A DEADLY NUPTIAL

22.

"No one Dark help. Not even you Josephine." his voice was full of anger. "Go to sleep. I don't want to see you." I was so mad at the way he treated me. I couldn't take it anymore. He had proceeded to walk away once again. I yelled at his back.

"I don't get you Dark ! You said you would try and make this relationship work. That you would be the best husband in the world. What happened to your promise? We're married as much as you hate it. As husband and wife I'm supposed to be here for you when you need it. But how Dark I? You keep pushing me away. So you know what? Fine! I don't care. I'm not going to try anymore, and you Dark just go to hell!" I finished my whole rant and ran back to my room before he could stop me.

I closed my bedroom door and sat down with my back against the door. I hated this, but I had to tell him. I walked to my bathroom wanting to wash the anger off my face and change into my pjs. I had forgotten to lock my door, so I was so surprised to see Dark standing in the middle of my room. He looked like a lost boy not knowing what to do or where to go. All the anger was long gone. Now all I felt was sympathy and compassion. I knew he probably heard me when I came out of the bathroom. He looked at me with such sadness. His eyes were tearing up. I walked cautiously towards him. I took the bottle of whiskey from his hand and placed it on the living room table. When I turned around he was sitting on the love seat with his face in his hands. He was shaking. I kneeled down in front of him.

"Dark ," my voice was barely above a whisper. "What is it?" He removed his hands from his face. His words were choked out.

"Neil. He's....dead," his voice cracked. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks. I wiped them away, and hugged Dark with all my forces. His brother was dead. His brother was like a best friend to him. No wonder he was in such a bad state.

"I'm so sorry." I instantly felt bad for yelling all those things. I held him in my arms letting him cry out all the tears.

***The next morning***

I woke up with the sunlight in my eyes. I was lying across the couch with Dark on top of me. His head was on my chest. I could feel his warm breath on my chest breathing in and out. At least he had fallen asleep. I didn't remember how long we had embraced.

I stroke his chestnut hair. I must have woken him for he looked up at my face from his position on my chest. He mildly blushed. I gave him a small smile. He sat up, so I sat up as well. He rubbed his eyes and looked at his watch. He sighed.

"Thank you for last night. I don't know what got into me I-"

"It's ok," I squeezed his hand. "you were going through a hard time. I'm sorry for everything I yelled at you. I had no right to-" this time he interrupted me.

"No, you were right to say those things to me. I deserved them. Forgive me." I kissed his cheek.

"You're forgiven. You should probably go take a shower. You had a rough night, and I'm assuming you'll be leaving for the funeral."

"WE will be leaving for the funeral," I was confused.

"We? I thought I wasn't allowed to leave the house?"

"You're job is to be my wife, and go with me. All the mafia families will be there, and will wonder where you are if you don't go."

"Right," I sighed. Understanding that it was my job not that he actually wanted me to go with him.

"Pack a suitcase, we'll leave in an hour."

I nodded. He left, so I went to the closet to look for what I was going to wear. I hadn't been outside, so I would need something for the cold. I decided on a petticoat dress with ankle boots and a Dark purple scarf. I curled my hair deciding to leave it down. I packed a small bag not knowing exactly how long we were going to stay in the city. I left my room and met him at the top of the staircase. He seemed more relaxed and looked at least presentable. He was wearing a Dark black tuxedo jacket and slacks with a white shirt underneath. He didn't wear a tie which made him seem less business professional. He simply nodded when he saw me, and we proceeded downstairs. Yusi waited by the front door with her suitcase. Her eyes were red and blotchy. I could see how badly she was affected by the loss of Neil, who must've been like a grandson to her. Dark took our suitcases to the car. I hugged Yusi giving her my condolences. We hopped in the car ready to begin the long trip. Dark handed me a pair of Dark aviators. I put them on and understood why he had wanted me to wear them. I could not see anything. It was like my eyes were looking into empty space. Before I could protest. I stopped myself. Now was not the time to argue. I sank back into my seat letting his fast driving lure me into a deep sleep. I was woken up by Dark gently shaking me.

"Josephine wake up, we're here."

I yawned. I removed the glasses and saw we were at what I assumed was the Evan estate. It was a large italian mansion. It wasn't extravagantly large, but it was fit for the Evans. I got out of the car and followed Dark into the house. As we entered the grand entrance we saw Alexa walking down the beautiful staircase. She saw us and immediately ran to Dark 's arms sobbing.

"Dark ,"

"Shhh,it's ok," he assured just like I had done last night. I had never seen the soft side of him until recently.

"He's gone.."

"I know, but he'll always be with us," he kissed her forehead. As she looked over her shoulder she remembered I was still there.

"Oh! I'm sorry Josephine! I forgot you were here." she hugged me hello.

"It's fine. I understand. You're going through a tough time. I'm so sorry about your loss. I'm always here for you," I offered.

