Ok y'all so I finally finished this chapter. I'm gonna start the next chapter tonight or rather this morning considering the time. I'm watch the labyrinth. One of my favorite movies. I really hope y'all like this chapter. I'm planning on rushing a bit of the next one just to get back to where I want to really start the chapter. Hope everyone enjoys and as always R&R.
Standing there I just took everything in . This room was absolutely beautiful. I loved everything about this room. I sit on a round plush ottoman and take off my shoes and socks. The rugs under my feet are soft and silky. Making my way over to the other side of the bed I peek into the large bathroom. I walk in and I'm blown away. The floors are a black pearl granite. To my right I'm greeted with a large mirrored vanity that seems to be made out of a very unique stone. I run my hands over the smoothed polished stone admiring the deep green beauty of it all. The faucet was a antique brass finish. I see two large doors off to the side. Both doors seem see through, and carved with a design inspired from India. One I can see is a lien closet, the other the toilet. I smile to myself walking around the spacious room. I start noticing candles are everywhere. Though these are real candles. They range in all different colors. Though they are dark giving off a jewel tone.
I make my way around an intricate wooden folding wall divider. Only to discover a rather large and spacious smooth purple quartz bath tub. It rested on top of gold claws making it a claw foot tub. The fixtures for the tub were also antique brass. I sit on the edge of the tub running my fingers along the inside of the tub feeling the smoothness of the stone. I looked up and noticed a small black chandelier. Smiling to myself I thought ' This place doesn't need windows. Just being in here is perfect.' Getting up I decided to turn on the faucet and start myself a bubble bath. I looked around and decided to look in the lien closet for some kind of smell good something for my bubble bath. Low and behold behind all the towels I find oils. I pull a few of the bottles out finding lavender, mint, eucalyptus, and chamomile. I take all of them over to the filling tub. I pour in a little of each and the aroma is heavenly. I run into the bedroom and quickly undress. I run back into the bathroom and shut the water off. I grabbed a lighter from my bag and started lighting a few of the candles. As they started to burn I went over and turned the lights off. It was magical.
I slide down into the water and remember that I still have my necklace on. I shrug my shoulder and lay back in the warm water. I relax and let the warmth take away the aches of the day. My phone is on the counter playing classical music softly. I lay back and just enjoy the sweet aroma and the warmth of the water. My phone beeped a few times but I never answered it. After what seemed like hours the water finally started to get cold. click...click I looked around and didn't see anything so I shrugged and finished bathing. I had a towel handing on the folding wall divider. I stepped out of the tub and dried off. I towel dried my hair as best as possible and wrapped the towel around me. I walked over to the vanity and finished getting ready for bed.
Walking back out into the bedroom, I nearly jumped out of my skin. There in the middle of the room stood a very beautiful very handsome vampire. Eirik's mohawk wasn't gelled back anymore. He wasn't wearing a shirt, and his dress slacks hung on his hips almost perfectly. I noticed he was also barefoot. I could smell cedar more prominently now than I did before. His eyes were glowing so brightly it seemed as though there were a light radiating behind them. I justa+ stood there staring at the man before me. Eirik standing there with a look in his eyes that screamed predator. I noticed that he was tattooed. I could see a full sleeve of tattoos on his left arm, and a half sleeve on his right. The sleeved tattoos looked like a resemblance of Irish knots with something else. Maybe some kind of viking symbols, though not runes. On his chest was what looked like something like a crusaders cross with red ribbons intertwining down his arms connecting to the knots, they also disappeared over his shoulders. I assumed that there was more tattooing along his back. I could see some kind of writing on both sides of the ribbons of the knots and the ribbons coming off the crusaders cross.
"I apologize Lili. I came back to give you something and noticed you were in the bathroom. I stayed here and was waiting for you, giving you your privacy. I do apologize for startling you." he said taking a step forward.
"No, wow I was just getting ready for bed. That bathroom is so lavish and beautiful." I said staying put but turning and pointing to the bathroom. " What was it you wanted to give me?" I asked noticing that his hand was behind his back. I couldn't tell what he was hiding but wasn't really worried.
