Dark Vows 23

Dark Vows 23 Summary

 

In Chapter 23 of “Dark Vows,” the protagonist wakes up to find two hickeys on her neck, remnants of a night she struggles to remember. As she gazes into the mirror, a throbbing headache hints at her overindulgence, and she grapples with the confusion of how she got home and the identity of her mysterious companion. The hickeys serve as a physical reminder of her recklessness, and her subconscious chastises her for allowing a stranger to invade her personal space. Despite the embarrassment, she feels a strange possessiveness over the marks, indicating a complicated mix of emotions.

 

As memories begin to resurface, she recalls fleeting moments of intimacy with a man whose features linger in her mind. The encounter is clouded in mystery, and her sense of anxiety grows when she receives a text from an unknown number referencing her kissing skills. The tension escalates when the doorbell rings, and she feels an inexplicable dread, realizing that she may have kissed her stalker—the very man who has been watching her and has connections to a dangerous situation involving José, a person she suspects has been deceiving her.

 

The arrival of her friend Lisa brings a mix of relief and panic. Lisa’s furious demeanor quickly shifts to concern as she embraces the protagonist, demanding to know her whereabouts from the previous night. The protagonist struggles to explain the situation, feeling guilty for her erratic behavior and the potential rift in their friendship. Lisa’s probing questions about her appearance and the implications of her hickeys put the protagonist on edge, as she knows the truth is more complicated than she can admit.

 

When Lisa presses for details about her night, the protagonist feels overwhelmed by the need to share but is also terrified of the implications of her actions. As she recounts the fragmented memories of the night, the chapter captures the protagonist’s emotional turmoil, balancing between the thrill of unexpected intimacy and the fear of her stalker’s intentions. The dynamic between the two friends highlights the protagonist’s internal conflict and sets the stage for further revelations about her precarious situation.

 

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below

**Dark Vows**

**Chapter 23**

Two enigmatic hickeys mar my neck, and I find myself transfixed by them as I gaze into the mirror. The reflection reveals more than just skin; it unveils the remnants of a night that I can hardly piece together. As the memories of last night begin to seep back into my consciousness, a dull throb in my head serves as a reminder that I may have indulged a bit too freely. But apparently, I needed these love bites as a stark reminder of my recklessness.

The situation is even more troubling because the identity of my late-night companion eludes me. I can’t recall how I made it back home, and that, in itself, is the epitome of irresponsibility. At this juncture in my life, when clarity should reign, I find myself engulfed in confusion.

I run my fingers gently over the marks, a deliberate act that feels oddly possessive. Whoever left these hickeys wants me to remember; they want to etch this moment into my memory. What on earth? It feels as if my body has been claimed, a possession marked by an unknown hand. Knowing my own tendencies, I can only assume that I acquiesced willingly, which is mortifying. Yet, there was a certain decorum in the way he stopped there, at least.

“Don’t defend him,” my subconscious chastises, a voice laced with disdain. “Some stranger brought you home, kissed you, and had the audacity to leave hickeys on your neck.”

My fingers trace the marks again, and suddenly, a vivid flash of memory bursts forth. Soft, enticing lips brushing against mine. Deep, dark eyes that held a world of secrets. A crooked nose that seemed charmingly imperfect. A sharp jawline that exuded strength. Heat. Tongue. Heat.

A shiver runs down my spine, igniting my senses. A breath escapes my lips as I ponder the identity of this man who has invaded my thoughts.

Just then, my phone lights up with a new message, but I choose to ignore it. I sense that something significant transpired last night, and I was only half-aware of it. What exactly was in that drink? I muse, bewildered. I can’t recall ever being this inebriated before.

At least I’m still clothed, I remind myself, attempting to find solace in that small mercy. It could have been far worse. With a wince, I remove my boots and peel off my leather pants. Slipping into a pair of shorts, I discard my top, revealing the tank top underneath. As I twist my red hair into a loose knot behind me, I approach my bed, my mind racing. I reach for my phone resting on the bedside table.

The message from an unknown number reads:

“Strange line: Where did you learn to kiss like that?”

I stare at the screen, the words sinking in slowly. My heart begins to race, beating erratically against my ribcage. A wave of anxiety washes over me, and I stand frozen for a moment, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.

The doorbell rings, breaking my reverie, but I remain rooted in place.

It’s only seven in the morning; there’s nothing to fear in the light of day. Yet, an inexplicable dread keeps me anchored to the spot. Slowly, the pieces begin to fit together, and I realize with a sinking feeling that I must have kissed my stalker last night. The very man who has been invading my space, breaking into my home, and shadowing my every move. The same man entwined with whatever perilous situation José is currently embroiled in… because I know, deep down, that José has been lying to me.

