Read My Bloody Lips *CURRENTLY BEING REWRITTEN*

Ch. 2

     Drake led me through the maze of corridors that made up the manor until we finally reached the main living area where the entire Fiore family was gathered. All eyes locked on me and I immediately wanted to retreat back to my room, I never was a people person. I nervously wrung my hands, unsure of what to do until Drake gently nudged me forward. Alilah Shot me a reassuring grin, clearly aware of how shy I was feeling but unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough to calm my nerves. A tall, athletically built girl with short, pin straight black hair and stone gray eyes sighed heavily before stepping forward and offering me her hand to shake.

"Hey. I'm Tera." She mumbled, her grip was more firm and intimidating than any handshake I had encountered before and a smile did not dare to break her icy features. A boy nudged her aside, also tall and impressively muscular with the same black hair, but much friendlier, bright blue eyes.

"I'm Hayden, Tera is my sister. The Fiore's were kind enough to take us in as well when we needed it several  years ago and we've been here ever since. Oh, and just ignore Tera, everybody else does." He shrugged with a laugh. Tera flashed her brother a glare and damn, I thought her eyes couldn't get any colder. Another guy stepped forward, he looked astonishingly similar to Drake but kept his hair shorter and neater, stubble peppered his strong jawline and his eyes were a striking, almost venomous green that I could not look away from. 

"Hello, Kyra." He said, bowing his head before meeting my gaze again, "I am Jakob, Drake and Alilah's older brother." 

As I was introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Fiore, I couldn't help but keep stealing glances at Jakob. There was just something about him, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it...

Suddenly, my attention was pulled to Drake taking my arm, "Would you like to see the gardens after dinner, Kyra? They're truly remarkable at night." I nodded and followed his lead as he guided me to the dining room, but I cast one last glance over my shoulder and saw those blazing emerald orbs staring back at me.

"Your family seems really nice." I said softly as Drake and I strolled through the manicured lawns, past perfect hedges, blossoming shrubs and lights strung between the trees overhead.

He nodded, "Yeah, they're pretty cool for the most part. Jake is... questionable sometimes." He said with a shrug.

"What do you mean?"

"Just temperamental, I guess. Don't take it personal if he ever comes across as cold." I nodded though I was confused. Jakob felt like anything but cold. Something was different about him, sure, but it wasn't coldness. 

"What do you think of the gardens?" He asked, breaking through my thoughts.

"Oh, they're beautiful. I can't wait to see what they look like from my room in the daylight. Did your mother plan them out? They seem so elaborate." I said as I gently brushed my fingertips across the petals of a yellow rose.

"The gardens are actually my father's pride and joy, believe it or not. He's always had quite the green thumb.My mother on the other hand..." He laughed, "Not so much."

"Yeah, my mom can't keep a plant alive for anything..." The sentence quickly sputtered out as I realized what I had said. "Well, I guess she couldn't keep a plant alive." I corrected, my voice barely above a whisper. Drake grabbed my wrist, pulling me to a stop before wrapping his arms around me. I hadn't even realized tears were running down my cheeks. His chest was solid, and warm. Being pressed against him made me feel protected and secure, the same way he had made me feel ever since we met just hours earlier. He ran a hand through my hair.

"It's going to be okay, Kyra. Give it time." His deep voice rumbled against my damp cheeks as he spoke and I wrapped my own arms tightly around his waist, as if the closer I got to him, the less pain I would feel. 

We stood like that for what felt like hours and not once did Drake dare to break the embrace until I finally lifted my head to look up at him. His face was riddled with worry and it made a small part of my heart flutter, flutter with hope at the possibility that someone truly cared and was going to get me through this. Though the flutter quickly died as I worried if Cami felt the same security with our Aunt and Uncle. I doubted it, and once again the guilt from before set in and a fresh wave of tears prickled the backs of my eyes.

"Let's get you to bed, okay? You need to rest." Drake whispered. I nodded, wiping at my cheeks. At the mention of rest I realized just how exhausted I felt. Mentally and physically fatigued in a way I had never been before in my life.

As if he could read my mind, "I can carry you, if you'd like. It's a bit of a walk back." He offered. 

"Yes, please." I murmured before he scooped me up into his arms with the utmost care.