Page 55 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
Alexander’s face is calm, as if he’s just given me today’s weather forecast and not made a razor-sharp accusation. “The designer. Aries. You like him. You’re always so stiff and edgy with me, but as soon as he turns up, it’s like you just… liquefy. Your whole demeanor softens. And you smile.”
A flush of heat climbs up my neck as I yank the door open. “You’re being ridiculous.” I step into the room, but Alexander is close at my heels. His voice is low.
“You’re a terrible liar, Ollie. Do you know that? What is it about him that does it for you? Why do you let your guard down around him? Tell me.”
I ignore him because we’re approaching the table, which is within earshot of my parents and his. This isn’t good. I thought I was being discreet, but maybe what Aries said is true? Partially, anyway. That Alexander pays close attention. Closer than I realize.
When I step up to the table, Lord Blakeley addresses me without preamble. “I hope you spent last night reflecting on your behavior?”
Absolutely, without question, I did not. “Yes, Lord Blakeley.”
“Do you have something to say to your family?”
Looking around the table, only mine and Alexander’s immediate family are here. Alexander’s relatives left the grounds last night and won’t return until the official ceremony.
“My apologies for embarrassing you in front of our guests.” I add a bow for effect.
“Do not speak out of turn going forward,” Lord Blakeley commands. “I’ll be keeping your device until after the ceremony so that we can avoid any other potential disasters.”
I pull my chair out beside Alexander and sit down. “Yes, Lord Blakeley.”
He lifts his mimosa toward his mouth, but then pauses. “Your phone buzzed this morning with a text message from the designer that I’ve hired to cultivate your suits.”
God. Fucking hell.
I freeze and my heart practically stops. I forgot to tell Aries that my phone was confiscated again. In my panicked silence, Lord Blakeley continues.
“He asked that you try on the suit that he left in your closet. Why have you given him this mobile number? He should be addressing you through Camille.”
“It-it’s my fault. I’m only just upstairs from him, so it felt unnecessary to drag Camille from somewhere in the castle to play go-between.”
Lord Blakeley’s expression is flat. He looks at me as if I’ve said something utterly stupid. “My dear, silly child, that is literally herjob.” He leans, addressing Camille, who stands along the wall at the back of the room with the other personal assistants. “Please let Mr. Moralis know that all contact should be funneled through you going forward?”
Camille bows at the waist. “Yes, my lord.”
When I turn back to the table, I’m relieved to see that Lord Blakeley has already leaned toward Alexander’s mother to initiate a separate conversation. I exhale a sigh as I pick up my fork, but my relief is short-lived.
Alexander scoffs under his breath. “Ridiculous, am I?”
I don’t say anything. Instead, I focus on my breakfast and thank God that Aries is the consummate professional.
ChapterEighteen
After my father’s inquiry about my (once again) confiscated phone over breakfast, the rest of the day drags on. Somehow, though, I don’t mind.
Inside, I feel light. I don’t think it’s just the sex. That was satisfying, but it feels like there’s something deeper at work here. More profound.
Someone has simply accepted me. All of me.
Nervous and anxious me, bumbling and saying the wrong things. Insecure me—trying not to be insecure me.Nakedme. Emotionally and physically vulnerable me. Aries doesn’t mock or say rude things. He just… talks and communicates calmly, like I’m alright. Like I’m not so ridiculous or uptight or a small horse.
I feel like I’ve suddenly grown wings and I can fly… No. More like, I’ve always had wings but nobody ever told me what they were for. No one ever showed me until now. Until him.
Today’s event is a garden cocktail party for the local vampires directly under the southwestern realm. When things are winding down, Sasha comes over, slips her arm through mine and pulls me toward an unoccupied path. I look over my shoulder, and Alexander eyes us suspiciously.
“What’s up, Sash?” I ask as we turn the corner and around a tall hedge covered in tiny white flowers.
“You tell me what’s up,” she says, guiding me within the inner trails of the garden. Our feet loudly crunch along the graveled paths. “What’s going on with you?”
