When I Find You

Chapter 6: A Face to the Name

    I woke up to the sound of knocking on the door. I was in a light and airy room with tall ceilings. There were curtains to equal the measurements. I sat up to scan the rest of my surroundings. The bed sheets and comforter were white with many shades of creams and taupes to compliment each other. It was similar to my room at the castle, but this room was larger. In the corner of the room, there was a round table and a duffle bag sitting atop of it. 

    I looked down and noticed I was still in the t-shirt from last night. s**t…last night… My heart started racing at the thought of the mystery man with purple eyes and how well he dominated me. I was so speechless I let him have his way and now here I am, unsure of my location, and myself. 

    Another knock at the door caused me to come out of my thoughts. “Come in!” 

    The door opened slowly to Mr. Mystery man shirtless and carrying a tray of food that caused my stomach to react. I gripped my stomach and sadness flooded my thoughts. I think he could sense it because his eyes dropped to the floor as he neared the edge of the bed to deliver the food. 

    He sat at the edge, not moving. His eyes remained down, not gracing me with his purple gaze, which only saddened me more. It looked as though he was battling an internal conflict; as if someone hurt him. There was a possessive side of me begging to break out and hurt the person responsible for hurting mine. Mine? What was going on with me? I am not aggressive. 

    The silence was becoming awkward and I wanted to say something. Maybe that would make him stay. I grabbed a grape and popped it into my mouth. “I just want to know where I am.”

    He didn’t look up at me. I could tell he was contemplating whether or not he wanted to answer my question. I was beginning to get worried none of my questions would be answered. I have thousands of them and still it seems everyone remains silent. 

    “You’re in my bedroom, Ava.” He softly spoke as he pierced me with his beautiful purple eyes. When he said my name chills went down my spine and goosebumps formed along my arms and legs. 

    I looked at him in confusion, but didn’t say anything. I took a few sips of the coffee he brought me on the tray. He didn’t look away from me, but instead continued to observe me. I could tell my cheeks were burning up and I tried to hide it by taking another sip of coffee and looking out the window. 

    “You’re not locked in here. You are free to roam and do as you please. I never want you to feel as though you are a prisoner when you are not.” I turned my head back to him as he spoke looking down again. 

    “Thank you. If I am not a prisoner then I would like to say that I have many questions that require answers.” Determination coursing through my voice. 

    He looked up at me again. Curiosity clearly apparent on his face. I wanted to ask him all the questions I had, but for fear of making him leave I decided it was best I ask the small questions and work my way to the complex ones. 

    “What is your name?” My words were gentle and my eyes never left his.

    His shoulders slightly dropped as if the weight was now minimal compared to 2 seconds ago. I think he was ready for the complex questions. His eyes carried more playfulness and his face held a beautiful smile. Mine, I thought. Why do I keep thinking this? I am not one for possessiveness or aggression or anything else I have been feeling in the last 24 hours. 

    He crawled closer to me on the bed. I could tell he was powerful, but I didn’t feel unsafe or unsure of the future. This feeling was new to me. When he was content with how close he was to me, he looked in my eyes and searched for something.

    “My name is Julian. Julian Grey.” His hand reached out to me indicating that I shake it, but all I could do is gasp and the realization dawned on me that this is the face to the name I saw on the guest list for the masquerade party.