Page 70 of The Councilor

At some point, I’d reach the boiling point and when I did, blood would rain in the streets.

CHAPTER 20

Raphaella

And the thunder rolled.

I hated storms. I always had and there was no reason why other than they reminded me there were malevolent forces on this earth. I’d always anticipated they’d eventually get me. I just hadn’t realized it would be this way.

The storm was even more electric than before, which I didn’t think was possible. I’d rolled over, staring out the open blinds. I hadn’t wanted to close them earlier, maybe because I’d felt claustrophobic. The entire day was little more than a blur, but the gunshots continued to echo in my mind.

Pop! Pop! Pop!

And the screams. Even now, the moment another rumble of thunder sounded off in the distance, I was forced to cover my ears. I’d been shocked, at first by the horrific accusations being made. Then as chaos had erupted, the fact Aleksander hadn’t hesitated to dive over me, knocking me to the concretecontinued to weigh heavily on my mind. He’d saved my life. There was no doubt about that.

I could barely remember anything after he’d gently shoved me into the car, forcing me to slump down as he got the hell out of there. I do remember him driving like a maniac, narrowly avoiding hitting a solid dozen people. The only saving grace had been the entire group had panicked, rushing away from the scene.

I’d heard him making several phone calls, his rage increasing with every passing second, but by then the echoes had started, my mind doing its best to shut down. His world was much more dangerous than mine. I knew he’d said that I was now a target, but the shooter hadn’t wanted me. Right? Jasmine. Had she known? Oh, I couldn’t keep doing this.

A flash of lightning forced me to close my eyes. Tonight, the storm was also ravaging my soul. I pulled the covers up higher, my fuzzy memory being that he’d contacted a doctor of some kind to check me out. Other than bumps and bruises, I’d been labeled okay.

They had no idea how emotionally distraught I was.

That troubled me as well. I was much stronger than this. Perhaps I’d just been taking the entire situation as a game more than I should have. Someone was out to get him, or me, or us. Us. It was so amazing to think a couple of days ago I hated the man with all I had. Now we were…

Getting married.

Crack!

The blue light tumbling across the horizon was electrifying but I was more terrified than before. I realized only a few seconds later I was shaking like a leaf, beads of perspiration trickling down my face. The sheets were damp from me sweating. I was a basket case. More thunder rolled in the distance, the vibrations skittering through me.

Yet even with the fear coursing through me like white-hot heat, sultry images rolled from one side of my brain to the other. They were filthy yet comforting.

Of him.

I had such a sudden need for him, likely because he’d been my protector. Fighting the hunger, the urge was already difficult. He’d left me alone to get my rest, but I couldn’t stand the darkness. I rolled over, gasping for air. It was late, almost three in the morning. Evidently, I’d fallen asleep. I don’t know how unless I’d been given a sedative.

Unable to stand the fear any longer, I reached for the light by the bed. After flicking it twice, I realized the power must be out. Was that possible? Didn’t he have some huge household generator? I had no idea, but the thought didn’t provide any comfort anyway.

Still shaking, I threw back the covers, hesitating before planting my feet on the floor. I was still somewhat disoriented in his house, the darkness making it much worse. When I reached the door, a different kind of fear washed through me. What if something was wrong? The terror was palpable, but I tried to remind myself it was irrational at the same time. I’d had a horrible ordeal only hours before. It was logical I’d feel off kilter. However, I couldn’t stand the forever changing shadows and being alone.

I hesitantly opened the door, listening for any sounds.

Including gunshots.

A nervous laugh almost bubbled to the surface. I opened the door wider, realizing everything was quiet. Dead quiet. I didn’t like it at all. The powerful man would think I was silly acting like this. He’d shown no signs of fear. A real hero. Sighing, I willed myself to step from my room, making it a few feet down the hallway when it seemed the entire house rumbled. I slammed my back against the wall, trying with everything I had to control my breathing. I wasn’t prone to panic attacks but that’s exactly what this felt like.

I clung to the wall, sliding down it as if I was stuck in the middle of some wretched nightmare. Maybe that’s exactly what this was. There was so much angst inside of me that my stomach was in knots but even worse, my nipples were sore, aching to the point they were pressing uncomfortably against the tee shirt I’d chosen to wear. At least I think I had. Now I wasn’t certain of anything.

If it hadn’t been for several flashes of lightning, I likely would have fallen on my butt trying to make my way down the hallway to his room.

His room.

My savior.

My boss.

My forbidden.

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