Page 4
Story: Blood and Redemption
My nail grazes one mark, and I start to drag my finger toward the next like I’m connecting a constellation. However, before I can make it to the next dark patch, this man’s eyes snap open.
Before I can breathe, thick fingers are suddenly wrapped around my wrist. Before I can blink, more fingers are wrapped around my throat.
For smelling like booze, this man reacts like an animal. Quick and deadly, he has this look in his eye that makes my heart flutter in my chest before picking up in speed.
My pulse races against his fingertips, but I don’t dare swallow. Instead, I steady my breathing. He’s not squeezing my throat tight enough to cut off the airflow, but getting in fresh air isn’t easy.
Watching the fog clear away from his eyes, it doesn’t take long for him to realize I’m not a threat. Jerking to look around, he releases me long enough to groan and pinch his brow.
From how badly his clothing smells, I can only imagine how much he indulged in.
“Where the fuck am I?” His voice is rough, deep enough that I can feel it tickle my bones. “How in the hell did I get here?”
He moves to stand up, quick to get on his feet, and I watch in amazement as he crumbles right back onto the crouch. When his skin pales, I quickly grab the trash can tucked in the corner. Offering it up, he doesn’t think twice to snatch it from me before hurling whatever is weighing down his stomach.
Leaving momentarily, I abandon our living room to move to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass and filling it with water, I hunt down painkillers while I’m at it.
I’ve cared for Ren when he’s had too much fun the night before.
Does this man have anyone to take care of him?
Returning, I realize my heart is still going at it. The thumps are so loud, I’d be surprised if he couldn’t hear them.
As he’s right back to the position I’ve found him in, his brows come together as his eyes pinch shut. He only opens them again when I nudge him with the glass. Opening his eyes, he stares at me.
His eyes are a dark brown. A little bloodshot, but the prettiest shade I’ve seen. Reminds me of an amber gemstone when the sun hits his face just right.
Even in such a state, I can see how handsome he is.
Lifting my hands, my fingers graze his face. While he stiffens under my touch, he allows me to trace the hairs on his face.
“You’re the complete opposite of my brother,” I murmur, my voice soft. “You must be important to him if he brought you here.”
My thumb traces his frown, and I watch in amazement as it softens beneath my touch.
“Who are you?” He asks next, this question coming out more hoarse as he stares at me in bewilderment.
Unlike all of his previous questions, I’m willing to answer this one. I want to hear that gravelly voice of his speak my name.
“Aurora.” Cupping his face, I smile. “Aurora Marino.”
Staring up at me, I watch as his pupils shrink. Must be the sunlight. Up this close, I can see the different colored specs dancing around the empty black circles.
Are all guys this handsome, or just this one?
I don’t want to look away. Like he’s got me in a trance, I’m stuck in place for the next few passing seconds. I think for a moment, we are both in the same state.
Hearing footsteps in the distance, I jerk and look behind me. Taking a step back, I’m surprised by the warmth on my arm.
Rocco reaches out in an attempt to stop me. Unlike his earlier touch, his fingers feel soft against my skin.
“He can’t know I’ve been here,” I whisper before pulling back.
As confusion slips over his face, I snatch the pill bottle and dart away before Renato can join us.
I don’t know why my brother brought a man here, but it’s not something he’s done before.
My brother is far too protective of me. Growing up, he’s always been in my shadow, keeping me safe from any of the dangers of the world.
Before I can breathe, thick fingers are suddenly wrapped around my wrist. Before I can blink, more fingers are wrapped around my throat.
For smelling like booze, this man reacts like an animal. Quick and deadly, he has this look in his eye that makes my heart flutter in my chest before picking up in speed.
My pulse races against his fingertips, but I don’t dare swallow. Instead, I steady my breathing. He’s not squeezing my throat tight enough to cut off the airflow, but getting in fresh air isn’t easy.
Watching the fog clear away from his eyes, it doesn’t take long for him to realize I’m not a threat. Jerking to look around, he releases me long enough to groan and pinch his brow.
From how badly his clothing smells, I can only imagine how much he indulged in.
“Where the fuck am I?” His voice is rough, deep enough that I can feel it tickle my bones. “How in the hell did I get here?”
He moves to stand up, quick to get on his feet, and I watch in amazement as he crumbles right back onto the crouch. When his skin pales, I quickly grab the trash can tucked in the corner. Offering it up, he doesn’t think twice to snatch it from me before hurling whatever is weighing down his stomach.
Leaving momentarily, I abandon our living room to move to the kitchen. Grabbing a glass and filling it with water, I hunt down painkillers while I’m at it.
I’ve cared for Ren when he’s had too much fun the night before.
Does this man have anyone to take care of him?
Returning, I realize my heart is still going at it. The thumps are so loud, I’d be surprised if he couldn’t hear them.
As he’s right back to the position I’ve found him in, his brows come together as his eyes pinch shut. He only opens them again when I nudge him with the glass. Opening his eyes, he stares at me.
His eyes are a dark brown. A little bloodshot, but the prettiest shade I’ve seen. Reminds me of an amber gemstone when the sun hits his face just right.
Even in such a state, I can see how handsome he is.
Lifting my hands, my fingers graze his face. While he stiffens under my touch, he allows me to trace the hairs on his face.
“You’re the complete opposite of my brother,” I murmur, my voice soft. “You must be important to him if he brought you here.”
My thumb traces his frown, and I watch in amazement as it softens beneath my touch.
“Who are you?” He asks next, this question coming out more hoarse as he stares at me in bewilderment.
Unlike all of his previous questions, I’m willing to answer this one. I want to hear that gravelly voice of his speak my name.
“Aurora.” Cupping his face, I smile. “Aurora Marino.”
Staring up at me, I watch as his pupils shrink. Must be the sunlight. Up this close, I can see the different colored specs dancing around the empty black circles.
Are all guys this handsome, or just this one?
I don’t want to look away. Like he’s got me in a trance, I’m stuck in place for the next few passing seconds. I think for a moment, we are both in the same state.
Hearing footsteps in the distance, I jerk and look behind me. Taking a step back, I’m surprised by the warmth on my arm.
Rocco reaches out in an attempt to stop me. Unlike his earlier touch, his fingers feel soft against my skin.
“He can’t know I’ve been here,” I whisper before pulling back.
As confusion slips over his face, I snatch the pill bottle and dart away before Renato can join us.
I don’t know why my brother brought a man here, but it’s not something he’s done before.
My brother is far too protective of me. Growing up, he’s always been in my shadow, keeping me safe from any of the dangers of the world.