AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Pressing 'end', I tossed my phone on the couch. I was angry at myself for not even giving him the chance to explain and assuming the worst.
All I could do now was wait and hope that Stefan was forgiving of idiotic women.
**
I was sitting cross legged on the bed with my laptop propped on a pillow, attempting to work on my latest book without much success. I was typing when I heard the sound of car tires turn onto the gravel of my driveway and watched as headlights flashed across my bedroom wall. Swallowing nervously, I placed my laptop on the floor with shaking hands and listened to the sound of a car engine turning off.
I hurried down the hallway and opened the front door, swallowing back the sob that threatened to break free when I saw Stefan leaning against his car. His hands were shoved into the front pockets of his jeans and when he turned to face me, our eyes locked. The pain I saw in his eyes drew me to him and for once in my life, I didn't stop to think.
I forgot about my bare feet as I ran over the sharp gravel to him. I collapsed against him, fisting my hands in the back of his t-shirt and burrowing my head into his broad chest, finally letting go of the sob I'd been holding in. He pulled me roughly to him, our bodies reconnecting and molding together as if we'd never been apart.
"Josephine," he spoke in a broken whisper, the simple sound of his deep voice causing tears of relief to spill from my eyes.
"I'm sorry, Stefan. I didn't know. I didn't find your note. I. . . " I mumbled against his chest.
"Shh. No more talking right now. We would not want Georgia to come over, would we?" Stefan whispered mischievously in my ear.
I laughed weakly, remembering when I was the one telling him not to talk. It seemed like a lifetime ago to me.
"I'm sorry. I should have let you explain," I whispered, looking up into his blue eyes. "I love you. I don't want another minute to pass without telling you. "
"As I love you, vackra. It is a misunderstanding. This is the part where I forgive you and we move on. I think I read that is what one does in a situation like this. It was good advice from a cheesy romance novel, yes?"
I pulled my head away from him to look into his eyes with disbelief. He was going to just forget all the horrible things I'd said to him and act as if nothing had happened? Why was it so easy for him to love and forgive me?
Being forgiving of stubborn, idiotic women must be one of his super powers.
He gazed into my eyes and a wry smile pulled at the corner of his lips. In one fluid movement, he leaned forward and covered my mouth with his own. His lips were hard and hungry against mine, causing a slow burn of desire to curl through me. I moaned softly into his mouth and wrapped my arms tightly around his neck.
He reluctantly pulled away, pressing his forehead against mine lightly. His voice was soft when he began to speak. "There is much we need to discuss, Josephine. "
"When did you become the serious, level headed one, Romeo?"
My mental response seemed to amuse him. Deep laughter rumbled in his chest as he picked me up and carried me into the villa. He sat down on the couch and cradled me in his arms, my head resting against his shoulder. He lowered his blond head to lightly touch his cool lips against mine in a chaste kiss.
"It is not a super power, Josephine. I love you and I want no one else but you. For me, it is simple. There is nothing to forgive, it was a misunderstanding. I should have told you that I was being forced to go instead of leaving you a note. I could have called you to explain. " He exhaled a slow breath, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Fucking vampire bullshit. "
"I could have listened that night at Anna's house. I was so angry and hurt, Stefan. The thing I feared the most happened the morning when I woke up alone and had no idea what happened to you. I thought you left me. . . " I said, my voice lowering in distress. The memories of our time apart flashed through my mind and the sense of abandonment I felt was still fresh and was painful to think about. His body tensed and flinched underneath me as he read my thoughts, the link between us resonating with pain.
"Let me explain to you what happened the morning I left. You were sleeping and I received a text message from a member of the Administrative Board. One of the Council members was acting carelessly and his behavior was threatening to expose our existence. That is what you would call a 'no-no' for us. " His voice was bitter and his lips were set in a thin line. "As an Enforcer, I had to convince Derek it was in his best interest to not continue his actions. We finally reached an agreement. "
"An Enforcer?" I questioned. What does an Enforcer's job entail? Does he pull their arms off if they don't agree with his way of thinking? I found myself getting aroused thinking of Stefan shirtless and ripping arms off of vampires, the muscles flexing in his arms with his effort.
"It does not usually get that severe. It requires persuasion and at times a nudge in the right direction. It helps to be able to see their true intentions. " Stefan smirked and tapped the side of his temple wryly. "This is my life, Josephine. Until the night I found you, it was extremely dark. You must understand that at any time I might have to leave again. When the Administrative Board places you in a position you do not get to choose. It is considered to be an honor by most. "
I nestled closer against him, pressing my lips against Stefan's neck in a gentle kiss. I ran my nose over his skin and inhaled the musky scent of him. "I take it you don't feel that way. "
"No. I do not. " He turned his head to gaze at me, a smile breaking over his face that didn't reach his eyes. "I briefly considered not coming back to you while I was away. I am selfish and could not stay away from you. You are my fated, Josephine. Your soul pulled me back to you like a moth to a flame. "
I felt my eyes go wide as I sat up to straddle his lap, anger building inside of me as I placed my hands on each side of his face. "Hold on for a second. You considered not coming back?"
Stefan sighed and his shoulders sagged. His eyes looked ancient and tired, the usual sparkle gone. "I love you more than I can possibly explain to you. If I could spare you any pain, I would gladly do it to see you happy. I considered the possibility that you might be happier without me in your life. Yet here I am. "
"I'm happy with you. When you were gone, I felt like part of myself was missing. " My eyes searched his, smoothing my thumbs over his cheekbones and down the side of his face. "No more doing what you think is best for me, Stefan. My feelings should at least be considered. If we're going to do this, we have to communicate. And that means me too. "
Stefan nodded, his face clouded with uncertainty. My mind was suddenly flooded with a barrage of his thoughts. His mind was focused on the night when I angrily told him to leave, my voice bitter and spiteful. It was difficult to watch myself through his eyes, seeing my face contorted in anger. I shivered when I felt his pain and turmoil as he recalled the memories with crystal clarity. I grimaced at my own words that echoed in his mind, 'Save it for someone who cares. Just fucking leave. '
I started to move from his lap, stopped only by hi
