Page 37 of Ouch! My Vampire Doms Don't Sparkle
Lying in his bed, I twist around to take in the sight of him.He’s unbelievably handsome in a black linen shirt with a French collar, and gray slacks.His deep blue eyes are the only pop of color on him, and right now, they are raking over me.
“You didn’t go to the library today,” he says with a frown.“You won’t stay in bed all night, will you?”
I shrug and pull the blanket closer around me.“I might.”
The library didn’t hold any appeal today.Probably because I’m sulking too much.I hate that he’s going to this stupid banquet without me.I know I don’t have much claim on him or what he does, and I know that in his mind this is a safety issue, but it still really sucks that he’s leaving me behind.
“I made fettuccine with Alfredo sauce.”He steps into the room and sits on the edge of the bed.The mattress bends under his weight, pulling me toward him.“I know it won’t make you happy, but at least you’ll be fed.And I got you this.”
He holds out a phone.
“I have a phone,” I say, puzzled.
“This is a burner.You can use it to call your friend.It can’t be traced, although we may want to throw it out once you’ve used it.”
Sitting up, I take the phone from him.“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, love.”
He looks so sexy, so austere and distinguished, it’s hard to breathe.I want to rub myself all over his expensive clothes, breathe him in, kiss him until the ache in my chest goes away.
“Are you sure I can’t come with you?”I say.“I don’t have a good feeling about not going.Won’t my absence piss off Gaius?”
“We’ve talked about this, Autumn.”He rakes a hand through his hair and takes a deep breath.
I’m trying his patience, I know I am, but I can’t help it.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, looking away.
“Listen.”He takes my chin in his fingers and tilts me so I’m facing him once again.“I’ll make an appearance.I’ll return here as soon as possible.He might be angry that you’re not there.But I think it’s better.I hope it’s the right call.”
There’s doubt in his eyes.
I want to push at that doubt.I want to mold it into something stronger, make him change his mind.But he has decided, and even if I disagree, this is vampire politics…and I’m not a vampire.
He leans over, presses his lips to mine, soft and sweet and sad.
After he leaves, I wait until the sound of the door closing reaches my ears, then I sigh and look at the phone in my hand.Should I call Clarissa?
In college, she and I made it a point to memorize each other’s phone numbers in case we ever got lost or our phone batteries died.So I know her number by heart.I could easily call.
I’m not sure why I’m hesitating, though.Fear, mostly.Not just because of Dale, but because it will crush me if she doesn’t believe my side of things.
I’ve missed her.She’s the last connection to Altera and my old life.
And I’m genuinely worried if she’s tangled herself up with Dale, so I can’t ignore this opportunity to talk some sense into her.
Taking a deep breath, I dial and wait.She answers, her voice suspicious like it always is when she doesn’t recognize a number.“Hello?”
“Clarissa.It’s me.”
She gasps.“Autumn!Are you okay?Where are you?”
“I’m okay.I—I got your email.”
She’s quiet for a long moment.“Please tell me you’re happy for us.”
Fuck.How can I be honest without completely alienating her?Telling her it’s disgusting because Dale is a pile of shit…that will only cause her to push me away.
