Chapter 7: An Apology
Violet awoke to find a ghostly figure perched on the edge of her bed, its presence both familiar and unsettling. “How are you here?” she asked, sitting up with a start. The specter shrugged, a wry smile playing on its ethereal lips. “Some days, my energy is low, but on others, I manage to escape the confines of the mirror,” he replied, reaching out to place a translucent hand on hers. Though she couldn’t feel it physically, a comforting warmth spread through her.
“Did you shatter the mirror yesterday?” she inquired hesitantly. The ghost nodded, a protective glint in his eyes. “Yes. I didn’t like how he was trying to manipulate you. Fae charm everything, and they are dangerously irresistible.” Violet lowered her gaze, shame creeping over her like a shadow.
His fingers brushed her cheek, evoking a sensation akin to a gentle breeze. “I know you were coerced into a contract with them. It’s not your fault.” “How do you know that?” she asked, curiosity piqued. “I want to tell you, but first, you must get to know me. The truth will be a shock, so please, trust me,” he implored, his deep blue eyes locking onto hers. “Okay, I will,” she whispered, feeling both apprehensive and intrigued. He leaned forward, placing a chaste kiss on her cheek, his demeanor gentlemanly and respectful.
“I’ll see you tonight, okay?” he said, fading into the air like mist dissipating in sunlight. Violet nodded and made her way to her expansive wardrobe, selecting a charming pink dress and complementing white Mary Jane shoes. She dressed quickly, then moved to the bathroom to complete her morning routine. With her hair pulled into a neat ponytail and red lip-gloss accentuating her features, she headed to the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of breakfast greeted her.
Ribero stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with practiced ease. “I didn’t hear you come in,” Violet remarked, pleasantly surprised. “I wanted to surprise you with breakfast,” he replied, pulling her Into a warm embrace. They shared a brief, tender kiss, aware that lingering would lead them down a more passionate path.
“Go sit on the couch. I’ll bring it to you,” Ribero instructed. Violet settled into the plush seating, and soon Ribero arrived with a tray laden with pancakes, sausage, bacon, and a sparkling mimosa. “Thank you,” she said, taking a sip of the drink and making a face. “This isn’t orange juice.” Ribero chuckled, “It’s a mimosa. Just a little something to help you relax.” She took a bite of the pancakes, savoring the rich maple syrup. Then she tasted the sausage and bacon together. “Mmm, you’re the best cook!” she exclaimed, her praise genuine. “Thank you, sweetheart. You should try Johan’s cooking sometime. Women hire him just for his culinary skills.” “I’ll have to meet him,” she mused.
After finishing breakfast, with Ribero’s fingers gently caressing hers, Violet placed her dishes in the sink. They left the house, exchanging cheek kisses before sliding into Ribero’s car. The drive to the club seemed to pass in a blur, and soon they arrived, where a sense of relief washed over Violet at the absence of other women working.
“We haven’t replaced the bartenders yet, so we’ll be taking turns helping you with the bar,” Ribero explained. “Sounds good,” Violet replied as Terri greeted her with an enthusiastic wave. “I’ll see you later, beautiful,” Ribero said, squeezing her tightly before she slipped behind the bar.
Terri enveloped her in a bear hug, playfully nibbling her ear. “I’m watching you, Terri. Don’t forget that,” Fernando’s voice boomed over the loudspeaker. “I made you a double dose of my special drink to help you get through the day,” Terri announced, handing her a glass. “Thank you,” Violet said, downing the drink. “Wow, we’re going to have fun today,” Terri winked, and she responded with a peck on his cheek.
She busied herself with cleaning the bar, drying glasses, and wiping down surfaces. As the day progressed, male patrons began to trickle in, some respectful, others less so. “Hey, bartender, you’re not moving fast enough,” one man bellowed, slamming his fist on the bar. “Just because you’re with the Fae king doesn’t make you special. He throws out every s—” Before he could finish, Terri hurled a beer bottle, hitting the man and cutting him off mid-sentence.