**17:30 Wed, Dec 3**

**Chapter 23**

Someone dangerous is after him. And now, it seems, they are after me too.

The doorbell rings again, this time more insistent, followed by a voice that cuts through my thoughts: “Open up, bitch!”

Lisa.

A wave of relief washes over me, and I dash toward the door, but then I hesitate. I rush back to my closet instead, pulling out a shawl-collared sweater and throwing it on.

Once I’m downstairs, standing before the door, I suddenly realize I don’t have my key. Panic surges through me as I sprint back upstairs to retrieve it, and Lisa’s impatient voice filters through the closed door.

I finally locate my house key in the pocket of my leather pants and dash back to the door, my heart racing. I don’t need to dwell on the fact that my unexpected visitor from last night managed to break into my home; it’s already clear to me that he must have done so, simply because he could.

He relishes in mocking me.

When I finally open the door, I’m met with the sight of Lisa’s furious expression. But before I can say a word, she rushes forward to envelop me in a tight hug.

“Bitch, where were you? Last night, when I got back to our spot, you had vanished! I was searching high and low for you!”

Gratefully, I return her embrace. “I thought you were angry with me.” I vaguely recall doing something to upset her, but the details escape me. What was it that caused the rift?

“Is that why you left without a word?” She steps inside, closing the door firmly behind her.

“No, um, it’s a bit complicated,” I stammer, searching for the right words. “Someone took me home.”

She nods, still distracted as she strides over to the curtains and flings them open. The sudden flood of light feels blinding, and I react like a vampire encountering sunlight after centuries of darkness. She pays no mind to my discomfort; she knows exactly why I had sealed the windows and drawn the curtains yesterday. She’s signaling that she’s had enough of my erratic behavior.

“I’m still mad at you. But I was worried sick. Where were you? And why are you wearing that hideous sweater?”

I fall silent for a moment, locking eyes with her. Guilt must be evident on my face, but I fight to mask it.

“I’m just a little chilly—”

“Bullcrap.” She brushes aside the thick collar of my sweater, and her eyes widen in shock. “Oh my god. You finally got laid? Spill everything!”

No, no, no! I groan internally, panic rising within me. “I didn’t hook up with anyone! Well, not technically—”

Lisa plops down on the couch, her gaze fixed on me as if I’m the star of a captivating film, ignoring the discomfort radiating from my expression. “Go on,” she urges, clearly ready for the drama to unfold.

I slump onto the couch opposite her, gathering my thoughts before recounting the fragments of last night that I can recall. Her eyes remain glued to my face, absorbing every word until I finally finish my tale.

Conclusion

 

As the weight of last night’s events crashes down on me, I feel a tumult of emotions swirling within. The hickeys on my neck serve as both a reminder of my reckless abandon and a symbol of the dangerous game I’ve unwittingly entered. I realize that my night of intoxication has left me vulnerable, ensnared by a man who has been lurking in the shadows of my life. The panic that once gripped me slowly morphs into a steely resolve as I confront the reality of my situation. I can no longer ignore the threats that loom over me, nor the precarious connection I’ve forged with a stranger who is anything but benign.

 

Lisa’s arrival, though initially a source of anxiety, becomes a beacon of comfort amidst the chaos. Her fierce concern for me draws me back into the present, reminding me that I am not alone in this tumultuous journey. As I recount the fragmented memories of the night, I feel a flicker of hope igniting within me. I might be entangled in a web of danger, but I also have allies who care deeply for my well-being. With each word I share, I begin to reclaim my narrative, transforming my fear into a determination to uncover the truth. I may not have all the answers yet, but I am ready to confront the shadows that threaten to engulf me, armed with the knowledge that I am not defined by my past mistakes, but rather by my resolve to fight for my future.

 

What to Expect in Next Chapter?

 

**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**

 

As the tension thickens in the aftermath of last night’s escapades, the next chapter promises to unravel the tangled web of confusion that now surrounds our protagonist. With Lisa’s relentless curiosity and the haunting memories of a mysterious figure invading her thoughts, readers can expect a gripping exploration of trust, betrayal, and the quest for truth. Will Lisa’s probing questions push our heroine to confront the shadows lurking in her past, or will they lead her deeper into a dangerous game where every revelation could have dire consequences?

 

Moreover, the identity of the enigmatic man who left his mark on her neck looms large, creating an undercurrent of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. As our protagonist grapples with the implications of her actions and the unsettling connection to her stalker, the stakes rise. Will she uncover the truth about her late-night encounter, or will she find herself ensnared in a perilous situation that threatens not only her safety but also her sanity? Prepare for a whirlwind of emotions, as the next chapter delves into the complexities of desire, danger, and the choices that could alter the course of her life forever.