4Prologue: The Deal(?)
"I could give you everything you desire. Why is it you keep refusing me?" He pleaded, gently placing an arm around my shoulders.
I sighed impatiently, mentally tapping my foot, completely forgetting he could read my thoughts, "Why can't you comprehend what I want? I don't desire you, or the life you have to offer me. I want to be able to live my life by myself, I don't need any help from you." I peeled his arm off smoothly, hoping he wouldn't get angry.
"And yet, it was only months ago when I helped you recover from your near-death state, I rescued you from yourself. You were quite nearly psychotic from grief then, and now your saying you don't need someone to lean on?!" He chuckled darkly,
"Do I need to remind you love?" His cool breath tickled my ear, "I was, am, your lifeline, that hasn't changed at all. You do not understand it, and you are afraid. If I were to leave now, you would return to the state I found you in, a poor young girl with very few good prospects, catatonic from her sisters' death. Do you want me to leave Kai?" His tone became soft, lulling almost, but I wouldn't fall for it. He'd used it toomany times before, right before he would place the blade against my bare skin.
A gasp escaped my lips as the blade slipped into my flesh, tracing a familiar pattern. It sent a wave of pleasure down my spine, a wave which should have been one of pain. I never really could understand what it was he was doing then, all I knew was he was incapable of causing me physical pain, while he could torture me by leaving me aching for him, he couldn't send me reeling away in physical agony. It wasn't fair, I couldn't do anything to fight him off, as soon as the knife pierced my skin, I was rendered paralyzed, and speechless. He'd turned everything I'd loved against me, my passion for books, he'd interpreted as passion for him, and decided to kidnap me to a freaking library. He hasn't ever lied to me though, and that ought to count for something.
"I wish it were very much so, but I doubt you truly could. Every time I think you have left, you appear again to torture me." I managed to speak past the haze that was clouding my mind, something I was very good at.
He froze, abruptly tearing the knife from my back, which should have sent me into shock, but instead a shockwave of lust hit me, it clouded my eyes, making it very difficult to see, but I could almost feel his smile when he saw my face, "I will be back in a year, you may not touch any books or scriptures during that period, fiction or otherwise."
I visibly paled, something he seemed to enjoy very much, "I don't need to touch a book to read it, and how the hell am I going to avoid books?! You've trapped me in a library!" I exclaimed helplessly.
A cruel smiled formed on his flawless features, making him appear even more beautiful, had I really been able to see it, I would have been speechless, "You will have to figure that out yourself love, " He whispered in my ear again, this time, pulling me closer to him than I would have liked, "But the moment you so much as brush against a book, you will be mine." He pressed his lips gently against mine, kissing me in a fashion that sent shivers down my spine, and not the scared to death kind either...
Then, he vanished, leaving me alone and empty. I sighed and retreated inside myself, letting my imagination take over, it's black expanse a welcoming relief from the recent overwhelming stress of my new life.
Chapter One: Banned from the Library
I walked impatiently back and forth in my tiny apartment, not caring about my carpet, or that I was tearing it to shreds in my heels. The suspense was killing me, and I couldn't wait for the phone to ring. I nearly jumped when it finally did. I picked it up immediately.
"Hola!" I greeted cheerily, waiting for a quick response, if it was who I thought it was, then I would get one. Poor me for not wanting to pay extra for Caller ID.
"Good Morning Kai! I finally decided the verdict on your request." An alto male voice sighed through the phone, my employer was always like this, but that didn't matter at the moment, all that did was his decision.
"And?" I asked impatiently, stopping to sit in a nearby plush chair.
"I've decided you may not take this weekend off. However, you may have next Monday off." He said slowly, knowing full well I hated it.
I groaned inwardly, I wanted this weekend off so bad, it was the only day my friends were able to go on a shopping trip with me, "Are you sure sir?" I asked, trying to seem as patient as possible
"Yes, and on that Monday, I'm banning you from the library." He said stiffly, almost as if he were regretting it.
"WHAT?!" I exclaimed agitatedly, "But why?! What did I do this time?!"
He laughed, "It's what you aren't going to be doing that Monday. You didn't do anything. I was asked by your parents to ban you that particular Monday, so I am."
If anything could have infuriated me further, it would be the mention of my parents and my tentative relationship with them. They knew I thoroughly despised it when they decided to visit, and then force scriptures on me. Especially since I didn't believe in god...
"My parents?! What for?! I swear I'm going to strangle them when I next see them, or better yet, maul them with an axe. But first, to find said axe." I hurriedly walked out the door with my cell in hand, I balanced it against my ear as I walked down the stairs.
He laughed again, "Look, they gave me a good reason okay? Don't yell at me. Besides, it will be a good reunion for you both."
I snorted, "Oh yeah, as if that's possible." I walked out of my building and intothe open air, tension and anxiety ran thick through it, which was understandably, seeing as this was one of the worst parts of town.
