Her Vampire Addiction - Tabitha Black Page 0,39
“I’d like to go home please.”
In a moment I’m by her side, desperate to pull her against me but somehow sensing that I’m not welcome to touch her right now. “What’s the matter?”
“What’s the matter?” There’s a shrill edge to her voice and she struggles to sit upright, every fiber of her being straining to lean as far away from me as she can. “Where have you been all day?” She indicates the black windows. “Literally all day? Did you really tie me to the bed and leave me completely alone? I thought it was a game. I thought you’d join me once I was asleep.”
“Listen, pet,” I begin, wondering how on earth to explain. This is why I don’t ever take girls home. For this exact fucking reason.
“Don’t listen, pet me!” There’s fire and defiance in her beautiful blue eyes now, and again I have to suppress the urge to reach for her. “I know what you are,” she says quietly. “You can stop pretending. And it’s fine—well, no, it’s not fine, actually, but if you just take me home right now, I won’t tell anyone. Your secret will be safe with me.”
I school my features to give nothing away as I absorb this little statement. “What I am?”
“Yes.” She pushes the long blonde hair off her neck and indicates the place where I bit her. A cold dread settles in my gut. “You’re a vampire, aren’t you? And you fucking bit me!” Then she lets out a shrill, almost hysterical laugh. “I can’t even believe these words are coming out of my mouth!”
Every available option open to me flashes through my mind at lightning speed and I evaluate them one by one, considering the consequences. Wipe her mind. Deny it and give some excuse for the marks. Kill her. That last option is an automatic thought because for centuries, it was the only way to guarantee my own survival. But no. We’re not in the Dark Ages anymore. Besides, I like her, even when she’s staring at me with unadulterated horror on her exquisite face.
“Yes,” I say slowly. “You’re right. I’m a vampire.”
Even though she suggested it first, my confirmation seems to shock her and her mouth drops open. “Really?”
“I won’t lie to you, Sabina. I’m sorry you found out this way. First of all, I want to assure you that I would never hurt or harm you, and second, I’d very much appreciate the chance to explain.”
“And then you’ll take me home?”
“If you still want to go.”
Another shrill laugh. “If I still want to go? What’s the alternative?”
I shrug. “I’m the same guy I was yesterday.”
“No you’re not! You’re fucking dead!”
Ignoring the barb, I reach out and place a hand on her bare knee. She flinches but doesn’t push me away. Promising sign. “Let’s discuss this like reasonable adults, shall we? I’ll answer any questions you have but first, is there anything you need?”
Her eyes, when she raises them to my face, have lost some of the fear. But she’s biting her bottom lip. “I don’t suppose you have any coffee?”
I have to suppress a chuckle. It was the last thing I expected her to say, and yet I don’t want her to think I’m making light of the situation. “I absolutely have coffee. Anything else?”
She looks down. “And I need the bathroom.”
“Nearest one is just down the hall, second door on the left.” I jerk my chin to indicate the direction. “I’ll be in the kitchen when you’re ready.” My hand slides off her knee as she gets unsteadily to her feet. “Or do you need me to escort you?” I don’t want her falling and hurting herself.
“No, I’m fine, I can take care of myself,” she snaps, turning her back on me and heading towards the hall.
I close my eyes against the sudden pang in my chest. How many times did Caroline say that to me, in that exact same tone and with the exact same inflection? Only it was a lie. In the end, she couldn’t take care of herself. I couldn’t—
No, I tell myself firmly. The past is past, there’s no going back. I need to concentrate on the present. Sabina has discovered my secret, and I need to work out how to handle things from here on out.
Making my way into the kitchen, I switch on my coffee machine and select a couple of mugs as the rhythmic crunch of grinding beans fills my ears. The machine was an expensive purchase, especially