Tales from Arondell: Sodom - Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen

Isabella Darian

Clutching mama's old blanket around my shoulders, I raise my hand to knock again and hesitate. Gaia, what am I doing here? It's one thirty in the morning. Go back to bed.

Trying to ignore the reason that brought me here in the first place – the steady pulsing between my legs – I glance around the gloomy foyer. Checking that I'm alone. Should Lannie or Nadia see me up this late, if they're awake themselves, they might hound me with questions I don't want to answer. I'm not even sure I can accept the reason myself, but here I am. About to do something I know I'll regret, and to what end? Making Zae happy? Getting what I want?

I sigh, caressing the worn folds of my blanket. I don't know what I want...

Thunder rumbles and lightning flickers against the barred windows, hurling weird shadows across the floor. Old statues, a grandfather clock, a stained rack, empty iron cages and wall-mounted weaponry hunker in the spacious room. With the dim light above the front doors, it looks like something from a horror movie. Right before the killer appears.

It looks like the Gaffer and his people moved in shortly after the Beast died, leaving everything as it was. Probably to keep the Watch at bay. Maybe the Gaffer killed the Beast? Maybe the Gaffer is the Beast?

I shudder and hug myself tight. The thought of Zaenack and his family moving in with that monster, the thought of Him touching me is too much. He can't be the Beast. It's just the silence, the storm and Zae's absence getting to me. After all, since the road collapsed, Watch patrols must be crawling all over the city, and I doubt Sinah will quit looking for me.

Turning my back on the foyer, I glance at the light shining under the door. Floorboards creak and muffled footsteps pace in the next room.

So he's having trouble sleeping, too. I can't say I blame him.

Switching off my torch, I drop it into a deep pocket and retie my dressing-gown. Making sure I'm properly covered. Gaia knows he's seen enough of me. Tasted and touched enough...

Don't go there, Bella. Just... Don't. I blush and swallow hard. For the last two nights I haven't stopped thinking about him. Dreaming of the things he did, only to awaken hot, flushed and burning for a man I don't know. A man who could be a monster.

Gaia, what am I doing? This isn't like me at all. Swallowing again – my mouth is so dry – I press my forehead against the door. It's cool and soothing beneath my feverish skin. If I didn't know any better I'd say he's cast a spell on me. I certainly can't get his scent out of my head. Not when everything seems to smell like him. Even the walls and floor radiate his odor.

I sigh again. I understand my need for Zae. That's been with me as long as I've known him. But this? It's madness. But, how can it be wrong when...

The brass handle turns and the door creaks open, startling me. I leap back, nearly losing my blanket and gape at the figure filling the doorway: Mister Scarlett. Barefoot, he's dressed for bed in a black silk night shirt, open at the throat, and matching silk trousers. His hair is a mess, but he's painted his full lips. Almost like he's expecting company.

My heart leaps and my wings quiver. Oh my Gods. He-He's incredible. A strange undeniable yearning, driven by his erotic scent, washes over me. Drawing me helplessly toward him, and I'm not strong enough to resist. My blossom starts to ache and my nipples tighten, rubbing against my white silk nightie. I still don't know what possessed me to pull that thing out of the closet. Maybe it was the dream that hounded me?

Well, regardless of what compelled me, he'll know soon enough...

“Miss Darian, this is a pleasant surprise.” Mister Scarlett's wicked grin tells me he already knows. Crap. My temperature rises and my pulse races, my breasts rising and falling with shuddering breath. Now what do I do?

“I wasn't expecting to see you at this hour.”

Neither was I. I gulp and nervously finger the edge of my blanket. He flicks back his jagged red fringe and leans closer. His scent fills my sinuses, driving me mad with need. Gaia, this isn't fair. Why have you abandoned me to this?

“Why don't you join me, Miss Darian?” He touches my hand and a jolt of pleasure ripples through me, making me squeak in alarm. I want to pull back, I want to retreat and forget about why I came here, but I can't. His touch feels so good. I whimper as his thumb caresses my fingers.

“It's cold tonight and I'd love the company.” His smile softens and his blue eyes twinkle, telling me I have nothing to fear. What harm can there be when already I can't sleep?

Besides, I owe the man an apology for throwing those shoes at him. That really isn't like me at all...

Continued in Chapter 14