Liliana POV
I awoke the next morning on a bed of pillows in a corner of the room. I'm curled up in someone's arms. As the grogginess of sleep started to lift, all the emotions of the night before started flooding back to me. The pain up at the manor and my coming to Enigma. When I came to Enigma I came in through the back entrance. I called for either Henry or Eirik. Henry was the first one I saw. I told him everything I could through sobs. He grabbed Trish and some new waitress chick to watch me. As he went to find Eirik.
At that moment I realized where I was and in who's arms I was currently laying in. I was with Eirik. His cedar scent envelops me completely. I smile to myself and curle up closer to him. In doing so, I feel him stir, his hand absent-mindedly skimming up and down my back. I look up and see a pair of beautiful amethyst eyes staring at me.
"Good evening my sweet." He coos. His gravelly voice wrapping around me caressing my skin like silk.
"Hello yourself. Thank you" I say and look back at the room around me. "I really appreciate you not asking me a lot of questions about what happened, and for listening to me. Oh and for not rubbing it in my face that you were right after all." I say. I notice that my fingers are tracing his tattoos. I brush it off and gather my courage to finally ask. "Not to change the subject or anything. I thought vampires couldn't get tattoos. What's up with the ink work? What do they mean?"
"You're welcome, and I wouldn't rub it in your face that I was right. I only want whats best for you. I will only look out for you." He pauses and looks to where my fingers are at. "They are from different wars that I have campaigned in. The words are an old version of what you call Viking. Though, a few different parts are ruins. This one..." He pauses and points to the Crusader's cross on his chest. "I'm sure you know what that this is. A Crusader's cross. This is the one I am most proud of. I enjoyed my time during the crusades." He said and I just looked at him with confusion. He looks at me seeing my confusion, and explains . " Yes I'm nearly 1,000 years old and I fought during the crusades. I was a master at military strategy and wars are an easy way for us to feed. I know what the crusades were about and I have no issues with helping Christians. So, during the crusade, with Richard the lion heart, I decided that I would get the cross tattooed." He explained looking at the ink on his chest. I just looked at him wide eyed.
"Doesn't it burn you? I know myth says vampires can't stand the cross." I comment, returning my gaze to the beautiful image on his chest.
"No sweet one it doesn't nor has it ever burned me." He says stroking my hair.
I nod now understanding a bit more about this beautiful man. "Makes sense." I comment. Then I look up at him. " Can I just stay in your office tonight? I promise I'll go back to work tomorrow." I say. Realizing that I'm still in my robe from last night, yet my bra and panties are still in place. I make a quick mental note of this and say nothing about it.
"Yes of course, don't worry about coming into work until you feel you are ready. Like I told you before, you can stay here as long as you wish. Also, John wanted me to inform you he and Mary have or are taking care of the manor for you." I simply nod. He touched my arm and I knew I was safe here. I knew nothing could harm me here. Not while I was with Eirik. My Viking vampire.
"That's fine. I trust them, and thank you. I do want to get a few things from the apartment though. You know clothes and what have you. Do you mind if we go tonight?" I emphasized the word we because, frankly, I wanted him to be with me. I didn't want to be alone.
"Yes that will do fine. If you want I'll get you a shirt from the club and we can leave once you are ready."
"No need for the shirt. My clothes from last night should be dry. Just let me get dressed and I'll be ready in a few minutes." I say standing to my feet and pulling the robe closer together. Walking over to the bathroom, I look inside and see my clothes laid out just where I left them. I look back over my shoulder and Eirik is watching me. I see something flash across his features but they return to normal just as quickly. "I'll be right back." I call over my shoulder.
"That's fine. I'll be in my office when you are ready. I have some of my clothes up there, but we will need to make a quick stop at my place before we come back here." he says as I close the door to the bathroom.
"I'll but up when I'm done." I decide that I need a shower before I do anything. I turn the water on and let it get hot. Tying my hair up high on my head into a messy bun. Stepping into the hot spray of water I let it wash over my body, and I feel myself relax just a little bit more. I sag leaning my head against cool marble stone of the shower. Standing there for what seems like hours letting my body and mind relax. Quickly I wash myself, and towel the water off my body. Looking at my clothes I sight bitterly to myself. I really didn't want to wear dirty clothes, but right now I had no choice. I donned my jeans, sports bra, sweat shirt, and deiced I would go commando. It was better than wearing dirty underwear. First chance I got, I would ask Eirik about a washer and dryer, or at least some way of doing my laundry.
