Punished (28 page)

“He’s kind and has a good heart, but so do you Louis.”
Or you did
I thought. “It’s not about his wealth. Just a few more questions and then I’ll give you your kiss. How did you get into this body? Who killed you? What happened to your mother?”

“Arelia.” He wildly sniffed my neck. “I don’t know. I woke up like this after I attacked Lucus. I don’t know anything aside from the fact that I need to feel your lips against mine.” He was getting desperate.

“Why did your mother do this to you Louis? Why would she trap you in a body that isn’t yours? Why would she keep Lucus trapped in this house?”

He shrugged and brought his hands to my cheek. “She was mad? I don’t know anything Arelia. I’ve given up on trying to figure it all out. All I know is that I somehow deserve this fate and so does he. If punishing him for eternity means that I have to suffer too, I’ll be more than happy to pay the price. He doesn’t deserve redemption or freedom; I’ll never let you give him that. I just need your kiss,” he said again.

Ivan/Louis was just as lost as Lucus. He was trapped and bound in a body that wasn’t his, and he had no idea how he had gotten there. I needed to learn more about Mad Marie, but where would I start? The only person that knew Mad Marie personally was Louis, only he could help. Erzulie and Gran-Ibo had warned me that there was something bigger behind this whole mess, and I was meant to get to the bottom of it.

As much as I pitied Louis and all that he had been through, I knew that I could never really trust what he had turned into. I could never trust Ivan. The sweet innocence that had kept Louis so hopeful over the years and enabled him to endure unspeakable cruelty was destroyed. This was no longer Louis Beau. I don’t know if he would ever return.

“You’re killing me Arelia,” Ivan’s voice was low and impatient.

I stroked his face and looked deep into his eyes. “You’re so beautiful Louis,” I said. I meant it. I did think that the past Louis was incredibly beautiful both inside and out.

He smiled. “I am?”

“Yes, you are. You have so much strength and courage. Your capacity to love is endless,” I said, as I thought about the Louis I knew. I held his eyes and quickly took out the Black Arts Oil from my bra. Thankfully, he didn’t even notice. “If you give me a hug, I’ll give you a kiss.”

Without saying anything, he took me into his arms and gave me a passionate hug. The energy I felt was the same I had gotten from the old Louis. It was kind, loving and positive. Behind his back, I passed the rancid Black Arts Oil over my lips. “Close your eyes Louis.”

“They’re closed.”

I brought his lips to mine and gave him a long, deep kiss. I cringed as I realized I was actually kissing Ivan. I brushed away the waves of disgust and focused on sucking out all of his power.

After it was over, he pulled away abruptly. “Queen what the hell?” Ivan was back, and Louis was once again pushed aside.

“Ivan, I promise I will try to understand, but you will never be able to mess with me again.”

To Be Continued…

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