His arm came around making the tattoos on his arm moved with the stone hard muscles of his arms. He produced a medium sized velvet box. I looked up at him and just blushed.
"Let me get some clothes on real quick please." I said realizing I was still only wrapped in a towel. I turn and go back into the bathroom shutting the door enough I know he couldn't see into it easily. I look around frantically knowing that I didn't have anything in here really to wear. So I checked back in the lien closet and thankfully I found a robe. I quickly put it on, and came back out. I walked up to Eirik and looked at the box back up to him. I went back and fourth a few times before he spoke to me.
"I see you still have your necklace on. I've had this for a long time for you. I just never knew when I could give this to you." He opened the box and I nearly fell out. Sitting on a black velvet pillow was a pair of very expensive garnet droplet earrings. They were black iridium and a tear drop of blood red garnet. They were stunning and perfect. They seemed to match the necklace I was wearing perfectly. I figured you could wear these and the necklace to gala that your boyfriend is working." That brought me back to reality and I just stared at him. For a while there I had completely forgotten about the gala with Antony, Mary, and John. It was like I was in my own little fantasy world and those simple words brought me back.
"How did you know about the gala?" I asked staring at him.
"Because my dear a few of the jewels that will be on display are apart of my own personal collection. Gifts from kings, queens, and others that valued my opinion." he said with a shrug, and a knowing in his eyes.
I took the box from his hand and looked at the beautiful earrings I was now holding. They matched perfectly with my necklace he had given me, and I had planned on wearing it to the gala. I wasn't planning on telling Antony where it came from unless of course he asked. I just stared at the earrings letting his words roll around in my head. I knew Eirik was old and I knew he had collected things from the hundreds of years he was alive. All I could do was look up at him. "They are beautiful, and match perfectly with the necklace. But I do have one question for you. Why did you give me the option of staying here, taking the GT, or my own bike? Was it because of the elder that had come in tonight?" I asked setting the earrings down on the bed.
"Yes, and because it was later in the morning and I didn't want you driving back on your bike. Yet, I still gave you the option. I didn't want you to feel trapped here. You are welcome as always to leave at any time or to 'disappear' as you say, anytime you wish for as long as you wish. No one, including myself, will bother you." He said as he stepped closer and closer to me. Though, I didn't move. I stood fast where I was and let him close the distance between us.
"That sounds tempting but you know I have the manor up state where I can hide out if need be. But this is very sweet. It will work for tonight. Though I may have to use that tub a few times."
"You are most welcome. Like I said you are more than welcome to use this place whenever you feel the need to. Though, I have a few rules. One being the most obvious. You cannot tell anyone of this place. No one else is allowed to come around unless I give my express permission first. Lastly, if you do decide to stay here at another time please let me know. I'll be sure to have anything you need for your stay here."
He was so close to me I could smell the rose and cedar completely rolling off him and wrapping around me. It was comforting. I had noticed I had started to feel something for Eirik. Something more than just the feelings I've always held for him. This seemed to becoming more and more noticeable the more time I spend with him. Even now I can feel the odd sensation of what most people would call butterflies in their stomach. I felt his arms snake around me and him pull me close to him. Before his grip got to tight I turned my back to him and let him cradle me against his hard body. I stayed there pressed up against him for a moment. Then I heard my phone ding with a text message. I just didn't want move. I was starting to feel more and more relaxed the longer I stayed in his arms. I didn't want to leave.
Finally after what seemed like hours. I pulled away and looked up at Eirik. "You know I should really go check my phone. I haven't told anyone that I wouldn't be home. I'm sure Mary, and Antony have tried getting a hold of me by now." I call back as I walk into the bathroom and grab my phone. Sure enough a text message from Antony was waiting for me. My dearest Lili, I hope you are sleeping well and that you had a good night. I'll text you when I get off work this evening. I can't wait to see you again. Sweet dreams my sweet angel. I smiled and texted him back. I am fine and well. We had an issue at the bar but nothing to be worried about. I may be here until we all head back up to the manor to go on the horse back ride and picnic. I'll talk to you when I wake up. I sent the message and went back out into the bedroom to see that Eirik wasn't anywhere to be seen. Walking over to the bed I noticed a note and a black magic rose on the pillow.
