Page 15 of Ghoul Kisses

“Eric wanted me to inform you that your flight leaves at four, and the hotel room has already been booked,” she says.

“Where will Eric be staying?”

“In the room with you.”

Same room? Oh no! This cannot be happening. I like Eric, but I don’t want to ruin it. My hands feel clammy as anxiety flip-flops in my gut. I’ve never slept in the same room with a guy. I have a fear of getting attached to people; that’s why I keep them at arm’s length. If I spend the night with Eric, things could change between us. I like keeping him at a distance. But then again, I like spending time with him.

“You okay? You look a little pale.” Kate inquires.

“I’m fine,” I lie.

“I’m off to fetch your breakfast,” she says, closing the door behind her.

I change into a short-sleeved shirt, pull on sweat pants, and place my black frizzy hair in a bun. I need to go running so I can clear my mind. I head to the training room. A few warriors work on the workout equipment. Hopping on the treadmill, I press the green button. Picking up speed, adrenaline rushes through my body. I haven’t worked out since I’ve been here. My mind drifts to Eric. How could I agree to go to this auction? And why would Eric book a one-bedroom hotel? What is his goal? To give me anxiety? No, that’s silly. He hasn’t asked me about myself or showed any kind of interest in me at all. Maybe, I’m reading too much into this. He might not feel the same way as I do. Is he sexually attracted to me? Eric’s emotions are hard to read. He might be gay. Hitting the stop button, I jump off the treadmill and head back to my room. When I reach my bedroom, my workout clothes and hair are drenched so, I shower, change into a pair of clean clothes, and straighten my hair. Grabbing my breakfast, I begin to eat. The food tastes good on an empty stomach. As time goes by, I begin to feel anxious the closer it gets to us leaving for the plane. I slide the lovely gown over my body. The dress hugs my body, perfectly accentuating my cleavage. The clock ticks three p.m., and Eric gently knocks on the door. I check my makeup in the mirror, and Eric knocks on the door again. I have never been so nervous about a date in my life, if this is a date. Slowly, I open up the door. Butterflies flutter behind my rib cage. Eric is wearing a custom-made black suit with a black tie. His hair is freshly cut, and he smells like Gucci cologne. My breath hitches at the sight of him. He is the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.

“You’re beautiful.” His eyes twinkle. I grin like a schoolgirl.

“Thank you,” I say, blushing.

“I have something for you.” He pulls out a medium black box and opens it. I trace my fingers on the diamond necklace. It’s beautiful. As Eric places the necklace around my neck, I feel his fingers brush against my neck. Every cell in my body becomes aware of his touch, making my cheeks heat up.

A servant drives us to a private airport. I didn’t know there was one on the island. As we board the plane, I check out the inside; it has a sofa, sitting area, and a bed in the back. I sit across from Eric who looks incredibly dashing in his suit. The plane accelerates off the ground, and my ears pop. I hate plane rides. Eric sips his champagne.

“So… what kind of box are you trying to get?” I ask, trying to ignore the sexual charge I feel for him.

“The Paradox box. It has a map in it that could lead us to the book.”

Eric sips on his champagne.

“Tell me something about yourself, Sarah,” his voice is warm. Taken by his question, I don’t know how to answer.

“What do you want to know?” I whisper.

“How did you get the scar on your stomach?” I didn’t want him to find out what I did to Jessie; if he did, he might not look at me the same.

Should I tell him that I had cancer? Does he know what that means? I wait a few minutes before responding.

“I had cancer.” I can hear the sadness in my voice.

“A human disease,” he states.

I nod.

“What is cancer?” he asks as his eyes widen. Wow, he really doesn’t know anything about humans.

“A tumor grows in the body,” I answer.

“Is it deadly?”

“Mine was,” Memories of Jessie pop up in my mind.

“Ghouls can’t get human diseases; we live a very long time, as long as we are not injured.” I peer up at him. He looks so young, like in his mid-twenties.

“How old are you?” I ask.

“Seven hundred and twenty-five years old.” My mouth drops to the floor.

“Yes, I’ve lived a long time.” He flashes me a devilish grin.

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