A DEADLY NUPTIAL

28

"Josephine, you're completely wrong," he said putting his hands gently on my arms,"you're right about one thing though. There are millions of beautiful girls out there, but none of them are you. No one has your warm loving eyes that get that twinkle when you talk about what you love doing or the way your cheeks flame when I'm near you, or your big generous heart." His face kept inching closer to mine I could feel his hot breath as he continued elaborating, "Or makes me smile the way you do. I hardly doubt I'll find a girl with a freckle right in the center of her chest in the shape of a heart or any woman that would have the guts to kick her husband in his private spot knowing he's a vampire. I hope you understand what I'm trying to say Josephine. You are beautiful." He looked me directly in the eyes when he said the last line before gazing at my lips. His head inched closer, and I couldn't help but lean my head and seal the kiss. His hands went from my arms to my waist as mine went directly to his neck. His kiss became more passionate. I could almost feel the sincerity of his words in his kiss. After sharing that sweet but passionate kiss we broke apart to catch our breath. He placed his forehead against mine not letting me go. He interrupted our silence asking, "So tell me what were you hiding?"

I knew I was beginning to blush, so I buried my head in his chest to prevent him from noticing.

"Come on Josephine, I told you what I was thinking so know you have to tell me. Please?" he added at the end with a little kid voice.

"Fine, I'll say it just don't laugh." I couldn't bring myself to look him in the eye, so I placed my head under his chin. "I was kind of disappointed when you brought me to my room. I wanted to stay in your room... with you. I feel protected and safe in your arms." I admitted waiting to hear what he would say. His arms tightened slightly which I took as a good sign. After not hearing anything I got anxious and couldn't handle the silence anymore. I looked up to see his face, hoping to get any ideas of what was going through his head. He was looking off into the distance like he was in another world. I thought he needed space or something, so I tried to step of his arms, but his arms immediately tightened even more. He snapped out of his zone and looked at me. He looked at me with the most loving expression I could've melted of happiness. I thought he was going to kiss me again, but instead he pressed his lips against my forehead.

" Let's go to bed."

"Ok," I smiled. He turned off the candles as I went to change in the bathroom and brush my teeth. I was about to go for my ordinary pjs. My flannel bottoms and a tank top, but instead I chose something a little more romantic. It was a short periwinkle nightgown that came down to my knees. It wasn't too provocative. It didn't consist of any lace just satin and decent v neck. I put on my matching robe and headed out of the bathroom. I was a bit confused wondering why Dark wasn't in bed yet. He was sitting on it, but wasn't in it. He must've read the expression on my face for he explained, "I thought you'd prefer to sleep in my bedroom with the fireplace." "That would be amazing," I said feeling the gradual cold seeping into my bedroom. We went to his bedroom, and I waited as he did his bathroom things. I sat in front of his mirror brushing my hair. In the reflection I saw the bathroom door open revealing a half naked Dark. He was wearing black pajama bottoms but no shirt. I began to feel shy not knowing why, it was just Dark. I guess it had to do with us actually spending a night together without any arguing or being forced to. He cleared throat bringing back to reality. "Which side did you want?" "Umm.. left if you don't mind," "Not at all, I actually prefer sleeping on the right side." "I thought vampires couldn't sleep?" I said walking to the bed and taking off my robe. "Well we Dark..." his eyes trailed my body," when we're at peace." I felt content knowing I gave him peace and my night gown had caught his eye. I got in the covers trying to shield myself from the cold. The night gown was definitely not helping. I was shivering even with the fireplace fully ablaze. "Josephine, come here,"Dark said holding his arms open. I shook my head not wanting to move from my spot. He sighed, " You're such a stubborn girl." He pulled me into his arms holding my by my waist. I laid with my head under his chin and my arm draped across his bare chest letting his body heat warm me up. "You never answered my question." "What question?" "Will you go with me to the Christmas Eve Ball?" I didn't hesitate this time answering, "Of course I'll go with you." He gave me a light peck on the lips before saying goodnight as my eyes drooped in exhaustion. We both slept peacefully that night like a real married couple.

Over the next few days things went smoothly between Dark and me. Well I guess you could say smoothly. Every morning I'd wake up by his side feeling ecstatic, but then he'd excuse himself and shut himself in his studio. I didn't bother him knowing he would say he was busy. I spent most days in my office or the kitchen. I was so relieved when Yusi came home. I had her teach me different recipes. I preoccupied myself with so many things I had forgotten about the ball. I would've forgotten if Dark hadn't reminded me the night before.