I picked up the rose and saw a red ribbon tied delicately around the stem. I smiled as I inhaled its intoxicating scent. Pulling the covers back I climb into bed and switch the tv on. Turning the channel to crime show and turning the volume down. I pick the note back up and read it. "My dearest Lili I hope you like your gifts. I want you to always remember this is a safe place for you. I pray you always think of me when you wear these earrings, or see a rose. Eirik" I smile to myself and curl up in bed. Soon after that I let sleep take over.
That evening I wake up to my phone ringing off the hook. I roll over and see that it's Mary calling me. As I answer I hear her start yelling at me.
"What the hell? Where the hell are you girl? We are suppose to be going through your closet at the apartment to see what all you have."
"I'm safe and sound. I can't tell you exactly where I am but like I told Antony I'm safe. I'll be home in a bit I need some clothes anyway. Also, I'm probably going to be staying where I am until time to go up north." I tell her rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I look at my phone and see that it's only 6:39. Plenty of time to run home and grab a few things.
"Yes yes that's all well and good. As long as we get some girl time together. I worry about you. I know Antony is a good guy, but I still worry about you. Please let me know you are ok. It's all I ask of you. Also, John and I were wondering...Shut up …...Sorry John and I were wondering if you and Antony wanted to go out one night and see a movie, get ice cream, have a few drinks. You know just go out and have some fun." I had heard John in the background before Mary told him to shut up. I laughed softly to myself
"No problem Mary. But as for now I need to get up and head to the apartment. Be good and also I have to work all week until we all go to the manor. That's why I'm staying where I am staying. But no worries I'll text you and let you know I'm ok." I answered getting up to grab my bag.
"Ok girly well be good, be sweet, and be safe. I will talk to you later." With that she hung up and I placed my phone on the bed.
I headed towards the bathroom to quickly change. I pulled on a of jeans and plain navy blue t shirt. I looked around for my jacket and helmet. Throwing on my jacket I didn't bother zipping it up. I left everything else in the room except my identification. I stopped just short of the door and grabbed my phone. I quickly pulled up Eirik's name and typed Eirik you offered me your car earlier this morning. I was wondering if I could take it now and run to the apartment to get a few change of clothes so that I may stay here until I have to leave to go up to the manor? I put my phone in my pocket. I run up the stairs making sure the door is closed and that I have the key fob. As I make it up to the garage floor I hear my phone chirp and take it out of my pocket to see Eirik has answered me.
Yes Lili you may take my car. Just be careful please. That is a lot of car for you. The...
"The keys are right here."
I look up and see Eirik standing at another door on ground level. It must be where he stays. I smile sweetly and saunter over to him.
"So since you will be staying here a while I will have someone go out and get you what ever you wish. Just let me know." He presses the auto start and hands me keys. I hear the car roar to life.
" I actually found some oils that smell wonderful. The few other things that I will need I can get from my apartment. But thank you anyway." I say trotting off to the GT. I turn around as I hear Eirik call back out to me.
"Just be careful. Any foods or drinks you may want please let me know and I'll make sure you have it." He waves to me and Enters back through the door where he was standing.
I wave him off and as I climb into the exotic, powerful car. The engine purring was music to my ears. I love this car. I make connect my phone to the stereo, make sure my mirrors are in place, buckle up and pull out of the parking spot. Though as I sit there I look at the doors in front of me. "Now how the hell am I suppose to get out of here? I'm sure Eirik has a switch somewhere in the car to open the doors." As I look around for a button to push or a switch to flip I hear the doors opening. I also hear my phone chirp and see a message from Eirik saying he opened the doors and that they will be open when I get back. I turn on my music and head towards town. I roll around through town making my way back to my apartment. Taking mental notes about the things I will need to bring back with me. I see people gawking at me as I drive through the busy streets. I finally make it to my apartment and pull up to the door. I get out and bump into someone. As I look up I realize it's Antony.
