stated holding my head.

"I came to talk to you about the surprise I left you, but when you opened the door you hugged me then one thing led to another and here we are."

I groaned.

"Is it true?"

"Is what true?"

"You're expecting a baby of mine"

"Of course it's true! How could you doubt that?"

" Shine, you could have been with many more guys?"

"Dimiri! I'm insulted!" She said faking hurt.

"Well, it's true! How do you expect me to believe you? When the time comes we're getting a DNA test."

"We can't," she quickly replied.

"Why not?"

"This is a vampire baby, how can we go to the doctor? I don't know how my pregnancy is going to be."

She had a point.

"We'll go to Elsa's clinic."

She bit her lip, "Fine."

"Now if you don't mind, I need to be alone."

"But, what about us?"

"There is no-" I paused to think about it. I was going to have to take care of her and be responsible. She could possibly help me forget about Josephine. Just thinking of her caused my stomach to lurch. Where could she be?

Josephine's POV

Casper came in with a tray of food. My stomach lurched at the sight. I didn't even want to see food right now.

"I brought you some breakfast," he said placing it on the night stand.

I shook my head, "Thanks, but I'm not hungry." My voice sounded hoarse.