Is this a dream or is Draven Cruz really kissing me right now?
I started to squirm and was attempting to pull away but Draven held a firm grip on my neck, his lips pressed firmly on mine. I gripped his shirt and finally pulled away, trying to make a run for it but Draven easily caught my wrist, yanking me towards him before wrapping an arm around my waist securely.
“Draven?!”
“Yes?” Draven turned to look at Lianna and I could hear her scoff in disbelief before she glared at me, her mouth opening and shutting right up every few seconds. I’m guessing she’s having trouble speaking right now.
“Di-did you just-ki-” Lianna stopped, her eyes slightly glistening in tears and I noticed Draven’s grip loosen from my waist as he took a step forward, a hint of guilt suddenly flickering in his eyes as Lianna disappeared from our sight.
“Wh-why did you do that?” I asked but Draven was now staring off into space, an unreadable expression growing on his face before he turned to look at me, his eyes slightly narrowing at me.
“I don’t know, I was just mad-” he stopped before inhaling deeply and I turned away, a lump suddenly forming in my throat.
“If you want to clear up the misunderstanding, then go and tell her that you were just messing around-”
“I wasn’t.” I stopped to look at him but he was now staring ahead with a hard expression on his face.
“What do you me-”
“I’ll handle Lianna, so go upstairs and get some sleep now.”
“Are you going after her?” I barely choked out and Draven froze before staring deep into my eyes, making my heart skip a beat.
“Please go and sleep, doll face…” he whispered, my eyes completely getting drawn inside his as I nodded my head obediently. He compelled me, yet again. The next thing I knew, I was back upstairs and in my room, getting inside the sheets as I closed my eyes forcefully. I didn’t want to sleep but I had to, I had no choice but in a way? I was grateful he had compelled me. If he hadn’t, I wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight at all.

x-x

“So you’ve been avoiding them both the whole day today because of that?” Emily asked and I nodded slowly, hugging myself even tighter. “Don’t you think that it’s about time you mark your territory? If you really want Draven then stop letting her take him away so easily. He is getting easily swayed by her every time and that-”
“I know, Emily…but I can’t keep asking, more like indirectly begging him to choose me over her. It’s his choice, not mine,” I clutched my stomach as it growled hungrily. I hadn’t eaten the whole day and it was already 5 pm, but I was too busy trying to avoid Romeo and Juliet that I had forgotten to eat. Luckily, Draven was too busy to look for me too, or maybe he was still trying to console Lianna after what he did last night.
“That bitch is going to be the death of all of us, I swear to-”
“I’m sorry for asking you to stay here longer. It was selfish of me to.” I cut her off, my gaze landing on my hands.
“Hey, what are friends for?” Emily squeezed my hands and I looked to smile at her. “We’ll figure this out together, okay?” she mumbled, brushing a few strands of hair away from my face and I nodded. Her hand slightly rested on my forehead and I watched her frown slightly before raising a brow in suspicion.
“You are having a small fever, Adriana.”
“Really?” I checked my temperature and sure enough, my forehead was now starting to burn up. “Its fine, it’s probably because I haven’t eaten anything since last night or-”
“I’ll make you something to eat so stay here. You are not going to starve to death, you hear me?!” she suddenly got up, her eyebrows furrowed together before she marched out of the room, leaving me behind.
“Maybe I can go to the pool or something.” I decided, hoping that I could stop thinking about last night but it was a lot harder than it seemed. Why is Draven acting like this? One minute, he makes it seem like he actually wants to be with me but the next minute, it’s like Lianna is all he has. With a groan, I got out of bed an dragged myself down the staircase, praying no one would notice my presence. But when you live in a mansion full of vampires, such wishes do not exist in the book.
