Born Of Sin

by Deanna Richmond

  “Yes,” she hesitantly answered, sitting back.

  Once again, he sat next to her on the floor, feeling ambivalent. “You know who owns the castle now?” he asked.

  “Yes, Mr. Marchette.” She turned to face him. “He never takes pictures and there is not even one painting of him on the walls. I’ve heard that he is a workaholic. I can imagine him looking like an old paunchy grandfather,” Octavia said, playing with his hair, but his stony expression suppressed her grin. She slowly removed her hand and blinked repeatedly. “No!”

  “Yes, he’s more like my age and looks incredibly like me,” he winked provocatively. It was not how he’d planned on telling her, but he wanted to see her reaction. Shock effect usually makes one falter in deceit.

  “No!” She shook her head. “You can’t be!” She moved back, gripping the blanket tightly. “It never occurred to me that you could be the Victor Logan Marchette.” She stumbled over the blanket, trying to get up. She refused to believe it. “But you’re so young. I thought you were an accountant or something like that.”

  “With a corner office and a secret room?” he scoffed arrogantly.

  “Okay, you make a great point but… Octavia, you are so stupid. My god, I never stopped to think what I was doing, or about this whole damn situation.” He watched her stagger over to the adjacent room to gather her clothing.

  “Wait, where are you going?” He hurried over and reached out for her clothes, but she jerked back.

  “You’re my boss for Christ’s sake.” She was appalled. “No wonder your eyes reminded me of Nikolai. You’re a direct descendant of him.”

  “Technically yes, but not really. I don’t have anything to do with the hiring or firing of employees. Really, is that what’s bothering you?” He reached for her again, but she lurched back and grabbed for her shoes “Wait, just stop.” He could have easily stopped her, but that would raise a whole other series of questions.

  “For what? I feel like an idiot. You know, for once in my life, I thought that I would take a chance and have some ‘fun.’” She fumbled around, trying to dress. “You must have had a field day at my expense. Thinking of me as your whore. Me thinking I’m being, I don’t know… adult.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “You’re the boss. And don’t tell me there haven’t been plenty of other women at work…”

  “I said stop moving!” he bellowed. Her body jumped from his aggressive tone. He didn’t mean to sound so irate, but her words enraged him. “I will pretend that those words didn’t cross your lips. Now sit.” Without resistance, she sat on the bed like a doll with her hands planted on each knee. She appeared almost frightened.

  “Yes, there have been women. I do have needs, but there are no ‘plenty of women at work.’ You said that the rumors about Victor were ‘workaholic,’ but did they ever allude to women?”

  “No, but why didn’t you tell me who you were up front?”

  “I guess the same reason you didn’t tell me your real name, Octavia Amelia Vail.” Her breath stopped for a three count, then found its place again, but his tone stayed stern. “Yes, I know your real name and yes, I had you checked out. But let me guess why you lied.” He stood over her. “You were afraid that I would not give you a second glance knowing who you are, but did it ever occur to you I had my own reasons? Some women want me for my name and those women I keep at arm’s length. Some women want danger and those women I don’t associate with. But you, you’re different.” His voice finally softened. “I wanted to play this out to see where this went. From the moment we laid eyes on each other, there was a searing connection. One even you cannot deny, Octavia. Tonight I was going to end this, us, but I don’t want to.” He hesitated, “Do you?”

  “I feel so foolish.” She could barely face him.

  “That is what's so appealing about you, your virtue. You didn’t put the pieces together. It makes you more alluring.” He bent down in front of her, wiping her tears. “You never answered my question.”

  After a few seconds of absorbing what he’d said, she knew she didn’t want to let this go either. Plus, he was the most fascinating man she’d ever met. “No,” she whispered. “I know we should, but I don’t.”

  “Good, because I wouldn’t have taken ‘no’ for an answer. I won’t allow you to be with anyone else.” Victor took her clothes from her, this time, tearing them in half. He saw the shocked expression on her face, but she kept silent. “Now you can’t leave. Next time we’re together it will be in my home. In my bed.” He backed her into the wall, taking possession of his captive.

