Page 24 of Depths of Desire
I lean back in the chair and gaze out at the rolling hills and sea. It would be so easy to stay here. Here, in France. Far from my father. But I know that’s not how this ends. My father will show up here eventually. No matter how much he hates Malrick, he’s yet to ever say no to him, not really. My father will eventually give me to Malrick. I know it which is why I have to run. I just need to get everything together first. Maybe a day to heal. If I’m lucky, I can fly out Sunday. I lift my arm and immediately regret it. A small moan breaks free with the sharp, fast pain.
Carson appears again, silent as a ghost, with a small packet. “I brought you some aspirin. I thought perhaps you could use it.”
“You are a lifesaver.”
About thirty minutes later, he returns. “Your meal is ready. Would you like to have it out here?”
I glance at the view again. It’s seductive. The more time I spend here, the less I want to leave. But I need to stay focused. “I think I’ll eat inside, if that’s okay.”
“Of course, Miss. Would you like the dining room?”
“I think the kitchen will be fine.”
He nods again. “As you wish.”
I rise slowly and go to pick up my coffee cup, but Carson gently shakes his head.
“I have it, Miss.”
It’s not just the view I could get used to. The way Carson caters to me is as appealing as the view. “Thank you,” I say softly, and head inside.
I take a seat on the stool at the island, already calculating how soon I can be gone.
CHAPTER NINE
With my eyes still closed, I lay quietly and listen. I’m not sure what woke me up, so I hone all my sense to determine the source. Luna is up. She’s downstairs talking to Carson. She’s asking about a phone.
I sigh and glance at the clock.. It’s three p.m. I’ve been down for ten hours, but I feel like I could sleep for another ten hours. Instead, I put my feet over the side of the bed and head to the shower. It’s still bright and sunny outside, which is not optimal for me. I can do sunshine for a while, but I find it drains me far more than it used to. I would prefer to sleep until the sun sets however my guess is Luna is already planning her escape. If I don’t get down there soon, I’ll end up having to chase her. I smile. That might actually be fun.
Ten minutes later, I walk into the kitchen to find Luna sipping a glass of wine. The wine is from one of my vineyards, although I doubt she knows that. Carson would never tell her. I keep that side of my life private.
“I’m glad to see you’ve made yourself at home,” I say as I nod to Carson who quickly pours me a glass as well. Alcohol doesn’taffect vampires as it does humans. I can drink it, and I enjoy the taste, but I don’t get drunk. More’s the pity.
Luna tugs at her dress. “Um, Carson found me some clothes. I hope that’s okay?”
It was more than okay. The dress hugged Luna’s curves and the color accentuated her pink complexion. She looked…delectable.
“Of course. I’m glad he found something to your liking.” I clear my throat. “Carson, can you find Luna more clothing? She lost all of hers overboard. She will need everything. Casual and dressy, including shoes.”
“Very good, sir,” Carson said with a nod.
Luna shook her head. “I don’t need that much, really. Just a couple of changes of clothes would be great.”
I sit down next to her. “Luna, you are going to be here for a while. At least until we figure this mess out. You need clothing.”
“It’s just that I?—”
I cut her off. If I don’t stop this now, it’s going to take up way too much of my attention and energy. She also needs to know I respect her.
“Stop arguing with me and just accept the help. It will make life easier for both of us. I hereby acknowledge that you are a smart, independent woman who can take care of herself outside of these extraordinary circumstances. I agree that you would not ask for help unless the circumstances were dire, which, I will point out, they are. I will not think less of you, nor will I hold the fact that you need help over your head in any way.” I pick up my wine goblet and click the rim to her glass. “There now, can we just relax and enjoy the wine without fighting over every little thing?”
Luna’s mouth had fallen open during my speech. She immediately snapped it shut and the took a long drink of wine. She put the glass down on the counter and swallowed.
“Thank you,” she managed to utter, but it sounded strangled.
I’m not sure if she’s angry or happy with my little speech. I was hoping for happy, but either way, maybe just maybe she’ll stop arguing with me.
“So,” she said as if she was trying to restart the conversation. “Any news from your brothers? Any ideas on who’s behind the sinking of the ship?”
