Hanging above the top of the bed, adjoined to the wardrobes, was a row of six white cupboards. I fully intended to fill them with books. I’d always liked reading, mostly Stephen King or James Patterson books. You couldn’t go wrong with those authors.
On the opposite side of the bedroom was a white chest of six-drawers on which stood an elegantly framed oval mirror. Last but not least, in the corner of the room were a black leather desk chair and a smaller version of the bureau in my office and on it sat a laptop computer and printer.
I guessed that my astonishment must have been clear on my face because Fletcher elbowed me and said, “Overwhelmed?”
I nodded. “But in a good way.”
“Well you’re about to get even more overwhelmed because in that en-suite bathroom you’ll find a large corner bath that doubles as a Jacuzzi.”
“What? You’re joking.”
“See for yourself, woman.”
No, it hadn’t been a joke. The bathroom was immaculately clean. The walls were painted spearmint green till halfway down and then had large white tiles decorating the bottom half. A turbo shower was hung on the wall over the Jacuzzi bath.
“Well...what d’ya think of your new home?”
“I’m in love.” In theory the predominantly white decor should have been quite plain and boring considering that this colour scheme ran throughout the apartment, but it was actually very beautiful. It made the place feel pure and heavenly, even. But even if it had had a dull, gloomy appearance I would still adore it because it was mine.
(Jared)
It was getting so easy to sense her. I can’t explain how I do it. It’s like there’s a part of me that’s dormant until her husky voice or intoxicating scent is near and then that part of me wakes up and completely takes over. At that point all I can think about, all I want to think about, is her.
I didn’t even suspect that she was aware of me hanging over my balcony watching her hanging over her own, two levels down from me, until she sent a thought to me.
What? Her gaze didn’t move from her balcony view. I can feel you staring so don’t say ‘nothing’.
So she was intensely aware of me too. I couldn’t resist teasing her: If you really want to know, I was getting a good look at your ass.
That made her swerve on the spot, her mouth gaping open as she glared hard at me. I could’ve sworn she looked a little self-conscious.
The truth is I was thinking about what that blood of yours tastes like.
She scowled. You should know that you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
You know you’ve wondered what it would feel like to have me sink my teeth into your skin.
Oh yes. Sarcasm. I want you Jared, I need you. Eye roll. Haven’t you got a twig to go snuggle in to?
Joy doesn’t sleep in my apartment. Come see for yourself if you want.
Another eye roll. Good night. Looking a little flushed, she retreated into her apartment.
As much as I teased her about our little bet, the truth was that I didn’t really want to win it. Did I want to taste her? Oh yes. But I wanted to taste her because she wanted me to, not because of some bet. I’d make sure she wanted that. I knew it wouldn’t happen if I started giving her leeway or showing signs of weakness. Sam was spirited, and it was letting her exercise that spiritedness that got her going. Whether she realised it yet or not, this betting stuff and the constant conflict between us was foreplay.
(Sam)
I should have sliced off his salami. I should have. Then I wouldn’t feel all flushed right now, imagining him biting and tasting me. God this was ridiculous. How could you be attracted to someone who made you so pissed off that you’d considered burning their balls with a lighter? I wanted to twat myself over the head for being so relieved that he didn’t share his apartment with the twig. I didn’t want to want him or think about him or be jealous about the twig. Maybe it was nothing to do with Jared, maybe Fletcher was right and I needed a good shag to set me straight. Maybe getting a once-over by a stranger would help me burn off these stupid feelings. With horniness out of the equation, I wouldn’t want Jared anymore. Right?
I’d think on that a little more at dusk. For now, as much as I was curious to know if I also had internet access and satellite channels, I was way too tired for that or anything else. Without undressing I plonked myself on the bed and immediately entered dreamland and slept like, well, the dead...until about fifteen minutes after dusk had settled.
I dug out the last of my clothes from the duffel bag – a pair of black denim, slim-fitting jeans and a white long sleeved top that hung loosely over one shoulder – and dressed with vampire speed. Then I enjoyed three NSTs (greedy, I know, but I’d burnt off a lot of calories yesterday and I’d have a busy evening tonight) before heading out my door.
As I descended the final set of stairs I saw a blonde bloke coming my way that I’d never met, but who at the same time found familiar. It wasn’t his tallness that was familiar, or his athletic yet slim build, or his cocky strut which I really liked. I’d remember someone that appealing. But there was something about his smile and his eyes...hazel eyes.
“You must be Commander Parker,” he said in a friendly, chirpy tone.
“Sam.”
“Commander Michaels – the other one – but just call me Evan.”
I took the hand that he offered. He had a firm handshake. “You’re...Jared’s brother?” I hadn’t known he had one.
“We’re twins. Both got Turned into vamps at the same time. I heard you’re a Feeder.”
“Yep.”
“And you use an energy whip...?” His smile turned a little roguish.
“Not in a Dominatrix kind of way.” What was it with blokes and whips?
“Shame.” His eyes ran over me, but not in a slimy way, as he continued passed me. “See you at the meeting.”
The meeting was being held in the mansion in one of Antonio’s many conference rooms. Inside there was a long table that seated thirty people. Only Jared and a few other blokes were in there when I arrived. I was fifteen minutes early.
“Evening Commander Parker,” said Jared with a smirk as I sat opposite him near the head of the table. We’d be the nearest to Antonio, by the looks of things. Jared was wearing that same expression that he wore when he proposed his little bet. A bet that I was having a hard time not thinking about.
“Stop calling me that, you know it does my head in.”