  ***

  Victor stirred Octavia awake. She had been asleep for hours; last night had been, to put it mildly, intense. Their lovemaking had lasted for hours and her body was exhausted. “I want to show you something.” He brushed her ear with his whispered words.

  Octavia slowly rolled over to see him peering down at her. His head was propped up on his hand. It took a minute for her to awaken, and when she’d opened her eyes, she mumbled, “It’s still dark.”

  “I’m aware.” He looked down at her. When he noted that she could barely keep her eyes open, he piqued her attention by touching his lips to hers. He kissed her so passionately that she reciprocated, unknowingly swallowing what gave him life. Blood. “Are you ready?” he asked, pulling back.

  She ever so gently ran her fingers through his hair. “Yes.” He held out his hand, but as soon as she sat up, her expression altered quickly. “Victor, where are we?” They were no longer in the hotel. Before he could answer, she’d leapt out of bed and run to the window. Unclothed, she opened the drapes to find that her dreams had come true. She was standing in the very castle she'd dreamt about—Le Château Rouge.

  She spun around and saw the room they were in. It was enormous. His bed was majestic, truly made for a king. The ceiling towered at least fifty feet above them, and the interior was modernized with simple tan wallpaper and a hardwood floor.

  “How? When?”

  Victor rushed over to the window, covered her with a cashmere robe and helped her slip into shoes he had on hand for her. He lifted her up and carried her out of the room. “While you were sleeping.”

  Octavia could not help but admire the castle as he whisked her away. “But I never sleep that hard.”

  “Last night you had reason to,” he reminded her.

  Weaving through the numerous hallways and down the stairs, he took her through a set of double doors where the chill in the air made Octavia shiver. “Where are we going?”

  Victor refused to answer as they walked to his stables. Instead, he let her down, grabbed her hand and pushed opened the doors. Then, he placed her on top of a beautiful stallion horse and climbed on behind her.

  The sun was just peeking around the corner as they exited the barn and galloped full speed to the back of the castle. They headed toward the woods, letting the crisp air awaken them with a brisk kiss. They raced as if against time, enjoying the cold air until they’d reached their destination. Victor pulled the reins, slowing them down to a trot. They stopped by a clearing in the woods that had blazed a path for the rising sun.

  From this angle, it seemed as if they were standing high above the castle. The view of the water in front of the bright star on the horizon was breathtaking. “I come here every morning after a long run.” A vampire his age could withstand the sun’s rays for some time.

  “It’s stunning, Victor.” She reached behind, touching his face.

  “It will be even more so after today.” Victor dismounted from the horse. “Let’s admire the view from down here. He helped her down and they stood by a tree, absorbing the beauty in the chilled morning air.

  From behind, he began nuzzling her ear. Octavia enjoyed the feeling immensely. She attempted to stop him when he went to untie her robe. “It’s okay, Octavia, we’re alone. Just let yourself go.” After a second, she timidly released his hands to allow the robe to fall to the ground.

  Exposed t
o the frigid morning air, her nipples responded to the temperature, but as he played with her breasts, she forgot about the world around them. Her head fell back as her hands reached around his neck. He so easily manipulated her body.

  He kissed her neck and she instinctively moved against him. He spun her around, quickly lifted her naked body up and guided himself inside of her. She gasped from the sudden rush.

  Her arms curved around his neck and her legs over his forearms. He could see the stunned expression on her face, as she mentally noted his strength. But she did not inquire. Instead of asking, she let the feeling of ecstasy take its toll.

  Allowing her to release, he took them to the ground and sat her atop him. She perched upon him, fully naked. His hands cupped her backside as hers clawed his chest.

  Their exhales misted into the air. Soon, her head rested against his. Her groans could be heard throughout the nearby woods, but she suddenly stopped. “Victor,” she stuttered in a panic, “wolves.”