"Do you not get along well with your parents or something Kai? Want to talk about it? I'll listen." He offered somewhat too easily.
"No thanks sir, but thank you for offering. Ah crap, gotta go. See you at the library sir." I said quickly, hanging up my phone and placing it in my pocket. I'd noticed the local gang hanging out by the bus stop, and no way was I going to look like an
easy target. They just loved assaulting people on cell phones...
"Good morning sweetheart." said a sickeningly sweet voice which I had come to totally despise, despite the fact it not only came from a guy, but a very feminine sounding guy at that. It would have been almost comical if he hadn't been holding a gun to my head.
I moaned inwardly, not again.
"It's time to pay the rent." He said calmly, as if he'd have no trouble blowing out my brains.
"When did you become landlord kid?" I replied, "I didn't think a twelve year old was up for hire." He must have missed the mischievous glint in my eyes, because soon he was on the ground, with a gun pointing at him instead.
"I don't care who you think you are, but next time you're gonna decide to point a loaded gun at me, your not going to be alive for a next time." I growled irritably, taking the ammo out of the pistol. He'd probably wet his pants, but I didn't care, my bus arrived, and no way was I going to be late for work.
About fifteen minutes later, I walked into the cool air of the library's first floor, only to run into my employer. He was a good six foot two and quite the ladies man, but I wasn't interested, no guy had ever managed to catch my attention, which was why he hired me in the first place. I didn't (more like couldn't) tolerate men who would suddenly decide I was going to be their next girlfriend just because I wouldn't give them a second glance. Sometimes, it was amusing, but not today.
"Hello Kai. On time today I see. Which gang leader did you make piss his pants today?" He joked, of course he knew about my daily life, or rather, all I would let him figure out. It was a game we played, trying to figure each other out without revealing ourselves in the process. It could be frustrating sometimes though.
"Some Latino who really likes red, yellow, and purple. He thought it would be nice to aim a gun at me. Point Blank range." I said simply, while grabbing the bag that indicated I worked there as an assistant director.
"Ah," He murmured quietly, "Well, I don't expect too many people today. We're getting a new book to put on display, rather interesting really, it's a shame it's not worth anything. Anyway, we can't touch it, and it's going to come around the afternoon. Probably during your lunch break. It means I finally get to use my pedestal for something." He smiled and patted me on the back, like he was congratulating me or something.
I smiled warily, "Sure, you can finally move that poor thing out of my way so I can organize more books." I almost giggled, I absolutely loved books, if I had a choice, I'd read all day and lose myself in the worlds of fiction so many authors had created.
I decided to become a librarian so I'd be closer to them, and I'd be able to do something with them too. Like organizing the various sections and making sure we have everything we're supposed to, and making sure everything is in alphabetical order. Curse my ADHD and OCD.
He rolled his eyes, "Ah yes, now introducing the worlds resident scholar and bibliophile, Kaisanara Lorei Noelle Ianari Davinich." He said sarcastically, spreading his arms wide.
"Shut up, and don't use my full name, it's annoying." I growled, picking up a few books and returning them to their proper shelves.
"But it's fun! Your name is so long, and kind of weird!" He exclaimed, giggling in a way no girl should her a guy giggle in.
"You'd be annoyed too if your parents had decided to name you after almost every grandparent you've ever had." I shot back, nearly tripping over a chair in the process.
"Oh don't be such a grouch m'kay? I'm sure your parents do try to get along with you, it's probably just difficult for them." My employer walked into the back where the returned pile of books lay in wait to be put back on the shelves.
I started to laugh, even though I wasn't even slightly amused, "Yeah right! They do really truly love me, because every year, they send me a freaking bible for my birthday, knowing full well I don't believe in god, or religion. It's always god first, the rest of the world later with them. They're probably going to try and get me involved in the local church or something..." I finished bitterly, moving a few books to their proper
places.
Yes, it's true, my parents are crazy-insane about religion. They have always tried, and will continue to try, to get me to go to church, but I don't believe in that silly nonsense. After all, what kind of God lets all the good things happen to the sick, twisted and evil fools? From my point of view, it isn't god their worshiping, more like the devil...
"And yet you celebrate all the Christian holidays like a virtuous little girl." He stuck his head out the door, holding out a piece of paper.
I got down from my perch and raced over to grab it, "Hey, I like Christmas, it's the one time of year I actually get to really spend the money I earn. I swear, the days I can actually buy something at a discount you won't let me have the day off. Instead, I get to go the day it will be either gone or full price." I snatched the paper away from him and read it. It was a report on the book coming later.
He rolled his eyes and took the paper back, "Hey, don't blame me for that. It's not my fault people like coming to the library on the weekend, and I need extra help. Can't you go during your lunch break or something?"
