Inexplicable

Chapter Thirteen

I cautiously stepped closer, examining the paint that stretched the length of the walls. It was much more detailed than I had ever drawn, almost like a map of this other world. Unlike the drawing he showed me earlier, this one was colored and expanded way beyond what I had drawn.

"You did this?" I look at Jax, and he simply nods, looking thoroughly satisfied. "Earlier, you said it was real?"

Again, he nods as I admire the work more thoroughly. My fingertips graze the paint as I admire the details of the houses, the streets, and the flowers. All of it was so beautiful, especially the grand castle overseeing the village. "It's called Irredesia."

"And I used to live here?"

He smiles, answering my question. "Yes. Though you draw it the way it was about a hundred years ago. This is how it is now." He says, standing next to me and admiring his work.

"Why don't I remember it this way?"

"It wasn't allowed for you to remember it at all. I wanted you to know at least where your home is."

Home.

I smile at the thought of being right all along. This place is my home, where I belong. Deep in my soul, I could feel that this amazing place was where I was meant to be. Everything felt like it was falling into place, finally making sense. As I study the map further, the memory starts to taunt me again, playing at the edge of my mind. The feeling was absolutely infuriating. "Can you give me the memory's back?"

His gaze drops to the floor, indicating I won't like the answer. "I can't all at once, but I can give you small memories, like today, once your mind has healed from earlier."

I frown, feeling hope slip away. "How long?"

"A couple of days." He says. I linger by the wall, taking in all the details he added and noticing his presence getting closer to me. I couldn't explain it, but I somehow felt comfortable around him, like I've always known him. Just being around him made me feel... safe. I turn slightly and notice him frowning as he looks at my cheek.

"It's not as bad as it looks," I say nonchalantly. I'm sure with all of the crying I've done today, the foundation has rubbed off a bit. Slowly, his hand reaches up and lightly grazes my cheek. The warmth felt good on the bruise, and for a moment, I just stood there with the oddest sense of deja vu. The memory danced just out of reach in the depths of my mind. As I'm lost in my thoughts, he pushes a piece of hair behind my ear. I backed up, reminding myself who he was and what he was capable of. I find myself having to remind myself of that a lot. Despite all of the red flags, I found myself beginning to trust him.

"What happened?" He asked. I know he was looking for the whole story. "Don't tell me it was an accident." He says, seeing straight through me. I take a few steps from him, looking at more of the mural.

"Jonathan had some business friends over for dinner the night I was supposed to meet you. One of them had a little bit too much to drink that evening, but to be honest, I don't think it was the alcohol. He had been overly interested in me all night. Then, as I tried to walk to my room, he grabbed me and tried to kiss me," I looked down at my shoes, avoiding his intense gaze, "among other things, but when he did, I kind of punched him." The memories of him touching me make me feel sick. I wondered if Jax could take those memories away.

"Please tell me it was a good punch." His voice is strained like he's trying to control his anger.

I can't help but smile. "There was a lot of blood." He gives a small smile of approval, but I could tell it was forced. "After that, he slapped me. Jonathan yelled at me because, naturally, it was my fault, and he wanted me to apologize."

"He wanted you to apologize?" His hands clenched into fists at his sides. "It was not your fault. You know that, right?"

My eyes stay on the floor. "I do. I refused to apologize. He should have been the one to apologize."

I feel him slowly closing the distance between us. "Good." His fingers lift my chin to meet his eyes. "I won't let anyone touch you like that again, Davina. That I can promise you."

The look in his eyes makes me believe him. The thought of him protecting me entices me—not that I needed protection, but it still stirs something deep inside me. Yet again, I find myself battling my mind to remember why this all feels so familiar. These feelings that are beginning to bubble to the surface feel like they have been there all along—just a piece of me that had been locked away, and Jax was the only one who had the key.

I didn't realize how close he had moved while lost in my mind. I can feel his breath on my face as my pulse quickens. His face draws closer, and I don't move, unable to break the trance I was in. Our lips graze each other just as Jax suddenly pulls back. His eyes look past me as he hears something I don't. I furrow my brows in confusion, wondering if I had done something wrong.

"Jax-" He clamps a hand over my mouth, fear in his eyes.

"You have to go. Now." He whispers, urgently pushing me to the door, but I protest.

"What-" My words are interrupted by a pounding at a different door that causes me to jolt. My feet move quickly now with adrenaline, and as I step through the back door, he grabs my arm, holding me in place. He then digs through his bag and pulls out a purple vial. He grabs my necklace quickly, his hands slightly shaking as he places a little more than a drop in the middle, causing it to glow briefly. "This is just so that I know you're okay." I hear the banging again, followed by the door knob rattling.

"Jaxon!" A voice demands.

"Go, " he whispers. I try to protest, but he shuts the door in my face. The voice booms again, followed by a loud crash that sounds like the door being kicked in. I run to the car and quickly start it. With only a moment longer of hesitation, I pull away from the building, leaving Jax to whatever fate awaited him.