  “It’s okay,” he assured her. “They’re mine.”

  “Wolves… yours? How?”

  “Do you truly want to know?” He could see the alarmed expression on her face. So many questions behind those hazel spheres; questions she didn’t want answered. Her silence was his answer. She didn’t want to know, not yet. Perhaps it was the same reason he’d never insisted on the pursuit of his truth. There are some answers we truly don’t want to know. “Just lay back and close your eyes. You are safe with me.”

  “You promise?” He wasn’t sure what caused the wavering expression that had come across her face—uncertainty of the wolves or of him.

  “Always.” He gently laid her back onto the grass. With her back arched, he gripped her waist, and soon made her forget all of her fears. She once again found solace in his body as her hands reached up, letting any doubt sweep away with the wind.

  Victor admired her boldness in the calm morning, as they were secluded in the woods. She was freeing herself, allowing him control once again. As the sun slowly ascended, it reflected upon her gorgeous body to give him full view of what was his. He ran his hands up and down her stomach, breasts and neck.

  Hidden behind the bushes, obscured by the trees, sheltered by the woods, they continued with this forbidden venture. Their bond was one he would never surrender, no matter the consequences.

  There, they made love on the ground for a time, his two faithful companions always close by yet well hidden, keeping watch. Keeping them safe from any unwanted visitors.

  Chapter 11: Octavia

  As Octavia hung out with the group from work, her mind thought only of Victor and his fervent lovemaking. Her stomach fluttered remembering his gentle touch and come-hither stare that she was unable to deny. Never in a million years had she imagined that she could be in a carefree intimate relationship, but she was loving each and every encounter.

  Even though there was something mysteriously sinister about him, it did not stop her from craving him. He had an invisible hold over her that she was unable to fight. In truth, Octavia did not want to fight it; being with him made her feel deliciously naughty. She had grown tired of being so virtuous, and Victor had a way of tapping into her deepest hidden desires and drawing them out.

  Paul brought Octavia back to the present when he grabbed her arm, wanting her full attention. She offered him a forced smile, attempting to listen in on the group conversation, but she stared out of the window, like she could feel Victor nearby.

  As Paul had promised, it was a group of them that hung out that evening, but to make sure of his intentions, Octavia invited her good friend Jared. As usual, Jared, being the eye-catching flirtatious vixen that he was, got a lot of attention. He was tall, close to 6 feet, and believed in staying fit, so he was always in the gym. Plus, women dreamed of having eyelashes like him. Octavia often teased him by saying he was prettier than most women; he took it as a compliment.

  They had just finished their last round of drinks at a local jazz lounge when Octavia decided it was time to leave. “I’m getting tired.” She covered an exaggerated yawn. “Excuse me.” She innocently batted her lashes.

  “Then you don’t mind if I bail, do you?” Jared saw her yawn, and her attempt to cover it was pitiful, at best. “There is this yummy dish that keeps checking me out, and since you’re being a drag…”

  “I’m not being a drag; I have to work in the morning,” Octavia pouted. “You have the weekend off.”

  “Working the next morning never stopped me.” He rolled his eyes at her.

  “You don’t see patients. I do,” she huffed. “No, go have fun. Please, for the both of us.”

  “Don’t worry. I have to turn in early, too,” Paul interrupted. “I will make sure she gets home safely.”

  “I’m perfectly fine,” she said politely, not appreciating Paul’s assumption that she needed help. Something about him irked her. His numerous attempts to hold her hand, standing too closely, and the constant stares did not sit well with her. She felt he was getting too friendly, too fast.

  Jared took note of her firm tone with Paul. “Are you sure?” he asked her, but watched Paul closely. “I can walk you to your car.”

  Octavia gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I’ve got this. Go have a good time. That number who keeps checking you out is very hot.” She poked his middle.

  She immediately thought of Victor and his clear demands of having no other men in her life. She could not believe she’d agreed to that. But then, no other man stood a chance.

