Within Temptation

Nine (Take Me Out of My Mind)

I had a feeling I would appear in front of Paradise. I run a hand through my hair internally debating my current predicament. If I walked into Paradise, I would have to face my demons. I would have to face the envy of how easy things had been two years ago. I would be forced to face my feelings for Andy the lust I felt for him. My anger at not being able to make the decision for myself. I look down the street Hysteria visible across from a club called Euphoria. I'm curious as to what awaits me inside if I were to go. My body freezes as a hand is placed on my shoulder.

"Welcome, Miss August we've been expecting you."

Roth's gentle voice calms the bundle of nerves coursing through me. He guides me inside where I steal a glance at the main floor. The patrons are still faceless I'm relieved when I see no one I recognize. I secretly wonder if Andy is honoring his word of not going for the ones I love. The waitresses all wave offering friendly smiles. A few say, "Welcome back". Lonnie waves from the bar setting a glass down on the counter. I keep my distance every nerve in my body says to leave. Take my chances with the other clubs.

"You came back."

My jaw drops with an audible pop. I truly thought I had seen Andy in all his attires. I thought I'd become immune to his charms. I was wrong, dead wrong. He was wearing black dress shoes, crimson slacks, and a matching jacket. His chest is bare showcasing all of his tattoos. I make the sign of the cross wishing I had my mama's level of restraint.

"I reckon I didn't have much choice." I cross my arms over my chest. His smirk fuels the anger I have held inside. He takes a step toward me, and I step back. I won't make it easy for him.

He's an Incubus! You're human, you're already at a disadvantage. Walk out of there!

"I will always give you a choice, Corinne." He meets my eyes.

"I call bullshit, your Highness." I roll my eyes. I turn my back on him. This is my dream. I'll get to Hysteria Remington will keep me safe.

Andy moves quickly his fingers wrapping around my throat. My heart starts to pick up at the sight of Andy's jet-black eyes. This is the Andy from my nightmares, the one I became determined to stop. He studies me closely my heart hammering in my chest. I'm struggling to breathe. Fury burns in his eyes a low growl raises the hairs on the back of my neck.

"Interesting, it seems Ashley used his last hours in this world to break the rules." He releases me. I collapse to my knees struggling to regain my breath. My memories of Andy remind me that he's capable of so much more. "You remember everything."

"I do." I slowly stand up. "Did you kill him?"

"This isn't a conversation to have down here." He holds out his hand. "I'm not going to hurt you."

Tell that to the bruises on my neck, asshole.

My conscience is on the warpath and rightfully so. I reinforce my mental barriers taking Andy's hand in mine. I walk with him up to his office. I know nothing of Andy's past other than the story he gave me when we first met. I didn't know his true origin. Remington called him The King of Pain. There had to be a story behind it.

"Rin?"

Andy's voice brings me out of my mind. He's taken a seat next to me. He's being respectful of my boundaries. He's changing tactics. I would applaud him if I wasn't putting all of my concentration into fighting against his allure. I move myself further away reinforcing my barriers again.

"Tell me the truth, did you kill Ashley?" my voice is barely above a whisper.

"He got in the way. I made it so that he couldn't do so a second time."