“Let…go!” I gasped for air when he loosened the grip, my body dropping down on the floor as I landed on a sitting position. “Are you crazy?!” I snapped, tears streaming down my face as I struggled to breathe, gently holding my neck as I inhaled deeply one more time before looking up to meet his gaze.
“Oh, sweetheart,” his voice started softly before he bent down to graze the side of my cheeks, his cold fingers making me shudder in fear. “Did I take it too far?” he mumbled, slightly opening his mouth to reveal his two sharp fangs, causing my eyes to widen in both fear and confusion. This can’t be happening, he was… a vampire?!
“Dexter…” I trailed off, brushing away his hand and was about to stand up when he grabbed both my shoulders, slamming them to wall, causing me to gasp in pain before I grabbed his hands, struggling to free his grip but he was a lot stronger.
“Why are you doing this?! Who are you?!” I yelled which was followed by a cry out for help but he swiftly clutched my mouth tightly before leaning so close to my face, I could feel his breath fanning against my nose by now.
“You should’ve figured it out by now, love.” He mumbled, leaning closer to my neck and I froze when I felt his lips brush against my neck, causing an uncontrollable whimper to escape through my lips. “But I guess you were a little too late.” He barely uttered before placing a few pecks on my neck, his teeth tugging on my skin and I was about to stand up when he wrapped an arm around my waist, holding me in place.
“Dexter, let me go! What are you doing?!” I yelled, gripping his shirt and my heart dropped when I felt his fangs brush against my skin, which more than confirmed his real identity. He really was a vampire. All this time, he was only pretending to be a human and for what? What did he want from me?
“I’ll savor every bit of you tonight, sweetheart,” he moaned, tightening the grip around my waist and I whimpered at his touch before staying still, my whole body crumbling at his touch. “Your blood smells so fucking good, it’s making every bone in my body tremble in excitement.” He mumbled weakly before he opened his mouth and I was about to start screaming when he released me from his grip, suddenly bolting up in his position. Before I could even realize what was going on, I watched him jump off the window and it didn’t even take a second for someone to bolt through my door, revealing Draven’s face as he scanned the room, his face knotted up with both hatred and concern.
“Where is he?!” he snapped, appearing in front of me as he crouched down and I brushed away my tears before shaking my head helplessly, more tears rolling down my cheeks again.
“Gone…” I choked out and I watched him stand up straight before he let out a growl and punched the nearest wall.
“Get up,” he said shortly before grabbing my upper arm and I instantly stood up before shaking my head. “Shut the fuck up and stop crying!” he said softly yet harshly and I bit my bottom lip before brushing away my tears. Before I could say anything, Draven picked me up in his arms and my head started to feel a little dizzy, my hands tightly clutching on his shirt now as I tried to take in what was happening.
“What did he do to you?” he questioned, placing me down and I scanned around the unfamiliar area.
“Where are we?” I questioned, staring down at the huge pool I was now standing nearby and I heard him let out a huff in frustration before shooting me a glare.
“The terrace. Now, tell me what he fucking did!” he spat, causing me to jolt up with a gasp before turning to look at him in fear.
“I-I didn’t know that he was a-”
“Because you’re that fucking dense, aren’t you?! Why the fuck would a human go up against me in the first place, Adriana?!” he spat, stepping forward and out of instinct, I took a step back before going silent, my mind slowly taking in his words.
“I didn’t know,” I started softly, lowering my eyelashes. “I didn’t know…” I choked out again and Draven went silent for a few minutes before he stepped closer, his eyes boring into mine.
“Take it off.” He mumbled, tugging at my dress a little and my eyes widened at his words. What?!
“Wh-why?” I stammered, backing away and watched him strip off his shirt, revealing his six-packs and I blushed slightly before turning away, my heart pounding loudly against my chest.
“Do it.” He said impatiently, walking up to me and I shook my head before gripping my dress tightly.
“I asked you why…” I trailed away, blinking away my tears and he simply narrowed his eyes at me before grasping my hand and yanking me closer.
