The Darkest Crown (The Eternal Darkness Duet #2)

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

W hen we boarded the plane, the whole crew was there. Maria, Helen, and the same three guys that had traveled with us since we left for London. Allie was huddled fearfully in her seat, her face red from crying. She sat up straight when she saw me, and I gave her a reassuring smile.

Maria stood, allowing me to sit by Allie, and Helen followed Maria into the room at the back of the plane.

I sat and wrapped my arms around Allie. “It’s okay,” I told her. “No one will hurt us.”

She started to say something, but fell silent when Julian stepped onto the plane. She watched him with wide eyes as he took his seat, ignoring both of us.

A few minutes later we were in the air. Two of the male vampires started playing cards, and the third put earbuds in, leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes.

I turned my attention back to Allie, who had my hand in a death grip. There was so much I wanted to say to her, but I wasn’t about to pour my heart out with Julian right there.

After a while, Helen came back out carrying a tray with five glasses. She made her way down the plane, like a vampire flight attendant, handing out blood. When she offered me a glass, I shook my head. I didn’t want to freak Allie out by drinking blood in front of her.

“Drink,” Julian said curtly, drawing the attention of everyone on board.

I raised my chin. “I’m not thirsty.”

He shrugged. “I only assumed you’d want to remain well fed, so you don’t turn on your sister. But it's entirely up to you.”

Beside me, Allie’s heartbeat sped up. Without thinking, I inhaled deeply, and I swear I could smell her fear. I grabbed the glass and turned my back to her before quickly downing it. Helen looked at me with sympathy, and I avoided her gaze as I set the empty glass back on the tray.

Allie placed her hand against my back. “It’s okay.”

I glanced at Julian, but he was looking out the window. I wiped my mouth with my sleeve, before turning back towards Allie. She leaned close, and I held my breath, not wanting her to smell the blood

“Do you know where we’re going?” she whispered.

I didn’t tell her that everyone on the plane could hear her, no matter how quietly she spoke, so I whispered back, “We’re going to Julian’s house, in Madrid.”

Her eyes widened. “We’re going to Spain ?” She shook her head in disbelief. “To think, this is what it took for me to finally see Europe.” Her response startled a laugh out of me, and she leaned even closer, until our heads were nearly touching. “So that’s Julian. Damn, Sarah , no wonder you fell so fast.”

I cringed, knowing he could hear her. “Yeah, well…”

“So we’re going to his castle ?” Allie whispered, with awe.

I stared at her. “You’re taking this remarkably well, being abducted by vampires and all.”

She shrugged a shoulder. “Yeah I’m scared, but I’d rather be scared here with you, then be safe back home by myself. I’m not losing you again.”

My heart swelled at her words, and I had to admit I was also glad we were together. Julian had kept things from me, and I wasn’t sure if I could ever trust him again, but I knew he would never hurt my sister. I snuck a glance at him, and saw he was watching me. Our eyes held for the longest time before I finally looked away.

Eventually, Allie fell asleep, leaving me alone with my thoughts, which were confusing, to say the least. I was so angry with Julian. Angry that he lied to me about Adam, and left me locked up in his London penthouse. Angry because he dragged Allie into this mess, and because he still treated me like I was nothing more than a possession.

And most of all, I was angry because I still wanted him, despite everything he’d done. I wanted him so bad it scared me. I wanted to hit him, and hurt him, but I also wanted to hold him and kiss him. I wanted to feel his body on top of mine. To feel his lips on my skin. Being near him now was torture.

I glanced at him and saw that his attention was fully on me. I scowled at him before turning to look out the window, and I heard him chuckle softly. Damn him.

W e arrived in Madrid, and Allie and I rode in the limo with Julian back to the house, while the rest followed in another car. We parked in the underground garage and went inside, and I had to smile at Allie’s expression when we entered the house.

Julian’s home was impressive. I’d looked around with those same wide eyes when I was first brought there, though I was mainly looking for an escape route.

Without asking for permission, I led Allie upstairs. As soon as we were safely enclosed in my bedroom, she spun around to face me.

“Jesus, Sarah! I can’t believe this place! And Julian ! Oh my god, he’s intense !”

I huffed. “Once again, I can’t believe how well you’re taking this.”

“Oh, woe is us,” she said, rolling her eyes dramatically. “We’ve been kidnapped by a hot billionaire, and forced to live in his beautiful castle. The only bad part in all of this is that Julian doesn’t have a twin brother.”

A surprised bark of laughter escaped me, and Allie grinned. I smiled back and shook my head. “Man, I missed you.”

She grinned wider and turned away to look around the room. “So I’m bunking with you?”

I blinked. I thought she’d be too scared to be on her own, but obviously I was wrong. “Um, I’m sure you’ll get your own room.”

A loud yawn escaped me, and I blinked rapidly, feeling suddenly drained. “I need to sleep.” I said, moving towards the bed. “Will you be okay?”

Allie nodded. “I’ll be right here.”

I kicked off my shoes and flopped down on the bed. “I’m sorry,” I mumbled into the pillow. “Once it's daytime, my body kinda just shuts down.”

“No worries,” I heard her say as my eyes closed. “I’ll just check out your closet.”