I make sure that I look somewhat presentable. No make-up, no fancy hair style, and really just a relaxed and "real" me. Grabbing my phone I make my way out of the hidden room and up to the garage. As I exited onto the garage floor I happen to look over and see my bike parked next to the GT where I usually park it. I shake my head. I remember taking the Ducati as it was the first thing I came to. I see my helmet hanging on the mirror. I stand there looking at it and just shrug, walking in the back door and up the stairs to Eirik's office.
Walking into the hallway I hear the voices of Henry and Eirik calming talking. As I approach the door to the office Henry steps out and smiles. I smile back and shyly look down at my feet as I enter the office. Looking up my eyes lock onto the sight of my Eirik. Only he's not wearing his usual suit and tie. He's wearing a black undershirt, his hair a sloppy mess, on his left wrist is a wide leather band with a watch on it, and I can see some kind of choker/necklace around his neck. He lifts his head up to look at me . In that moment I couldn't t smile that spread across my face.
"Are you ready to go?" He asks putting away the paperwork he was working on. As he stands I see that he's wearing distressed jeans with a black leather belt. Definitely a different side. Quite frankly, a side I'm really starting to like….a lot.
"Yes, I was just coming to get you so we could go." I said standing there in the doorway only slightly awkwardly.
"Ok. Let's go." He says grabbing his keys and walking around the desk. He comes up to me and kisses my forehead. Placing his hands on my hips he turns me around so that I'm facing out towards the hallway. Urging me forward we start walking out the back. Descending the stairs I look around the garage and noticed a few more cars where parked in the garage. All appear to be black in the dimly lit garage. There appears to be a black Chevy Tahoe, a dark Lotus, what looked to be a Lamborghini, and an Acura NSX.
"So where did all the new shinnies come from?" I ask taking a few steps into the garage waiting for Eirik to come around the other side of me. I wanted to drive them all so badly, but I knew with me bringing things back here I would probably need to take the Tahoe. So I turn around and see Eirik directly behind me.
"They are all mine. A few of them I lend out such as, the Acura in the corner. I usually let Henry drive that when he is meeting one of his lady friends as he calls them. I assumed since you need a few things we will be needing the space of the Tahoe. I know how women can be when it comes to packing things they need." He comments bumping my shoulder playfully. He strolls over to the Chevy and unlocks the passenger side door.
"How generous of you. Who knew that the hard ass could be kind and have a heart." I jokingly poke in his chest. I climb inside the vehicle and am immersed inside a beautiful sleek black interior. Sleek black lines, black leather seats, large navigation screen and dark tinted windows. This vehicle had everything anyone could want in a luxury vehicle. Even though it wasn't that. It was so comfortable and relaxing to just sit there.
After a few moments Eirik got in the driver seat. Starting the vehicle, he pulls out of the garage and heads towards my apartment. Leaning over Eirik punched in a few things and music started to play through the speakers. Never Forget You by Zara Larsson, and MNEK start filling the interior of the vehicle. Slowly drifting around us as Eirik takes twists and turns through the city.
Before too long we stop at the front of my apartment building. I look out the window and up at my home. I felt almost strange being like something from a comes around and opens my door for me. "Come on sweet girl." He says extending his hand. I take his hand as my cheeks head up. I make sure I have my keys in my pocket and shut my door.
Climbing the stairs we make it to the door. I unlock it opening up my apartment. It smelled slightly stale, but I could always open the windows and let it air out another time. I go directly for my room and grab the first bag I find. Throwing it on the bed I make a beeline for my closet and change as quickly as I can into some clean underwear and bra, some black dress slacks, and a white button down. As I turn around there stands Eirik in the door way. "I need to know about being able to do laundry." I say as I stare at him.
"You can either have it sent out, you can do it either here, or you can use the washer and drier at the club. You have free reign to do as you see fit. Bring with you whatever you feel you need to make your stay more comfortable." He says walking towards me. His arms wrap around me like velvet steel. I can feel the rise and fall of his chest.
Standing there for some time I finally look up at him and decide to kiss him again. This time I'm thinking a bit more clearly and not on a whim. Placing my hands at the back of his head. Letting my fingers slip up into his hair line. The stubble where he keeps his head shaved pricks my finger tips, but is soft like silk. Until, I find the length of his mohawk, my fingers gliding through the soft hair. I stand on my toes and our lips meet for the second time. I feel my lips part almost immediately, deepening the kiss. For some reason this kiss didn't feel weird or gross. It felt almost natural. Could this man, this vampire, be the one to break my spell? He stood still for a moment, as if he was shocked by my actions. Hell, I was shocked by my own actions. Yet, his left arm that is wrapped around my waist pulls me closer to him. His other arm finds its way around my shoulders lightly running his fingers up into my messy hair. We kissed one another in sync. He tugged my hair out of the messy bun I'd pulled it into earlier. Our tongues dancing with another. I wanted him. This was the first time I'd ever admitted it to myself. As his arm tightened around me pulling me even closer to him, I was transported to another place as I lost myself in this moment. I knew right then that he wanted me as much as I wanted him.
