Drew awoke to a faint knock on her door. Bleary eyed she huffed forcing herself up. She stumbled out of her bed, barely seeing that it was five in the morning. Who in this god-forsaken world was pounding on her door? Did they wish for death?
Her bare feet padded along on the cool wood, she was thankful to be dressed in an oversized shirt and shorts. She'd not given any attention to attire, and it would not be the first time she'd flashed her neighbors while half asleep. She tossed open the door.
No one was in the hall.
Drew grumbled rubbing her eyes. She grabbed the door fully intent on slamming it shut. She stopped inches from slamming a white box laid on the floor before her door. On top of it a shoe size box. One vaguely familiar for clothing deliveries. She picked them up and shut the door with her foot.
She plopped them down on the counter. She removed the lid of the top box, pulling out a pair of strappy black four-inch heels, with a rounded toe. Inside with them a pair of cushion pads and back cushions for her heels. A lazy grin took over her face.
Aro had made a promise to cover the clothes for their date. He'd even thought of her comfort.
She put them aside and opened the larger box. She tossed the tissue paper to the floor. A lump of rich satin, Navy in color. She pulled it out carefully. It was a body-hugging cocktail dress. The thing would fall just above her knees. The straps were slim. Inside the box she saw a matching over cloak of a heavier satin.
She released a small sigh. He'd not given her a fur shrug. She honestly didn't know how to feel if he had. It's a whole other issue she didn't want to think about so early in the morning. Ethical and local fabrics where a whole rant she could go on.
She was about to place the dress back when she saw a long thin box. She put the dress aside opening the box. Laid upon a soft cushion a pearl necklace with a few buffer beads between. Despite the fact the pearls were so perfectly rounded, Aro was not the man to buy fake.
Her stomach twisted. Such disposable income to toss at whomever he pleases. It was a bit much to put on a first date, wasn't it? The fact he'd bought such a beautiful piece… She pursed her lips. What if it didn't work out? Should these items not be reserved for a more serious relationship? A more established one? To be giving gifts so lavishly. Did he do this often?
She pinched the bridge of her nose after setting the pearls aside. "These are merely trinkets to him when I bet this cost a few months' rent. They are quite beautiful. They would be more suited for Princess Diana over me. What luxury to toss money where ever one pleases. It makes my head hurt. I'm an idiot to think we'd work out. Aro's smart, challenging, handsome… I'm fooling myself to believe we'd ever be good for each other. I'm not from his social class."
She ran a hand over her hair ignoring the work she was creating for herself. Was she a gold digger for agreeing to date such a rich man? His spending made her feel sick to her gut. Only a few years ago was she eating ramen for three meals to get by.
She took the items to her room, hanging the dress so it didn't wrinkle. She had a pair of white gloves that would go perfectly with the gown. She'd found them in a second hand store a few months back thinking about Halloween. For a few euros they were worth it.
She looked over her closet. She pursed her lips. She hadn't realized how much she'd accumulated here in Italy. In Toronto, her closet was half this size. Then again, she'd usually purge her closet every year to the second-hand shop when she tired of a piece. She had yet to find one in Volterra.
Her phone stole her attention. She flipped it open, seeing the caller ID.
"You are aware it's ridiculously early in the morning." She plopped herself on her bed.
"Good morning to you, as well, Doctor." Aro chuckled. "I see you found the gifts."
"I did, I believe you told me it was only the dress you were covering. Not the jewelry or shoes."
"I saw the necklace and thought it suited you." Aro exhaled. "It was of no cost but a piece in a collection. You may return it there once the date is over if you wish. It had long since been displayed or worn."
"That is slightly more comforting knowing you didn't buy it on a whim."
"If I had?" She heard the playful challenge.
"I would demand you return it. We've hardly began dating Aro, it seems a bit too much. I really don't want you thinking I'm only interested in you because you have money or power. I'm not a gold digger. Outside the literal sense. I do in fact dig, gold is not always the objective, though sometimes a byproduct of my line of work."
"I am quite aware, Doctor. You are a modest woman. Attracted to my looks and charm alone." He assured, a little too smug.
Drew's face burned. "Well—"
"It is alright, I found myself taken with you. The moment I laid eyes upon you. I saw a beautiful woman. One who was confident enough to waltz into my lair. Despite the many warnings you've heard from all those who work for and around me. I may be a part of the mafia." He teased.
"If you were a part of the Mafia, I'm sure you wouldn't tell me."
"Would I not?"
"Certainly not so early in our relationship. Regardless, if it were a platonic or romantic, it'd be foolish. Such a secret? That's a risk to take."
