Aurelia
One month later
Nights in my home were now just shadows of the sanctuary it used to be. I didn't enjoy the night. It felt strange. I flinched at every creak and shuddered at every passing shadow. Even under the high tech security Jayvion installed, I couldn't feel safe.
I only felt safe when he was around. I knew how twisted that was. How can a dangerous man like him with a world full of danger and chaos be safe? No matter the danger, I just believe Jayvion will never hurt me. I feel safe when I'm with him. I feel seen. Loved.
One morning at dawn, Jayvion appeared at my door. He lets himself in despite the locks. Of course, he installed the locks. He didn't expect me to be awake because he looked dazed.
"It's 5am, Little Writer" he acknowledged, studying my face. He must have noticed the heavy bags under my eyes because he added.
"You didn't sleep"
"I couldn't" I corrected. I slipped my hands into the oversized hoodie I was wearing and stepped closer. His scent-- whiskey and something new, something breathtaking stole the air from my lungs.
"I..I feel scared, Jayv. My skin crawls at the thought of someone breaking in. Even with this...high security" I swept my hands to the space.
"I don't feel safe. When you're here, I'm okay. But the moment you walk out of that door, I couldn't relax. It's like this was never my home. And I can't ask you to stay with me. I can't ask Freya too. So all I'm saying is..." I paused, taking in a deep breath. I'm about to make a decision that would rewrite the whole narrative. Lord help me.
"I'm ready to move in with you" I said. Somebody check the temperature in hell. This shouldn't be me deciding to move in with the villain. I studied him, my writer's mind noting every reaction.
He held his breath for seconds longer than usual. His jaw clenched. His eyes flickered. Shocked. Jayvion Carell was shocked. It must be really snowing in hell.
"Are you sure, Little Writer" of all the things I expected him to say. That wasn't part of it. I held my shoulders up and nodded.
"Yes"
"I can't even concentrate enough to write. I have one week until my deadline" I added, using the practical reason as my shield. The time flew by so fast that I literally forgot about the deadline I set for myself. One week to get it done. One week until I turn 23. But Jayvion doesn't need to know that.
One thing I understood about Jayvion, he promotes my writing career and that, I truly appreciate.
Just when I thought he'd agree, he shook his head. His gaze turning firm.
"No, Little Writer. You're supposed to run from me. I am the villain. You should--"
"No" I cut him off. For the first ever time, I cut the almighty Jayvion Carell off. His eyes flickered dangerously but I cared less.
"I'm not scared of you. I would never be" my voice was breathless as my heart thrummed against my ribcage. I can't believe I'm going against his words. Something must have happened to my sanity because I'm unbelievably brave this morning.
"Careful Little Writer, or I might think you're flirting" it was a warning and my heart skipped a bit at that. There was no semblance of warmth in his voice. I continued talking however.
"I chose not to run away from you. Not that you'll let me do that" I shrugged my shoulders. Both me and him knew that that's the truth.
He grabbed my neck and pulled me closer. His face hovering over mine.
"I could ruin you" he growled.
"Break you. Remake you into the worst version of yourself. You don't know what you're asking for, Aurelia" he growled lowly and believe me, I melted under him. He noticed- of course he did- his eyes darkening in response.
"What if I want you to ruin me" my voice came out breathless than intended and I blamed it to his closeness.
"I don't want little good boys, flowers, castles and 'happily ever after' endings. I want it dark, villainous, full of sin and blood" I added, voice shaky with adrenaline.
A half- smirk touched his lips as he gently squeezed my throat.
"Little Writer with the most tainted mind"
A triumphant smile touched my lips. I'd done it.
Aurelia Blackwood, you must be a real psychopath.
"Then it's done" and finally, he agreed.
Moving in to Jayvion's penthouse was really smooth and not stressful. Mainly because I didn't have much belongings to carry. By that night, I was settled. I let Freya know about my move-in and she promised to come the next day. I knew she would. Even though, she hates getting close to Trevor which I didn't understand why. She developed a sudden hate for Trevor mainly because he existed and Trevor looked irritated by her. I was surprised how easily she breached his perfect professional mask he always wears.
After dinner, I refreshed and changed into a pair of black pajamas I found in the closet and simply relaxed on the bed. Tonight, I'm gonna sleep and relax. Then the next morning, I'll figure out how to continue my book.
I stared at the ceiling for what felt like an hour unable to sleep. Not again. It would take a while before my brain adapts to the new environment. Till then, I have to suffer this insomnia.
I groaned and hopped down from the bed and walked out.
There at the leaving room, I sighted something unbelievable and heart trenching. It was Jayvion, his head buried on his palms. He looked shattered . Vulnerable. At that moment, he wasn't the stalker or the villain-- just a man in profound pain. What could possibly make him this way?
He jerked off when he heard a movement in the living room, his usual dark, indifferent mask slamming back in place.
I stopped right on my tracks as he locked his gaze on me. He took in the sight of me. His gaze a slow caress that felt like he was undressing me with his eyes. I could feel my body heating up under his intense scrutiny. His next words left me frozen.
"What did I say about eavesdropping?"