CHAPTER TWO

I trudged off to bed with thoughts of my family weighing on my mind. I tossed and turned until exhaustion caught up with me, falling into a fitful sleep, my cheeks still damp with tears.

Floating in and out of a dream-like state, I was drawn to memories of my childhood. My father had been there, but all I could remember about his appearance was his tall frame and wide shoulders. He was always making my mom smile. On the nights he came home from work, he would pick me up, toss me in the air, and lightly kiss my cheek before settling me into his lap.

Every night before bed, he would read one of my favorite books, while I snuggled closely. The world around me seemed to fade and ripple; we were under a tree, on a warm sunny day. He was gazing at my mother with adoration and longing. Whispering how much he loved her, but a spark of hesitation lingered in his tired eyes. My dream turned darker, taking me back to the day my father left. I could see my mom standing in the door way with tear stained cheeks, while my father backed out of the drive.

I wrenched myself from my chaotic dreams, my heart pounding. My breaths came in unsteady pants, a cold sweat trickling across my skin. There was a tickle in the back of my mind as I tried to remember more of the night my father left. Shaking my head I tried to untangle myself from a mess of arms and legs. Malachi and Cale had insisted on sharing the same bed with me. I could feel the dampness of my tears against my pillow as I slipped from the bed.

Stumbling across the dark room, I made my way to where I thought I saw the bathroom. Running my hand along the wall I found the light switch, squinting as the brightness assaulted my eyes. Pulling drawers open I searched the vanity for a wash cloth. I ran it under the faucet before placing the cool, damp cloth over my red, swollen eyes. Taking a few calming breaths, I tried to ease my troubled mind. I needed to change out of the sweat soaked tank top and shorts I wore to the beach, so I slipped into a loose flowing nightgown that I found lying on the counter.

On my way out, I studied the men that lay there. They were holding me captive, and I could feel my spirit breaking. A sob lodged itself in my throat as I fought the conflicting emotions raging through my body.

Cale was lying on the left side of the bed, the face of an angel with deep sky blue eyes and ebony hair. Malachi was on the right side of the bed, with identical facial features. His eyes a vivid shade of honey dew, with hints of gold flakes, his hair was the color of straw. My heart fluttered, and my breath hitched each time I glanced at either of them.

Trailing my eyes down each one, I could just make out the trim lines of their naked chests as the pale moonlight danced across the room. Indulging, I let my eyes move lower, licking suddenly dry lips. My eyes roamed over their washboard abs, to the straight narrowing of their hips that disappeared beneath the sheets.

Were they completely naked under the sheets? Musing to myself, I stretched my arm out, tracing my fingers over their warm skin. Stopping dead in my tracks, my breaths came in rapid bursts.

What’s wrong with me? The thoughts I’ve been having are unbelievable, and my actions just now. UGH! I could never have imagined doing that in a million years!

A tingling sensation urged me towards the bed, but I forced myself to back away. I scanned the room, finding the door on the opposite side. Not wanting to wake the two sleeping forms, I reached for the door slowly. I twisted the handle and pulled gently. I cringed when the door sqeeked, my heart leapt into my throat. I paused and held my breath, praying they didn’t stir.

Making sure I was in the clear and the squeak hadn’t disturbed them, I backed out into the hallway. I gradually closed the door, praying it didn’t make another sound. I let out the breath I had been holding, turning away from the door. Walking down the hall came to a junction at the top of some stairs. As I reached the landing, I took in everything I could see in the dim moonlight. Paintings that lined the walls captivated me. Gasping at the painting closest to me, I saw the same tree from my dream. Glancing around I noticed erotically posed statues, some of which made my cheeks heat as I averted my gaze. Before long I found myself standing in the midst of a large kitchen. Pots and pans hung on hooks over a large gas stove, like you would see in a fine dining establishment.

Escape was at the forefront of my mind, and I located the back door on the opposite side of a large table. Someone must have been preparing for breakfast; muffins and pastries littered the table. Reaching for a bag I found on the nearby counter, I stuffed as much food as I could into it. There was no telling how long this trip was going to take me, or even where I was. Gathering the last bit of my nerve, I checked to make sure no one was watching as I stepped out the back. Gazing around the estate, I saw the most amazing garden. I wanted to go look but I knew better, as my time was short. My eyes landed on the wooded area, sprinting, I ran with everything I could muster.

