Playful Sticks (Book One Of The Playful Instruments Series)

5th Stick

I was breathing heavily, tired from the never ending chase.

I can feel my bare feet throbbing everytime it makes contact with the forest grounds, but that didn't make me stop.

I didn't even care that my shoulder was bleeding.

No amount of pain can equal the fear that I feel. And I have never been this scared for my life.

Well, it wasn't just me now.

The woods is a perfect place for me to hide right now. It's dark and they wouldn't think I can go this far.

The water hugged my feet up to my ankles as I crossed the  shallow river. It is a bit far until I reach the other side, but there is no other way around.

The hem of my creamy white dress caught up with the water and I didn't bother pulling it up.

The blood on my feet has been washed away by the River of Tears. I won't be leaving tracks behind now.

I didn't bother looking up at the midnight sky. Although, I could still see a glimpse of its beauty through its reflection in the water.

It is very dark here outside, but the moon gave light to those who seek refuge in the night.

My eyes kept searching for the big rock once I reached dry land.

I almost cried when I found it.

I'm almost there! 

But when I did find the key to my escape, the familiar cold engulfed me in a hug.

"I'm here, my love. Shh, everything's okay now," he whispered in my ear.

What? I saw him die... It couldn't be!

He growled when he saw my wounds. "Who did this to you?"

I stifled a cry as I searched for his eyes.

He had this murderous expression on his face, but it didn't scare me. Not even a bit.

I gasped when I saw his eyes.

Then I lost it. Is fate playing with me?

"Azrail?"

"Demitri, get in here!" His thundering voice was full of authority.

I struggled to open my eyes, only to be met with blinding sunlight, forcing me to shut them close again.

Where the heck am I?

I racked my brain for information, but I was left with nothing.

I groaned and grasped my head when I felt an excruciating pain attacked.

My eyes flung open when a cold hand touched mine. I shuddered at the familiar feeling.

Martinez?

My vision was still a bit blurry, adjusting with the environment I'm in.

"Master, the lady is alright. There is nothing to worry about," the young girl beside me, who looked like a maid, croaked out.

She helped me sit up when she noticed what I was trying to do, then handed me a glass of water.

"W-what the hell happened?" I asked.

He crossed his arms on his chest. "You look so angelic in your sleep, but the moment you speak you just blow off that aura, sweetheart."

I glared at him and he had that annoying smirk plastered back on his face.

I suddenly remembered why I was with him. That freaking wager!

Oh, no! We couldn't have done it last night, did we?

He must have noticed the horror look on my face and scrunched up his brows in a confused look.

I looked under the covers and found myself wrapped up in a long sleeved night dress. I looked up at him with my eyes wide open.

"Tell me you didn't do this!"

"What do you take me for?" He cocked an eyebrow up.

He sighed and sat beside me on the bed.

"I know I'm hot and attractive, sweetheart. You definitely wanted to do it with me last night—" I cut him off mid sentence by throwing a pillow on his face.

"We didn't do it last night, happy? You slept on me, which was unfair. And my maid changed your clothes."

I slept? What?

Fragments of memories from last night started coming back to me. My jaw dropped.

I was shot!

I searched for wounds on my chest, but found nothing. My forehead creased, confused with what's happening.

"Where am I?" I asked him.

He looked confused now too. "Where else? This is our hotel room."

I don't even remember going here!

I remember that we were having dinner, then a bullet going through my chest! I'm sure I was shot! I felt it!

Wait, am I even making sense?

There's not a single scratch to prove it. Was it just a dream?

But I think I had a different dream...

I sighed. I must be going crazy, imagining things.

"So, I'm still a virgin, correct?"

"Yup," he replied, smirking again.

Now, when did he fucking not smirk?

I stretched out my hand in front of him. "Give me the other pair of stick then."

He jumped back in bed, putting my hand in his as he trailed kisses on it.

"Not so fast, sweetheart."