I sighed impatiently, "The store I want to get to is an hour away, and I was going to spend the day with my friends there, buying some much needed summer clothes. You know I don't have any kind of fashion sense, that's why I go with my friends." I took some of the books and returned them to their shelves, careful to make sure they were registered in the system first.
"I'm not going to change my mind Kaisanara, just live with it. You can always go shopping with your parents on Monday." He smiled at the thought.
I immediately grimaced, "Aw hell no! Do you know what that would do to my sanity?! I'd die in seven days after being with them for more than an hour. Lord knows how I survived childhood with those-" The chime at the front desk went off, announcing an impatient patron.
"Sorry!" I exclaimed, rushing over to the desk. "I was just having mild a disagreement with my employer."
A peal of laughter hit my ears, "That's all right. I have plenty of time." I looked up to see a striking man who looked to be in his mid-thirties. At least, I think that's what other women would describe him as, I could care less. He held to books in his left hand, a library card in his right.
I checked them out with ease, noticing the titles, The Supernatural Encyclopedia and The Supernatural for Dummies: The idiots guide to Vampires, Ghosts, Goblins and everything else pertaining the the supernatural world.
"Here you go, the books are due by May 27th" I handed him the books and the receipt, barely giving him a second glance.
"Thank you ma'am." He smiled and walked out with his books in hand, the first patron of the week.
I don't quite know how I got through the rest of the week, it went by in a blur, with me only remembering the novels I had read in that time, about fifty I think. Pretty soon, it was Sunday evening, and I was closing up for the day, right before someone walked in, the same guy from the week before.
"I'm terribly sorry sir, but we're closing. I'll have to ask you to leave." I said easily, it happened often, sometimes people, especially teenagers, forgot the closing times.
He merely smiled, "I just wanted to ask you something."
I shrugged indifferently, Here comes the question. "Go ahead, ask away, but you might not like my answer."
His smiled widened to a grin, "Would you like to go out to dinner with me?"
Don't they ever get a clue? I am not attracted to the opposite gender!
"Thanks, but no. I've got other things to do tonight." I replied, it was the one I used the most often, and they still didn't get it.
"Some other night then?" This one was persistent.
I sighed, "No, no thank you. I appreciate the offer though." I put the last of the money from overdue books away, and turned to face him, he was still smiling.
He probably thinks I'm playing hard to get. Oh joy.
"Do you already have a boyfriend?" He asked, perplexed, as if my responses confused him.
I shook my head, "No, nor do I intend on ever having one. Now please leave." my tone started to turn cold and uncaring, a usual occurrence when men started to pester me.
His expression turned from a look of confusion, to one of determination, "At least let me walk you home."
Time to state it clearly, loudly and as bitchy as possible.
"No, and let me make this as clear as possible to you, I'm not interested. Not even in the slightest. I don't want to eat dinner with you, I don't want you knowing where I live, and I don't want you knowing my contact information. As much as I appreciate the offer, I don't care. Now leave please, we're closed." I crossed my arms impatiently, I absolutely loathed it when people didn't get it, and I couldn't close until he left.
His face was briefly one of shock, then it turned to anger, and maybe a little hurt,
"No-one refuses me." He said calmly, clearly he had at least some self control.
I giggled, "Then what did I just do? Now out! I want to get a full nights' sleep so that when I wake up in the morning, I can get as far away from town as possible."
"Am I that hideous to you?" He asked irritably, his control slipping.
"Nope! I have plans for tomorrow. Now OUT! Before I get angry." I giggled again, I probably sounded like a high school cheerleader, which had me in a giggle fit.
He shrugged and walked back outside, looking somewhat dejected, not that it bothered me much, it was something I did all the time. I didn't care if I was attractive or not, and I definitely didn't dress to show off. Unlike some people, I was modest enough to start throwing things at anyone who even got a glimpse of me naked, and I despised bikinis with a passion. (My employer thought it was hilarious, but then again, he's just about as crazy as I am.) I locked up, walked the two hour walk home, and alarm clock went off at precisely six thirty in the morning, which I almost ignored until my brain started to function again. Then I jolted out of bed, threw on a long skirt, flats, and a khaki t-shirt and ran to the bus stop. Who knew what horrors my parents planned for me, and I wasn't sticking around to find out either. Thank god the bus got there late by fifteen minutes, otherwise, I'd have to walk.
I'd better tell you why I absolutely despise my parents, otherwise, half the arguments I get into with them will not make sense. My parents are thoroughly Roman Catholic, the believe that worshiping the lord is their first priority, and then following all the rules he laid down, followed by making sure I did everything they did. They'd sent me to a private Christian school, painted scripture onto my walls, and for my sixteenth birthday, given me a biblemobile. Then there's another problem, they'd made sure I was removed from any and all classes during the days they'd talked about Sex Ed, which means I don't know anything about it. When I had turned twelve, I had gotten tired of going to church, (which bored the hell out of me) and fasting for Christ. That had lead to a lengthy argument about why I should go to church.
