Chapter II: Devil’s Charm

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It began to rain; a drumming on the cobble that every human on the streets detested and feared. Rain made the cold worse; it stung wounds, blurred your vision, and chilled your bones. It hissed at you, chattered at you, whipped you.   

She was shivering, shaking, trembling; but she did not cry. Not anymore. There was no more time for crying. She had to work, eat what she could, and help who she could; survive. Joleigh understood the world better. It was a hard, terrible place. The winter took its toll, biting at her once clean, soft skin, the rain soaking her once beautiful golden hair. But she no longer cared that much, she had seen worst of it. Children battling each other over mouthfuls of food, men beating their women in drunken rages, and enough death to satisfy her for all eternity. Poverty turned a young girl into a woman in only a year.

There were times when she would think of her life before it went downhill. This was one of those times. Joleigh sat hunched and quivering against a soaked wall, her skin damp and cold but her eyes dry. Clasped in her fist were her earnings she had received from working a day in the fish market. She counted, for she knew how to count, the amount over and over again, meanwhile thinking of how disgusting the scent of the raw fish was clinging to her dirtied skirts.

It’s not the most I’ve received, she sighed, but if I go without food tomorrow, and work another day, work hard so Madame Perce gives me extra, maybe I could spend my savings on a pair of shoes. She looked solemnly down at her bare feet, calloused and rough, blackened by the street. A harsh gust of wind screamed in her ears, causing her to bite her chapped red lips and curl further into a ball. When it was over she opened her eyes and shifted position so she could place the tattered bag she carried across her lap. Joleigh added her earnings to her collection, feeling with her hands to check if everything was there. Yes, all 5 Francs and 45 sous were safely inside. Her stiff fingers brushed the edge of her book. Joleigh sighed with contempt. At least something of her past was still with her, that and the small silver cross she kept around her neck. She paused and aimlessly traced circles on the ragged cover, longing to take it out and read. But she no longer had access to candles. The sun was her only light source, but even then days seemed dark.

It stopped raining. Pressing her lips into a straight line, Joleigh pushed herself up. She slung the bag over her shoulder and clutched the button-less jacket she was wearing to her body. 

Where to sleep for the night? She pondered, clenching her jaw when the wind blew over her again, looking down each direction of the alley she was hiding in. To her right, there was a gathering of prostitutes, chatting to each other, occasionally cackling when a costumer passed. To her left was a clan of the homeless. There was a shrill mewling of a child that echoed of the walls, and the muffled sounds of the mother trying to silence it. Joleigh swallowed hard and took the route to her left, though it pained her to look at the people suffering. She didn’t want to be reminded she was in the same situation, but alone. Joleigh passed them quickly, crossed the road and turned into another alley. It was surprising that she never felt lost. The winding slums and alleys were her home now.

She turned a corner and headed down a strangely desolate alley, about two arm’s widths wide and greasy brick walls. The young girl trod cautiously, almost holding her breath. Water dripped rhythmically from the angled rooftops. Joleigh stopped.

 A shadow had appeared from the darkness, a sly grin shimmering white in the black. She was about to step out of the man’s way but he caught hold of her arm. She gasped at how cold his hand was and attempted to pull away from the icy grip.

 “Why hello, ma chère.” It was a husky, purring voice, almost charming; yet laden with immorality and deceit. However, she relaxed and bowed her head in embarrassment. “I see you kept my coat.” When Joleigh didn’t answer she felt the man’s other hand come up and hooked a long finger under her chin, tilting it gently upwards so she could see his face. “It looks good on you.” Even in the darkness, she could see his glowing grey eyes and crooked smile. His hair melted into the black, along with his tall hat and winter cloak. She always wondered why he would dress so smartly for someone of his class. Maybe to pass off as a pleasant sort, he was attractive; but pleasant was something he definitely was not.

 “Thank you, Montparnasse.” Joleigh said quietly, turning her face away, her knuckles whitening on the strap of her bag.

 “I love how you say my name. Pronouncing every syllable like a proper young miss.” Montparnasse leered and cocked his head to the side, but released her.