"Thanks, it means a lot." Dark smiled weakly as well.

"Let's go upstairs Josephine," Dark said. I followed him up the grand staircase and to what I assumed was his room. It was a normal room nothing that really screamed vampire. It had cream colored walls with everything that matched, and in the middle of the room was a giant king sized bed.

After organizing everything into the drawers and closets we heading downstairs with the rest of the family. It was almost noon, and we had to leave for the ceremony. Downstairs everyone was quiet. Brown was talking quietly with Elsa. He gave me a quick acknowledgment while Elsa gave me a hug. Yusi was talking with the Bake and a couple of the other servents and employees of the house.

All throughout the funeral I held Dark 's hand giving it a squeeze now and then. When it was his turn to speak I let go watching him walk to the podium and clear his throat.

"Neil was my brother, my friend..." he went on talking about the good memories he had of Neil. I could easily remember when I met him at the wedding. He was shy, but easy to get along with. He was nothing like Dark or his father. Brown was always giving me evil looks that frightened me. I did not like him one bit. Neil on the other hand was kind and had soft eyes that reflected that. He had lighter hair than Dark and was more pale. After Dark finished his speech. He sat down wrapping his arm around my waist pulling me closer to him. He had his chin on top of my head. I rested my head in the crook of his neck. At the cemetery Dark never let me go, even when Mahi and Shine came to give their condolences he merely shook their hands.

We returned back to the estate as the sun was setting. The mafia families were invited to the estate, so there would be small appetizers and drinks. Once at the estate Dark let me go. He went to talk with the other men, so I went with Alexa. As I stood there not paying attention to the conversation she was having with Daina from the Davies family I realized that being one of the six mafia families my dad and Alexander were not here.

Dark startled me as he whispered, "They're not coming," in my ear. I hadn't noticed he had been standing behind me.

"Why not? Wait, nevermind. I know the answer," it was all because of the stupid contract. Of course the mafia families would not notice them not being here because I would still be able to represent the Johnstons. As long as I was here all six families had a member to represent it.

Dark put his arms on my shoulders following me as we said farewell to all the guests and going upstairs. I knew Dark was exhausted from the long day. Things had easily slipped my mind, like the fact that we would be sharing a room for the first time. Well, technically the second time, but yesterday we had actually shared a couch instead of a bed. I blushed at the idea. We got ready for bed each taking turns in the bathroom. I came out of the bathroom to find Dark fast asleep. I turned off the lights and was about to turn out the lamp on Dark 's side of the bed when I felt the need to kiss him. He looked so peaceful. I lowered my head and kissed his forehead then turning off the lamp. I sat on the bed taking off my slippers when I suddenly felt Dark 's arms around my waist. I gasped.

"I never thanked you properly for last night," he said silently but above a whisper.

"You don't have to thank me Dark ."

"I do." he turned me around with him still holding me around the waist. He leaned closer and gently kissed me on the lips.

"Thank you."

Dark 's POV

I lay there in bed not able to go to sleep. I wasn't at peace, and vampires could only sleep when they were at peace. Josephine was sleeping thankfully, but her breathing was getting harder and harder as if it was hard for her. Sweat started running down her face, and she suddenly sat up with a start. She took deep breaths unaware that I had been watching her. I closed my eyes not wanting her to know that I was awake. I knew how much she hated me knowing that she had nightmares. I heard her get up and go to the bathroom. After hearing the bathroom door open I expected to feel her laying back down, but she didn't. I opened my eyes and saw her walk out into the balcony. Her arms wrapped around her body hugging herself from the cold air. She was crazy going out there only in her pajamas and robe. I got up from bed and walked out onto the balcony.

"Josephine, what are you doing out here? You're going to get sick again."

She wiped her face before turning to face me. She must've been crying.

"I'll be there in a sec."

She tried hard not to look at me, but failed when she saw I wasn't going any where. As her sad eyes looked at me I couldn't help but open my arms and say, "Come here."

She was hesitant at first, but soon walked into my arms burying her head in my chest. I wrapped my arms around her, feeling the need to protect her from all this she was experiencing. After just standing there for a while we headed back into the room. Josephine lay there not closing her eyes.

"You should get some sleep," I persuaded.

"So should you. Besides, I Dark 't sleep."

"Me neither."

She turned her body, so she could face me, so I faced her as well.

"Dark we finish our game of twenty questions?"

"Sure."

"Is everyone in this house a vampire?"

"No. Only me and my family, except for Elsa. The employees are humans as is Yusi. She's the only one that knows about us besides you and Elsa."

"Your turn," she said propped up against her hand waiting for me to ask a question.

"How many boyfriends have you had?" I sincerely wondered how many boy she had kissed.

"One." Really just one?

"One?"

She looked away answering, "I wasn't really into dating. I wasn't at school much either."

"What do you mean?"

"I skipped a grade, so I mainly focused on school. I was really interested in boys, especially the ones from my school."