“Because,” he started, fixating his cold blue eyes into my chocolate ones, sending goosebumps all over my body. “He got to lay his filthy hands on you and it fucking pisses me off so take off your clothes, and get inside.” He demanded, pointing at the pool and I looked at him in surprise before going silent.
“Are you going to get in or do I have to make you?” he asked impatiently and I quickly shook my head, my hair dancing around my face before I backed away. “Guess that answers my question.” He muttered before bolting up to me and picking me up in his arms, ready to hurl me into the water when I let out a scream, digging my nails into his shoulders in fear.
“Wait!” I raised my voice, my whole body trembling and Draven stopped to look up at me, his face unfazed from my terrified state but then again, what did I expect?
“I can’t swim…” I blabbered out, my whole face knotting up in worry and fear as he tightened the grip around my thighs.
“I know.” He mumbled before walking up to the pool and throwing himself into the water along with me. I let out one final squeal before my body came into contact with the cold water and I gasped for air when someone pulled me up almost immediately.
“We’re staying like this for a while.” Draven murmured and I gripped his shoulder tightly before looking up to frown at him, his words bubbling up anger inside me. Why the hell does he have to do this anyways?! A normal bath would suffice, don’t you think?
“What is wrong with you…?” I muttered under my breath, my voice laced with venom and gasped when he jerked me closer to his body before edging closer to the wall.
“If you don’t shut that pretty little mouth of yours, I’ll kiss you.” He stated sharply and I froze in my position before he leaned against the wall, bringing my body closer to his in the process. I went silent for a few minutes and stood absolutely still inside the water before my body started to feel weak.
“Rest.” Draven breathed, placing his hand around my head and pressing them on his chest, causing my whole body to stiffen immediately. “Next time, I won’t let him get away with it…” he trailed away and I pressed my lips together into a thin line. Was he actually worrying about me?
“What happened between the two of you? Who is he?” I asked softly, backing away a little and looking up at him. I watched him glance at me before turning away, his hands untangling from my waist and I awkwardly stood in my position, waiting for him to answer.
“You don’t have to know.” He said finally, making me flinch a little. “I want you to stay away from him.” He said and I stood quiet for a bit, a cold breeze greeting us as I hugged myself.
“Adriana?” he called and I snapped up to look at him before nodding.
“I get it.” I sighed and then gasped when he grabbed my face before leaning into a sloppy kiss, causing the butterflies in my stomach to go on a rampage. He pulled away almost instantly and I stood still, my mind going blank at what just happened.
“And be careful when I’m not around…” his said with a hint of concern in his voice and it took me a few seconds to realize that he was actually worried about my safety right now.
“You don’t have to worry about me, Draven.” I stated with a nervous chuckle, hoping he would change the subject and that I would forget that kiss. It obviously didn’t mean anything, it was just another kiss.
“I do,” he said shortly and I raised a brow at him.
“I do what?” I decided to play a little and watched him flinch at my question.
“I do…care about you.” He finally said and somehow I wasn’t able to take his words seriously and ended up chuckling. I mean, I know I’m not supposed to laugh but, come on. After everything he did and judging from the way he treats me, it’s quiet obvious that he didn’t care about me, yet alone actually find it in his heart to worry about me.
“What’s so funny?” he asked with a hint of annoyance in his voice and I shook my head before shaking my head helplessly. This guy really could drive me insane.
“Nothing.” I chuckled again and I heard him “tsk” before turning away, a light shade of pink creeping up on his face, making me laugh a short laugh.
“Forget it.” He muttered and judging by his voice, I knew he was now annoyed rather than mad or upset, which by the way was very new to me.
“I’m sorry…” I couldn’t help but giggle softly and I watched him turn around before getting out of the water. My eyes froze on his oh, so very sexy back and I quickly snapped back to reality before swiftly averting my gaze, my mind screaming at me to get a frikken grip.
“Don’t stay in for too long.” He said finally, glancing back at me before disappearing out of my sight.