The nightgown I was wearing proved useless against the damp night air. Grass and dirt covered my feet as I ran, the rocks digging into my exposed arches. Tears stung at the corners of my eyes as each foot struck the ground. The burning sensation increased as I pushed myself harder, weaving in and out of trees, fumbling over roots that stuck above the soil, losing my footing on the moss covered bark.

The leaves of laurel oaks and mangroves crunched under my feet, breaking the silence. Stinging nettle brushed against my legs, leaving rash like marks that burned. Cussing under my breath, I sat on a nearby stump, listening to the sounds around me.

Not far off I could hear a low murmur. Realizing it was running water, I carefully made my way towards the source, hoping I wouldn’t lose the sound. The whispering sound started to grow, vibrating my ears more and more as it grew to a roar. To my amazement I found a waterfall, surrounded with lush grass and moss. Carolina willows dotted the water’s edge, their limbs dangling down like fingers caressing the water’s surface. A light mist splashed up from the stream as the water fell from above, glistening across the leaves.

Slowly I twirled around in wonder at the luxuriant meadow I found myself standing in. Under the light of the moon, I saw the white petals of Water Cowbane peaking through the bright pink of the Rosegentian flowers. This would make a good place to rest up before I continue home, I thought to myself, as I looked for a place to rest.

Crawling under the branches of the closest willow tree, I snuggled into a bed of soft moss, drifting off with relative ease. Sometime later a loud noise jolted me from my slumber.

I jumped to my feet trying to run, when strong hands wrapped around my waist, holding me in place. Turning around, desperation in every move I made, I saw Malachi with his green eyes looking back at mine, sadness etched into his handsome face. My body ached to reach out and touch his face, to let him know I was sorry for trying to leave. I let out an agitated breath; I couldn’t let myself think like that, they had taken me against my will!

Staring into his eyes I felt the pull of sleep and quickly gave in; he must have been talking to himself because I could have sworn I saw his lips moving before it went completely black.

#

The world felt as if it were shaking, trying to come apart at the seams. Cracking an eye open, I found Cale trying to wake me. Fully opening my eyes, I noticed I was back in the room with him staring at me.

Waiting until I was fully awake, he asked quietly “Why did you run?” Cale started pacing around the room, clearly agitated. I noticed a slight tick in his jaw as he paused to look me in the eyes while I contemplated my answer.

My mouth suddenly went dry and my lips opened and closed without a sound as I gazed around the room, trying to find the right words. ”I… I was running back to my family; you wouldn’t understand. You have everything you could ever want here!” When I saw the look on his face my heart broke. I quickly added “I just know they’re worried sick.”

“You have no right to keep me here!” As my anger rose, so did my daring. Defiantly I squared my shoulders; getting to my feet, I turned my back to Cale as my hands curled into tight fists. Glaring over my shoulder, I stormed away from him.

SMACK!

My head spun when I felt the sudden sting of a backhand across my face. Colors danced at the edge of my vision as the world went blurry around me. For a split second I knew what flying felt like before I sailed into the wall, leaving me bruised and broken. Blinding pain shot through my body, as I slid to the floor in a tangled heap. From what seemed like a distance I heard a devastating scream, and I tried to focus on where the sound came from; I knew it was a man’s wail.

I could feel hands groping at me, trying to pull me closer. I tried to move away, as the sudden movement renewed the pain that shot through every nerve ending. Malachi had rushed over, gently picking me up before running his fingers through my tangled hair. I could see the sadness in his eyes as he pulled his blood-covered hand from my head.

Sobbing, Cale was focused on the hole my body left. He turned and inched toward me, his fingers outstretched. A tear slid down my cheek as I flinched away, each muscle protesting the movement. Malachi must have felt the change in my position, because he whirled around and hastened his steps from the room.

Sucking in a ragged calming breath, the world spun around me. My grip tightened around Malachi. He was my life line to compose myself. The throbbing in my head matched the pace of my heart, sending the vital fluid flowing through my hair, down my neck and back.