Page 2 of Eternally Bound

Seeing this scene unfold in front of me made it abundantly clear, I had no business with her. I shouldn’t walk the same street as her, never mind love her.

This moment would be seared into my mind forever. Consumed by fire, the bodies slowly burned to ashes. The smell of it all made me want to gag, but I kept my gag reflexes at bay and my face stoic.

My cousin was sick as a fuck, the type that should be committed.

He wasn’t the head of the London mafia. Yet! But he was my uncle’s only son and in line to become the boss. He wouldn’t hesitate to torture me as well. I feared one of these days, I’d snap and kill the sick bastard, and then I’d have all my uncle’s men hunting me.

I was stuck! Because one thing that has been ingrained into my brain from the moment I could understand words.

This is for life!

* * *

I watchedAinslee descend the stairs of her university music building, and the moment she spotted me, a wide grin lit up her face. This would be our goodbye. It had to be. The images I witnessed earlier urged me to do the right thing by her.

If my family got even an inclination of her being in my life, it would be dangerous for her. I never wanted to expose her to the dark side of my world. She was my light, and even if I had to give her up, I’d do that gladly, knowing she’d be safe for the rest of her life.

She waved and ran towards me, uncaring of any glances thrown her way. Her wild, red curls escaped her high ponytail, making her look even younger. She was my aphrodisiac; everything I wanted but didn’t deserve. Her creamy, smooth skin was such a contrast against her vibrant-colored hair. It was still hot in September, especially here in the city, so she wore jean shorts, showing off her long legs.

My cock twitched and my inner-self immediately scolded. I had fallen for this red-haired beauty. Besides platonic hugs and kisses, I had not touched her, and I certainly wouldn’t try now that I knew I was being deployed. I was tainted. We could never be more than friends.

From the moment we met at a coffee shop, I knew we could never be. It was stupid that I nurtured my obsession and feelings for her by hanging out with her. I should have walked away without a word. Instead, I stalked her down the street and into the coffee shop.

Something about her spoke to me, pulling me in. Her light blue gaze mesmerized me, making me wish for a happy, free life. Free from the chains of the underworld, free from my twisted family, and tied to something as pure and as beautiful as the young woman in front of me.

We’ve known each other for six months. While London recognized my last name as a threat and evil, this young woman didn’t. She grew up in Scotland and no recognition flickered in her eyes when I introduced myself. Furthermore, she didn’t bother to look me up either. I’d know if she did. The name of my family alone inflicted fear into people. Day after day, week after week, I thought she’d realize what a monster I was, and she’d turn her back on me. But she didn’t.

Instead, she kept asking me to do trivial, simple things with her, like we’d grown up together. Things I had never done. Going to the flower festival, shopping, even the grocery store. But I found pleasure in those activities with her. I soaked up her sunshine like my life depended on it.

“Daniel,” she beamed, her hands wrapping around my neck. She was five years younger than me and somehow, only at her tender age of eighteen, she inched her way into my heart and head.

Yes, I was too old to be enjoying her little signs of affection like this, relishing in her body pressed against mine. But I took it anyway. To remember it for the rest of my life.

“Hey, my little Nightingale,” I greeted her, my hand wrapping around her little waist. It was my pet name for her. When Ainslee sang, her rich notes traveled far and wide.

I may have met her in the coffee shop, but the truth was I had heard her the night before, singing through the streets as she made her way home with her girlfriends. The song hypnotized me, and I followed the sound till I spotted her. Just like a nightingale’s mate's call, I was lost to her from that moment.

“Well, your little nightingale had her vocal cords exercised to death,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “I swear, Mr. Opera hates me.”

“He probably sees your great potential and pushes you harder.”

Her little nose scrunched, her delicate eyebrows furrowed, and I couldn’t help but chuckle.

She blew a breath of annoyance.

“That is not how I see it, but okay.” Then she smiled again. “So to what do I owe this honor? You made my day when you said you wanted to see me, but I must say, I was surprised.”

“I want to take you out to dinner,” I told her. I didn’t want to drop the news too fast. First, I’d enjoy her company and enthusiasm for just a bit longer.

“Awww, that’s sweet. Why don’t we just grab dinner and eat at my place?” she suggested.

That was what I loved about Ainslee. She came from a wealthy family; she would be a diva one day. There wasn’t an ounce of doubt about it, and she knew her voice was magnificent. But she still preferred the simple things. Instead of going to a fancy restaurant and getting dressed up, she would rather sit in her pajamas and munch on chips as we watched a movie.

“You don’t want to go to Hélène Darroze at the Connaught?”

Her eyes widened, the deep blue oceans pulling me in.

“No,” she whispered, awe in her voice. “That place is too fancy and too expensive. Besides, we’d probably get our food faster from The Footman’s.” Then she grinned, her beautiful eyes shining with mischief. “And we can order a pint of beer while we wait. It is a win-win.”

---