"I promise doctor, I am not a mobster. Despite being Italian." He laughed.
"I can't tell if you're serious or not Aro." She sighed shaking her head. "What time is our date?"
"Anxious to see me?"
"You'll need to wait and see if I'm waiting on bated breath for you good sir. Now what time so I know when to be ready by." She pressed.
"Six thirty."
"Ok, see you then Aro. I have time to get a few things done."
"Until then, Doctor."
Drew sat looking over the two polishes in hand. Both a deep navy that would match the dress, the only difference was the matte and shiny looks of each nail. She was taking a large risk to get her nails done at all. A manicure was about the extent she was willing to do with their job. Anything more was a waste of money when the nails would break or get damaged so easily.
Today Davina got lucky in convincing her to go. Usually, she'd just have her paint them. Drew knew the extent of her talents, painting her nails wasn't one of them. She couldn't sit still long enough for them to dry.
"So, think you'll get lucky tonight?" Davina asked leaning over.
"I'm not against it." She admitted. "I'm more nervous about the whole gender thing. He's a Man. It's been a while for me. He's good looking and a fun guy. I love how he doesn't struggle to keep up with me. It's so rare having a partner who isn't feeling insecure because I've got two PhDs."
"This is the first official date, yes?"
"Yeah?"
"Ah and he's already got partner status." She teased.
Drew rolled her eyes. "I'm a bit bias in my feelings for him. I'm just as shocked as you are."
"Considering he left you high and dry the other night, I'd say he's more likely to say no."
"It was probably for the best he did. I want to be fully aware of when that happens. Something about him screams Dom and he'll be great at it." Drew blurted.
Her nail tech snorted. Drew's cheeks burned muttering an apology. The woman probably barely heard it over Davina's cackle.
"Details girl tomorrow at brunch. I want to hear everything!"
"I'm not going into every detail." Drew warned.
"Enough though,"
"I really want this to go well. My gut is already giving me doubts about the whole social class thing. I told you what it was like the last time I dated someone roughly in his socioeconomical circle." Drew admitted.
"Drew, do me a favor,"
"What?"
"Stop over thinking the dude and go get some."
Drew readied herself having her lace front of deep auburn waves styled. Her curls were braided down that morning before she'd gone out with Davina. She quickly laid her edges and began to settle the wig. Her makeup used to blend the lace front.
She hurried with her eyeliner, deep shimmering champagne eyeshadow. She finished the look with a deep burgundy lipstick. She used some tape around her breast knowing the deep V would require some support. The straps didn't allow for a bra of any fitting.
Six thirty on the dot a knock echoed through her flat. She hurried over fixing her heels as she went. She swung open the door, Aro stood with a bouquet of pink roses. Her favorite flowers. She smiled.
He stepped forward pressing a kiss to her cheek. "You look beautiful, Doctor."
She gave him a once over. In a tailored suit that as always screamed expensive, fit him like a second skin. Thin grey stripes were throughout the material. A navy tie in place. He'd matched the dress in the pocket square as well.
"You look quite handsome yourself. Pink roses, a good guess." She allowed him inside to grab a vase for the flowers.
She filled it making sure the flowers were settled before turning to him with a wide grin.
"There, this way they won't die while we're out."
"Perfect, shall we?" Aro offered his arm to her.
She slid her arm through following him out to the waiting car. One once again she didn't recognize the logo on. He opened the front passenger door for her.
Once settled Aro was behind the wheel in seconds.
"How does dinner and a show sound?" Aro questioned.
"Dinner theatre?" She perked up. "I wouldn't have taken you for liking it."
"I enjoy all kinds of arts."
"I'm learning." Drew noted. "I can't say I've been to one, but I've always heard good things. Is it here in Volterra or Florence?"
"Florence, the last dinner theatre shut down during the Second World War." He advised.
"What a shame. I know the local theatre across from campus is popular amongst the students. Stand up and improv goes on all the time there. Along with a few productions."
"You've invested in the local theatre scene, have you?" He glanced over to her as they passed the exit of the walled town.
"Hard not to, I'm on campus most of my time. A few of the student interns are always dragging us somewhere after long days. Davina being the main culprit." She revealed.
"You make it out as if you aren't a social person." He mused.
"It might be surprising, but I'm a bit of an introvert. I always buried myself in books and school. In Toronto, I have some friends to an extent… I keep to myself a lot. When I came here though, my life was just turned around. Davina didn't give me a chance to avoid her. The whole crew is so friendly. Sure, Canadians have the stereotype for being nice, doesn't mean I really built any bonds. My extended family I was never close to, I kept to myself most of the time." She admitted.