During this time, my twin sister pretended to be a goody little two shoes and pretend to love god and everything about it, and then would go screw the entire football team, get drunk, do drugs, and do it all over again. They even refused to believe me when I told them, calling me a 'devil's child'. I still found that amusing, but still, they'd denied me the right to something I should know, called me a liar, and continued to try and get me to go 'back to god' and receive forgiveness for deviating from his path. As soon as I was legally allowed to get out of their house, I did so, ignoring their pleas. I didn't enjoy their pain, but neither did I enjoy having to hold on to twenty three bibles, that I could not burn in my fireplace because that would mean burning a book, and I absolutely loved books. A fact which my parents used against me constantly.
Which is why I wanted to get as far away from them as humanly possible.
About three hours and a thirty bus stops later, I was in the next city, I was almost blinded by the insane amount of lighting on the buildings they used to attract people. However, I wasn't concerned about that, I was going to go to the nearest bookstore. I might as well get a couple books while I was escaping my most recent 'Family emergency'.
I eventually was able to find what I was looking for, a bookstore, and it was a Barnes and Noble too! Lucky me, I had gotten a membership card since I bought a lot of books on line, I had mini library in my tiny apartment, which I would constantly go to when I was banned from the actual thing. Of course, I hadn't read all the books I had, I had, which was well over two hundred, but I was pretty damn close. I was always adding to my collection too, as I've said before, I absolutely love books. It is a passion I have had ever since my parents started to refer to me as the "Black sheep" of their family.
"Good morning." A familiar voice said, blocking my path to the fiction section.
Ah crap. Not him again.
"Good morning." I said dully, trying to get past him. You'd think he was following me or something.
He continued to block me, "You know, it's amazing, it's like you're following me or something. I wouldn't have expected you to come to a bookstore in another city." He grinned.
I shrugged, "The things I do to get away from my moronic parents. Now, if you'll excuse me, your in my way."
He looked me over, "So, if you won't go out to dinner with me, how about lunch?" His gaze was beginning to irritate the hell out of me.
"You know what I hate more than the stupid bible?" I asked him impatiently, crossing my arms and tapping my foot.
"What?" He cocked an eye and smiled and infuriating smile.
"Men who think that when a woman isn't interested, she's actually playing hard to get." I replied coldly, shoving him out of my way and quickly walking to where I wanted to go.
As expected, he followed me, "You know what I love?" he asked, grinning like an imp.
I pretended to think about it for a moment, "Trying to woo a woman who is so obviously not into you?" I said sarcastically, grabbing the nearest book and opening it to the first page.
"No, wooing a woman who is in denial about how she feels about me." His face was suddenly too close to mine, and I minded that very much.
I blinked for a second, then slowly put the book back on the shelf, "Get the fuck away from me you idiotic bastard." I said calmly as possible, I really really angry, and if he didn't start running soon, he'd go flying.
"I don't think I will, but I'd sure as hell love to fuck you." He matched my tone, mocking me.
I just stared at him, I mean really stared. This guy was crazy! I didn't even want to touch him.
"You disgust me." I turned away and quickly headed for the door, before I did something stupid.
He got in my way again, "Why don't we talk this over a cup of coffee?"
My eyes narrowed, "I swear, if you don't leave me alone, I will throw you into a building, and leave you there to die."
He laughed, "As if-"
He never got to finish the sentence, I grabbed his collar, dragged him out the door, and threw him at a building across the street. To the amazement of the people watching, he actually hit it with a sharp crack, which sounded like bones breaking.
"Hell hath no fury like a woman pissed off." I grumbled, mostly to myself, but it got a few chuckles from the people in the immediate vicinity. I walked back inside the store, and returned to the novel I picked out earlier. It looked rather interesting, so I went and bought it. I briefly glanced at my watch, it was 3 PM, if I wanted to get home at six, I'd better hurry.
I walked out of the store and began to walk toward the bus station, I'd have better luck finding a map of bus schedules there, and I had a feeling I'd need one for possible future visits.
Author's Note: Okay, this is my fifth(?) story I've put up on fictionpress. I'm glad you clicked on it, it means you liked the summary! ^_^
I was told by a reviewer that the title was boring and the summary was really good. I did both on purpose! It means you didn't judge the title of my story! Please note, I haven't updated ANY of my stories yet, and I'm terribly sorry for that. I forget to update. However I do have the complete outline for this story, and where I want it to go, so you will get a chapter eventually.
Thank you for reading, please review, it makes me feel guilty and want to update the chapters faster! Also, the name of her employer and stalker I left out because I couldn't think of any names at the time. When and if I do a revision I need suggestions...Feel free to include a list of names with your posts, because I never have anything normal on my mind. Thanks!