“FYI, jerk, she’s with me,” Terri declared, pulling Violet into a mesmerizing kiss that seemed to lift her off her feet. “That’s even better, the Fae who throws himself at everyone,” the man sneered, but Yoshi appeared, wrapping a metal chain around the man's neck and dragging him away to the bouncer.
Terri’s energy mingled with Violet’s, calming her in a euphoric embrace. As they pulled apart, Yoshi approached the bar. “Why did you say I’m your girl?" Violet asked. "if people know you’re with Fernando, it puts a target on your back,” he explained. “That was the best kiss I’ve ever had,” she admitted. “You’re welcome,” he grinned. “Thank you, Yoshi, for taking care of him,” she said, stepping around the bar to hug him tightly.
“Can you cover the bar with her? I have a client waiting,” Terri asked. “Sure, no problem,” Yoshi agreed. “I came out to give you an apology gift,” he said, handing Violet a bouquet of flowers and an expensive box of chocolates. “Wow, thank you so much,” she exclaimed, hugging him again. “May I kiss you?” he inquired. “Yes,” she consented, and he kissed her cheek, the warmth of his lips making her swoon. She reminded herself that despite his allure, she wasn't into the world of whips and chains.
“I’ll take care of the customers while you relax and enjoy your chocolates,” Yoshi suggested, and she settled onto a stool. “What do you want in return?” she asked. “Nothing today,” he replied with a wink. She popped a chocolate into her mouth. “Mmm, these are the best,” she mumbled through a smile. “Now that I know what you like, maybe I’ll bribe you to join me in the playroom,” he teased. She giggled and ate another chocolate.
She enjoyed their conversation, but despite his charm, she wasn’t about to enter the playroom. Suddenly, the sound of gunshots rang out from the club’s entrance. Yoshi acted swiftly, pulling her into his room and locking the door. “She’s with me in the playroom. I heard shots outside,” Yoshi informed Ribero, who was too busy rushing outside with guards to assess the situation.
“See, I got you in here,” Yoshi said, gently brushing her hair aside. Violet met his captivating gaze and realized she was in trouble. He embraced her, holding her securely as her nerves settled. Despite the room’s unsettling ambiance, she felt safe in his arms. “Hey, want to have some fun?” he suggested. “There are shooters outside!” she protested. “We’re safe in here,” he assured, leaning in to capture her lips. She couldn’t resist the softness of his kiss, and the drink Terri had given her earlier kept her alert as they continued to kiss.
Then he paused, gesturing for her to sit on a bench. “You’re very charming, but I don’t like being whipped,” she stated firmly. “I won’t whip you, I promise,” he said with sincerity.
“This isn’t the time,” she insisted. “This will help you relax,” he countered. Reluctantly, she sat on the bench as he began to massage her shoulders with gentle strokes.
“Mmm, that feels good,” she sighed, releasing a deep breath. Suddenly, there was a loud bang on the door. Yoshi quickly unlocked it. “Ribero!” Violet cried, leaping into his arms. He caught her and enveloped her in a passionate kiss. “It was just some thugs. I hope you two behaved,” he said, casting a stern glance at Yoshi. “He didn’t do anything, I promise,” Violet reassured him with another kiss. “You must have had Terri’s drink; you’re so hyper,” Ribero observed. “Yes, but I’m happy!” she laughed. “Fernando wants to take you home.” “Okay,” she agreed, leaving Yoshi with a tender kiss. “Goodnight, sweet angel,” he smiled as they departed.
“Fernando is already outside,” Terri announced, spotting them. “Wait!” he called as he ran over in platform boots, scooping Violet up for a playful kiss. “Goodnight, cutie pie,” he said, setting her back down. “Goodnight,” she replied as she and Ribero reached Fernando’s car. Ribero opened the door for her and kissed her forehead. “Goodnight, sweetie.” “Goodnight,” she murmured, climbing into the car and buckling up.
