A novel of passion's flame chapter 24
NORA'S POV
As the car drove away from the estate,The feeling of unease was still settled in my stomach. My mind kept wandering back to the mysterious photo I found in Alexander's bedroom.
I looked out of the window, watching the trees and houses whizzed by. The guard Marcus was driving and another guard-still don't know his name was sitting at the passengers seat.
I still couldn't shake off the terrible feeling I got when staring at the photo...He didn't look normal, His smile was creepy and it made me remember the unknown person that had attacked me at my apartment.
Why did they look so much alike? It was obvious they were brothers but why had they never talked about him? Was he dead or was he still alive? And why did I feel like I'd seen him before?
I racked my brain, trying to remember if I had ever seen him but nothing came in mind.
I looked out the window again, watching as the trees and houses whizzed by. I was lost in thought, thinking about Alexander's brother and the terrible feeling it left me with.
"Where should we take you Miss Nora?"Marcus, one of the guard asked, looking at me from the rearview mirror.
"Sweet delights"I responded softly.
Marcus nodded. "Very well miss, We'll take you there"
"Thank you"I Smiled lightly.
*
*
*
*
Beth and I sat down, Sipping our coffee. Beth reached out and put her hand on my arm.
"How are you really doing?"She asked,her eyes filled with concern.
I Smiled, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine Beth. Really"I said but Beth's expression were still filled with worry.
"Nora,I was so worried about you"She said softly. "When Lan told me about what happened,I was Terrified. Are you sure you're okay?, You were attacked, That's really serious"
I nodded. "I'm fine Beth,Yes I was a little shaken up and I still am but really I'm fine. Mr Knights and his family have been taking good care of me...If it wasn't for Alexander,I don't know what would have happened to me"
The moment I said Alexander's name while smiling,Beth stared at me, Grinning.
"What...Why are you looking at me like that?"I asked,my cheeks flushing.
"You got a thing for him right?"Beth teased, Her eyes glinting in amusement.
I felt my face grow hotter as I squirmed in my seat, trying to avoid her eyes.
"Spill!... There's definitely something, You're blushing"Beth said with a Laugh.
"But there's nothing to tell,I don't know what you're talking about!"I retorted, still blushing.
Beth laughed again. "I'm your best friend and I know you very well, You don't blush or smile this much for a guy. You like him,don't you?"
I hesitated, My heart pounding hard against my chest. "I do,A lot"I whispered softly that I could barely hear myself.
"I...I Know I shouldn't,I shouldn't have feelings for him but I do...I think am in love with him"
Beth's reaction was immediate, She let out a loud squeal,Her eyes wide in surprise and excitement.
"YOU WHAT!"She shouted,her voice echoing through the coffee shop and my cheeks flushed bright red.
"Shh Beth,Not so loud!"I hissed,my eyes darting around the coffee shop to see if anyone was staring at us and I found them staring including the guards.
Thankfully they weren't standing too close to listen to our conversation.
"I fucking knew it!"She exclaimed. "I knew you had a thing for him OMG this is huge"Beth grinned still looking excited.
"Beth,Calm down...."
She interrupted me again. "Are you kidding me? You're falling for a sexy billionaire who's engaged....How did this happen?"
I took a deep breath, trying to explain. "I...I don't know Beth, It just happened. He makes me feel things I haven't felt before...He looks at me like I'm the only one who matters, Makes me feel like the only beautiful woman in the world,He takes care of me and when he touches me... it's like my whole body comes to life. Anytime we hug, I feel like I'm melting into his arms... Like am exactly where I'm meant to be"I paused,my heart beating against my chest and I looked at Beth who was staring at me in shock.
"I know it sounds crazy Beth,I know we've only known each other for a short time but I feel like I've known him my whole life. I feel like like I've been waiting for him,I feel like he's the one for me"
Beth blinked... Again...And again. She looked speechless. "Wow,I...I honestly don't know what to say. I'm really happy for you Nora"She said,her voice trembling. "You're completely, utterly in love with him"
I nodded, feeling my eyes water in tears. "I am Beth, I'm so in love with him that it hurts to know he's getting married. I don't know what to do about it"
"Nora....This is so complicated,I don't want you to get hurt. How's the Icy queen Tricia treating you?,I hope she isn't giving you a hard time"
"Beth!, You're so mean"I giggled, laughing out loud loudly.
Beth grinned. "Is she still as...frosty as ever?"
I chuckled. "Yeah, Pretty much. She hates me, Insulted me a few times but then I slapped her...."
"You slapped her!"Beth exclaimed and I shrugged. "Mommy is so proud of you right now...."She high-fived me and I grinned. "Wish I was there to see her face, was Alexander aware about that, What did he say?"
