A/N: Hey guys! Thank you for all the kind reviews, favorites, and follows. I am so happy to hear that some of you are enjoying my story. I wanted to write something that I would like to read and this story has been in my head for years. I need to get it out. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the chapter!
I dream of the vibrant Tuscan sunset. Pinks, blues, purples, and oranges cover the sky in smudges, delicately framing the hillsides of vineyards. Oh, how I missed this view. There is nothing that compares. I wish the sky always looked like this.
I find myself standing on the balcony of a villa, unable to tear my gaze away from the breathtaking view before me.
Cold arms circle my waist, pulling me back into a solid chest. Even in my dreams, I can smell him. Maybe it's my presence in his rooms that elicits such a reaction, but I don't know - can't think about that in this state.
Aro rests his head on my shoulder, nuzzling his face into the crook of my neck. We stand like that for some time before he says anything.
"You are the most intriguing creature I've had the pleasure of meeting, Isa." He gifts me with a kiss, a sniff, and a gentle caress; each more tender than the last.
"I've waited 3000 years to meet you, stella mia. Please give me a chance." His pleas send chills down my spine and a severe case of goosebumps erupt across my skin.
"You have to prove yourself to me. Show me that this isn't something I should fight."
Aro pulls away, but not before kissing my cheek. "With pleasure."
I awake with a start, the sound of a door slamming somewhere acting as the closing scene of my oddly pleasant dream. Through sleepy eyes, I scour the room for any sign of a culprit. But nothing looks out of place. The noise must have come from somewhere down the hall.
I try, unsuccessfully, to fall back asleep. And oh god, I wish I could. I want so terribly to close my eyes and transport myself back to that beautiful sunset.
But I cannot. There are things I need to do today. Above all, I must speak with Aro. Last night's discovery is too pressing to ignore. Even if Aro refuses to explain anything to me, I need to stand my ground.
I don't know how I am going to convince him to drop some of his requests; after all, we made the deal only yesterday. But if what Jane said is true, if this pull I feel towards him is what I think it is, we cannot go on like this. He made this deal with me knowing a truth I was not privy to. My stomach twists and turns, and then grumbles. Funny how the feeling of an empty stomach worsens the anxious ache.
Giving up on any attempt at more sleep, I drag myself out of the bed and begin my search for something to wear. The wardrobe is surprisingly full of new clothes. Gowns, corsets, undergarments, stockings; someone was kind enough to provide me with everything I might need. The color scheme of the wardrobe is dark, though not entirely black. And the fabrics they picked, oh god, some are softer than feathers. I choose the brightest dress I can find, carefully pulling a lightweight burgundy piece off the rack before reaching for a black corset. Oh, I will need to thank Jane for this later, assuming it was her.
I quickly freshen up in the washroom before slipping into the dress. It's a loose fit, but the sleeves are to my liking - light and poofy. I turn to face Aro's looking glass and begin the tedious task of lacing up my corset. There wasn't anyone around who could lace it up for me after mama died, so I learned how to do it for myself. I'm quite the master.
I finish the last of the lacing and - with one final tug - tie up the ends. I pin my hair up into a bun at the base of my neck, pinch my cheeks and bite my lips for the added bit of color. Perfect.
Aro's cloak. It's become a source of security, and while I don't know how I feel about that, I believe this connection has something to do with the owner himself. And I can't deny how I feel about him - as complicated and hopeless as that may be.
Just as I finish closing the ornate golden clasp of the cloak, someone knocks on my door.
"Who is it?" I scramble to straighten up the disarray from this morning, hoping I can buy myself a few more seconds before anyone enters.
"It's Aro."
My heart picks up at the sound of his voice. Each beat jumps straight into my throat. Oh, not this again. How does he elicit such intense reactions from me? I can't even see him.
Breathe, Isabella. You are stronger than anything fate has in its arsenal. Just be brave.
My attempt to build up my confidence succeeds and I find myself able to breathe easier. I can handle this. I will handle this. And I will come out of this encounter triumphant. He does not stand a chance.
"Coming." I pick up my comb and tuck it into the vanity drawer before walking to the door. I open it, once again face to face with Aro. My mate.
As usual, he is devastating. My eyes are at the level of his shoulders, forcing me to look up at him. His chiseled marble jaw reflects the candlelight, almost looking warm in the amber glow. There is a silver clip tying back half of his hair; the rest is silky and straight and falls to his shoulders. He is smiling, and the look in his eyes is almost hopeful.
But when he sees me, a different emotion passes over him - one I do not recognize. His jaw clenches - like one would when they are angry - but there is something fiery in the way he is staring at me.
"Hello," I whisper, struggling to get air into my lungs.
"Hello." His response is gruff. "I brought breakfast for you."
