The Mystery Guy Next Door

√ 10) Staying The Night

From his time in the orphanage, being adopted, bullied and mourning the loss of his foster parents at such a young age, J had clearly gone through a shitload. As a result of his awful childhood, he was an obvious victim.

After the death of his parents, he was brought to live in my demon uncle's villa and would do odd jobs around the house. Basically being a servant. He was tortured and troubled for no reason in the most disturbing ways. Tears brimmed in my eyes at the scenes before me.

The emotions he felt also played before me,I saw what J felt for me. Love? He loved me? J had been through a lot and if it was possible, I respected him even more than I did before.

Torture. The word stung me.

Big long scars on his chest and back. Finding out the reason for the torture killed me even more. What sick person would torture someone for absolutely nothing!? Everything faded into nothing after that and I was left starstruck.

I looked up to J. His black eyes shone like polished marble. Tears threatened to spill. His gaze fell to the floor and I knew that he was ashamed of being half demon and that he had shared the most pained moments of his life with me.

I crept even closer to J and cupped his cheek in my hand.

"Don't cry J. I don't have a single idea how hard this must be for you but I want you to know that I will be here for you and you can count on me."

J smiled and put his hand over mine. "I know." He whispered hoarsely.

"But.." I started. His smiled vanished and he grew anxious again. Uncertain, I carried on. "What are you going to do now?" His brow furrowed.

"Do about what?" J asked.

"About taking me there. To him."

"I don't know. I'll figure something out. Don't you worry alright? No one will touch you or hurt you. I promise." J replied. " You now just have to accept your demon half. If you accept it, you will be able to gain powers like reading minds, seeing people's auras and stuff."

"What's your power?"

"Strength. I'm the warrior kind. I am more stronger, faster and fighter like than every other demon. I found out when I was 9 years old but I hardly use the power. It would seem too suspicious. If anyone found out I was half demon, I would be killed instantly. Your 'uncle' knows this. That's why he has hired me as your kidnapper; so he has power over me and can control be under his thumb."

"How do you accept the power?"

"Close your eyes and try to make contact with your inner self."

I thought about everything to do with me. All my likes and dislikes. I even tried talking to myself. Just when I thought, I had no chance, I felt a burning sensation within me and I opened my eyes. Only to find J grinning like a crazed idiot. I thumped him on his shoulder.

"Super cute or what!?"

"Shut up J" I snapped.

"Reach for that tissue box."

"What? Why?"

"Just do it."

So I did. I reached for the tissue box without moving. That's when the tissue box moved towards me. I gasped. "What the f-"

J fell into a laughing fit. "Hey! Its not funny!"

"Y-You have.. Im guessing the power of the mind"

"No way!" I reached for the curtains this time. And to my surprise, they moved to the side and drew themselves together! I was mesmerised.

"So that means, you can read minds, influence thoughts and of course move things with the power of your mind."

"What the hell." I stated.

"Your face! Its as if you have just seen a ghost!"

After J had calmed down, I told him that I wanted to stay the night over at his. When he asked about my parents, I told him that they would be fine with it.

I went upstairs and borrowed a big baggy shirt from J's wardrobe. It fell to my knees so I didn't bother with any trousers, just shorts. I washed my face and got ready for bed. I entered J's room and was comforted with the delicious smell of apples and cinnamon. I went under the blankets and thought about the new discovery I had made. I didn't want to believe anything.. but it all seemed like the truth.

Just then, J walked into the room. He was wearing only shorts. He had no top on. As he neared me, I caught sight of the scars. Three scars were placed in the middle of his back and chest. It was like a eagle had clawed him. But I knew better. They were the results of countless hours of whippings and beatings. All beatings J had suffered because he had refused to kidnap me or he was just unlucky enough to fall in the path of 'uncles' killer moods.

Anger bubbled inside me like Mount Vesuvius waiting to erupt but it quickly subsided when J caught sight of me and smiled. He walked over and I felt the dip in the bed beside me. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I turned around to face him, up close, I could see every small detail. His charcoal black eyes framed with his beautiful long lashes. Along with his light brown hair falling into place perfectly. His lips were perfect pink and tied up into a tight bow. I traced his face with my fingertips and thought about how perfect J was. I turned around facing the opposite way. He groaned. His arms were still around me.

"Goodnight Jace." I whispered.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear. "You guessed right Riley."

"I told you I would guess it... Jace."

He chuckled and I giggled.

"Jace, Jace, Jace."

His name suited him perfectly. It rolled out of my mouth and that's when I realised I had said his name many time out loud. He chuckled again. I could feel his hot breath on my neck.

"Riley, Riley ,Riley." He said.

I felt so safe in his arms and I thought everything was perfect. That's when it dawned on me that everything was far from perfect. I treasured the moment at hand because I had a feeling, it would be days until I would feel this safe again.