“I can’t have him see me like this…” I breathed, my body suddenly drooping down on the floor but I picked myself up almost immediately. My whole body was now aching and I had no strength to even get up and leave. My eyes suddenly landed on Kevin, who was now walking towards the main door, much to my relief. I was about to turn around but froze when the door opened and in came Draven, causing my heart to drop.
“Hey, how is everything? Did you check up on her?” I heard him ask to Kevin and I was about to turn around and leave when they both turned to look at me, causing my body to stiffen immediately.
“She hasn’t eaten the whole day.” I heard Kevin rat out on me and I could feel my eyes widening as I looked at Draven, who was now narrowing his eyes at me, ready to say something when I spoke.
“He’s lying, I ate after they left and Emily can prove it.” I barely choked out, my vision slightly becoming blurry as I tried to focus on Draven.
“Liar, we’ve been here since 9 am babe, there’s no way you could have sneaked in food without us finding out.” Kevin was definitely out to get me because he knew Draven was the type to get easily ticked off by these small issues and right now, he can’t find out that I hadn’t eaten or the fact that I am sick. I don’t want him to know or get worried about me anymore. It was better to stay away from him than to lead on. Plus, what if he uses my fever as an excuse to kiss me and-
“Are you telling the truth?” Draven cut off my thoughts and even from this distance, I could feel his dangerous aura piercing through my poor, innocent soul.
“Ye-yes! Why would I lie? Plus, why do you have to poke your nose everywhere and see whether I ate or slept or bathed or-”
“Can I make sure you’re telling the truth then?” I froze to look at him, my confidence crumbling down at his words as he took a step forward.
“What?” I choked out, slightly backing away as he narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Don’t come any closer!” I suddenly blabbered when he took another step forward and I watched his eyes widen as Kevin let out a chuckle. Without warning, I turned and started running, my trembling knees almost giving away as I took off. I could hear Draven calling out my name and just as I entered the dining room, a figure appeared in front of me, causing me to gasp and take several steps back.
“Seriously? You really had to waste your breath trying to outrun me?” I brushed away his remark and took deep breaths, trying to even my heartbeats but it was no use. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine-” I finally breathed, taking another step back as Draven took one forward.
“What’s going on with you?” he frowned and I shook my head, trying to make it seem normal but my head was starting to hurt now too.
“Don’t!” I snapped when I noticed Draven walking up to me and he stopped for a second before bolting up to me. “Don’t come any closer, I mean it, Draven-”
“And why not?” he grabbed my wrists and I gasped, looking up to meet his piercing gaze before quickly lowering my eyelashes. “You’re lying to me about something, what-” he stopped to squeeze my hands and I watched him visibly flinch a little before boring his eyes into mine again.
“Wh-what?”
“Did you eat?” he asked softly and inhaled deeply before nodding, trying to hide my annoyance.
“Then why are you burning up right now?”
“I’m not, I am just tired.” I breathed, pushing past him but he stepped in front of me again and this time, I looked up at him with plead.
“You’re not-”
“Don’t do this,” I breathed, my heart aching at my own words that held a lot more meaning than I showed it to be. “Don’t act like you care.” And with that, I jogged past him and ran up to my room, praying he wasn’t following me and luckily he didn’t.

