He holds the sleeves of the coat out for me, and I allow him to slip it onto my arms. He buttons me up, pushing my hands away when I try to do it on my own.
My heart trips within me. He has this little way about him. He likes doing things for me, taking care of me. It's completely frustrating yet endearingly sweet at the same time, and that's just the thing. That's part of why I have to get out of here—and quick. Because the longer I'm here, the more I'm softening toward him, and I'm sure that's his entire goal.
He hooks my arm through his and begins leading me out of the castle and into the gardens just like we're some sort of medieval couple, a suitor strolling me along on a mid-afternoon walk.
I don't fight it. I'm just grateful that at least I'm going to see the sunlight. Yes, that's one myth that is totally untrue. Vampires do not burn or die in sunshine. Jasper has absolutely no qualms about being in the sunlight, although he told me that he does prefer darkness since it's not as hard on his eyes, so the thought that he's putting his eyes through this discomfort for me also makes my chest flutter a bit.
I press my lips into a thin line as I firmly remind myself that I shouldn't feel any sort of pity for him. This is all his fault. He's kidnapped me. He's keeping me here against my will. I have to remember that.
But really, this is all your fault, another little voice whispers in my head.None of this would have ever happened if you hadn't been stupid enough to believe that prophecy and forced a kiss upon a vampire.But how was I supposed to know that the prophecy was false and that I would get unlucky enough to kiss the most obsessive, possessive, insane vampire on the planet?
As we stroll along through the gardens, I can't help marveling at the beauty of his roses. He has roses of many varieties all curling up beautifully on the grounds. There are deep red roses, vibrant purple roses, lavender roses, soft yellow roses, coral roses, blush roses, and hybrids with white centers and pink tips. There's even a black rose.
"They're all so stunning," I marvel aloud as I finger their delicate petals and inhale their heady fragrance.
"Yes, beautiful," I hear Jasper murmur, but when I look up, he's looking at me—not the roses.
My heard does a little flip, and I feel myself blushing.
He expertly plucks one of the deepest red roses and places it behind my ear. He's careful to make sure no thorns prick my skin, and then it suddenly hits me.
Thorns. Vampires can be hurt with thorns. They're not exactly the same as a wooden stake. It won't kill him, but it should maim him long enough for me to get away from him.
My heart starts beating rapidly in my chest as I consider my options. I feel a prick of conscience at thought of hurting him, though.
But it won't kill him, I assure myself,and you have to do what you have to do to escape.
By all means, I suppose I should want him dead, but I can’t bear the thought of completely destroying him. He hasn’t been abusive to me. He’s just kidnaped me.
Even I know how fucked up that train of thought is.
I bend over to admire one of the black roses. "May I?" I ask him.
He raises an eyebrow at me and cocks his head down in assent.
I pluck one of the black roses from the bush, making sure to break the stem so that there are plenty of thorns still left on it. I stand and start walking slowly over to him with the rose gripped in my hands covering the thorns. I feel the thorns pricking slightly against the skin of my palms, though not enough to draw blood.
I make my way over to Jasper and give him a tiny smile. His eyes are glittering down at me possessively, and my breath catches, both at his look and what I plan on doing. Why is my heart twisting within me?
I lift the rose up as if to place it in his lapel. I try to calm my nerves, but my arm shakes as the rose gets closer and closer to him.
Go on. Just punch it into him. You can do it.I mentally pep myself up.
My fingers are trembling so badly that I almost drop the rose. I take in a deep breath and pull back, getting ready to plunge the stem into his chest.
But then I suddenly feel Jasper's big hands surrounding mine.
I look up at him with dread and see the fire blazing in his eyes. His mouth is pressed into a thin line.
He tsks down at me. "Ah, little bird, you're going to have to be way smarter than that."
Oh god, he knows what I was up to.
He exerts just the slightest amount of pressure on my hands, but it's enough to cause me to lose my grip on the rose.
It falls to the ground between us ominously. Jasper stomps on it, his eyes dark as he suddenly yanks me against his chest and wraps his arms around me, teleporting us back to my prison.
Shit. What have I done?