Aurelia
He pulled back. His eyes were dark pits of heat. His voice was gravel.
"That's enough, Little Writer"
He stepped back, my body protesting against the sudden emptiness. His breath is ragged. His eyes were dark with unsated heat that mirrored mine. He took in my disheveled sight- chest heaving, eyes half- lidded, lips swollen- and a dark smirk formed on his lips despite the desire in his eyes.
Why did he stop then?
"Wh-why?" I couldn't help but ask. I needed this. He wants it. We both wanted it. So why?
He locked his gaze on mine, maintaining the distance.
"That's not why you were here" of all the things I expected him to say, that wasn't one of them. He was right, that's not why I was here. But we couldn't just stop in the middle of...that. If I didn't want it, I wouldn't be here. I bit my lips in frustration and annoyance.
He reached down and picked up the manuscript, a traitor sitting in the dark.
"You finished your story" he paused, lifting his gaze to meet mine.
"The kiss was a gift" he added. His voice was hoarse from desire, each word was an effort to reclaim his control.
"But--"
"Ruinous things, Little Writer...they should be earned" he cut me off with a dark promise. He stepped back and placed the manuscript on the nearby table.
"Be a good girl and go to bed" he said, walking further into the room. He paused midway, mixing with the dark.
"Mark your calendar. I'll give you your first real gift soon. For your book. For your patience"
Then there was silence. I was left there feeling the ghost of his lips and and hands on me.
.
.
.
I woke up the next morning buzzing with excitement. I called my agent and we discussed the book publishing.
"This is the most compelling and darkest book you've written, Relia. Let's get it out there!" My agent, Eva beamed.
"I know right. I personally love this books" my happiness knew no bounds.
"We can fast track it. Let's get it published in three days. We can do the launch in six days" Eva said, her enthusiasm is so contagious. I smiled sheepishly. Six days. My birthday. I'd decided not to tell Jayvion.
"Let's do that!" The call ended.
I was euphoric. Buzzing with an energy and floating in happiness. This is the best feeling a writer could ever have. I smiled triumphantly. I'd done it.
I told Jayvion about the book launch and he said he'd arrange it. He didn't elaborate and I didn't ask.
Jayvion
I was in my study. Staring at the laptop for as long as I could remember. A message from Vincent pinged:
"Event is green. All your requested security is in place and invisible. But the Obsidians are too quiet. Eerily quiet. It's not like them, Vion. Stay alert. Enjoy the book launch"my jaw clenched. The launch date had been circled for years. I know what day it is. Hell, I know everything.
"Understood. The package is the only priority" I typed back. Package= Aurelia.
She'd told me about her book being published today and the book launch that would follow after. And I'd already set up my security for that day. No one would get his hands on what's mine.
Aurelia
It's finally the day! Ink and Blood is finally published. Today, fans from all over the world are coming for the ultimate long awaited book launch. Ahhhhhhhh this was crazy!!! Moreover, it's my birthday. I'd received a birthday wish from Freya and Dahlia and few of my colleagues from the literary world this morning. I'd be so thankful for them. Freya had been beaming the moment she got here already dressed for the event. I hadn't seen Jayvion all morning but he'd promised he would be there at the event. I knew he would come.
Eva and her team were orchestrating the event, handling the guest list and tickets so not anyone could come. Only a number of designated fans with the tickets are allowed in. A girl can never be too careful. She'd called me by 8 and told me that everything is set. I should be there soon.
I wore the gown Jayvion had brought last night. It was a deep purple single- arm silk gown, with a side slit that travelled up to my thigh, exposing a generous amount of my legs. My shoulder and arms are all bared, decorated with a matching amethyst crystal necklace and bracelets. A black stiletto heels adorned my feet. My curly hair was packed in a smooth ponytail, some wispy strands were left to fall off my face. I was wearing a nude makeup. My signature brown lip combo completed the look.
Trevor was there to drive us to the event.
The venue was elegant, bright, beautiful and literary. The fans are there. Cameras flashed here and there as I made my entrance. Freya by my side and Trevor behind us. Dahlia hugged me. The big day has officially began.
I felt him. Jayvion. Not in the crowd. He was somewhere in the shadows, watching. Calculating. Dissecting. His protection was more effective than any large overbuilt bodyguard.
I gave speeches, signed books, snapped a lot of pictures with my fans. I felt like a queen in my own kingdom. This is what success feels like. For those few hours, I was Aurelia. The author of Ink and Blood. And I celebrated the life I wanted.
The launch was a smashing success.
The event ended by 10pm and we headed home. Back to the caged penthouse. Trevor took Freya home while I was with Jayvion. The adrenaline was fading. I was so happy and tired. A little sad that the big day was almost over.
The elevator pinged and we got out, kicking my heels off my feet and sighing. I turned to Jayvion who had donned an all black suit, his brown hair shining in the dim light of the living room.
"Thank you for today, Jayv. It wouldn't have been possible without you. I know you had people everywhere" I smiled brightly, looking up at him.
He took a step closer, his voice was a low murmur.
"It was your day. You earned it" I stared up, confused, and he gave me that devastating sexy smirk I loved.
"You didn't think I'd let the day end without giving you my gift. Did you?" Oh right, he was talking about that gift. He told me to mark my calendar. But I didn't think it'll be... today. On my birthday. My heart skipped a beat.
"My gift? Jayv, the launch was gift enough--"
He gave me a smile that didn't reach his unusually heated eyes.
"That was for the world, Little Writer. This..." He closed the last distance between us. His hand came up to caress my jaw, his thumb brushing my lower lip.
"...is for you"