God, how am I supposed to keep do this?

x-x

“Hey Vincent?” I called, noticing him walking downstairs. He shot me a smile and I admired his grey shirt that went really well with his black knee length shorts.
“What’s up?” he jogged over as I started fiddling with my fingers and I noticed him raise a brow at my behavior.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen my parents and honestly, I’m starting to miss them, badly,” I started softly and looked up to meet his piercing gaze. “I kind of want to see them, even if it’s for a day.”
“Adriana, you know that it’s not up to me, Draven gets to decide that.”
“I know.” I lowered my eyelashes innocently and I heard him let out a sigh.
“Well then, convince Draven.” He slipped his hands inside his pockets and I gave him my best puppy dog eyes before twirling some strands of hair between my fingers.
“So I was wondering…if you could maybe talk to him about it.” I asked softly and Vincent’s eyes widened a bit before he shook his head, a nervous chuckle escaping through his lips.
“I can’t-”
“But-”
“I can’t, Adriana, it’s Draven we’re talking about, if anything, you’re the only one who can convince him.” He said and I gave him a disappointed look before nodding slowly, ready to leave when Vincent let out a groan.
“What?” I questioned “innocently” as he took my hand, spinning me around and he let out another sigh before scratching the bridge of his nose.
“Maybe I can talk to him,” he started and I was about to say something when he pressed a finger on my lips. “But only if you promise to take your medicine right now.” He touched my forehead and I quickly nodded before walking with him to the dining room where everyone was waiting for us. Everyone except Draven was now present at the table and I quickly took my seat, earning a small scowl from Lianna as I did. I brushed it away and started eating my food, ignoring the guys who were now engaged in their own conversation. I talked to Emily and Vincent about my quick visit and truth be told, I was a bit excited right now, not to mention happy. I would finally get to see my parents after months, only if Draven agrees, of course, but he has no reason not to. The door opened shortly and Draven walked in, rolling up his sleeves as he sat down right next to me, causing my breath to hitch.
“D…”
“Just eat.” He said shortly, not even glancing at Lianna, who was now almost in tears and I couldn’t help but feel bad for her somehow. Yes, I hate her and don’t like the way she treats me when no one else was around but she was just an innocent girl, who was just as heartbroken as I was. And probably confused too. I watched Draven take a sip out of his wine before Tyrell cleared his throat and continued their conversation, making me sigh in relief.
“Adriana, I want to talk to you.” Lianna’s voice almost made me jump and everyone went silent as I slowly looked up at her, her bold suggestion making me stiffen a little.
“Su-sure-”
“She’s not going anywhere.” Draven suddenly spoke up, gripping my hand that were now resting on my laps. I wanted to brush them away but Draven held a firm grip, almost as if he knew that I was going to yank them away any minute.
“I just want to talk to her about something, alright. If Adriana is fine with it then you have no reason to be so defensive.” Lianna almost sneered before getting up from her seat and Draven was about to say something when I grabbed his hand, shaking my head as he looked at me. He slightly frowned as I got up and made my way outside, ignoring the guys who were now mumbling something as we left.
“Put this on.” Lianna breathed, taking out a Vervain bracelet with a red topaz and I stared at the familiar bracelet before slipping it on.
“Why?”
“This way, Draven can’t eavesdrop on our conversation,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me before sighing. “I guess you really don’t care about how he feels, hunh?”
“If you brought me here to accuse such things then-”
“I know, Adriana. I know Draven from the back of my hand and trust me when I tell you, he is breaking apart because of you,” she stopped when I shot her a deadly glare. “Of us. Maybe it’s hard for you to understand his feelings but it isn’t for me. How can you not see it?”
“See what?!” I huffed angrily, folding my hands across my chest.
“See that he’s hurting because of you. Can you not see that you are holding him back? Whenever he tries to settle his feelings with me, you get in the picture and confuse him. He’s going crazy because of you and yet you can’t even see it, can you? But you claim to be in love with him.”
“I never said-”
“You don’t have to say it, alright? Everyone in this goddamn mansion sees it other than Draven.” She raised her voice, her eyes flaring in anger as she spoke and I went silent at her words.
“Are you done?”
“No, are you? If so, then let him go already. You have done enough already, Adriana. I’ve seen him wide awake almost every night, restless, because of everything that’s been going on. He’s beating himself up over nothing and you know that.” Lianna cut me off and my breath hitched at her words.
“He told you that?” Lianna sighed and I watched her shake her head in pity.
“He doesn’t have to say it for me to see it. Unlike you, I look out for him. And last night? He almost lost it. Kept ranting on about how everything that’s been going on lately has had made him feel trapped and suffocated, that it’s fucking driving him insane.” I could feel my heart aching at her words.
“Lianna, I-”
“And the worst part is, he can’t trust me because of you. He keeps going on and on about me lying about the whole situation where I got kidnapped and why? Because he wants to believe it’s true, just so he can be with you, without feeling guilty about it.” I went completely silent and Lianna let out another sigh as I played with the bracelet, my heart sinking at the thought of Draven suffering because of me.
“I-I’ll tell him to stay away…” I finally choked out and looked at Lianna as she nodded, as if this was the right thing to do.
“Good. It’s best for all of us if you did,” Lianna held my hands and I brushed them away before turning away. “Now that that’s taken care of, can I have the bracelet back? She questioned, extending her hand and I nodded slowly. I started to slip it off and I could feel my eyes widening when sudden flashbacks of Dexter crashed through my mind. That night I saved Ferra, Dexter had slipped on a vervain bracelet with the same red topaz embedded in it. Was it the same bracelet? No, no way.
“Hey, where did you get this bracelet?” I asked softly, turning to look Lianna as she shrugged.
“I always had it with me.” She answered and I slowly nodded before smiling a little as I handed it over to her.
“I hope you take my advice and really let him choose, Adriana. For his good.” She mumbled and I inhaled deeply as I watched her walk away. Let’s hope I do.