 “You forget I once was.” She let out a sigh of relief, and rubbed the place where he had grabbed her. Joleigh immediately regretted it as he noticed her fear in him. The thin man laughed, those grey eyes sparkling with casual trickery. Joleigh winced and moved to walk away. She felt cold wood stop her. Montparnasse was holding her back by his cane, something she didn’t even see! He was like a ghost. A menacing spirit whom only appeared in the night. She had never seen him in daylight; never once had it occurred to her that he actually had a life away from his darkness.

 “Oh, I never forget anything innocent Joleigh.” He purred. She turned her sad eyes towards him. “But you weren’t exactly proper, were you? A baker’s daughter - fallen victim to this economical crisis.”

 “Please, just let me take my rest, confront me in the morning. I have no doubt you will know where I am.” Joleigh pushed the cane away and Montparnasse smiled. He never seemed to stop.

 “You are a very clever girl, but you know well as I that it cannot happen. It’s a shame you have to live like this,” He used his cane in order to gesture to the slums with it, “But you know, there is always the option-“

 “No, don’t try to bribe me again. I’m doing fine by myself.” Joleigh snapped and the man recoiled mockingly, pretending that she had startled him.

“But my dear mademoiselle! You have so much potential!”

“No. I will not join your gang of spies; it seems to me that the Patron-Minette is doing quiet well on it’s own.” This was not the first time he had asked her. Since they’re first encounter he had wanted her for his collection; for more reasons than Joleigh knew. But what she did know was that Montparnasse was one of the leaders of the most dangerous criminal gangs in Paris. He was a murderer, a thief, and a liar rolled into one. The young girl turned to leave, pleading to God that the treacherous man would leave her be! The cool grip was suddenly on her arm once again, however this time it pulled, so her back was pressed up against his chest. Joleigh gasped at his forcefulness, her heart pounded in her chest and her temperature rose at the compromising position they were in. She started to tremble. He’s going to kill me! “ ‘Parnasse let me go.”

“Hmm, maybe saying it that way sounds even better.” Montparnasse hissed into her wet hair. Joleigh whimpered and batted at his hands, but they just tightened; one around her waist and the other at the nape of her neck.

“Let go! Please, just leave me alone!” She made another meager attempt at escape, but gave up. If he wanted to kill her, he would have done so. Those polished hands of his were bloodstained. Everything about him was murder. But, he would not do that to her. He wanted something else. How foolish of me. Joleigh had known it for a long time, and merely accepted that this night would come and Montparnasse would grow annoyed at his constant chasing. “Do what you must…” She muttered meekly.

Joleigh could sense his small smile, the hand on her waist drew her closer to his body, the other tracing lazy circles on her sensitive collarbones. The girl swallowed hard and wished it away, but at the same time – she couldn’t possibly – enjoyed it…

“You can’t think I’d do anything of that sort to you, my sweet.” Montparnasse murmured, nuzzling his face into the side of her head. Joleigh cringed and her breathing hitched when she felt his warm breath on her ear. “I would not dare hurt you in any way. Don’t you ever wonder why such a pretty thing as you has had no trouble living on the streets? Any typical girl would have turned to selling herself or otherwise been…” He chuckled. “Well I assume you can guess. But you? No. Not a single piece of scum has touched your purity. And it comes down to me. The ‘evil’ Montparnasse. I have connections and I have ways. My dear, I am your protector – I gave you my coat! A true gentleman, I am. Shouldn’t you trust your protector’s advice?” Joleigh was taken aback by these words, for once the mocking tone was gone; it was almost serious. Fakeness is his trade. She reminded herself. But he did give me his coat; I would have frozen without it- Montparnasse’s voice lowered, “Come with me, I can help you.” He almost pleaded.

“Release me, Montparnasse.” She commanded gently. The man paused briefly before doing so. Joleigh almost felt sad when he let go, but then quickly composed herself. It was a stupid thought. “I’m alone.” She said to him, fixing her skirts. “I do not need your help or advice. If you want your coat back, you can have it.” Montparnasse scowled and clucked his tongue, shaking his head in disappointment.

