This very long chapter is dedicated to two amazing ladies, Remember and Nienna.

Nienna, thank you for being my beta, for putting up with my grammar and for challenging me at each step I take with this story. Without you this chapter would not be as it is now. It was your (sometimes) brutal honesty and questioning that I needed to get over clichés and too much mush. I'm more than glad the chapter is the way it is now although it has been a great challenge to get over my cowardice and an even greater challenge to finally write the whole thing. Challenge me further my dear. I'm up to it and I look forward to it. Oh and yes: I still want a funeral for the man!

Remember thank you for being there for putting up with my bouncing ideas even when you are tired and exhausted. I know how much you love then man and he is as officially yours as Jack is mine. Do with him what you want…and I know you want to. My promise stands. The m. will be possible and if I have to do somersaults!

Thank you Ladies for your friendship, for your help, for everything. This story would not have taken the turn it has without you. Hugs and Kisses to you both! -S

BTW: Work out among yourselves which part is dedicated to whom…I'm so not deciding this. Grin.

Chapter X

48 hours

Part I

„If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater"

Pam Brown

The meaning of the name Amelia is to thrive to excel or to rival.

The meaning of the name Elizabeth is "God is my oath".

And Nefertiti means "The perfect one has arrived."

Amelia Elizabeth Graham - called "Nefer" - bore names that fit her personality perfectly. Not only in meaning. Her second and her nickname had been worn by queens, famous queens who still resided in the minds of people. This was what she wanted too. She wanted to be known not only by her own family and friends but by a worldwide audience. Be it with her violin playing or her designing: Nefer wanted to be perfect.

Yet it was her oldest sister that always got that predicate. Cassandra. She was Nefer's greatest role model and also her greatest rival. To step out of the shadow of her domineering sister was the thing Amelia caved most. The worst thing was that Cass wasn't overbearing on purpose. It was just her nature to be concerned and take care of everything. She had done it for too long to stop now, having managed the household as well as her sisters for over 7 years now reigning with a gentle but strong hand. The whole problem lay in the gentility -it was hard to rage against someone who was as kind as Cassandra.

Nefer loved to come home and know that Cassie was there to cuddle up with, to talk about worries. Yet there were times when the other woman's mothering just got too much. At the age of nineteen one certainly knew what one wanted and if it was a man of dubious reputation it was one's own decision. Even her mother was entirely different to her oldest sister and Amelia discovered more and more similarities between Cordelia and herself than between herself or Cass or even Cordelia and her oldest daughter.

Where Cass was concerned and worried and leaving subtle hints when she disliked something Cordelia was open and funny and never told Nefer that she shouldn't do a thing because it might be bad. In Amelia's mind the roles between her mother and Cassandra were reserved and she knew that the other girls felt similar. Yet they didn't have the problems with the fact that Nef had. They just took it as it was, still listening to Cassandra regarding Cordelia more as another kind of older sister similar to Maeve. The woman that had born them was less familiar to them than the woman that had lived with them constantly for the last thirteen years. And so Nefer was alone with the fire inside herself and the wish to thrive and excel and to triumph over Cassandra. She did not want to feel like that after all she loved the woman dearly. But there was a silent spot of dislike in Nefer's heart that at times wanted nothing more than to scream at Cass.

Moments like the one in the antechamber when she could be the one that protected Cassandra were cherished. It showed her that her sister wasn't perfect that she had flaws and fears.

Sighing over her own reflections, the young woman went through her atelier putting things in order for the engagement she'd have in a few minutes. As promised the Count had called her some days ago to make an appointment for the final fitting of his Király suit.

To say Nefer was nervous would have been the understatement of the century. She was bloody anxious and the reason for that lay not only in the worth of the suit. Walking over to where her stereo sat she thought about the man who would wear the clothes. And what a man it was. Amelia grinned while choosing a CD and putting it into the holder. With the Count you knew just from one look that the sex would be fabulous. A pity he was interested in Cassandra and she herself had a preference to blonde men.

"I know something about love…"

The voice of Vonda Shepard filled the atelier room and Nef's eyes raised to the clock on the wall. Ten more minutes.

"For man and woman were created to make love their destiny…"

"Good morning Miss Amelia," A voice from the doorway made her turn around. Leaning against the frame, a hanger in his hand was the Romanian observing the room and its inhabitant with cool gaze. "Do you believe in what she is singing?"