"Some come into our lives and turn it right on its head. I find myself as reclusive at times."
"Are you sure it's not because you're running a mafia?" Drew teased.
Aro laughed. "I am not going to live it down that joke."
"It's more a rumor." She shrugged.
"Yet you heed no caution to the words?" He challenged brow raised.
"You haven't given me a reason to believe the rumor. You said you weren't, I believe you. Sure, you've got this air of danger to you but that could just be the wealth and power you've grown up holding." She replied.
"That could be a great strength or weakness."
"aren't all virtues?"
"Indeed."
Their drive into Florence brought them downtown. An older three-story theatre nestled in a bunch of other homes and businesses. The main area had many tables of two or four spread out. All were set with red table clothes. They were set with crystal glasses and expensive silverware. It took Drew a moment to notice from there table there were some aisles between the tables. She was happy to be seated in the circular booth against the wall that separated the raised second floor where more tables were set. It meant they could observe without other people watching them.
The main curtain was still drawn close. She lifted the paper of the program off the table. It was a murder mystery. Drew smiled.
"I love mysteries!" She exclaimed leaning over to Aro.
The waiter offered them drink menus as others began to filter in. The booth dipped slightly. He had moved closer to her.
"I thought you would enjoy this. My hunch was right." He leant down to whisper in her ear.
She shuddered when his cool fingers ghosted over her exposed forearm.
"Curiosity is my greatest strength and weakness." She smiled. "Is this clue inspired or more serial killer?"
"You will have to wait and see. The program will begin shortly." He chuckled pressing a kiss to her temple. "Patience."
Drew leant on Aro's side whilst they exited from the theatre. The show ending still whirling in her mind.
"The butler… I really didn't pin him for it. He was in almost every scene on the edge of the stage. I was certain it had been the maid."
"Why was that?" Aro questioned.
"Poison, it's usually the weapon of choice for a female. Think of Aqua Tofana a poison created in Sicily well associated with Guilia Tofana. A ring leader of sorts of women who were murdering men across Italy." She replied. "I just mean men will usually choose a knife or a gun."
"Not all the deaths were poison though," Aro reminded.
"True, Ms. Barker was stabbed in the heart. The scene wasn't violent enough to suggest male or female. It could've been self-induced for all we know." She agreed. "I still feel it was the maid and they switch up the killer to keep people guessing but not the type of murders. The writers were they female?"
"Yes."
"That'll do it then. The story is controlled in a female narrative. A gun shot or more forceful may have been a male." Drew tried to rationalize.
"Men used poison lots of times throughout as well, think of the rivalries of thrones in royal families. They would try and become immune to poisons to avoid being killed." Aro reminded.
"Very true…" She looked upwards, towards the night sky. The stars not drowned out by the city lights. "We hardly had any time to get to know each other. Do you want to play twenty questions?"
"A wonderful idea." Aro agreed. "Why don't you begin."
"Okay… What is your favorite color?" She met his gaze.
"Really doctor? You wish to begin so simple?" He teased.
"I said I wanted to get to know you Aro. Knowing your likes and dislikes is good to know." She quipped.
"Red. In any shade. It has been a favorite of mine, a color of passion and courage. A deep purple is always nice. What of you?"
"I enjoy a lot of colors. My ultimate top three would be the blue of the glacier lakes of the Rocky Mountains, golden yellow like a sunflower, and deep forest green." She added.
"What's your favorite and least liked music genre?"
"That seems like two questions." He pointed out.
"Think of it as a two-part question." She grinned moving closer to him craning her neck to get a better look at him.
Aro slid a finger under her chin, anchoring her whilst he pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. His lips cool, but Drew didn't care. His scent washing over her while he remained close.
"I enjoy swing or jazz music. Frank Sinatra was a talented man. Nate Cole. I've always enjoyed classical as well. My least would be this new era of music, screaming metal."
"Screamo?" She smirked. "Good to know."
"What of you, doctor?" He queried, pulling back to wrap his arm around her waist continuing their walk.
"Alternative rock, Coldplay, All Time Low, Fall Out Boy. If you ever tell anyone I will personally seek revenge. I also enjoy country music. I grew up on Shania Twain."
"Two very different styles. And you're least?"
"I agree with you screamo is just terrible. Dubstep is becoming popular too it's a giant no." She shuddered.
"I will take your word for it. I have not heard of it and doubt I will be looking into it."
"Some arts don't need to be patronized. Only silenced." She patted his arm.
"A question for you, beyond Archeology, what activities do you do in your leisure time?"
