Free Bound to Remember, a Paranormal Romance (Book 1 of the Spellbound Series) by Lola James

thirst. I moved Ben’s lifeless arm off my body as I climbed out of the large bed. I made it to the door without a bruise or bump and went downstairs to the kitchen for a glass of water. Ben’s house always appeared darker than it was outside. I could hear rain coming down as I sat on one of the bar stools and drank my water.
     
    After I finished the water, I made my way back up the stairs, but stopped at the study. I marveled at the books again before I checked out the desk; the laptop was closed, with various papers scattered around. I looked over some of the papers that seemed like bills, and noticed a deed to the house. I had to look.
     
    The names listed on the deed were Joanna Hollander and Catherine Modlin. I sat and stared at my last name. I only remembered Ben mentioning Joanna’s first name, not her last, and that Catherine was his girlfriend who died. I would have to ask more about Joanna and Catherine later today . It puzzled me that he had never mentioned Joanna had the same last name as me.
     
    For now, I needed to go back to bed. I made my way to Ben’s bedroom; after closing the door, I extended my hand in front of me. When I reached the foot of the bed, I knew I’d made it. I slid my hands across the bed and found Ben in the same spot. I climbed into bed and nestled down next to him, pulling the covers over me to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.
     
    Despite all my efforts, I tossed and turned before I finally sat up and turned on the bedside lamp. I had too much on my mind to sleep. I looked in the drawer, hoping to find a book, but no such luck. I guess vampires don’t get insomnia. I did find the little box where Ben kept pictures of Joanna. I opened the box to get another glimpse of her, the vampire with my last name, and I found the picture with a letter in the box. I looked over at Ben; he was dead asleep, so quietly, I opened the letter.
     
    Dearest Benjamin,
     
    I have been here in Poland for nearly one year now. The people in power are pure evil; it is as if Hades himself appointed them. I am glad you are not here to see all the murders; but worst of all, I feel bad that I cannot help everyone, for there are so many. I am sorry to write such a depressing letter but I want you to know that it is not safe for you to be here. I hope that all is well for you and Catherine. Please send her my love. I have not asked much of you, but please keep her safe. I will return when my help is not needed. I must go now but please take care, love.
     
    Sincerely,
     
    Joanna
     
    I guess he did love her like a sister. I folded the letter back and noticed a picture of Ben and another woman. I assumed this was Catherine. She was beautiful, and I smiled as I thought how in love they looked. I sighed at the thought of feeling that way with someone, particularly Ben. As I picked up the letter and two pictures, I noticed a diamond ring that was loose in the small box. I pulled it out, staring at the large oval diamond surrounded by rubies. The ring was classic. I slid it onto my left ring finger. Perfect fit, I thought as I admired it in the faint light.
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SIX
     
     
     
    “ It is a beautiful ring,” Ben sat up in bed. I jumped, and the box fell to the floor.
     
    “ Geesh, Ben! You scared the living daylights out of me.” I held my hand to my chest.
     
    “ Sorry! I did not mean to frighten you.” He waited as I calmed myself with exaggerated breaths.
     
    “ No, I’m sorry. I am really bad, going through your stuff.” I tried to pull the ring off my finger, but it was stuck.
     
    “ No worries. You would not be human if you were not curious,” he laughed.
     
    “ No, no, no; I can’t get the ring off.” I was frustrated at myself for putting the damn ring on.
     
    “ Let me see your hand.” He took my hand in his and looked at it from different angles. “It appears to be a perfect fit.”
     
    “ It’s stuck.” My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as