Page 79 of Your Coffin or Mine
His eyebrows come together as he nods. “I suppose that fits.”
“Bat cave it is.”
I gaze out the glass, wondering if I will find any bats nearby or peering inside even.
“They should have left the cave not long ago. We can camp out here tonight, and maybe see them on their way back home, yes?”
“Yes, that sounds cool. They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”
“I think they are.” Then he looks at me softly as he says, “But I think you are exceptionally beautiful too.”
I grin at how cute he can be when he wants.
My stomach growls and drool practically starts at the corner of my mouth from looking at the table full of food on one wall. It seems Whitley, the new chef, has really outdone herself—there are even cupcakes with icing and sprinkles.
“I asked Whitley for a picnic,” he says, and I glance at the massive TV above his head. He holds my chair out for me, then he fidgets, awkwardly adjusting his tie.
“She went a bit overboard, but I am so not complaining.” I smile, sensing his nervousness. “I can’t wait to try a cupcake.”
He eyes them warily. “I confess I’ve never eaten one.”
I regard him closely and he doesn’t seem to be joking at all, but I guess he does look like he’s never had sugar in his life. “Wait, so you mean you’ve never had sweets? How is this possible?”
“A very strict diet,” he says, as my attention catches on the curved TV again. “I also have not seen very many American movies. Would you like to watch some with me?”
My mouth drops open when a huge burgundy-colored couch swivels around. “That is so cool.” It continues to move across the floor as if on gears hidden beneath the floor before coming to a stop in front of the massive television. “I am so down.”
While he thinks I’m too distracted to notice, he fist pumps the air. He clears his throat, as if quietly embarrassed by what he’d done. I consider picking on him, letting him know I saw it, but decide not to.
A smile pulls at my lips.He is the cutest.
Vlad
I can hearthe adrenaline pumping through her veins and can see the way her eyes dilate with excitement. She’s bouncing in a rush, and I can feel it. It’s almost visceral how human she is, and how she can somehow make me feel it too.
I stare at her, wondering how it is that this slight female can make me want to hand her the world. Anything, everything she asks for, I want to give her. If only shewouldask.
She giggles, popping another kernel of popcorn in her mouth, and I am lost.The Mummymovie credits roll on the screen, and she’s been giving me grief about not liking the main character the entire time.
“He is just some money-grubbing gravedigger, the same as the rest of them.”
“You did not just say that.” Her laughter goes up in pitch, and the corners of my lips curl.
My god, she is adorable.
“You do realize everyone loves Rick O’Connell, right?”
“He is obviously the bad guy. How Imhotep was treated is terrible. He only wanted to be with his love, and that jackanapesfuckedit up.”
“Uh huh. Tell me how you really feel.” She laughs again, sputtering in my face and cackling, her head thrown back as she does.
Normally laughter in my vicinity, much less when it’s directed at me, would be cause for beheading at the least. But when she does it, I can’t help but pay attention, marking the occasion and noting how to make her do it again. After all, if not for her, I would never have attempted to try new foods. Her laughter fills me with warmth. A warmth that thaws my cold, undead heart. I will have her at all costs, even if she does mock my ignorance. Her presence and her soft smiles make me feel alive.
“All he did was love one woman for eternity,” I say in his defense.
“Vlad, honey, I think you’re missing the point. He was killing people.”
“People kill people.”