I move my hands along his chest feeling the hardness underneath the fabric of his shirt ripple in my palms. This man was truly built like a Roman Gladiator. As much as it scared me to admit it, I wanted him. Though, I was too chicken shit to tell him personally. I pushed on his chest. I didn't shove him hard but it was enough to cause the blissfully passionate kiss to end. He just looked at me, waiting for me to give him some kind of cue as to what I was thinking or feeling. I just couldn't continue, not right now. Not like this. I did not feel right telling him how I feel right now. I knew though, I would tell him soon enough. I had to. He deserved that much.
"I...I need to pack." I say breathlessly. The euphoria from the kiss leaving me scatter brained.
"Yes." He agrees running a hand through his hair.
That one word had me questioning everything. It felt as if he was answering and unasked question. He left me standing in my room and looking out after him. I finally got my brain working properly again, and started to pack my bag. I stuffed clean and dirty clothes in it. I grabbed my favorite wedge shoes, along with a few other pairs of boots. I grabbed most of my jeans, my nice blouses for work, some t-shirts from the dresser drawer. I threw everything into my bag. Standing in the room, my hands on my hips, I quickly looked around and saw that I had enough clothes for now. "Hmmm guess Eirik was right. We women sure do pack a lot." I just needed to go to the bathroom and pack my toiletries. I grab my toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, and things for my hair. I take all this and shove it into the bag. My hair brush and hair ties were thrown in as well. Thank god I grabbed a big bag. Once I was satisfied in my packing I grabbed my bag and hauled it into the living room as best as I could. I looked up and there sat my Roman Gladiator. All hard muscles, and a large smile on his face. He seemed happy for a change and I knew it was because I was staying with him. I knew it was because of the kiss we`d just shared.
"Ready?" He asked as he standing up and grabbing my bag. He slung it over his shoulder as if it weighted nothing. Then again he is a vampire.
I just stood there staring at him. Shaking my head and gathering my witts, I walk over to the door."Yes, are you?" I call back over my shoulder as I stare off into space trying to see if I am forgetting anything. Shrugging my shoulders, figuring I got all that I need, I walk out the door and turn around to look inside one more time. "Ok I think I got everything I need. Come on lets head back. I feel like people watching from your office if that's ok?!" I say as he exits and I lock up my apartment. I just want to stay away from here in case Antony comes poking his nose around. I figure a few days or even weeks might do me some good.
We started to make out way back to what I thought was the club. Instead we turned into one of the more wealthy neighborhoods in the city. "I just need to grab a few things myself. You can wait in the car if you want." Eirik says as we pull up the drive of a large beautiful Tudor Style manor.
"Hmmm miss the 16th century much?" I say noting the style of the manor.
"I could say the same for you. I've seen your manor up state and frankly who ever built your manor nailed the architecture. Nonetheless I still love it." He says putting the Tahoe in park. "You can stay in the truck if you want. I won't be too long."
"Ok. No problem. I'll stay here and wait for you." I stay in my seat and wait for Eirik to come back. He exits the driver door and leaves the me in the vehicle. I just stare off as he disappears into the house. The headlights being the only light source. I waited for him patiently. It seemed like forever when he finally returned with two bags. One was a garment bag which I assumed held his suits. The other was a large duffel bag. Which I again assumed, held everything else. He climbed back in and smiled.
"Sorry that took so long. I do have to look some what professional at times. I had to grab a few suits. Most everything else that I will need can either be brought to the club or at some point if you want you can come stay here with me." He says and backs out the driveway. I nod and decide I would have to think about the very tempting offer.
The drive back to the club was comfortable. We sat in silence for most of the way back. Eirik told me about where the laundry room was in the club, and we agreed that I could just use it to do my laundry. As we approach the club I see the line of people that are usually here waiting to get in. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people that come here almost every night. The weekends are crazy as is with any bar. As we pull into the garage I grab my door handle and jump out before Eirik can even shut off the engine. "Come on we can get my bag later. Lets go up to the office." I say as I run over to the back door. Before I know it Eirik has me by my waist is turns me to face him. His lips crash on mine. It startes out as a chaste kiss. Our lips part and our tongues meet. The dance they do whispers of promises yet to come. I fist his shirt and I pull his body close to mine. My brain ceases to think rationally and my body takes over. I feel his hands start to make their way from my hips to my back. Being in his arms feels safe and familiar. But I still had questions tugging at me. We break our connection, and neither of us say anything to other. I wiggle out of his embrace and make my way to his office. Swaying my hips playfully, as I walk ahead of him.