His words direct my attention to the basket in his hands. The delicious aromas of fresh bread, eggs, and sausage fill my senses. My mouth is watering.
"I thought… Well, I wish to ask if you would care to break your fast in my garden this morning."
I raise my eyebrows, astonished. He wishes to take me to his garden. He brought me breakfast. He is standing in front of me, his eyes pleading for my acceptance. This is my choice. It's something small, yes, but it's a step.
Does the mating bond have anything to do with his behavior change? He must feel something, after all, he would not have acted the way he did that first day. Of this I am sure. But he said he had no intention of taking a mate. He said that.
And I hate that I wish he didn't. I hate that I wish he had reacted differently to meeting me. What a terrible impression to make on your intended mate.
I do not miss the fact that I am accepting this bond so easily. But with the constant pulling at my chest when he is not near, it is difficult to deny. I can't think of another explanation.
The growling in my stomach reminds me that there is food on the line, and also that Aro is awaiting a response.
"That depends."
"On what?" Aro is frowning now.
"What's in the basket?"
~AB~
He uses a key to unlock the door to the space, making me believe that this place is his solace. The garden is beautiful, but the plants are sparse. Only a few of the plots along the paths are planted, and the patches that show life are young. But the potential of the space is limitless. The garden is more like a courtyard, with the only entrance around the corner from Aro's study. Four walls line the spacious patch of green and marble, all windowed and two stories in height. The ivy-curtained brick warms the space and the marble benches and statues scattered around pay homage to a more ancient era.
I wordlessly follow Aro along the paths. He is strong in the way he leads; shoulders straight, chin held high, the flowing of his cloak behind him. He walks the way I imagine a great king does - with a reverence for and complete control of power. It is harnessed in every stride.
I am so caught up in my thoughts and analysis that I don't realize he stopped walking. Not until I bump right into him. I rebound against his back and lose my balance. My stomach drops as I fall backward. The world slows and Aro quickly sets down the basket, turns, and catches me before I hit the ground.
His cool arms are holding me tight to his chest; my cheek is pressed against the fabric of his shirt, and I can feel the rumbling growing beneath his skin. I cannot hear the noise above the pounding of my heart, but I know it's there. I've heard the sounds he makes before.
He moves so fast. Having resided myself to the fate of falling, his quick reaction and successive rescue send me spinning. Aro's cool breath tickles my ear; he inhales and exhales in pants.
"Are you alright, Master Aro?"
He snaps into action, carefully returning me to my feet and helping me sit down on the marble bench behind us.
"Thank you." I smile at him and brush my hand against his. My fingertips are electrified.
Aro lets out a gasp so quiet I almost don't hear it.
So he feels it, too. Then…
"It would not do to have you injured. Please eat some food. I'm sure you're famished."
Aro opens the basket and pulls out an omelet, a few sausages, and a square of focaccia. Next, come the utensils and a glass bottle full of juice.
"Please," he starts, taking his leap by touching my hand. Again, sparks fly. "Eat."
Without argument, I dive into the meal.
The omelet is incomparable to any I've eaten before. I have to stop myself from moaning in pleasure as my tastebuds delight in the flavor. Ato watches on while I eat; his curiosity is almost palpable.
"Did you bring any food for yourself?"
Aro grins in amusement. "No, tesoro. I can only drink blood. Vampires cannot digest your kind of food."
As much as I figured that to be the case, the thought of a life without good food breaks my heart. Even in our troubling times, Papa and I still managed to make delicious dishes. He loved his tomatoes and knew just how to prepare them. I enjoyed making the pasta, and together, we combined our products to create many tasty suppers. Staying here means that I will never taste his tomatoes again. The thought hurts.
"I'm sorry to hear that." And truly I am. "The earth provides so many incredible things to eat."
Aro's smile is sly. "That it does, Isabella."
I tuck away the rest of my meal while Aro continues to silently watch. The dynamic is not uncomfortable, but it makes me wonder what he's thinking.
After I finish the last bite of bread, I dab at my face with a napkin and focus my attention back on Aro.
"That was fantastic. Thank you."
"It was my pleasure, Isabella."
Aro stands from the bench, holding his hand out to me. "Come, let us take a walk while your meal settles."
I give Aro my hand, and he helps me up before tucking it into his elbow. The pull is satisfied, for once, and I bask in the reprieve. This time, we stroll arm in arm along the paths, and I do not wish to pull away.
"You seem quiet today," I state, breaking the silence.
"Hmm?"
"You seem quieter than usual… I guess I don't know if you are usually this quiet… but…" But something seems off.
Aro doesn't say anything immediately and we continue our stroll.
But it isn't long before he speaks up. "You are perceptive."
I shrug. "Maybe." Maybe only when it comes to you.