"Antony..." I trail off as I look up at him. His eyes meet mine and he smiles, but it disappears when he seems the car I just got out of.
"Nice wheels. Your's?" He asks looking back at me.
"No...it actually belongs to my boss. He let me borrow it this morning when I got off. We had an issue with someone at the bar and he wanted me to stay behind to make sure I was safe. I had another bar back with me." I said shrugging my shoulders as if it were no big deal really.
"Ok well are you just getting home? Are you off work already? I was coming by to see you a little bit before you went to work. I'm off work and headed to my own house." He said gesturing up to the front door of my building.
"Yea sorry about that. I'm probably going to be staying at the bar until it's time for us to go up north to manor. Then you can have me all to yourself. Sound good?" I ask hoping this will smooth things over for now. I just wanted time away from everyone and everything. I wanted to let Henry's and Eirik's words roll around in my head a bit longer.
"That does sound tempting." He says taking me in his embrace and hugging me tightly. I smile into his chest inhaling his scent of woods and earth. I returned his embrace. He released me and looked down at me his amber eyes soft and kind. "Until this weekend my dearest Lili." He said and kissed me so sweetly. I wrapped my around his neck returning the kiss. I could feel his tongue probing to be let inside my mouth. I parted my lips slightly and felt him rush in. I let him take control of the heated kiss. I could feel his tongue demanding more and more from me. His hand tangled in my hair. We both got lost the passionate kiss. We pulled away from one another panting, and just staring at each other. "Wow" he breathed his breath warm on my skin. "Are you sure I can't talk you into staying with me?" He asked looking at me with what seemed like love in his eyes. I smiled touching his face.
"No I'm sorry Antony. I need to work. I promised my boss I would work the days I am scheduled to up until we go up north. I've already told you this. But we can continue this then. I promise. As for now I need to go upstairs and get a few things." I say as I hug his neck. I pull back and look into his amber eyes. I just wish I knew how to ask him about him being a super. He doesn't seem abnormal or give off any hints that he isn't human. I push the thoughts away and look at the man before me. "Go now let me get everything I need so I'm not late to work." I say push back and heading for my door.
"Ok sweet Lili. Be safe and careful ok. I don't want anything happening to you. Also, I'm not happy that your boss is giving you his car to use. You should have taken your bike. I don't think it's right. But as long as you promise you will be ok. I won't worry too much." He said looking at me.
"Really? My boss my friend Eirik has been there for me through a lot of bullshit. I suggest you get over the petty B S you seem to be feeling. I'll talk to you when I get off work tonight." I said turning and going into my apartment building. I looked back and saw Antony get in his Porsche and leave. I knew I had scolded him but I also knew that he needed it. Eirik would always be in my life and no one was going to tell me otherwise. He is a dear friend to me. I shake it off and think that maybe I should text him later and apologize.
I shake it off and enter my apartment. I immediately go straight to my room. I grab a bigger book bag almost like a ruck sack. I go to my drawers grabbing underwear, socks, a few training bras to go jogging in, and an extra bra for work. I make sure everything is packed tightly as I go to my closet. I grab a few of really nice 'work' shirts, a couple pairs of jeans, and a few pencil skirts that are easy for me to move around in. I knew I didn't need to grab anything else because I already had plenty of clothes at the manor. Packing all this in my bag I ponder what I shoes I will need. I already have my boot cover. I just need my riding boots, and a few pairs of heels. So I go to my closet and start digging out three more pairs of shoes. I grab a pair of black 6" heels, a pair of flat boots, and another pair of 6" black crystal covered spike heels. They were my favorite and I bought them when I first moved out to the city. After I got over grieving from my family's death. I shook the memories off and finished packing my clothes. I then went into the bathroom grabbing shampoo conditioner and other toiletries that I would need. I went through my house one last time and made sure I had everything I would need. I grabbed my tennis shoes, turned off all the lights I had turned on and left, locking the door behind me.
