A DEADLY NUPTIAL

Chapter - 19

 I leaned against a nearby tree with my hands in my pockets. I watched her. Her steady breaths, the wind in her hair. After a moment she opened her eyes. Alert when she found me staring at her.

"How long have you been here?" Josephine stood up and walked past me, but I grabbed one of her hands and pulled her back. She tried to pull away, but I brought her close. After trying to escape she gave up and just stood there." I have to tell you something," I started.

"What?" she asked. I cleared my throat.

"The papers we signed during the ceremony weren't normal marriage papers."

"Tt-then what were they?"

"They were rules for our marriage."

"Rules? What do you mean?" she asked eager to find the answer.

"Well for starters after today you won't be able to see any of your loved ones again."

"What?!" she pushed herself away from me. "You Dark 't be serious!?"

"These aren't my rules Josephine," I tried to keep my voice calm.

"Then whose are they? Your fathers?"

"Yes."

"Then you knew about them!" she argued, she said in disbelief. I watched her just stand there and take it all in. She looked off into the distance with her hand covering her mouth and the other arm under her elbow. Tears were starting to form in her beautiful eyes. She closed her eyes and when she opened them a second later. A tear escaped. I stepped forward, but she held up a hand signaling me not to go to any father.

"Josephine-"

"Don't. Just don't." 

"Dark !" I turned around and saw Shine walking down the gravel road. Shine was my father's secretary. Josephine turned around not wanting Shine to see her crying.

"Dark , I've been looking everywhere for you."

"What for?" She was standing in front of me, but I wasn't looking at her. I was focused on Josephine. She turned around. Her face is not showing any signs of sadness. I immediately remembered Shine was still here.

"Shine, I'd like you to meet my wife, Josephine."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Shine. If you'll excuse me I'm going to see the other guests."

Josephine's POV

I grabbed my dress, so I wouldn't trip and ran to the bathrooms. It seemed like that was my refuge for when I felt like crying. I arrived and entered standing in front of the sinks looking at my reflection in the mirror. I was thinking about what had just happened and about that slutty Shine. Had she been his lover? Were they still lovers? As I contemplated all this mess I heard two people talking in the stalls while they were doing their business. It was Mahi and her sister Juhi gossiping.

"You'll never believe what I heard Juhi," said Mahi.

"What?! What did you hear?"

"I heard Josephine only married Dark for his money."

"You think so?"

"Of course!" They've only been together like a couple of times. Don't you think it's strange that this wedding happened out of nowhere? We hadn't even known they were engaged."

"True, but you know how it is Mahi. Our whole lives revolve around arranged marriages."

"Oh please Juhi, that died a long time ago. Who still does those?"

"Well you never know."

"Well, I bet you their marriage won't last a year." Luckily I noticed a half filled wine glass by one of the sinks. When I heard their toilets flush I stepped outside waiting for them to leave. They both walked out a few minutes later.

"So you don't think my marriage will last a year Mahi?" her eyes were wide when she saw me. "Well I think we'll at least last longer than you and Hen did. What was it? One night?"

"Shut your mouth Josephine!"

"Why should I?" I challenged myself.

"Because!"

"Because?"

"Aargh!" she groaned in frustration and slapped me. I looked at her surprised she had actually had the courage to do it. I wickedly smiled and said one last thing, "At least I'm not a whore." and with that poured the wine on her head and walked back to the party.

Dark 's POV 

"What do you want to do?" I was irritated.

"I want you Dark . You know that." she said, running her finger up and down my chest.

"Shine, you know our relationship ended months ago."

"You ended it Dark , not me."

"Well now it's really over. I'm married."

"Dark , we both know you didn't choose her," she said looking annoyed.

"Maybe I didn't, but I'm going to respect her. Goodbye Shine."

Lorenz's POV

I sat at a table all by myself stirring my olives in my martini. Everyone looked like they were having a good time. There was a DJ now blasting music. Ke$ha, my favorite. I sighed.

"There'd be one less lonely girl if you accepted to dance with me." I looked up and saw Mike flashing me a cheerful smile, holding his hand out. I couldn't resist, especially when he used one of the names from a Justin Bieber song. He was so lame sometimes.

"Sure. Why not?" Alexander was going to be asking me anytime soon. He was surrounded by a ton of girls for the past half hour. I smiled when he looked over and saw me practically grinding Mike, but then I saw Josephine drinking at the bar with Hen. According to Josephine he was the Mafia drunk. A slow song came on, so I put my arms around Micheal and watched Josephine.

Josephine's POV

I don't know why you do it, Hen." I commented sitting at the bar taking down shots of tequila. I wasn't a drinker, but right now I really needed something to get everything out of my head.

"Do what?" Hen asked.

"Drink so much."