We were sitting in our dining room having dinner with not much conversation. I was nibbling on some of my ceasar salad when Dark interrupted my thoughts.

"Have you decided what you're going to wear for the ball?"

I almost choked on my piece of lettuce. I swallowed quickly taking a sip of my lemonade.

"The ball? What's today?"

"The 23rd."

"It's tomorrow!"

"Don't tell me you forgot about the ball." he said amused.

"Of course not," I lied getting up from my seat and taking my plates to the kitchen. I rushed out of the kitchen.

"Where are you going?"

"I have to find a dress to wear!" I yelled over my shoulder. Surely out of all the dresses Alexa had stocked in my closet there was a decent one to wear to the ball. I opened the door to my room. Everything was so neat as if it had never been occupied by anyone. Which was partially true. I didn't stay here anymore. I slept in Dark's room. We had decided that I would move my things into his room one of these days. I walked into my walk in closet scanning through the various pieces of clothing. Unfortunately I couldn't find any dresses. The only ones I could find where more of cocktail dresses. I groaned in frustration grabbing the cocktail dresses and placing them on my bed. After 30 minutes I still couldn't decided which one to wear. I walked back and forth surveying each dress.

I was so desperate I put my face in my hands. "Find a dress yet?" I looked up from my hands. Dark had his hands in his pockets as he leaned against the door. "No," I sighed sitting down on my bed. "All I found were these," I explained motioning to the dresses next to me. "Well I think I may have found something." "Really?" My head snapped up at his words. "Yeah come on I'll show you," I got up and grabbed his hand as he led me through the house. I wasn't surprised to end up in his studio. He placed a blind fold over my eyes stating that it was a "surprise." I heard rustling and something squeaky being moved across the wooden floor. I could smell his manly cologne as he stood behind me. "Are you ready?" he asked in my ear. "Yes," I breathed eager to see what it was. He untied the blindfold, and I opened my eyes. In front of me was a gorgeous ball gown on a mannequin. It looked exactly like one of my designs. I couldn't Resist the temptation of feeling the delicate satin. I was amazed to be seeing one of my designs come to life. I turned around. I could tell Dark was waiting to see what I would say. Deciding not to say anything I ran and practically jumped into his arms hugging him tightly as he twirled us around. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," I repeated really fast from all the energy and happiness. I probably sounded like a kid on Christmas morning. He set me down, and I grabbed his face between my hands and kissed him with all I had in me. He was shocked but was more than willing to kiss me back. "Does that mean you like it?" "No, it means I love it!" I turned back to gaze at the beautiful dress. Everything was there. The sweetheart neckline, the jewels that gave it the elegance but at the same time simplicity and the layers of satin that formed the ball gown. "Where did you get it?" "I made it." My jaw dropped. "you made it?" "Yes, I found two of your sketches in your office one day, and I thought it would be a beautiful dress to wear to the ball." "Is this what you've been working on these past few days?" "Yeah," No wonder he was always locked up. "I didn't know you could create dresses." I said sitting in his tall stool. "I created your wedding dress didn't I?" "I thought you only designed it." "I did, but I also created it from scratch." I folded my arms not really understanding this situation. "I'm confused." "About what?"

"Why do you work for your father at the company when you have a gift. You can design and create dresses and paint. You could have your own fashion label instead of being a murder." "Josephine, it's not that easy. You think I can just walk into my father's office and say "Guess what Dad? I'm going to be a fashion designer?" I could tell the mood had definitely changed and the atmosphere in the room started to feel tense. "I don't see why not? What's so bad about it?" "my father would never allow it. It not a masculine job, and besides he needs my help at the company." "Doing what? killing people?" I stood up furious. "There are many famous fashion designers that are married." "Yes, but they don't have a multimillion dollar family corporation on their hands! My father needs me, Josephine! Neil isn't here anymore, so I'm going to inherit the company when my father passes away. I need to focus on learning everything for when that time comes." "But your father's a vampire! He's going to live forever!" "Well he's going to have to retire and move away when he gets of age." "So you're basically going to fake his death?" "Most likely." "Unbelievable," I said shaking my head. I walked away, but Dark pulled me back. "What?" He asked annoyed. I looked him fiercely in the eyes. "I thought I married a real man, but I see I didn't. I married someone who isn't willing to face their father for their dream job." "who says fashion designing is my dream job?" "Are you saying you like killing people?" I yanked my arm out of his grip. "No, but-" "Then what's the problem?" "Josephine, how can you ask that?! Our families have been mafia families since forever! This is our life! I can't just leave this life! This would be a disgrace to my family."