 “When was it you last ate?”

 “It’s none of your business.”

 “Two days ago.” He answered for her. Joleigh gave him a shrewd look.

 "You’ve been stalking me-“

 “Following you is the term I prefer.” He grinned, flashing his white teeth. “And it’s not always me who does the following.” Joleigh crossed her arms and glared up at him.

 “ ‘Parnasse I am cold. I am wet. I am hungry and tired. I would really appreciate it if you and your spies would leave me alone!” She hissed the last three words for emphasis. Montparnasse only giggled and placed a hand on his chest in feigned shock. When he saw she was not amused he pursed his red lips and narrowed his gaze.

 “So, naïve.” He sighed, holding out his hand to her. Cautiously she took it. “That may be your one flaw, Joleigh.” His smirked returned to his face and he tightened his grip so hard, that she cried out. ‘Parnasse drew her to him and wrapped his arms around her protectively. Joleigh huffed with aggravation. He was so strange; his emotions flew rapidly in different directions. At on moment he would be charming and kind, and then suddenly he was malicious and terrible.

 “That hurt, Montparnasse.” She flexed her frozen hand. His embrace was warm; Joleigh could almost enjoy it if she didn’t fear for her life.

 “I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

 “No.” Joleigh said stubbornly. Montparnasse laughed.

“You would be very good at the job, you know? We wouldn’t even make you do that much. You can wear fine clothes and eat good food. If it’s the others you’re scared of, I can promise that I would never let them touch you. Just think of it; a home.” Joleigh sighed again and titled her head up so she was looking at his face. In the dim light coming from the end of the alley you could see the silver glint of scars. The thickest ones tracing from the corner of is mouth to his chin, another below his left eye.  They were probably done by one of his victims. Joleigh looked back down, now realizing how dangerous a person he was.  

 “Montparnasse, you have helped me enough already…but why can’t you understand? I don’t need any more debts to repay and-“ Her words were cut off. She felt his lips on her brow. It was only the briefest of gestures, like a snakebite, fast and sharp. She didn’t know how to react, like his venom was sinking into her. When he pulled away, she was still immobilized. Montparnasse kissed her. She went frozen in shock. Joleigh didn’t know what to do, she didn’t understand; did it make her happy? No? But, she did not push him away!

 "You really need me, Joleigh.” He murmured, piercing her stunned blue eyes with his sharp grey gaze. Montparnasse snickered when she didn’t reply. “My, my, my… I guess nobody has ever done that to you before…” Chuckling, he wove a long finger through one of her loose curls. Joleigh did not pull away, her mouth open just slightly, as if she was enjoying it; but her eyes open in terror. Montparnasse’s gaze drifted from her own down her face, to her pink lips. “And, I bet nobody has done this-” His lids hooded and her cupped her cheek, slowly bending over towards her, lips parted in a soft grin. “How lucky I am…to be your first-“ Joleigh snapped out of her state of shock. She blinked. Montparnasse was inches from her face. She pushed him back, stumbling away herself. Her heart fluttered. Her cheeks reddened. Montparnasse looked shocked himself, but he coolly collected himself and straightened. All amusement vanished from his eyes.

 Joleigh was the first to speak.

 “I’m sorry.” She could believe what she was saying. Apologizing? To this, this…she didn’t have the words to describe him. Montparnasse said nothing, only stared at her icily. Joleigh became angry, the flare washing away her fear of him, “ Actually, I’m not. You know, a real gentleman would be apologizing for doing something like that! Something - completely out of the blue!” The man cocked his head to the side but still held his emotionless face. Joleigh gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. “Also, no, that was not my first-“ She choked on her own words, as his narrow eyes flicked over her, she squirmed under his glare. “I-I…I don’t feel...you’re a friend…not – well…”

“I don’t have friends.” He hissed. Suddenly, the dandy had come back to life. He moved with such swiftness Joleigh did not have the time to breath her next breath. She was slammed against the hard brick wall, emitting a pained cry as he pressed up against her. His fingers twisted around her neck. “I told you, you need me. You would not survive without me. You will not survive without me. So, no. I will never leave you. Joleigh, accept that you will die without my protection.” Montparnasse growled in her ear. The girl whimpered, hands scrambling on his in effort to break free, her chipped nails scratching at his tender skin. The man only glared and squeezed harder. “Do you hear me?”