x-x

“She said nothing, Draven.” I said for the millionth time tonight and Draven frowned before raising a brow. I ignored and went back to reading my book, hoping he would leave but then again, this is Draven we are talking about.
“You’re lying.”
“Well, she talked about how we don’t get along and that she wishes for it to change.” I said bitterly, disgusted with my own lie and held my breath when Draven sat down right in front of me on the bed.
“I don’t-”
“And don’t compel me. I’ll never talk to you again if you do.” I shot him a deadly glare and Draven narrowed his eyes at me before letting out a sigh.
“Whatever she said about you, don’t believe her. You’re not-”
“I have something I want to ask you.” I cut him off, standing up and he raised a brow before getting up as well.
“Yeah?”
“I was wondering if I could visit my parents this weekend. It’s been so long and-”
“Yeah, Vincent already told me about it. And the answer is no.”
“But-”
“A firm no.” he repeated and I glared at him, his words pricking my nerves.
“And why not? Do you plan to keep me here forever?”
“No, what I do plan to do is keep you safe.” He hissed, taking a step forward and I held my ground as well.
“By keeping me here and not letting me see my parents? That’s not keeping me safe, that’s locking me in.” I watched Draven give me a hard look before he let out a huff in frustration, running a hand through his hair as he did.
“Fine, you’ll get a day. But you’re coming back before it gets dark.”
“What am I, a child?”
“That you are.” I huffed and then pressed my lips together into a thin line, just in case Draven changes his mind about letting me visit for even a few hours. Anything’s better than nothing.
“Let’s sleep.” Draven suddenly slipped off his shirt and disappeared, causing my jaws to drop open. The door was now open and it didn’t take a minute for him to reappear in front of me, making me jump up a little as I took a few steps back. I noticed that he was now only wearing a grey jogger, causing my face to heat up.
“And why must you sleep here?”
“Because it’s the only way I can sleep these days.” He barely mumbled and I went silent at his words.
“Oh,” I whispered stupidly, not really knowing what to say. “I actually want to talk to you about something else.”
“Hmm?”
“About Lianna,” I started softly, trying my best to conceal the hurt in my voice. “Do you still have feelings for her?” I asked finally, turning to face him as he slightly flinched.
“Why do you ask?” he avoided my gaze and I grabbed his hand.
“Tell me, the more you avoid it, the more curious I’ll be, so please, tell me?” I asked softly, biting down my quivering bottom lip, just in case he notices how upset I was. His eyes flickered on them for a few seconds then met my gaze before slowly licking his lips. 
“I don’t know. Probably not.” I don’t know why but the way he hesitated to say it made it clear that he was lying right now. But then again, what was I expecting?
“I-I see. Can I step out of the picture then?” he frowned at my words and I took a few steps back, leaning against the nearest wall to support myself.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I want you to give her a chance. Make things work between you two and leave me out of it. The only way to do that is to let me go. Let me go back, Draven…just let me go home.” I finished in a pleading voice and I watched him grow silent before pinching the bridge of his voice, his eyebrows furrowing together in displeasure.
“And who told you that, hunh? Lianna?” he started walking up to me and I shook my head, my gaze firmly set on his face as he closed in on my space.
“I am telling you because I know you’re hurting,” I stated softly and I watched something flash in his eyes before he put on his expressionless mask again. “And I’m sorry for not noticing it earlier. I didn’t consider how hard all this must be for you and I kept making it only about me but I was just as hurt and confused as you were, if not more.”
“Adriana-”
“And I’m sorry for holding you back,” I stopped for a second when Draven wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me closer to him as I arched my back away from him but decided to keep going. “I’m sorry for not looking out for you the way I should have and--no, let me finish!” I raised my voice when I noticed his lips already brushing against my jawline.
“I am, I really am,” he breathed softly, his lips trailing down to my neck and I held back a moan as he went straight to my soft spot, causing shivers down my spine.
“I’m serious, Draven, you’re not taking me seriously right now.” I pushed him and heard him let out a sigh before meeting my intense gaze.
“I am serious. But all I hear is you repeating Lianna’s little speech over and over again. Just a different choice of words.” He stated bluntly and I gave him a long look before letting out an exasperated sigh.
“We’re never going to work Draven. We’re literally the definition of complicated.”
“Got a nice touch to it, don’t you think-” he stopped when I sent him a warning glare and he “tsked” before taking a step back. “Fine, but I’m not listening to you right now. That’s Lianna talking right now, not you.”
“I’m serious, Draven. I am done trying to make us work.”
“Well fuck that, I’m not, alright?” I let out a huff at his ignorance as he walked over to the bed, plopping down on it.
“Good for you.” I said bitterly before marching up to him and crawling as far away from him from the bed. The light switched off shortly and silence clouded the atmosphere as we both kept quiet.
“About the vervain bracelets…” I turned to face him and gasped when I realized how close he was to my side of the bed now.
“What about them?” he asked oh-so-casually and I narrowed my eyes at him before staring into his blue eyes.
“How many are there?” I asked softly. Yes, truth be told, Lianna having the same type of bracelet Dexter had did bothr me but then again-
“Probably 13 or less. The color of the topaz would be different in each one.” He said shortly and I could feel my pulse racing as I inched closer.
“What about the same color? Is there a chance that there are two bracelets with the same colors?” I asked and my heart dropped when Draven shook his head.
“Why? Is something wrong?” he asked softly but his voice was so distant by now. If there is only one kind of bracelet for each color, then…how the hell was Lianna able to get her hands on the bracelet Dexter had?
“Hey, Adriana?” Draven shook my shoulder and I gasped as I looked at him, quickly shaking my head as he frowned at my behavior.
“I’m fine, just curious.”
“Your heartbeat is very fast right now. Chances are that your either lying or trying to hide something from me and-”
“Draven, I’m serious. Trust me. I’m fine. I was just curious and you know what happens when I get curious.” I somehow managed to convince him and he gave me one last look before nodding.
“Good, now get some sleep.” He leaned to kiss me on the forehead and I didn’t even bother to brush him away. How was Lianna able to get her hands on a bracelet Dexter had given me once? How and when? What exactly is she not telling us?

xxx