Page 48 of The Tenor's Shadow

Chapter 15

Freddie

Freddie drifted in a cocoon of warmth. Not a heavy sleeper when he was human, as a vampire he’d snap awake after an hour or two. This slow, cozy return to consciousness was an unfamiliar experience. He was at peace, and he didn’t want to open his eyes.

He slowly became aware that the heat was not only from blankets piled on top of him, but also from the warm weight of an arm around his waist. The soft rise and fall of gentle breath tickled his neck.

Freddie’s eyes snapped open to assess the situation. Anthony was next to him in the bed, his face angelic in sleep, his cheek resting on Freddie’s chest. Feeling Anthony against him made his heart catch.

But would Anthony want to stay by his side once he understood? Freddie stared at the out-dated white ceiling tile, his thoughts racing. What had Anthony seen during the fight? Everything after was a vague fog.

Somehow, Anthony had gotten him back to the hotel. Freddie was wearing only his boxer briefs. Had Anthony undressed him? His clothing must have been soaked with blood.

Anthony deserved better. If he was the reason for the crimson surge, Freddie still wouldn’t force Anthony to be with him. He didn’t have any idea about Freddie’s world. He should be with someone who wasn’t a killer.

“I can feel you thinking. Stop it.”

Freddie turned his head and kissed Anthony on the bridge of his nose. Anthony scrunched his face up reflexively in response. He was adorable.

“Hi sweet.”

“I’m so glad you’re awake.” Anthony’s arm tightened around Freddie’s waist, testing and confirming the solidity of Freddie’s presence. “Oliver promised me you would wake up, but I was worried.”

Freddie pulled away to look into Anthony’s eyes. “You spoke to Master Hughes?”

“After the fight, you were so weak, and you couldn’t speak. I didn’t know what to do. Oliver and Uncle Danny came here.”

Fear lingered on Anthony’s face like a shadow. Freddie brought his hand up to Anthony’s soft cheek, stroking it.

“I’m sorry you went through that.”

“You were only protecting me.” Anthony smirked. “And someone needed to tell me what the hell was going on, because you weren’t going to.”

Freddie flinched. “Tell you what was going on?”

“You know, that you’re a vampire and all that.”

Freddie hoisted himself up onto his elbow, keeping his eyes trained on Anthony.

“What did they say?” His stomach flipped with anxiety. He trusted that Master Hughes had his best interests at heart, but he didn’t want Anthony to feel pressured.

“Pretty much everything, I think, except—”

“You don’t have to be with me, Anthony. There’s nothing forcing you. I would never take your choice away. You deserve better than the life you’ll have with me. I’m a vampire. I kill people. I try not to, but I do what I have to do. You should find someone who can be your partner and supporter. Someone human.”

Hurt and confusion flashed across Anthony’s face, and eyes welled with tears. “I don’t understand. Are you breaking up with me? We weren’t even really dating, I know, but I thought…I thought there was more.”

“There is, sweet. But you have the right to choose. You shouldn’t be saddled with me.”

“I…I don’t…we’re not getting married. Why does it feel like you’re calling off our wedding? I was hoping you’d be my boyfriend, but if you don’t want that…” The tears slid down Anthony’s cheeks. “I get it. I’m just a job to you. I’m so embarrassed.”

The sight was a knife in Freddie’s chest. He reached out and grabbed Anthony’s arm, and Anthony pulled away.

“No, oh no, my love, I never want to be the cause of your tears. What exactly did Master Hughes tell you about vampires? Did he explain what happened during the fight?”

Anthony shook his head, sniffing. “Uncle Daniel said that you should tell me about…about the crimson surge. Whatever that is.”

Freddie clenched his free fist. Damn it all, he had assumed they’d told Anthony everything. He’d made a mess of things, and worse, he’d made Anthony cry. He vowed to never do that again.

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