"Let's just say I lost what I love the most in this world." I looked at where he was staring. Juhi. Mahi had managed to clean herself some and was now standing in the corner with her arms crossed and a huge frown on her face. Juhi, her loyal slave, stood with her. I personally liked Juhi. It was Mahi who I didn't like. Juhi was sweet and pretty. Mahi covered herself in make-up and was stuck-up.

"Why aren't you with her?" I questioned wanting to know what could've destroyed their love.

He sighed, "That's the thing. I don't know." He took a chug of his whiskey. I sighed as well. Life just sucked.

Dark 's POV

"Hey man," Drew walked over. "You look kind of worried. What's up?"

"Have you seen Josephine?"

"You talking 'bout the hot chick at the bar with the drunk guy?" I knew he tried to lighten things up. I turned to look at the bar and sure enough there she was sitting next to Hen God knows how many tequilas she had had.

"Thanks Drew," I strolled towards the bar and sat on the bar stool next to Josephine. "I'll have what she's having." I informed the bartender. Josephine turned her head and looked at me with those sad brown eyes and turned back. She finished her shot of tequila and asked for another.

"Ma'am, I don't think you should-"

"Sir, who do you think you are telling me what I Dark or Dark 't do?"

"Honey, I think he's right."

"Don't you dare honey me," she snapped. The alcohol was getting to her.

"Josephine you've had enough. Alcohol isn't going to solve anything. Come let's dance or the guests will suspect something."

"Stupid guests," she muttered under her breath. I positioned my hand in the small of her back in case she tripped or something. We stood in the middle of the dance floor waiting for a new song to begin. They played a slow country song I couldn't remember the name of. Josephine and I just swayed back and forth. Her arms were around my neck. I hadn't even had to force her. It must have been the effect of the alcohol on her. Her head was in the crook of my neck, her nose almost touching my neck. I could sJosephiel her hair...her skin. It had a fresh pomegranate lemon scent.

An Hour Later

I waited outside Josephine's door knowing if I let her walk down the stairs she would easily trip and fall. The effect of the alcohol was wearing off since I made sure she didn't have anymore. She opened her door and stepped out still in her dress except without the mermaid tail. The tail had been detachable. I took her hand and led her downstairs where her family awaited. As soon as we had reached the last step she bolted into her dad's arms.

"Dad, how come you never told me I would never see you again?" she sobbed into his shoulder. He patted her back.

"I didn't want you to worry about it during the reception." Josephine glared at me past her father's shoulder.

"Dad, is it true?" Alexander interceded.

"Yes, sadly." Josephine then was enveloped in a massive hug by Alexander.

"Josephie-"

"We have to go. I interrupted. She then received a tearful hug from Lorenz, and I heard her whisper,

"Take care of Alex for me."

Her friend simply nodded. She gave her home, friends, and family one last look before we stepped outside. As we stepped into the cool night the guests clapped and cheered as we made our exit down the stairs. They threw rose petals as I decided to make one last grand exit for the guests. I swept Josephine into my arms carrying her bridal style down the stairs. As we reached the car I turned around with her still in my arms, and i looked in her eyes. She looked at the guests then back at me nodding in approval. She knew what I was going to do. I leaned my head in, and she took my face in her hands and kissed me. Our second kiss.

Josephine's POV

As we walked down the stairs the guests threw rose petals in the air. Dark suddenly surprised me and carried me bridal style the rest of the way. I guess it would've had a romantic feel. I actually liked having my hands around his neck even though I was still pissed at him. I would have kept drinking, but he stopped me. Which was probably a good idea. As we reached the car he turned around with me still in his arms. I looked at the guests one last time, Mahi giving me a bitchy look, as well as Shine giving me a jealous stare. I looked back at Dark and knew what he was thinking. I nodded showing my approval. He leaned in, and I took his face in my hands like Caroline had done with Louis and kissed him. It was a sweet kiss not too long and not too short. I was grateful he didn't expect anything passionate. The guests cheered and waved as we drove off. Back in the car I looked in the rear view mirror viewing my house for the last time. I would miss my family, my friends, and ...I had almost forgotten! My mom! I wouldn't be able to see her anymore. How could I not have realized this?! I hadn't had the chance to say my farewell. The realization hit me like a punch in the face. Tears poured out for like the tenth time today. I tucked my legs under my chin and sobbed silently not wanting Dark to notice I was crying...again. But of course he noticed and immediately asked, "What's wrong Josephine?"

I couldn't take it anymore. I basically blew up in his face. "What's wrong?! How Dark you ask me what's wrong?! You know exactly what's wrong!"

"This whole situation?"

"Yes, this whole situation! I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to my mom! How do you think I feel!? Happy because I'm going to who knows where with a stranger who's probably only thinking about having s*x?!"

"Josephine, what are you talking about?"

"I'm sure you're going to force me to have s*x with you," my voice had lowered quite a bit as I looked out the window not wanting to meet his gaze.