  After everyone had said their goodbyes, Octavia stepped out into the cool night air and took a long inhale. She could not wait to get home and snuggle under the covers with a horror book she was reading. As she tugged on her collar, she cut across Main Street. She was headed toward her car when Paul caught up with her and tapped her shoulder. Octavia glanced back, twice, amazed at his relentless demands to walk with her to her car. “I had a great time,” she said politely while she searched for her keys, but when she held them up, Paul snatched them away. “What are you…”

  “Hey, hey, hey.” He tapped her nose with his index finger. “What’s the rush? We’re finally alone together.” He planted his hand on the roof of her car.

  Octavia stepped back, now feeling trapped between him and the car. “Excuse me. My keys, please?” She held out her hand for him to drop her keys into it.

  “I think that you’ve had too much to drink,” he slurred. Though he reeked of alcohol, he had the nerve to accuse her.

  “Listen, it’s late and I’m tired so…”

  “Come on, stop playing hard to get. I only invited the others because you seemed uncertain about going out alone with me.” Before she could respond, Paul grabbed her face and kissed her so unexpectedly, the back of her head bumped the roof of the vehicle.

  He had moved so fast Octavia was still trying to process what was happening. She fought to get him off of her, attempting to push him back. When that didn’t work, she took her hands to separate them and clawed him across the face. At the same time, her knee met with his privates. He finally leapt back and bent over, cursing at her.

  “You bitch! You can screw the big wigs, but we grunts ain’t good enough, huh?” He kept a hand on his face where she’d clawed him, and finally stood upright. “Yeah, I know. I’ve seen the two of you looking at each other. I wasn’t sure before, but your face just confirmed it. I guess I’m not rich enough for you to spread your whorish legs? That’s probably how you got this job in the first place.” He spat on the ground, slowly shaking his head. “Shut it!” he stopped Octavia’s protest. “Girls like you act so pure, but you stay on your knees. I bet you got rug burn on them right now and a guy can slide in you like butter.” Octavia stared at him in disbelief; she didn’t know what to say. His temper had flipped on her so fast. “I didn’t tell anyone yet, but now your stuck-up ass is getting her reputation smeared all over that hospital.”

  She felt so ashamed, before she realized she had no reason to be.
Paul was full of himself. “Oh, so if I screw you, then you would keep your mouth shut?” Her eyes squinted at him; she was seething.

  Paul’s scowl turned to a smile, making her skin crawl. He placed one hand on the roof of her car again and leaned in close. “Now you get the picture, doll. Girls like you need to be taught your place. Don’t worry, you’re not the first girl I’ve trained to behave.” His grin widened as he touched her face. “Whatever he gets, I get, and then some. I want you on all fours for me whenever and wherever, or bye-bye to this sweet act you got going on.”

  Octavia punched him so hard in the face he fell to the ground. Jared had taught her how to defend herself a long time ago. She hurried to pick up the keys he'd dropped and unlocked her door. She got in and drove off before Paul had time to get back on his feet.

  Octavia was shaking so badly that by the time she made it to the next block, she had to pull over. She was so afraid of what Paul had threatened to do. Life back home had been unbearable at times. Most people had looked at her like she carried a plague, but this time, they would stare at her like she wore the scarlet letter. Only this time, it was her fault. She’d messed up. She needed to call Victor and warn him. Then it dawned on her that she didn’t even have his number.

  What have I gotten myself into?

  Her head fell against the steering wheel. She wouldn’t dare go to the hospital this late to warn Victor. Besides, he might not even be there. The idea of going to the castle uninvited was out of the question. What if he had company? That was the last thing she wanted to know. She kept repeating the question, “What have I gotten myself into?” She now felt this was a big mistake.

  This is insane.

  Eventually, rationality found its way into her brain, but it was short lived. She knew she’d find any excuse to stay in his life.

  It would just be a rumor anyway. I can live with that. Maybe he would come clean about us. Maybe it’s what he wants as much as I do.