I quickly got out of the water and it took me few minutes to find my way back downstairs before I rushed into my room. I quickly grabbed a large black sweater and shorts before rushing into the toilet and changing into them, drying my hair quickly. I was starting to feel very tired and I couldn’t help but yawn a couple of times before I finished drying my hair and walking out. My eyes immediately froze on Vincent, who was now sitting on my bed, his face lightening up at my sight then pressing his lips together into a thin line upon seeing my frown.
“Get out.” I muttered, throwing the towel on the floor and I watched him tug the end of his white plain T-shirt before standing up straight, his eyes flickering in both disappointment and guilt.
“Adriana, I can explain…”
“Can you not? I had a long night.” I interrupted and I watched him slightly flinch a little before giving me another guilty look, causing my heart to skip a beat.
“Draven told me to stay with you for a few minutes. He’ll be back soon.” He explained and I held back the urge to roll my eyes.
“Did you tell him about what you did tonight?” I questioned and Vincent shook his head before growing silent, making me sigh in both relief and annoyance.
“Can we talk?” he asked, walking up to me and I backed away before shooting him a glare.
“Can you just stay away from me? Stop acting like the good guy, Vincent. We both know you’re only pretending. If you want my blood so frikken bad then here!” I finally snapped before tugging my sweater to reveal my neck and I watched his eyes widen then soften again.
“Are you sure?” he asked softly and my pulse raced at his words. Wait, what? I was just kidding.
“Y-Yes.” I stammered a little but decided to hold onto my words. Vincent wouldn’t dare…would he?
Without warning, he appeared in front of me before tangling an arm around my waist and held my neck using his other hand, causing me to stiffen in my position.
“If you really mean it then…” he started, leaning closer to my neck and I whimpered when his breath hit against my neck, making my whole body tremble in fear. “Why are you shaking?” he questioned and I opened my eyes to watch him take a step back.
“Forget it, leave me alone.” I hissed and brushed past him before plopping down on the bed. I kept quiet as he sat down next to me and pulled the sheets closer to my lips, hoping he could take a hint and leave already but Vincent being Vincent decided to do the complete opposite.
“I’m sorry, it was a mistake.” I heard him blurt out and I narrowed my eyes at him but decided to keep quiet. “I-I mean, not entirely a mistake…as in, I wasn’t trying to use you or anything but-”
“You don’t have to explain yourself to me, Vincent. Nobody has ever since I stepped inside this mansion so don’t sweat it.” I cut in and jumped a little when he reached to grab my wrist.
“I do! I keep explaining myself to you because I care, Adriana! Why can’t you see that?” he raised his voice and I stared at him in surprise before sitting up straight and brushing his hands away.
“I don’t understand why you’re getting so upset, I wasn’t the one who kissed you out of the blue tonight, was I?” I hissed and his expression instantly grew softer at my words before the guilt kicked back in.
“I’m sorr-”
“Save it, Vincent, because I am done trying to get help from any of you. As a matter of fact, I think that staying with Dexter is even better than living in this-”
“Adriana!” he suddenly snapped, grabbing both my hands and towering over me. I gasped at his sudden outburst and then glared at him but he returned it back, making me flinch a little. I’ve never seen Vincent this pissed.
“You’re staying here. Don’t even think about going with Dexter.” He raised his voice, his hair falling down on his face and I couldn’t help but admire it.
“Your hair is so pretty.” I complimented out of the blue and I watched his frown tighten at my words. Don’t get me wrong, yes I was a little intimidated by his anger but then again, I’ve come to learn that Vincent was not such a bad Vampire. Sure, he has his flaws but he was a lot better than the rest of them.
“I’m serious.” He said, pressing my wrists firmly on the bed and I shrugged at his words.
“Dexter and Draven are the same. I don’t see why I can’t-”
“Draven is not a murderer.” Vincent cut me off and my stomach instantly tied itself into a knot before I bit my bottom lip hesitantly. Dexter had killed someone before?
“What do you-”
“Never mind.” Vincent mumbled before getting off my torso and I sat up straight, knowing very well that there was no use of questioning him any further. It’s not like he was going to tell me anyways.
“I came to say sorry and-”
“You’re not forgiven then.” I cut in rudely and I watched him bite his lip slightly before nodding, the color on his face draining away at my words. Okay, this guy had something for me or else he wouldn’t care about my forgiveness this much.