As I arrived back at the club I could see the bouncers outside standing all tough and mean mugging everyone. I laughed as I pulled into Eirik's spot where he kept the car parked. As he said before the doors were wide open. I laugh to myself and get out of the car grabbing all my belongings. I rush over to the hidden doorway making sure no one is around. I quickly press the key fob to open the door. Rushing inside I quickly throw my ruck sack on the bed and change. I grab a pair of low rise distressed skinny jeans, my flat boots, and a navy blue corset with a gold and purple embroidered floral pattern. I just into the bathroom and put on some makeup. I grab my necklace and earrings and put them on. I take one last look in the mirror and I'm pleased with myself. Quickly rushing out the door I make sure it is secured. Though, before I make my way to the bar, I again check the garage floor and see no one. I quickly make my way to the bar and rush inside so that I can get everything prepared before the night starts.
"Well well aren't we looking beautiful tonight. Hot date?" Henry says from behind me
"Oh my god you scared the crap out of me. No, I don't have a date tonight. You've seen me dressed like this before. It's just for more tips." I had my back to him and nearly jumped on the other side of the bar. I shook my head and went back in the back grabbing a bar towel. Not long after making sure everything was good to go the first of the patrons started streaming in. Quickly the bar was crowded and the place was pulsing.
After a while things slowed down slightly and I was able to think and still bartend. I looked around and wonder what it was like being a vampire and being around so many food sources. I'm sure it was hard. I also wondered if, like most of my books or even lore, a vampire could live off of animal blood. All types of questions ran through my mind. The night wore on as usual. Fruity drinks for most of the girls, whiskey, beer, and bourbon were all ordered. A few drinks I had to look up because frankly I couldn't possibly know everything. Yet, the night wore on. Music blasting from the speakers above, I had actually caught myself dancing a few times. For once I felt myself relaxing while at work and not worrying about anything. Though I started to think dangerous thoughts nearing the early morning hours. I guess from my lack of love life, and the fact that Antony's and my relationship was heating up no one could really blame me for wondering what it would be like to be with a vampire. To just give in and feel the experience of making love with a vampire. I look up to Eirik's office as I ponder what it would be like to just once be with a vampire. Shaking my head I take care of my patrons and keep working. Keeping myself busy will keep my mind occupied. Leaving all my other questions for another day and time.
As the night ends I do all my chores, pocket my tips, grab my coffee and head out to the twilight of the morning hours. I make my way to the sea wall and sit down as usual. I relaxing listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the wall, and the boats navigating the harbor. The sun hasn't come up yet as the days were getting shorter and the nights were getting longer. After a few moments I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"May I join you?"
I hear a familiar voice and I can smell cedar and roses. Knowing it's Eirik I don't answer and just him sit next to me. He puts his arm around me and we sit in silence for a few moments. I smile to myself and just watch as the city starts to come to life before us.
"I have to get back inside soon my dear. I need to go over paperwork for the club and paperwork for a council meeting. I want you to join me for the next meeting."
"Are you sure that is wise Eirik? I mean I am human, and there will be vampires there. I'm sure I'd be a temptation." As he stands up offering me his hand. I take it letting him help me up.
As we walk back inside Eirik waits until we are safely inside to answer me. "Yes there will be other vampires there, however, as long as you stay with me you will be fine. I will make sure you have something to wear. These are formal gatherings, and please I will make sure you have something fitting for the council." he pauses just as Henry comes walking in. "Henry everything well?" he asks as I go and check my phone making sure I have everything.
"Yes sir everything is ready and good to go." Henry answers as he makes his way across the bar and disappears out of sight.
"I'm headed to the garage and going to get a bath then sleep. I brought everything I will need for the next few days." I stand there in front of him and smile. "Good night...Eirik." I say breathlessly. I never meant for it come out that way.
Eirik nods and steps out of my way to let me pass. As I make my way out to the garage I stop and look back at Eirik who seems to be watching my every move. I smile as I duck into the hallway and make my way out to the garage. I enter the hidden doorway and kit the key fob to open the door. Quickly I make my way into the room. Making sure the door is shut I kick off my boots and jump onto the bed. Just wanting to relax for a moment. Yet I fall fast asleep. Letting the darkness claim me and my dreams begin dancing.