Page 47 of Entwined

I did love him.

I’m sure of that now too.

I’m a healing creature capable of loving both light and darkness, not differentiating between. I loved both sides of his coin. But he never gave me a chance to prove it.

“Jessie? Are you here?”

Jecca climbs the stairs. She’s breathless as she pops into my room. I close my laptop giving her my attention. ‘What’s up?”

“We’re going to Paris next weekend.”

“What? Why?”

“My step-sister is having her coming out into society. My step mother didn’t want me to find out which is why I am definitely going.”

“What’s a coming out? Is she gay?”

“No,” she rolls her eyes, “it’s a ball. The Cotillion. It’s a coming out into society ball for all the girls of the set when they turn eighteen. A few centuries ago it was meant as a way to introduce girls, once they were of age to be married to all the eligible gentlemen.”

“God. I can’t even. Thank God, I was born in this century.”

“I know, but you’re coming with me. I need my wing woman.”

“No.”

“I never ask you for anything. And I let you win at Scrabble.”

“I have nothing suitable to wear.”

She grabs my hand pulling me off the bed, “It’s about time we open Mindy’s closet. I’ll grab the wine.”

And that’s how we spent a random Thursday night. Giggling while I tried on clothes that cost more than a year’s tuition. We shared the bottle of wine. I even let her pluck my eyebrows and put a conditioning treatment in my hair. We’ve grown close, as close as I’ve gotten to anyone in a long time.

“To Paris,” she raises her empty glass to mine.

“I don’t know Jecca. I can’t afford to fly or stay in a hotel.”

“We’re staying at my family’s home silly. I already told them you were coming”

“I wish you hadn’t. My paper is the week after. I was planning on finishing it next weekend.”

“Finish early. I need you Jessie.”

“I’ll think about it.”

She pouts, falling on the floor.

“Ugh, fine. I’ll do my best.”

She jumps up hugging me tight, “Why can’t my step-sister be like you? I feel like you’re more my sister than she’ll ever be.”

“I’m sorry Jecca. I am. I’ll do my best to support you.”

We make popcorn and watch old movies, passing out on the couch. My new life fits me. But as I close my eyes, I drift into his world. The only world where we exist together, as he pulls me under begging me to love his dark heart as he lashes me with his whip and I beg for more. I’m on my knees wearing his collar.

Utterly desperate for his rough touch; needing him to claim me again and again until we both burn up together.

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