“Tomorrow, we’re all going out, so get ready in the morning.” Vincent said, walking up to me and brushing a few strands of my hair away from my face. “Goodnight, Adriana.” He said, rubbing his fingers on my cheeks before walking out of the room. Guess that was that.
x-x
That night, I tossed and turned in my bed before closing my eyes one more time, praying I would just fall asleep already but I couldn’t get Dexter out of my head. He really was a vampire? No wonder he wasn’t caught before and knew all about the Vervain. He was only using me to get back at Draven.
“Why are you still up?” I heard a familiar voice before I felt the bed sunk and I turned to face Draven, who was now lying dow to me, his blue eyes flickering even in the darkness, making my heart skip a beat.
“Nothing, just thinking about Dexter.” I stated quickly before inching back a little but he simply moved closer before raising a brow.
“I’ll take care of him so don’t worry about it anymore and go to sleep.” He assured and I nodded hesitantly.
“You can go sleep too.” I mumbled, hoping he would leave but sadly, Draven had other plans.
“Did you eat?” he asked and I shook my head then pressed my lips together into a thin line when he hissed at me. “Don’t forget to eat.” He rubbed his temple impatiently and I simply nodded before yawning a little again.
“I heard Dexter killed someone. Is that true?” I asked and I watched him stop to look at me, his eyes slightly widening at my words before putting on his expressionless mask.
“Yeah,” he inched closer. “And you’re probably going to be next if you don’t stay away from him.” He sounded as if he was desperately trying to convince me and I couldn’t help but raise a brow at his warning.
“I get it, dad. Don’t worry…” I mocked, yawning once more and I heard him chuckle softly before moving closer, an arm wrapping around my waist and by now, I was too tired to brush them away.
“Can I ask you just one question?” I asked softly, not really bothering to thing straight and I watched him nod a little, which caught me by surprise because I wasn’t expecting him to agree.
“Why are you trying so hard to protect me from Dexter-”
“It’s not just Dexter I’m willing to protect you from. It’s anyone who dares to touch you with the wrong intentions.” He interrupted and I tried my best to hold in a remark but it slipped out eventually.
“Don’t you do the exact same thing? Touch me with the wrong intentions and use me to get what you want?” I questioned and instantly regretted going too far.
“Except me, doll face.” He muttered under his breath and I decided to shut myself. Wasn’t really a good idea to piss him off.
“Why? Why are you willing to protect me in the first place then? I thought you hated me?” I asked softly and I watched him fixate his gaze on my eyes, causing goosebumps to rise all over my body. There was something about the way he was looking at me now that was just so much more different. Why? What was so different? What changed?
“Guess there is no harm in telling you.” He finally said, his eyes flickering onto my lips for a few seconds and I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.
“What do you-”
“I plan to make you mine and mine only.” He started, his voice suddenly turning all soft and sexy, causing my heart to skip a beat but I shook those thoughts away.
“What do you mean?” I asked almost too quickly and I watched a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“I’m sending the other girls back. There are of no use to me anymore, now that I have made up my mind.” His words sent uncontrollable shivers down my spine and I started shaking my head, trying to back away but he jerked me closer, causing my nose to slightly bump against his chest before I looked up to meet his cold blue eyes.
“Wa-wait…are you su…sure? Maybe you shouldn’t make such a quick decision so fast. It has only been a month and the girls deserve a chance to-”
“Oh, look at you getting all worked up,” he cooed, grabbing my wrist and bringing them closer to his ears, which resulted in me inching even closer to his face. “How cute.” He teased and I blinked away the tears before grabbing his shirt and shaking my head.
“Draven, you shouldn’t joke about this! You know how much I hate it here!” I raised my voice and took in a shaky breath when I heard him chuckle deeply at my feeble attempt to convince him.
“But I’ve already decided, doll face,” his words made my eyes widen the size of saucers and I kept mouthing the word “no” as the smirk on his face deepened at my helpless state.
“You passed the test, Adriana."
xxx