"My hobbies?"
"Yes,"
"I like to read. I enjoy learning a lot of new things. There is always something new to read up on. I like board games, computer games when I can. I rarely do but I enjoy them. I enjoy going to the gym to work out, lifting to be exact. Skiing during the winter." She prattled off. "What of you Aro? What do you do when you aren't ruling the world?"
"Many things, I partake in the arts, financing many endeavors. I like to increase my linguistic skills. I have been known to pick up many instruments now and then. Recently I started to get into carving. I never realized the patience it took to do all these elaborate designs." He rattled off.
"You have time for so much?" She went wide eyed. "I would love to see your carvings whenever possible. I wasn't ever good with sculpting or carving. I drew a bit but that was it."
"What is your most embarrassing moment?" He asked.
Drew paused looking up at him. "Going in for the hard questions now. Alright. Tenth grade, I was playing dodge ball, I took not one but three balls to the face. I ended up falling back rolling over a few more dodge balls and ended up in a garbage can. Walked around with trash in my hair after deciding to go natural for the first time in a while. My hair was finally at that perfect length for an afro and then that happened. My head ended up shaved because there was some gross stuff in my hair. My foster mum didn't have the time to wash it out. So, it got cut off."
"Such a shame, your hair is always quite lovely. Whether these wigs or your curls. Your care clearly shows. That would have been quite a terrible day." He murmured bringing her close.
"What about you?"
"My brothers and I were on a vacation, they decided to steal my clothes on the beach and have me walk nude after them. A cloudy day that did not suit the attire." He exhaled.
Drew bit her bottom lip. "How far?"
"A mile or so."
"That's mean. It was both your brothers? Seriously? Marcus took part in that. Caius I could get but Marcus? I don't believe it." A smile curled onto her face.
Aro tilted her head up nodding once. "The very same. You can even ask him."
"Your Brothers were mean to have you do that. Though I don't think I'd mind seeing you nude." Drew looked up from under her lashes, slowly blinking at him.
"Is that so, Doctor?" He quirked his brow.
Her heartbeat began to quicken taking a step closer to him.
They had found themselves in a secluded alcove between the theatres. A person could peak around and see them. She didn't care at that moment. She pressed up against him, raising to her tip toes in her heels. She secured herself with her hands holding the back of his neck. She played lightly with his silky locks of hair. He lowered himself enough to be merely inches from her.
"You are very aware of my attraction for you." She exhaled.
"Am I?" He brushed his lips against hers.
Heat began to curl in her abdomen beginning to pool within her core. She could feel herself becoming wet. She pressed her thighs together.
"You could always find out for yourself." She whispered kissing him.
Once, twice. His hands moved down her waist to hold her to him. She brought her hands down, one on his chest another cupping his cheek. He ran his icy tongue along her lower lip, seeking entrance.
She granted him access.
His tongue cool upon hers. She didn't linger on it as his scent filled her mind. Citrus. He tasted as sweet.
She let her eyes flutter close.
He encompassed her.
Their kiss increasing in tempo, urgency pouring into them. Tongues dancing with each other.
Her body erupted in little goosebumps, Aro's cool hand ghosted her spine to her neck. His other travelled down around her behind, giving a squeeze before pulling her closer. He hooked her leg up around his waist.
She gasped feeling cool fingers graze her upper thigh her stockings did nothing to hold the chill at bay.
A fresh wave of lust washing over her while she clung to him.
Three quick trills rang out.
Aro pulled back growling. "Fuck."
Drew opened her eyes at the sudden change.
He settled her leg down pulling the offensive object out of his pocket. The black brick ringing again and again.
"Yes?" He sneered.
His dark gaze softened seeing her.
Drew smoothed her skirt back down. She fixed her waves finger combing them. She slid her gloves back up her arms. Karma really is cockblocking me. Her heart thundered in her chest, as she caught her breath trying to settle herself. She'd been more than willing to have Aro take her up against the cold brick wall. Others be damned.
She took a few calming breaths. The heat in her core throbbed with need. They'd only been kissing a few minutes surely, but he'd had her head spinning.
"I will be back within the hour,"
Aro ended the call running a hand through his own mussed waves of onyx. "I am very sorry Doctor. There has been an emergency I must attend immediately."
"You're a very important man." She sighed. "I can't fault you for circumstances you can't control."
"I may be an important man, but I will always make time for you. Mark my words doctor, I will continue this when there is more time. I will thoroughly show you, my devotion." He vowed taking her hand in his, bringing it to press a kiss to it his burning gaze never leaving her.
"I will hold you to that."