"There's nothing wrong with being a fashion designer, if I weren't married to you I would probably be designing. I wouldn't care what any of the families would say. It's my life not there's, and frankly I never like being part of a mafia and killing innocent people." with that I left him in his studio not even glancing back at the dress. I was so mad at him I didn't even want to see him. I grabbed my things from his bedroom, but was blocked at the door by Dark who had just entered. "Where are you going?" he asked raking his hand through his hair which looked like he had done many times. "I'm going to my bedroom," I answered cooly. "Josephine I don't want us to be fighting please just stay here." "I don't-" "Please," he pleaded with his eyes. "Fine," I turned back around and walked to the bathroom slamming the door shut. A few minutes later after changing and getting ready for bed I walked out to find Dark out on the freezing balcony with his bare back facing me. I would've cared about his health, but at the moment I was not in the mood to even see him. He walked back into the room heading for the bathroom. I finished brushing my hair, so I walked to the bed setting many of the pillows on the chair next to the bed leaving only the one I liked to sleep on. I turned out my lamp which left only his lamp and the fireplace. I got into bed not inching towards the middle like I usually did. I stayed on my side with my back facing Dark. I heard the bathroom door open and close. I felt the bed sink a little as he sighed noting that I was not in my usual spot. He turned off his lamp not even uttering a "good night". The next morning I woke up feeling very comfortable, as if I was in somebody's arms. My eyes snapped open. Dark's arms were wrapped around my body as my back still faced him. How did I end up here? I remembered last night which brought back the anger. I tried to pry off Dark's arms, but they were securely fastened around my body. I groaned which woke up Dark. "Would you mind removing your arms?" He let go. "I don't know how you got in my arms," he innocently said. "Oh please! It's not like I subconsciously tried to get in your arms." "You did." My face turned bright red. "Whatever." I got up feeling embarrassed when I still should have been furious. I pledged to myself that I would give him the silent treatment. I put on my robe heading downstairs to help Yusi with breakfast. "Good morning Yusi," I said walking into the kitchen. "Good morning dear. How was last night?" "Last night?" "Yes, last night. Didn't Dark show you the surprise?" "Don't even remind me," I muttered grabbing the jar of orange juice from the fridge. "Did you not like it?" she asked flipping the pancakes as I sat on one of the island chairs. "I loved it. It's just Can makes me so mad sometimes." I proceeded to tell Yusi last nights argument. As I finished Dark walked in freshly showered wearing a white button down shirt with some black slacks. I looked away reminding myself I was supposed to ignore him. "Good morning ladies," he happily said as if nothing had ever happened. He kissed Yusi's cheek like he usually did and walked over to kiss me. He would've given me a peck on the lips, but I moved my face so he kissed my cheek instead. He didn't say anything, while Yusi on the other hand shook her head. We ate breakfast in silence, but Yusi broke it by asking, "What time will you be leaving?" "Noon." Noon? That meant I only had 3 hours to get ready, or... I didn't have to go. "We need to pack a small suitcase. We're going to be staying at the Smith's mansion." I didn't say anything. I put my empty plate in the sink thanking Yusi as I walked back to our room. Dark soon followed matching my stride. as we walked to his room it I took a detour instead heading for my office. "Where are you going?" I didn't answer just kept walking. I reached my office and shut the door. I picked a random book from my bookshelf and settled into my reading chair opening to the first few pages. Dark of course followed me watching every move in disbelief."what are you doing? We're supposed to be leaving in less than three hours," he said glancing at his watch. I still didn't answer. "You're ignoring me." he stated. He growled in frustration. "Josephine get ready." I broke my pledge saying, "I'm not going." "You're not going?" he raised an eyebrow. I continued reading. "Well you're going to have to go whether you like it or not. It's in the contract." I placed the book on the coffee table standing up. "Fine, but I am not wearing that dress." I could see hurt in his eyes, but he masked it with anger. "I made that for you to wear it to the ball." "I don't have to wear it, it's not in the contract. Or what? Are you going to force me to wear it?" "I guess I might have to," he threatened. "Why do you want me to wear it? What am I going to say when people ask who designed it? I would rather wear something the designer is actually proud of and will recognize." His jaw clenched. "Fine I'll recognize that I made it. Just wear the dress, and hurry, we need to be leaving soon."

