The Beauty of Despair (Book 1 of 3)

Chapter 22

PICTURE OF ZEKE ON SIDE------->

*****I think I'm going to break this into 2 parts otherwise it'll be waaayyy longer than normal, so these should be really close. In fact, I'll wait and post them together. So I guess this is technically two updates in one day? Anyways, enjoy!*****

I was back in that dreaded basement and one light was on. Kristy sat in the middle of that one light, tied to that chair glaring into the shadows of room. I couldn't help but verbally express my thoughts.

"Could this guy get anymore cliche?" It must've been nighttime because I jumped as the same domineering man from before spoke, standing against a wall in the dark so I still couldn't see his face.

"How is her Highness tonight?" Kristy grunted and turned her face away from the traitor. He sighed tiredly, pushing himself off the wall but my designated spot kept his back to me. The traitor strode closer to Kristy, his hand clasped behind his back as I just noticed his surprisingly formal attire. Black loafers paired with a light blue dress shirt which was tucked into black slacks. When he finally spoke again, his voice held patient warning.

"Kristy, now is not the time to try my patience, it's been a pressing day for me. Not all of us get to just sit around and relax all day." I scoffed in unison with Kristy. Lifting her head, she glared right into his face and sneered defiantly.

"Why did you take me?" The traitor chuckled darkly, playing with her crusted together curls, bending at the waist to make him eye level with her. My feet tried to tug themselves out of place, every fiber of my being wanting to return the man's actions and save Kristy. It was as if my feet were nailed to the ground with steel because I could move everything but my feet. His voice was dangerously, quietly, patronizingly calm.

"They ruined my life so I'm ruining theirs one step at a time," Then he abruptly straightened himself and strode out, his anger dissipated, "Goodnight dear Kristy, feel free to scream if you need something. Just make sure it's loud because I'm the only one that can hear you." And he slammed a door behind him, shutting off the light behind him. Sobs erupted in the room and as my eyes adjusted I saw Kristy's hunched over form. Hopelessness bit at my heels and my head pounded with yelling.

"Help! Help! Help!" My eyes flew open and was met with the familiar sight of Josiah's chest. My hand rested on his chest which still steadily rose and fell, his bicep acting as my pillow. I craned my head back to see Josiah's serene face. I'm glad one of us was. His lips were parted and his eyelashes resting on his cheekbones. The sight would've made me smile if Ivory's voice hadn't suddenly popped my eardrum.

"Ava, Josiah! Time to wake up!" Josiah cringed awake and peered down at me sleepily. Offering him a gentle smile, I pushed back his curls as he stretched, his long legs hanging even further off the couch than they already did. Ivory stuck her face down besides ours and caused me to jump back. She grinned at us, her eyes wide even though Josiah glared harshly at her. Josiah spoke, his hoarse, sleepy voice adding to his morning cuteness.

"What are you doing here Ivory?" Someone grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her up. Josiah and I both craned our necks to see Cameron with his arm wrapped around Ivory and smiling apologetically.

"It's about an hour and a half until your book signing and it takes half an hour to get there so Ivory suggested we come early to make sure you were ready on time."

"Because you have to look nice Josiah James Richards, no boots or t-shirts, or scruffy jeans!" Josiah groaned and sat up, pulling up the blanket with him and allowing the chilly morning air to get at me.