Nefer smiled.

"Good morning Count. Please do come in."

When he met her in the middle of the room she smirked up at him.

"In regards to your question, well, I think it depends on the situation."

Her sultry smile was reflected by a raised eyebrow, then he changed the topic.

"I see you are very professionally equipped. I have to admit I am impressed."

His words reminded her that this was a business appointment and her expression sobered up.

"I would not have offered my services if I wasn't in the possession of the proper utensils. So shall we start then?" She motioned to a door leading to a small chamber.

"If you want you can change in there."

While he did exactly what she had proposed Nefer mentally prepared herself for the things to come. She always did that before she started on something artistic be it a violin piece or the designing of a new dress. It helped her focus and become inspired.

The music was still playing in the background only the song had changed when the Count re-entered the atelier again and Amelia could not help but whistle through her teeth.

"Király is a genius."

With gleaming eyes she observed the midnight-blue colour of the suit that adorned the man's figure. It was clear on the first look that this piece was not only expensive but also not available for everyone who had money. The small sign of the designer was stitched in at the lapel again, this time done with a small silver thread.

The corners of Dracula's mouth twisted when the young female was just standing there gazing at him.

"Like what you see Miss Amelia?"

"Indeed I do." Unfazed by his amusement she circled him.

"Did you expect anything else? Surely you know how good you look in a suit."

Quickly she squatted down in front of him grabbing a pin from the small cushion around her wrist and began to alter the length of his right pant leg.

He chuckled upon her blunt words.

"It's obvious that you and Miss Theresa are related. The candour seems to be running in both of your veins."

Nefer answered without even looking up.

"Oh come on don't behave as if you don't like being flattered. Men like you are always aware of the effect they have on women."

"Men like me? Now I'm curious. Elaborate please."

Clucking her tongue she turned towards the other pant leg.

"Fishing for compliments? I won't inflate your ego here Count. As far as I noted you are very self-confident. I don't think I need to add to that."

Standing up she examined her work and after she had made sure that she had done everything right her gaze began to travel higher up his legs over those strong thighs lingering shortly where his trousers bulged before taking in his broad chest finally meeting his eyes. The eyebrows were raised as they had been when they had met in the kitchen, the azure pupils staring into her brown one.

Forcing herself to appear indifferent Amelia tilted her head.

"What? You gave me an obvious once over just a week ago and might I remind you that I did not wear much at the time? It's just fair that I return the favour."

The man in front of her stayed silent just watching her intently and so she stepped around him to fit the jacket next. Carefully she smoothed her hands over his shoulder levelling the cloth.

"Is there a place where you feel uncomfortable?"

"No." His voice did not betray anything.

"Good."

As if out of her own accord her palms left their place and ran down his back sensing the muscles despite the layers in between.

However before she could reach his midriff her left wrist was grasped and she was hauled back in front of him before being drawn into that hard body she had admired; she was now able to feel what she had imagined.

Nefer's breath came in short gasps when a sensual thumb was dragged down her spine, the hand that had grabbed pinning her flush against his chest.

"And just what do you think you are doing …Elizabeth?"

She would never know if it was way his lips almost caressed her ear or the way his cheek was pressed against hers or if it was the way he purred her second name. All Amelia knew was that a soft sound escaped her throat and made him chuckle. Slowly she regained hold of her senses.

"I merely like to try out how far I can go. No harm done Count." Her head fell back when he swiftly grabbed her thigh, lifted it to bend her leg and brought her even closer to him, the evidence of his manhood creating a delicious friction. Heat began to pool in her stomach when his nose stroked the sensitive skin behind her ear.

"I don't like being teased, you'd do well to remember that. Don't bite off more than you can chew little girl. Besides, I have other things on my agenda today."

He pulled back to look into her eyes which had opened upon his words, anger creeping into them.

"I'm not a little girl anymore." Nefer's voice was but a hiss. Unimpressed he let go of her leg but still held her where she was.

"Maybe not. But you should be glad that I still think you a bit young. Otherwise you wouldn't be talking right now but be on your back. Or maybe bent over your own work table in the corner there."

She shuddered when the pictures presented themselves in her head and he continued his tone dropping till he almost growled.

"You'd like that wouldn't you? If I put you back in your place? However…" he suddenly let her go and took a step back. "I don't think your oldest sister would be amused by these actions."