"Honestly I regretted slapping her at first cuz I felt like I had disrespected him by slapping his fiance but I was surprised when he defended me and made her apologize to me countless times"I responded, smiling lightly.
"That's amazing!"Beth squealed. "I'm glad he defended,That bitch needed to be taught a lesson"
I nodded in agreement. "I know right,I know she doesn't like it when he defends me or when I go close to him,I Know she's Jealous which is completely normal but I just can't help how I feel about Him"
Beth's expression turned Serious. "Nora I know you have strong feelings for him but you have to be careful, He's engaged and getting involved with him could get complicated."
I sighed, lowering my eyes. I knew she was stating the truth but the thought of staying away from him from him hurts but I have to. I have to get rid of this feelings cuz it'll do be no good.
"I understand Beth, I'm trying to be careful but It's hard when I feel this way about him"
She reached out and took my hand. "I'm here for you Nora,No matter what happens, I'll always be here to support you"
I Smiled, feeling grateful for having someone like her in my life. "Thanks Beth,That means a lot to me"
She squeezed my hand softly. "You're always welcome, So what are you going to do about Alexander,Are you going to tell him about how you feel?"
"Of course not!"I responded immediately. "I guess I'll just try to stay away from him,I was planning on telling him about me leaving his house"I bit my lips nervously.
"What!"Beth exclaimed. "You know it's not safe"
"I..I know but I don't think I can stay there anymore, I have to leave. I can protect myself"I mumbled and she stared at me before sighing out loudly.
"It's your choice Nora but you know my apartment is always open for you"
"Thank you Beth"I smiled.
We hugged again and then suddenly I felt a shiver run down my spine,I couldn't shake off the feeling of being watched. I broke away from the hug and glanced around the coffee shop but everyone seemed to be minding their business.
Beth seemed to notice my sudden unease and she stared at me in concern. "Hey,is everything okay?"
I forced a smile, not wanting to worry her. "Everything's fine"I lied, feeling my body starting to shake. "Uh...I need to go to the bathroom"I quickly got up from my seat, trying to compose myself.
Beth looked concern but she nodded. "Okay, I'll be here"
As I walked towards the toilet,I saw the guards trying to follow me but I gestured for them to wait, not wanting them to follow me to ease myself_That'll be so weird.
"It's okay, I'll be fine"I said, trying to reassure them. "Just wait here for me"
The guards nodded, looking hesitate but they stayed put. I breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the bathroom locking the door behind me.
I did my thing and twisted the door knob to walk out. As I stepped out of the bathroom,I froze in terror.
Standing before me was the same person from the photo that looked exactly like Alexander, His face twisted in a creepy smile,A huge scar marred his eyebrow and his eyes made me shiver in fear.
"And we meet again, Nora"He said and I Gasped out loud, recognizing that voice.
I took a step back,my heart racing in fear. It was the same voice that haunted my nightmares,it was the same man with the Same voice that attacked me me in my apartment,The Same man I had stabbed in self defense.
Oh my God...
"No,No, No"I whispered,My mind reeling in horror. He was Alexander's brother.
"Y...y...you...."I stuttered,my eyes fixed on his large scar. He didn't have that when I saw him in the photo.
He chuckled, his smile growing wider. He had the same exact smile with Alexander's. "Speechless baby?"He furrowed his brows, his eyes glinting in amusement.
"You thought a little knife would kill me?, I'm afraid I'm not that easy to get rid off, Even my brother thought he'd gotten rid off me until I fucking showed up in his face"He laughed, the sound sending shivers down my spine.
His expression then suddenly changed. "You stabbed me"He growled,his eyes red with fury.
I paled, My heart racing in terror. "Now am going to use the exact same knife on you...Oh how my lovely brother would be so mad that I marked his princess"
𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩....𝙈𝙮 𝙚𝙮𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙙𝙚.
He whipped out a small Pocket knife and before I could react,He pinned me against the bathroom door. The blade pressed hard against my neck and I felt a searing pain as it pierced my skin.
I whimpered feeling warm blood trickle down my neck. Oh God. My heart Pounded hard against my chest, He's going to kill me and this time he might even succeed.
"P...p... please..."I tried to beg, my voice trembling.
But he just laughed,His eyes glinting in pleasure of seeing me in pain. "I won't kill you... Yet"He taunted before releasing me and my knees gave out.
I collapsed on the ground, My body shaking with fear. I watched in horror as he licked my blood off the knife,his tongue darting out to taste the one on his lips.
I shuddered,my skin crawling with disgust. Alexander's brother was a Psychopath,A monster.
As I lay there, helpless and terrified. He leaned in close,His breath cold against my ear.
"Say Hi to my brother for me"He whispered, Before turning and walking away Leaving me shaken and traumatized.