"Of course not. I would never do that to you."

"How Dark I trust you when our whole marriage has started off on lies? Which leads me to what else haven't you told me about our "marriage"?"

Dark pondered for a moment thinking about what was in the contract. After a while he finally answered, "Well, besides not seeing your loved ones you'll have to accompany me to several business trips, parties, meetings with the Mafia families, etc. We basically act like a normal married couple, so nobody suspects anything."

"I have to accompany you everywhere?! That's so stupid!"

He sighed, "It's how it works Josephine." I couldn't believe it. I sat in my seat astonished at all the news. This just pissed me off even more. I crossed my arms and stared out the window. After several minutes of silence he stated, "Back to what you were saying before. I'm not gonna force you to have s*x with me. That's the least thing I worry about. I'm not gonna pressure you into anything you don't wanna do. I'm not that kind of guy." I laughed. I gave myself a sidelong glance before looking back to the road.

Dark 's POV

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Your statement. You're 'not that kind of guy'. That's hard to believe from what everyone at the party was saying. According to everyone, you're the player that sleeps with every girl."

"Do you think I'm a player?"

"Well...there is Shine and Mahi."

"What about them?"

"Mahi doesn't think we Dark last a year being married since you're such a player, and Shine totally has a thing for you. Who knows? You probably slept with her before we got married, and she wants you back." I couldn't believe all of what Josephine was saying. Sure I had been a player, but I had changed my ways when my mother died. She had wanted me to settle down, but never got the chance to see me do it. I had decided after her death I would take things seriously and have serious relationships with girls, not just one night stands. Shine had been more of a summer fling, but Josephine was right. She still had a thing for me. Before Josephine and I had left the party Lorenz had pulled me aside and told me Josephine's tragic story. It explained so much. The strong barrier she formed around herself, and her strong attitude. I had given Lorenz my word of not hurting her in any way.

"Josephine," I began, "I know we don't know each other that well, but I promise you that I will try and be the best husband. I won't pressure you into anything and I will be respectful."

"Fine," she simply said. After our conversation she fell asleep against the window which was good because she wasn't allowed to know where we were headed. She probably thought we were going to an airport, but we were actually going to one of the houses my father owned in the woods separated basically from the nearest town. It was a huge mansion hidden in the middle of a forest. I remember growing up there, but moving after my mother died. The mansion was big but had a cabin homey feel to it. I continued driving mainly vampire speed since no one was driving this late, and Josephine was asleep. We arrived in 45 minutes. I drove through the dirt road surrounded by trees and finally arrived in front of the house. As I parked the car Josephine began to wake up.She stretched her arms.

"Where are we?"

"Home."

"Home?" She looked out the window. "It's more like a mansion. Where exactly are we?"

"That I Dark 't tell you. Classified information." She opened her and stepped out of the car.

"Of course it is," she rolled her eyes and began to walk towards the front door. Having just woken up she still looked groggy and did not see the stairs. She tripped, but her arms had stopped her face from hitting the stairs.

"Josephine, are you alright?" I dropped the suitcases and ran in her direction. She looked so frustrated and like a child that had dropped their ice cream. Again she decided to explode on me.

"Do I look alright?! I'm not alright! Today's been a long day, I'm frustrated, tired, sick of wearing these stupid heels, and I don't want to be here." She placed her head in her knees and began to cry. I squatted down beside her and touched her hand. "Don't touch me! Just leave me alone! " She yelled. She slapped my hands away and stood up. She wiped away the tears and looked to the right off in the distance with her arms crossed.

"Just show me to my room please." We had entered the house and were now in the living room.

"Your room? Don't you mean our room?"

"I am not sharing a room with you." she stated.

"Yes--"

"Dark ," I looked at my nana who walked into the living room.

"Nana," I hugged her, "this is Josephine, my wife. Josephine, this is my Nana Yusi. You Dark call her Yus. She's gonna be here to help you with anything and watch you while I'm gone."

"It's nice to meet you,"

"It's nice to meet you too Josephine."

"Dark , Dark you please just show me my room? I'm starting to get a terrible headache."

"Josephine, I already-"

"Dark , it's fine. I set up a room for her. It's the one next to Anabelle's old room."

"But Nana,"

"I'll just find it myself, Dark ," she said exasperated. She climbed up the stairs but halfway up she tripped not exactly over the effect of the alcohol. I ran vampire speed and caught her before she could fall.

"How did you do that?"

"Do what? I was behind you the whole time Josephine," I lied.

"No you weren't," I couldn't lie to her face, so I picked her up and threw her over my shoulder.

"Up you go,"

"Dark let me go!"

"You're in no condition to walk." She kicked and hit my back protesting to let her go until we reached her room. I put her down, and she stepped back, her chest heaving as she breathed hard from anger.

"Don't you ever do that again,"

"I Dark , I'm your husband."

"You don't own me!"