"It's nothing you need to be concerned about."
Of course. He would say that.
I slip my arm from his grasp and wander on ahead to admire a nearby patch of roses. I reach out to touch the flower and accidentally prick my finger on a thorn in the process. The puncture stings and I pull back with a hiss. As I move my hand to inspect my finger, a single bead of blood drops onto the ground. It is bleeding, but not terribly.
Aro is at my side in a second and his cold hands tenderly wrap around my wrist. Without asking my permission, he brings my hand to his mouth and wraps his lips around my finger. One swipe of the tongue and I melt. In equal parts awe and lust, I stare at him, watching as he pulls away. I look down at my finger, surprised that there is no trace of the prick. The skin isn't even red from the irritation.
"My, Isabella, you are quite tasty." He grins, but I can see how black his eyes are now. I can see how hungry I've made him. "Please do be careful."
Words refuse to leave my lips. I can only stare at him, absolutely dumbfounded by his actions. Taking advantage of my current state, Aro brushes a single finger across my cheek. We are closer now, our bodies drawn together by some otherworldly force. And the pain is gone. The tugging at my heart is nonexistent. All that exists is him.
"You overwhelm me, Isabella." I blush at his words. Aro licks his lips.
"You confuse me, Aro."
He cocks his head, seemingly unperturbed by the omitted title. "Care to explain, cara mia?"
I turn my head away, focusing my attention on anything but him. "You are rude or angry with me one moment, but kind and gentle the next. You act as though you plan to lock me in a cell for the rest of time… or worse… drain me dry, as you so elegantly put it. But then you bring me breakfast and rescue me from injury. I do not know what to think of you, and I have no idea what you think of me."
"I think you are mine." Aro reaches out to touch my hand, but I pull away. He does not say anything for a moment and then sighs. "I've gone about this almost entirely wrong… I would like the opportunity to spend more time with you. To show you the man I am, not the monster."
"Fine… But I want to renegotiate the terms of our deal," I announce, moving past him to sit on the marble bench at the edge of the gardens.
"And what would you ask me to change? The terms were agreed upon only yesterday." His demeanor changes in an instant. Where before he was kind and patient, now I can sense his frustration. The ice in his voice sends chills down my spine.
I do not make eye contact with him, afraid that it will weaken my resolve. Instead, I focus my gaze on a patch of orange and white lilies tucked away underneath the fountain.
"You will find that if you insist on treating me like some pet of yours, you will lose me entirely."
He doesn't know anything about me, not the details of my character at least. I am not one to stand by in the face of mistreatment. Especially not from the very person I am supposedly destined to walk this life with. I'd rather forfeit my soul than let him treat me like a puppet on strings, dancing for the puppeteer's amusement. No, this needs to end now.
"You know, Isabella… I've never met a human who intrigued me as much as you do. Such a rare anomaly you are." Aro sits down next to me and gazes out across the garden. "What are your demands?"
"I will not sit at your feet."
He snaps his head in my direction. I can feel his irritation seeping through my skin. But I refuse to look at him, not when he is so close. Not when he has already taken over all my senses save touch and sight.
"That rule was put in place for your protection."
"And what protection, pray tell, requires me to sit at your feet like some dog?"
"You would not understand, Isabella."
"Then explain it to me, Aro. Because I assure you that I am a bit more intelligent than you think I am."
"Don't think it's escaped my notice that you've already taken the liberty of dropping my title." I can tell he is trying to change the subject, but I won't drop this.
"Your threats mean nothing to me, Aro," I reply, unafraid of the repercussions. I'm amazed at my ability to remain in control. Not only am I standing my ground, but I'm not in the dark about our connection anymore. It's so much easier to resist his lure when I know I'm only so affected by him because of our affinity. The truth is freeing. Confidence blossoms and I am blooming.
"So was all of this just an act then? What's the play called? Toy with the Human Servant? I'm afraid I've never heard of it before."
"What do you mean?"
I turn to him now, ready to face whatever he has to throw at me. "If you want an opportunity to get to know me, you're not off to a great start."
The way I see it, Aro has two choices he can make here. The first of these being a complete shutdown of my terms and a threat to harm my father. I need to avoid that effect by whatever means possible. The second path I see him taking involves acceptance of my demands. This is the outcome I am hoping for. It's the only choice I will allow him to make.
But Aro does neither. Instead, he snaps to attention, listening to something off in the distance.
His soft growl surprises me and I watch him stand to his feet. Our eyes meet. "We are not through with this conversation, but there is an urgent matter I must attend to. Stay in the garden for as long as you desire. Jane is nearby." I can see the longing in his gaze. "I will find you later."
And without another word, he is gone.
A/N: So, what do you guys think? Bella is gaining confidence and Aro is chilling out a little - at least for now.