As Fernando drove, he pulled her in for an affectionate kiss. “Mmm, I love when you kiss me,” she beamed. “I love tasting your lips,” he replied, their hands entwined as they made their way home. Once there, he surprised her by carrying her effortlessly in his strong arms. Gently, he laid her on the couch. “I’m so lucky to have you,” he murmured. “I’m glad I have you,” she echoed, sincerity in her voice.
“I’ll have those pills ready for tomorrow, and Chef Johan is going to make dinner for us. I’m excited to see how I affect you when there’s no charm involved,” he said. “I’m excited too,” she replied, leaning into another kiss. His lips seemed perfect against hers, but she wondered if it was just the charm’s influence. She pulled away to ask a question. “Will I ever see your face?” she inquired, referring to the gold mask he always wore. “When we get married,” he promised, pulling her into a closer embrace.
“When will that be?” she asked, trying to hide her nervousness. “I don’t know. We’ll see how everything goes. Don’t worry, baby, I will never leave you. I promise,” he reassured her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, feeling intoxicated by his presence and unable to get enough. They kissed for a while before he decided to feed on her, drawing out her worries and negative energy. She shuddered beneath him, experiencing a profound sense of release.
“I, um, need to pee,” she said, standing up to find the couch a little damp. “That’s not pee,” he said gently. “Oh, I’ve never done that before. I’m sorry,” she apologized, embarrassed. “Don’t be sorry. I’m so happy that I’m the only one who made you feel so strongly. I’ll clean up the couch. Just go take a shower and get into your pajamas,” he suggested, kissing her before she dashed to the bathroom.
Inside, she shut the door behind her. “Hi, sweetie, don’t talk or he’ll hear. I saw what he just did. He took advantage of you,” a voice said from the mirror, causing her to tear up. “I couldn’t help myself. My body and mind betrayed me. I can’t resist them,” she whispered. “Just remember, I’d never do that to you,” the voice promised, pressing its lips against the glass. She stood on her tiptoes to return the kiss, feeling comforted despite the barrier between them. Then the presence vanished.
Violet turned on the water, stripped down, and stepped into the shower, washing herself thoroughly. Emerging refreshed, she slipped into pink pajamas—a cute shirt paired with shorts. Yawning, she returned to the living room. “I’ve scrubbed the couch, just let it dry. I have to go, but I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Fernando said, his voice filled with warmth. They shared a lingering kiss, and she felt her heart swell with growing affection, despite her efforts to resist. “Goodnight, baby.” “Goodnight,” she replied, closing and locking the door before heading upstairs to her bedroom, tears silently falling.
The ghost appeared once more, manifesting on her bed. “I’m here for you, sweetie. I’m so sorry that they keep doing things to you,” he said softly, his presence a bittersweet comfort in the solitude of her room.
His ethereal arms enveloped her, and though he lacked physical mass, waves of warmth radiated from his form, seeping into her skin like sunlight through stained glass. The sensation was so remarkably lifelike that for a moment, she could almost forget he wasn’t truly there in the flesh.
“I wish you were actually here,” she whispered, her voice catching on a sob.
“Me too, hopefully someday.” His voice carried a hint of something mysterious. “I need to confess something to you. How did you enjoy getting your chocolate croissants every day when you lived in Russia?”
Her heart stopped. "Wait... it was you? You were my secret admirer?” Tears streamed down her face, each drop carrying years of wondering, of missed connections. “I wanted to meet you so badly. I wanted to tell you goodbye when I had to escape Russia. How did you die?”
“I can’t tell you just yet,” he murmured, his form shimming slightly like heat waves rising from summer pavement, “But I hope someday I can be reanimated again. So I can hold you and be with you. Like I was supposed to be.”
“Me too. You were the first person I l—” The words caught in her throat, unfinished but understood.
“I love you too,” he whispered, pressing his spectral lips against hers in a kiss that felt like butterfly wings against her mouth.
“I can’t believe I found my true love. Now I will do anything I can to bring you back to life.” His smile was radiant as moonlight before he dissolved into the air like morning mist.