January Dreams by Carrigan Richards (best fiction books of all time txt) 📕

“You are so incredibly sweet. How did I get so lucky to find you?”

“I’m the lucky one.” He brushes his lips across my forehead. “I wish I could be the one taking care of you.”

“Come over during the day. Hide your car.”

“Don’t tempt me.”

“You might have to hide if one my parents come home.”

He shakes his head. “So ridiculous.”

I don’t know what he finds ridiculous. I get why my parents don’t want me alone at home with a boy. That doesn't mean I have to abide by it. “So, you’ll come over tomorrow?”

He smirks. “I do have school, you know.”

I kiss his cheek. “So, skip.”

I move to his ear and nibble. He exhales a breath and squeezes my hips.

“Okay,” he says through a pant.

I smile. “I should go inside now.”

“Sleep well, mon trésor,” he whispers in a sexy voice. Whenever he says that, it makes my insides turn to mush.

“Good night, Vincent.” I get out of the car and make my way back inside my warm house.

The skies are grey and the wind whips around me. The tall grass bends as I lay in it. I know a violent storm is brewing in the distance, but for some reason I don’t want to go back inside the palace. Vincent is gone and I miss him. But all this new information confuses me. I think of Casper and it only makes my insides twist. I can’t understand it.

Something prods inside me, telling me things aren’t right with everything that is happening. Florence seems to tell me the truth, while Vincent’s words seem…wrong. But I know him. I trust him. Even if he did erase my memory of Casper. He claims I begged him. If Florence is right, he erased the memory of the true love I once had. Although, I cannot imagine myself falling in love with an Elf. It is wrong, but it doesn't feel wrong.

Wiping a tear, I close my eyes and see a flash of blond hair. Casper. He is kissing me as we lay in tall grass. I whisper to him, I love you. I’m yours forever. My eyes bolt open and I’m shaking.

“Missing Vincent?” Florence stands over me.

I sit up with my mouth open, pressing my hand to my beating heart.

She sits down with me, the grass is tall enough that it hides us, and we watch the angry clouds build above us. “You remembered him, didn’t you?”

I nod. “It’s a fragment of a memory. I told him I loved him. If Vincent erased my memories, how am I able to see bits and pieces?”

“I am not sure. His ability has always been so strong.”

I shake my head. “If I loved Casper, why would I ask Vincent to use it against me?”

“I don’t think you asked Vincent. Casper would never torture you. Vincent is playing mind games with you.”

“He loves me.”

“Perhaps too much. And perhaps your love for Casper is too strong for Vincent’s ability.”

I am not sure what to say or think.

Florence places an arm around me and pulls me close. “I’m leaving tonight,” she whispers.

“I should come with you,” I tell her.

“No. You have to stay here. You have to try to find the Jewel. Do not mention the Elves or Casper.”

“How long will you be gone?”

“Three days maybe.”

“How am I going to find this Jewel? I think Vincent left people to watch me.”

“You have to be careful.”

“Be careful.” I echo. That sounds easier.

“Everything will be fine. And soon we will be living with them.”

I’m not sure if I want to live with them if Casper is dead.

Lightning flashes in the distance and thunder rumbles above.

Florence grabs my hand and we get to our feet. She tows me toward the palace. We carried on as usual so as not to give anything away. Later that night, we hug and say goodbye. I tell her that I will try to find the Jewel and for her to be careful. And then she leaves.

My phone beeps and I lazily open my eyes. I reach for it and smile when I see Vincent’s name. He’s parked down the street. I tell him I’ll be out in a second. I let the dogs outside and go to the front door and open it.

“How are you?” Vincent comes inside and closes the door. He places his hands on my waist, drawing me closer.

“I’m okay. How are you not going to get sick?”

“I’ve had mono before.” He inhales a slow breath and runs his fingers along my arms which sends shivers all over. “Are you cold?” he asks.

I shake my head. “You should probably go to my room. I gotta let my dogs in.”

“Ah yes, I forgot you own a zoo.”

I playfully hit his shoulder and he laughs. He turns to head upstairs, and I can’t believe Vincent is in my house. Alone with me. I open the door and all five dogs almost knock me over to get inside. I head upstairs and into my room.

“Who got you these?” Vincent asks pointing to the calla lilies.

My heart jumps to my throat. “Cherry,” I lie. Thankfully, I hid Casper’s note.

He frowns. “I wish I had thought of that.”

“You’ve had a lot going on.”

He crosses the room to me and puts his hands on my hips. He brushes his nose with mine and kisses me chastely. I feel his fingers slip between my pajama pants and my skin. I stop his hands.

“Behave.”

“I can’t help it.” He grins.

“It’ll happen. Just not right now. I’m all icky and sick.”

“It could make you feel better. You’re definitely not icky. You’re beautiful.”

I smile and feel heat pricking beneath my cheeks.

His knuckles brush my