"What about Micheal?"

"He's a friend," she made clearly giving me a pointed look. "What about you? How many girlfriends have you had, and I mean serious relationships not one night stands."

Did she really think that of me? I thought back in time counting how many serious relationships maybe she was right. I couldn't think of any serious relationships I had well only Shine, but that was just a summer fling.

Josephine couldn't believe it. "Is it really that hard to think of one?" she shook her head and turned back around. I scooted closer to her and put my arms around her waist.

I whispered in her ear, "I guess the only serious realationship I've had is with you." I could almost feel the heat radiating off her cheeks.

Josephine's POV

Is this even a relationship? I thought. I didn't say anything. I scooted my back into his front feeling protected in his arms. He didn't move so we stayed like that the whole night. Linked as if we were a jigsaw puzzle that fit perfectly together.

The next morning I woke up finding myself alone in bed. That was probably one of the few nights since the incident that I had actually gotten a full nights sleep. I felt refreshed. Dark walked out of the bathroom in just a towel. My eyes zeroed in on his abs. I had no idea he had abs. His hair was still dripping from the shower causing his messy hair to be in his eyes. He smirked when he caught me staring.

"See something you like?"

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever." I walked to the bathroom taking a quick shower and changing into a white tank top with a cute jacket, some skinny jeans, and my favorite pair of black suede boots. Walking out of the bathroom I found Dark still in the room sitting on the bed.

"I was waiting for you. Breakfast is ready." I smiled at the fact that he had actually waited for me. He took my hand and we headed downstairs to the elegant dining room where the family was already sitting.

"Well if it isn't the love birds," said Brown. He hadn't changed with the death of his son. He was still the same Dark man with the snarky comments.

"Good morning everyone," I said to the rest of the table as Dark pushed my chair in for me, and I placed a napkin in my lap. In front of me the table was full of plates with several breakfast items. There was a pot of coffee, a pitcher of orange juice, a pitcher of milk, croissants, omelettes, muffins, pancakes, and bacon. My mouth was practically drooling.

Dark sat next to me right next to his father who was at the head of the table. Across from Dark was Elsa and across from me was Alexa. The dining room was one of the smaller ones since they had two. The other was used to seat at least 50 people. This table seated only 8 people. Only 5 of us occupied the table since Neil was no longer with us. The table was silent with little conversation here and there between Dark and Brown about business. Alexa and I mainly talked about the latest fashion.

"So do you have any plans for today?" Alexa asked me. Typically on a Saturday I would've slept in or gone out with Lorenz shopping.

"I'd usually go shopping or watch soccer later."

"You watch soccer?" Dark asked in disbelief.

"I'm a huge Mexico fan." I admitted. Since I was part mexiDark by my mom's side I had been raised watching soccer games and cheering for Mexico and of course Italy.

"Dark a big soccer fan too," Alexa said. Dark gave her a look as if she had told one of his biggest secrets.

"You are?" I looked at him utterly surprised.

"I go to a couple games here and there," he admitted taking a sip of orange juice. I never would have imagined Dark a soccer fan. He was always absorbed in business.

"Enough with the ridiculous chit chat. Dark , we have to go to the office today." Brown stated getting up from his chair.

"I'll meet you there in an hour father."

"Alright I will see you there," he excused himself from the table.

I relaxed as I watched him leave. He always left a negative effect on me. I resumed eating the delicious breakfast. Dark excused himself a half hour later.

"I'll see you later. Maybe we Dark watch a soccer game when I get home." he winked before giving me a kiss on the cheek. I blushed as Alexa giggled, and Elsa smiled.

As he walked away Alexa immediately started with the questions. She was practically jumping up and down in her seat.

"So?! Tell us! Have you two" she wiggled her eyebrows, ",you know? Done it?"

"Alexa!" Elsa exclaimed, acting as if Alexa were her real daughter.

"What? I was just wondering."

"No we haven't." I admitted.

"Why not?! I Dark practically see the sparks between you and him!"

Was she seeing things too? I could almost feel the electricity when he kissed me.

"We started off bumpy."

"Well, I guess it makes sense. You two are practically strangers."

"But believe me I've gotten to know him pretty well."

"So there is something between you two!"

"Well, I hope there's something. Sometimes I feel that he's rejecting me." I frowned.

Elsa leaned across the table and grabbed my hand, "It's only natural sweetheart. He's trying to give you some space."

"Space?" I asked confused. "Why?"

"He knows you've had rough times. He doesn't want to pressure you into anything."

Rough times? She couldn't be possibly talking about..no. I shook my head. It was probably about my mothers death, that's all. Elsa got up from the table and excused herself as well.

"Bye girls. I'm going to head to the clinic. Have a nice day." Alexa and I smiled and wished her good luck on her long day.

"Well, I guess I need to go as well," she sighed. She was still in college majoring in fashion. "You're so lucky you finished school early."