We enter his office and I get a kiss on my neck as an answer for my playfulness when we head into the office. I smile and go to stand over by the windows while Eirik sits at his desk and starts on paperwork. "Wow, you know you never stop doing paperwork. Are you seriously that far behind? Or do you really have that much paperwork to do with this bar?"
"I would be careful little one. It's not nice to tease the monster." He smells and looks at me mischievously. His going back busniess like he answers me. "This bar isn't my only business. I have a few other investments out in the city. So, I keep up with all the paperwork. Not only for the bar, but also for all my other investments. I like to know everything is running smoothly." He comments not looking up from the task at hand. I knew what he did was difficult so I really didn't expect him to look at me. Though, every time I look in his beautiful eyes, I'm staring to enjoy the feeling he gives when he looks at me. "Sorry beautiful but I guess you can say it's habit from years owning and managing my own lands and house holds back in midevil times"
Walking away from the windows I sit in my favorite chair. Gathering my legs up underneath me, I watch him work. He is such a beautiful man. So much power yet such grace, and poise. "I've never been kissed by someone and wasn't afraid. Antony kissed me one day, but I got scared. And I'm sure I scared him off as well." I pause and that's when Eirik looks at me. I see jealousy flash across his face for moment. I continue speaking. "But, when I kiss you. I...I'm not scared. I actually enjoy kissing you." I finish and I shrink back slightly into the chair. A blush creeping up I to my cheeks.
"That's interesting information. I have to admit, I'd been waiting for the right moment to kiss you. I've wanted to kiss you for a very long time. To feel your passion. I knew to keep my distance from you with what had happened to you in the past when we first meet." He pauses and just stares at me. I let what he is saying sink in. " I have loved you for a very long time Liliana. I have looked out for you and protected you as much as I could without interfering with your life. It's why you have so much leniency with working here. I have and always will be in love with you my sweet Lilianna." He just stares at me.
I knew deep down what he`s saying is true. A lot of things actually start to click and make more sense. I'd known for a long time that I'd been watched over on a few different occasions, but I knew that I was never in danger. Even if I had a bad day and I never told anyone about what was happening. There would be times where I would still feel safe and comfortable. It made sense that the possibility of Eirik watching over me would give me a sense of security, and safety.
I stand up and walk over to his desk. Pausing momentarily. Walking around the corner of the desk I trail my finger along the edge of the beautiful piece of furniture. "So you've seen me at my worst, you've seen me have sex, you've seen me cry, and you've seen me happy. Why stay quiet, why not tell me this before?" I ask as I sit on the edge of the desk. "Why don't you tell me what you are or even have felt for me? Scared that I would reject you?" I ask just staring at him. Working an eyebrow up at him.
Eirik moved the paperwork over seeing as he had finished what ever it was he was doing. "Honestly my dear, I've never watched you have sex. Though, you are a very inquisitive creature. You see I have always loved you. I know I keep saying this, but I want you to understand. I value you, and the friendship we share with each other. I have always wanted to tell you that I love you, but yes, I was scared of losing you forever. I would rather suffer in my own hell seeing you happy with someone else, than risk losing you for all eternity." He says matter a fact. Standing he moves to stand in front of me and places his hands on either side of my face. Lifting my forcing me to look up at him. " I have seen the pain and suffering of many, I have lived many lifetimes, and have seen what true love really looks like. Frankly, I would rather live in hell everyday just to know you are happy. I would torture myself to see you smile. If that means keeping quiet about my feelings for you then so be it. Your happiness has and always will come before my own." He says and lightly kisses my lips. It was a chaste kiss. Yet, I could feel the love and passion he felt for me. " I will do everrything in my power to keep you safe from harm."
I wrap my arms around him and lay my head on his chest. "Stay with me tonight. Please." I say into his chest. "I love you too Eirik. I just need time to heal but I love you. I want to be with you. Grow with you and our new relationship." I say holding my breath and waiting for what he would say. He already confessed he loved me, but how would he react?
He strokes my hair and kisses the top of head. "Anything for you." Is all he says, the words muffled by my hair. I smile and hug him.