Death Beckons Me

Chapter 2

I felt something cold and moist on my cheek. Opening my eyes I realized that I was on the floor. A hard grey stone covered floor to be exact. Picking myself up I began to look around. I noticed that I was in a long dark hallway with fire lamps flickering every few feet. The sound of laughter could be heard from the distance. Deciding that I needed help figuring out where I was I cautiously walked towards the laughter. Following the hall, I came upon a huge dining room filled with handsome males all dressed in various colored suits; and gorgeous women all dressed up in their most beautiful dresses. As I stepped into the room a smooth male voice spoke to me.

"Welcome my dear, it's about time you arrived. "

Suddenly a handsome male strolled over to me and kissed my hand.

"You look gorgeous," he said with a heart-stopping smile."

My name is Stefan, and what is your name, beautiful lady?

Looking up at him I lost all sense of time. This man was breathtaking.

Stefan had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks. His eyes were a mesmerizing deep ocean blue, with flecks of silver that sparkled with mischief. A strong angular jaw with a chiseled chin. His perfect lips were soft and ripe for the kissing. His strong hands held mine as he stared deep into my eyes. His strong toned body was covered in a slick black three-piece suit with diamond buttons. His black shoulder-length hair was sleeked back with a gentle curl at the ends. Being as handsome as he was I guess Stefan must get used to the sudden pause in a person's natural expression when they looked his way. However, despite all the opportunity that came his way Stefan was a one-woman-man, and his woman had just arrived.

Coming out of my stupor I swallowed and licked my now dry lips.

"Milania" I replied shyly while Stefan just continued to smile and hold my hand.

"Milania huh, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

We continued to stare at one another, ocean blue eyes met honey brown. The sound of someone clearing their throat brought us back to the party.

"Stefan, aren't you going to introduce your guest to the rest of us?

Stefan looked over at the arrogant blonde with her cool, calculating blue eyes and lean figure and gave a strained smirk.

"Of course Lillith". Grabbing my hand Stefan walked me over to a group of people waiting patiently by the dining room table.

"Good Evening everyone I would like to introduce you all to my gemmetta Milania."

Immediately different shouts rang into the air. The loudest coming from Lillith.

"She's your what!!! How is this possible!?"

Ignoring her loud outburst Stefan continued to address the room.

"I know this is a bit of a shock but I've known about Milania for quite some time."

This admission had me stunned. How the heck did he know about me? I thought with a confused expression on my face. And what the heck is a gemmetta? I was beyond confused at this point but kept a smile on my face none the less. Stefan would have to explain all of this to me later.

After the announcement, Stefan dragged me outside to a balcony overlooking a beautiful garden. All the while I could feel the deathly glare on my back coming from Lillith. Walking through the french doors I was mesmerized once again. A pond was built in the center of the garden, glistening under the moonlight, and teeming with life. Beautiful seven-foot hedges with roses growing out of them decorated the garden making a maze with the pond in the middle. Marble slabs lay here and there presenting the visitors with an elegant walkway to discover the garden. Fireflies and garden lamps sparkled throughout the garden illuminating the roses and pathway. It was a truly enchanting sight.

Turning to face me Stefan gave me a long slow once over from head to toe. Everywhere he looked I felt the warmth from his heated gaze.

" You are quite the specimen he said." Your skin is like creamy caramel and your hair is like waves of exotic dark chocolate. That dress fits you like a glove, I am glad I chose it."

Looking down at myself I finally noticed the elegant red dress I was wearing. The dress covers only a small portion of my shoulders and flows down into a tasteful halter neckline. It's a snug fit which makes the dress look comfortable, yet elegant and stylish. It's left simple, elegant and undecorated, creating a look that flows from top to bottom. Paired with black red bottom kitten heels the overall looked had simplicity and elegance.

Blushing with embarrassment at the compliment I responded with a meek thank you. Clearing my throat I asked with genuine curiosity, " So what was all that back there? Who is that Lillith woman and why does she keep staring at me and why am I here to begin wit?"

Releasing a short laugh Stefan's eyes twinkled down at me. " So anxious my little gemmetta, I will answer all of your questions." "First you are attending a Welcome home party thrown in my honor. I have been away for many years and have only just returned a few days ago. Second, you are here because I summoned you here. I wished to have my gemmetta by my side for the evening. As for Lillith, she is unimportant. Do not worry your pretty little head about her."

"Okay," I sighed "Can I ask you something else?"

"Anything" came the quick reply.

" What does gemmetta mean?"

Smiling with his eyes sparkling with mischief he replied:" That my lovely gemmetta is my little secret, for now. Come let us return to the party."

Walking inside I noticed that all the guests had coupled up and were swaying smoothly to the low soothing music. Looking at Stefan nervously, I noticed he had his hand out for me. With a smirk, he asked, "May I have this dance?" Nodding my head I tentatively grabbed his hand and allowed him to pull me onto the dance floor. Placing my hands on his shoulders and his on my waist we began swaying to the music.

He turned elegantly, his body in tune with the slow music. The warmth between us grew more powerful by the second. My heartbeat was growing steadily along with it. Our dance was perfect; everything from our breathing to how our feet moved in sync. If by the end of this dance my breath is taken away, I would know the exact reason why. Stefan guided me across the dance floor as if we were in a dream. He kept his eyes on me, yet still, he knew exactly where to take me. Every moment, every angle seemed to be planned in advance. Nothing felt forced; I literally thought I was floating.

"Stefan," I whispered, "everyone is looking at us."

He squeezed my hand slightly and smiled "Really" he chuckled softly " I hadn't noticed."

That was when I decided to let go. Let my worries, my pain, and sorrow go. Right here, right now I was living. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore; I allowed him to take me anywhere he pleased on this dance floor. We became one with the song, with the dance and with each other. When the song ended Stefan took me by the waist and lowered me into a smooth dip. staring at one another our breath mixed as we both exhaled harshly. Stefan gave my lips a lingering look and before I could register what he was doing his lips came crashing down on mine for an intimate kiss. Closing my eyes I enjoyed the moment. The feel of his lips on my mine. The heat radiating from my body as he deepened the kiss. It felt like I was falling and floating all at the same time. My eyelids began to flutter open and suddenly I was back in my room with my alarm blaring.

I was startled to see that I was back in my bedroom. Turning off the alarm, I ran my hand through my waist-length wavy hair and sighed. That was one hell of a dream. Putting my fingers to my lips I could still feel the warmth from Stefan's kiss. Shaking my head I decided it was time to leave fantasy land and get back to reality. It was time for work.