The sudden loss of his vicinity was more than noticeable to Nefer and the mentioning of Cassandra brought her back down forcefully. With a sneer she rearranged her hair into something resembling order.

"Ah yes. Cassie. The other thing on your agenda. Did it never occur to you that it could work to your advantage if she thinks she has some competition?"

A surprised expression flickered over his face. Then he smirked.

"And of course this would work to your advantage, too, I presume?"

Amelia's smile had a cruel touch to it.

"Maybe. But think about it. The idea of competition always makes women anxious to prove themselves. My sister isn't an exception. There is no need for real actions, Cassandra only has to believe there might be something."

She advanced on him again and softly grasped his sleeve to modify the length there, too.

"Just think about it." Nefer repeated before suddenly standing on her tiptoes to reach his ear.

"It might help you to get to your goal faster…Vladislaus."

Then she moved back to resume the fitting of the suit as if nothing had happened. About half an hour later they had finished and were walking down the stairs to the foyer.

The butler was nowhere to be seen and so the woman opened the front door for the Count to see him off.

"I'll have the suit sent to your hotel in about two or three days. Is that acceptable?"

"Very. Thank you again for your help."

"Oh that's not a problem I loved doing it."

Nefer offered her hand for him to shake and almost jumped back when he bowed low over her fingers.

His eyes met hers when he turned the hand over, the palm facing up.

"About your words from earlier…perhaps you are right."

A tremble shot up her arm when his lips met her life line.

Astonished she watched him straighten and tip his head in a final greeting.

"Miss Nefer," Then he was out of the door.

Only when she heard his car speed down the driveway was she able to turn and begin the way back to her rooms never noticing the woman in the shadow that had watched the whole exchange.

--O--

The traffic light turned green and Dracula applied pressure onto the gas pedal. He recalled the fitting session with a grin. Who'd have thought that Miss Amelia could be so direct? The woman was, despite her youth, a minx. He almost felt pity for the man who someday might fall in love with her. Nefer had the assets to be a femme fatale. It would be amusing to see her progress in life.

Yet he had other things to do. His prey was, after all not Amelia Elizabeth but Cassandra Beatrice Graham.

Plotting his next steps he drove through the small town near Graham Manor. While turning a corner and waiting at a pedestrian crossing he suddenly spotted a familiar figure entering a little shop a few meters ahead of him and the smile that had lingered on his face turned saucy.

If Dracula had learned anything in the over 400 years of his life, then it was not to believe in coincidence. It only took him a few minutes to find a parking spot before he stood outside the store studying the sign that told the uninformed that this was a place where antiquities were sold.

The small bell over the door gave a light tinkle when he entered. After nodding in salutation to the elderly man at the register he began to prowl narrow rows of wooden shelves where many different goods were stored. He passed a section where old silverware was laid out till finally, at the back of the store, he found her. The picture she presented made him smirk.

On a ladder leaning against a bookshelf stood a rather precariously positioned Cassandra with her back to him giving the Count a perfect view of her derriere and shapely legs. The red blouse she wore strained when she reached up to get a book from the topmost shelf.

Watching her taking down the tome and examine the cover he decided to, once again, surprise her a bit. Cautiously he went towards the oblivious woman till he was directly behind her.

"How's the air up there Miss Graham?"

With a shriek she dropped the volume and turned, forgetting that she still stood on just a thin piece of wood. The pace of her movement made her loose her footing and she would have made a fairly painful departure from the ladder if not for the two strong hands that held her in place with a firm but gentle grip.

Dracula could feel her racing heart beating beneath his fingers which were resting around her ribcage, his thumbs lingering dangerously close to the underside of her breasts.

Slowly regaining control of her senses again, Cassandra found the breath to speak to him.

"Sir! Heavens! Are you trying to form a habit out of making me startle as much as humanly possible? Because I have to tell you…it's working."

Still wide eyed she gazed down at his grinning self.

"I'm sorry Miss Graham I couldn't resist. It was just too good an opportunity although I did not intend for you to lose your balance, and for that I apologize. If I may ask: are you done here?"

Confused she furrowed her brows.

"Yes I only wanted to get the book that I dropped, but why do you…aaaah." Another yelp escaped her when suddenly the grip of his hands became stronger and she was swung around till she finally was placed on the dark hardwood floor. Before she was able to utter another word the Count had bowed down and picked up the tome that had fallen out of her hand.

