Twisted

Chapter Twenty-Four : Lost

The next time Sariah regained consciousness she was aware of the emptiness of the big bed on which she lay.    Rising slowly to a sitting position she felt the burn between her legs, and blushed.  So unused to such thorough loving she was fairly sore, and winced as she swung out of the bed.     Never in her life would she have imagined herself a vampire's lover, let alone the lover of the monster who'd taken her parents from her.  Scrubbing a hand over her face she shook aside the swamping, crushing guilt.   What was done, was done.   No way to turn back, even if she wanted to.  

Bruises dotted her body where Gareth's lips, teeth had sucked, nipped.   Blushing further she was relieved to see a purple velvet robe placed at the foot of the bed, snatched it up and belted it securely around her naked body.   She saw the crisp note on the bedspread, took it up in hands that were steady and read his words.   "Dearest one, my pretty eyes, " it began in his old world script, "I have to hunt and have left you with a feast fit for the queen you are.    Please feel free to roam the premises, if you have need of fresh air.   You have won unsecured freedom on the island befitting your stature in my life. "   It finished, "I will return before dawn, and I will be honored with your presence in my bed.    Feel free to ask the servants for anything you wish to have.   G"

Sariah smelled the delicious food.  Spread on a rolling cart were plates of fruits, meats and cheeses.   A crystal goblet sat temptingly next to a pitcher of what she assumed to be a juice of some sort.    Famished from hours of intense lovemaking she moved to the trays, selected what looked appetizing, and dug in.   A few moments later, hunger dulled, she went to the bathroom,  and took another long bath.    

When she stepped from the bedroom she'd been held captive in  she felt as if he had allowed her opportunity.   As much as she was drawn to him, could she remain here?  Twinges of guilt fluttered in her heart, quickly replaced by the strong new feelings she had for Gareth.   Walking to the stairs she moved down them quickly, and swiftly out into the early twilight.     She heard the calls of parrots in the island's jungle growth, but the night air was fresh here, far less stagnant then from where he'd abducted her.    Worry filled her eyes as she looked at the monstrous wall around the compound.  She had freedom to a degree, she mused, aware of the twinges in her body, still small aftershocks from the night.   

She followed the wall around the back of the house, its stern concrete countenance dark in the ever deepening night.   For the first time she noted security cameras, actual towers where dark clad guards roamed.  Sariah shivered uncontrollably, opting to return to the house where the eyes didn't seem to pry as easily.    She roamed the lower floor, discovering another room, a full library with white leather sofas.    Sighing she selected a tome and settled down to read.   

She became lost in the story, intrigued by the way the author wrote.   She could picture the scenes of gallant knights and damsels in distress, and she smiled.   Time passed without effort as she read on, thoroughly entranced by one of life's most simple pleasures, being lost in a book.   She'd nearly finished the adventure when a noise roused her from her enjoyment.  Her heart beat faster as she looked at the lean, long form of Gareth standing in the doorway, his face unreadable as his dark eyes set upon her.   

It was as if she was on fire, just by the look in his eyes.   He smiled at the sight of her relaxing on the couch with her book.   How marvelous she was to behold, no fear in her eyes as she took him in.   Swiftly he crossed the room to her, and she was in his arms, book forgotten.  For here, with him, was where she was truly lost.   She whispered his name softly as he dropped his mouth to hers......and he was hers.........

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