“Y-yes!” She wheezed. He let her go, but she felt something snap. There was a sharp pain at the back of her neck. Joleigh palmed her skin. Her necklace! She looked at Montparnasse, who was dangling it in his fist, holding it up so he could see what it was. The silver cross-danced in the moonlight.

“Pretty.” He muttered before slipping it into his coat pocket. Joleigh reached out her hand, but could not find her words. The man just looked at her pitifully, tipped his hat and said; “Stay safe mademoiselle. See you…tomorrow night?” Then he disappeared back into the darkness, his winter coat billowing around him as he stormed off. Joleigh collapsed against the wall in exhaustion and relief, holding her head in her hands. She did not cry. She thought; hard and well about what had just happened. Montparnasse had been looking out for her, like a guardian angel…but how could he act that way when he is the very devil himself?                    

There was one thing she was sure of. Joleigh needed to be rid of him.

“But how?” She muttered to herself. Shaking as the cold returned to her bones, she clutched her stomach. It rumbled loudly. There was no way she was going to sleep tonight; hunger always keeps you up in the night. Joleigh groaned and pushed herself up. The only way to cure it was to walk. That is what she did. After tying her knotted hair into a loose plait with a strip of the edge of her dress, she picked a direction and began, heading towards a main road. She ignored the crys of drunken men and the cooes of prostitutes as she stepped into the oil-lamp light. People hunched over the sides of buildings casted their gazes to her, then away, accepting another member to their widely spreading family. Joleigh swallowed hard and rubbed the back of her neck, where Montaparnasse's force of ripping the necklace off left a red gash. It stung to her touch. She stepped forewards to cross the road. 

A scream came from the horses that nearly clobbered her, a distressed shout from the driver, and the black carriage the skidded to a halt infront of her. 

"Watch where you're going!" The driver snarled and spat at her. A bourgeois carriage could have killed her, if Joleigh had not been harshly pulled back.

"S-sorry, Monsuier!" She stuttered to the driver, curtsying. Joleigh turned red as the driver re-arranged his reins. Once again the carriage started moving and continued on it's journey. Someone laughed behind her. Joleigh let out a long breath. "Thank you-" She said as she turned to thank her savoiur, but there was nothing behind her, only the opening to the dark alley she had come from. Joleigh's brow furrowed in confusion. She took a step into the darkness. Someone was behind her, but she couldn't turn. The air turned cold. The hairs on the back of her neck bristled, bumps appeared on her arms, but not from the temperature and not from fear. 

"I told you, you needed me." 

"What did I tell you about stalking me!"

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Okay let me tell you a thing. 

I have a new weird character obsession. That is sort of competeing in my brain with Enjolras. Okay, don't freak out....it's Montparnasse. PLEASE DON'T SHOOT ME! I don't know, if there was a scale in my mind of the hot characters of Les Mis; Enjolras and Montparnasse would be battling it out on the top (plus Jehan as he is my baby) and I have no clue on who would be winning.

Thus, this chapter was created. I had a feeling that Joleigh needed someone. And that someone wasn't as nice as her other 'boy-friends'. Like seriously. Montparnasse in the book is one hell of a hotty. (Also the guy people as face-casting him as (Douglas Booth) is H-O-T) And I really couldn't help myself.

Is it bad for me to sort of want Joleigh and Mont to be together? I dunno, I just think they could work, you know? 

You're probably thinking b-but En-njolras and Joleigh n-need to have babies. OKAY I KNOW! THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL AND I LOVE THEM AS WELL! BUT I LIEK TWISTING THINGS ;)

I really should stop ranting now.

But, please...somebody tell me that they are thinking the same thing? 

-Kat/Grantaire xx