Straightening he gave her an annoyed look.

"How typical for a woman to step onto a ladder while wearing heels. Did it never occur to you Miss Graham that these shoes are just screaming for accidents to happen?"

The well-known smile had reappeared on her face deepening when he delivered his speech.

"That might be true Sir. Alas I have to admit that I can't walk without heels so I have to settle with pumps. Nefer once said that I swagger worse than a drunken pirate in flat shoes." A bit of a sheepish expression crept onto her face when he began to chuckle.

"Really? What an interesting mental image. Yet Miss Graham I didn't tell you to forgo heels. A woman should wear them no matter how small - they are one of the greatest assets of femininity."

Still holding her book he motioned for her to precede him back to the front of the shop.

"However when in heels, one should refrain from taking a walk through meadows, hiking or, as we just witnessed, step on a ladder. Why didn't you ask the shop owner to get the volume for you?"

Turning her head to answer his question her voice dropped to a whisper.

"Have you taken a look at him Sir? I was afraid he'd get a heart attack if exposed to the thin air up the ladder."

The mischievous twinkle in her grey pupils was not lost to him and Dracula found himself rewarding her with laughing out loud.

Continuing to chuckle, they came to a halt in front of the register where he gave her the tome and then waited till she had paid for it.

After a polite goodbye to the old man she turned to the door, the Count following after her, but before she got there, she unexpectedly stopped.

"Oh how sweet!"

The exclamation was over a small statuette resting on a single shelf next to the door; it was of a brunette woman in rococo ball attire, her hair piled up on her head and her dance card between the china fingers.

With gleaming eyes she stood before the shelf.

"My grandmother had exactly the same figurine. It was my favourite in her collection. Unfortunately I broke it when I was eight." Uttering a wistful sigh she admired the small piece of porcelain.

"You can touch it if you want."

Both the Count and Cassandra turned when the shop keeper made his presence known. The woman shook her head upon the offer.

"That's very kind of you Mr. Boudin but I don't want to test my fortune. There's no need to repeat past experiences."

She looked back to the figurine.

"Allow me."

Leaning forward a bit, Dracula reached around her and picked the china statuette up raising it for them to study.

"It's truly a magnificent piece. And you said you broke it?"

"Yes I did. Actually I wasn't even touching it when it happened. I was in a hurry and ran into the chest of drawers it stood on. The upshot was a livid grandmother, a broken figurine and a big bruise on my arm."

The Count could not help himself he had to laugh another time at her resigned tone, carefully placing the little rococo belle on the shelf again.

However when he drew his right hand back he "accidentally" brushed the side of her right breast.

Startled, Cassandra jumped back, trying to give him room but momentarily forgetting that he was right behind her. Her right foot stepped partially on his boot and she teetered for a moment before the Count's hands automatically shot out to support her. So concerned was he with steadying her that he didn't pay attention to where his hands landed until it was too late. They had grasped her pelvis, which made the distance between them non-existent.

Her behind was rubbing enticingly against his male privates creating a delicious pressure and he could feel himself reacting to it. The woman seemed to be oblivious to what she did to him because she turned to apologize, wriggling against him even more increasing the friction.

Taking a sharp breath he tried to get his hot blood under control. He needed to have her and soon or she would drive him insane with her purity. Curling his fingers a bit he interrupted her exculpation, bending his head down to her face to stare into her eyes, his voice dropping to a growl.

"No need to apologize Miss Graham. However as this is the second time today that I'm steadying you I'll just warn you now: one more time and I get a wish." The last word was murmured almost inaudible his gaze flickering to her lips which were only a few inches away from his.

When he looked up again her skin shone a delightful red. A smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth. Beautiful success.

"Understood?"

Incapable to speak she nodded and with a bit of regret he let go of her.

"Come then. I suspect you have other purchases to make?"

Placing his right hand at the small of her back he guided Cassandra out of the shop and on to the streets of the small town to the market.

He was surprised that he actually found delight in accompanying her to the market observing her as she bought a few things here and there. His hand stayed where it was the whole time and soon his left was occupied, too, carrying her purchases.

It was after she declared that she had finished all her purchases and they were just walking along the cobble stones to his car when she stumbled and bumped against him.

Stabilizing her yet again both of them looked down to see what halted her progress.

In the rift between two cobblestones was her heel not budging as she tried to move her foot.