Dark's POV 

I waited impatiently at the foot of the stars for Josephine. "Josephine!" I yelled for the fifth time. If I had to call her name one more time I would have to take things into my hands. Even if that meant carrying her out the door. Before I yelled her name again she appeared at the top of the stairs. She took my breath away.

She walked down the stairs not bothering to look at me. She was probably still mad at me. She reached the final step with a sigh. "Let's go." I kissed her hand, "You look absolutely stunning." She didn't even crack a smile or blush at my compliment. She kept her focus straight ahead. "Thanks," she said with another exasperated sigh. I led her out of the house by hand. She didn't even gasp in surprise like any other girl to find a limo in our driveway. Her response was a "wow" being in a sarcastic way. At this point my patience was wearing thin. "Just get in the limo," I groaned. I slid into the limo after her separated by the puffiness of her dress. She attempted to smooth down the dress, but to no avail the dress still poofed out. She gave up trying, tucking a curl behind her ear she leaned against the leather seat closing her eyes. I studied her features. Her slightly natural tanned skin, her cute nose, and the way her curls flowed down her chest. Her eyes opened staring into mine. "What?" she asked, her features slightly softening. "Nothing. I was just admiring your beauty." She rolled her eyes.``Sure." "You'll probably be the most beautiful one there." "I doubt it," she grimaced. "Is it the dress?" "Yes... and no." "What do you mean?" This time she turned her body to face me as she leaned her head against the seat looking directly at me. "I love the dress. I just wish you would recognize your talent and not work for your father." I shook my head before she even finished. "Josephine," "I know, I know," she turned back to face the front, "You won't do it." "You have to understand that it's not that simple. I would've gone to designing school. My mom even supported me. She taught me how to sew and design when I was in high school." "Wait-" she interrupted. "Didn't your father know you were making my wedding dress?" "Yes-"

 "Then he didn't have a problem with it?" 

"I guess not," I thought about it.

 "See!? I don't know what your deal is! If he had a problem with you designing he would've said something," her eyes glowed with enthusiasm. I smiled, hugging her to my body. She placed her head under my chin as I breathed in her hair. "So am I forgiven?" I asked. She looked up at me. "Hmm..." she tapped her chin as if she had to think about it. "I don't know..." I pouted. She laughed at my expression, giving me a sweet kiss. "Did that answer your question?" she asked with her face an inch away. "I don't know. I'm still a little confused." I smirked. "Really?" her eyebrows rose, "Well we're gonna have to do something about that aren't we?" she gave me a devilish smile before bringing my mouth down to hers. Things began to get a little hot in the limo. At least there was a wall separating us from Bill, the driver. She pushed me down onto the seat almost straddling me in her huge dress. She easily opened her mouth as our tongues danced passionately. I kissed her neck trailing down to her chest. I felt her shiver against my lips. Was I doing something wrong? Did I bring back bad memories? I stopped, pushing her up as I sat up as well. Her eyebrows furrowed in confusion and her lips formed a pout. I restrained myself from kissing those tempting lips. I kissed her forehead, positioning her onto my lap like a little girl. I kissed each of her knuckles ending my trail of kisses on her ring. She stared at me frowning. I leaned my forehead against hers. "We shouldn't rush things," "Why not?" "Let's just wait.." She sat up moving off my lap. "I guess," she sighed, "So how much longer till we get there?" I looked at my watch. "Two more hours." She fiddled with her ring. "I never got the chance to ask you if you liked the ring." "It's beautiful," "But do you like it? I could always get you another one." She shook her head, "No, it's perfect. Have you thought about the press?" "I have," "And?" "If they ask, we'll tell them the truth." The press would definitely be at the ball, since they believed the mafia families were simply billionaire families that united to form a corporation. We were basically as famous as Donald Trump. The rest of the ride was in silence. Josephine seemed off in another world. I looked at my watch. It was almost 6. We would be arriving shortly. " Josephine," I said touching her arm. She jumped. "Sorry I didn't mean to startle you." "It's fine. Are we there?" The wall that separated us from the driver went down. "Mr. Evan, we have arrived at the Smith palace."the driver announced. "Thank you, Fereh." Josephine sat up straight checking herself in one of the mirrors that were on the limo wall. "Don't worry you look gorgeous." She smiled feeling slightly better.