"Ah, Miss Graham. Is it only me or are you a bit unsteady on your feet today?"

Handing her the paper bags the Count stepped in front of her squatting down. Before she could even protest his fingers had closed gently around her ankle getting her foot out of the pump placing it on his thigh so she wouldn't have to step on the ground or lose her balance.

His left hand still lying supportively on her calf he proceeded to get the stuck shoe out of the rift while his fingers - almost imperceptivity - stroked her leg. She wore silk stockings despite the summertime air and he was pleased with her for it. Walking without covered legs would be alright for teenagers but for a woman of twenty six it was simply improper in his opinion.

"There we are."
The shoe had come lose and with a flourish he positioned it back on her foot, but not without softly caressing the area around her ankle with his thumb once more.

"Thank you Sir."

Cassandra was almost unable to produce words. The feeling of his fingers on her skin with nothing but a bit of silk between them had been almost too much. When he was standing again, taking the purchases from her, she found herself fighting to remain calm and not stutter.

"You are welcome Miss Graham. Now I think I'll better get you home before you break something. And might I advise you to throw theses pumps away?"

His hand slipped to the small of her back again as if it now were the most natural thing and they were able to get to the Mercedes without further accidents.

The ride to Graham Manor was done in silence.

Dracula observed the woman out of the corner of his eyes while steering the car to her home. Cassandra seemed to be pondering over one thing or other because she stared out of the window without really seeing the landscape.

However as they came to a halt before the front door of the manor and the butler that had been missing three hours ago came down the stairs she smiled at him cheerfully.

"You have not yet told me what you want Sir."

The Count looked at her in confusion.

"I beg your pardon, Miss Graham?"

Her smile became a bit roguish.

"You told me that if you have to "rescue" me a third time you would claim a free wish. So I'm asking you what you want. I don't like to be indebted."

He had to admit she had taken him off guard. That she made a step in his direction like that was…unexpected but he would have been a fool if he wouldn't take advantage of it.

"Are you sure you want to know my wish?"

Dracula loved playing with this woman.

Cassandra refused to be intimidated although the telltale blush began to ascend again.

"Certainly Sir!

"Well then…" he bent over to whisper in her ear. "I'd like you to accompany me to the opera in two days."

When he retreated she looked at him with interest.

"The opera? It would be an honour Sir."

"And I hope a delight, too, Miss Graham?"

The smirk crept back on his face when the blush won over and she lowered her eyes.

"How can you doubt that Sir? I always take delight in your company."

Chuckling lowly he gently took her hand in his.

"I don't doubt you. I just wanted to be sure." His thumb danced over her knuckles when her bravery came back.

"What performance are they giving?"

"Ah Miss Graham that would be telling…why don't you let yourself be surprised? No cheating!" A soft laugh was drawn form her.

"I promise Sir. Will black tie be sufficient?"

Dracula nodded.

"Indeed it will. So we have a date then? Oh and maybe you should tell the staff not to wait up for you. I'll take you out to dinner after the performance."

She wanted to protest but he would not have it.

"Please allow me to indulge you. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving."

The Count's lips met the back of her hand before he opened the door on his side of the car and got out. He waved the butler away who had stood aside to wait for them to finish their conversation and pulled the handle of the passenger door, his hand helping an astonished Cassandra to leave the Mercedes.

"I must be off for now, my duties are calling I'm afraid. I will see you in two days Miss Graham?"

Blue eyes bore into grey and the woman inclined her head.

"Definitely Sir. I'm looking forward to it."

After a short goodbye he got back into his car and left while Cassandra stood there watching the car till she could not see it anymore. Only then did she enter the house.

--O--

"I tell you Miss Cassandra it was improper. A man of his standing and age kissing Miss Nefer's palm…really something is definitely off there. They were after all without a chaperone when he was up with her in the atelier."

Cassie could not help but snigger at the older woman's exasperation.

"Really Mrs Jen who knows what he meant by this. It wouldn't do to read into the gesture too much. And after all, the foyer is very shadowy during that time of the day. Maybe he just kissed the back and it looked like the palm."

With a reassuring pat on the housekeeper's arm, the oldest Graham sister left the office of their butler's wife.

She must have been seeing things; there was no possible reason why the Count should do this.

Yet Cassandra could not help but feel a small stab of jealousy in her heart.

The next part is waiting for you and the link for the music can be found in my bio.