Of Blood and Smoke

Chapter 27

TWENTY-SEVEN

Della

Sunlight pouring in through the outer edge of my blinds greeted me when I woke up. I loved my new bed—it had been years since I’d had a decent mattress, and I hesitated to get up, content to lay in the sunbeams like a cat.

After I stretched, I swung my legs over the side of my bed and the soreness between my thighs reminded me of the night before. My hands curled around the edge of the memory foam as a tangle of legs and red-stained teeth came rushing back.

Twisting around, I looked at my blankets. I had slept alone but the last thing I’d known was my plush couch and Josiah’s hands running through my hair while I’d used his body as a pillow. I almost called his name but instead I trudged my way from my bedroom to the living room. There was no one there, it didn’t even look like anyone had been there. A frisson of disappointment wound its way through my heart.

When I glanced into the kitchen I spotted a cup of coffee, steam rising from the slit in the lid to fill the air with the strong and distinct scent of vanilla. A little sheet of paper sat folded beside the container with elegant script stating he’d see me at work. His signature was elegant and flowing, just like the man himself.

Grabbing the beverage, I brought it into the other room and sat down, across from the sofa, and took a sip letting the warm caffeine wake me up. Sitting here, it all felt like a dream. Had I really let a man who thought he was a demon vampire ravage me so thoroughly? Did he really think he was some type of supernatural creature? The sparkling mist he’d materialized before my eyes came to mind—was that a parlor trick?

My fingers wandered to my neck, and I searched for a wound but felt nothing. Rushing into the bathroom, I flicked on the light and shoved my hair back. Still nothing. Running back out, I tore through the kitchen drawers looking for my high-powered flashlight and when I found it, I went back to the mirror and angled the beam.

Again, nothing.

I stood there, staring at myself in the mirror for several minutes, trying to figure out what had happened. Was it that bad if an incomprehensibly hot man with a god-like dick thought he was Nosferatu and had the blood fetish to go right along with it?

Last night, I’d believed him one hundred percent—I think. I didn’t know what to think so I decided, for now, not to. He had the teeth to be a vampire, right? I shook my head. How could this be true? No matter what, I still wanted him.

Annoyed with myself, I tossed the flashlight onto the counter and got ready for work.

Brett had left me several text messages to read as I walked into Ipomoea. He left detailed diatribes about how I was ruining my life, had no idea what I was doing, he loved me so much blah, blah, blah, and then finally something about how I better “watch out” because he was going to get his “boy Vincent’s” money no matter what. His rambling messages made no sense. With a sigh, I slid my phone into my purse when I stepped off the elevator.

Another coffee was waiting for me when I got to my desk, and I chuckled at the sight. Apparently, Josiah thought I’d need a whole lot of caffeine this morning.

“What’s so funny?” Christina asked, her lip curled.

I shook my head as I rounded my desk. “Nothing.”

“You think you’re better than everybody,” she sniped as she strode away with a swing of her hips.

Rolling my eyes, I logged onto my computer and opened my email. Christina had the maturity of a middle schooler; I could hear her slamming her desk drawers with childish anger.

A flood of notifications cascaded down the screen as I sifted through my inbox, opening them in order of importance. I opened the one from Josiah first. It was a summons.

Taking another swig of my coffee, I stood up. “Where are you going? It's too early for a break, sit back down,” Christina said.

I would do no such thing. “Josiah called me into the office, I’ll be right back,” I informed her, setting the cup on my desk.

“Hurry up, I need you over here,” she snapped and went back to scrolling Instagram.

Ignoring her, I strode down the hall and to the office. Micha opened the door for me, staring down at me in that unnerving way he had, before he left silently, walking away down the hall. I’d met his eyes, but he said nothing.

Josiah sat behind his desk, sunglasses off, and I waited while he looked me up and down. His gaze was like a physical touch. I could’ve sworn the goosebumps that bloomed across my body followed the same path as his eyes.

“Come here,” he said, his voice firm but soft.

When I stopped in front of his desk, he beckoned me to come to his side. Hesitantly, I obeyed, and then he pulled me onto my lap. “This isn’t very professional,” I told him, secretly loving the contact.

“It's my company, and I missed you.” He gripped the back of my head and crushed his lips to mine, giving me a quick but consuming kiss that left my knees weak. “Now you can get up.”

Letting out a short laugh, I hopped down and returned to where I’d been standing. “Thank you for the coffee,” I said, lamely. I didn’t know what to think or what to do. I didn’t know what was expected of me now. Was he going to have me be a secret mistress? Was he going to fire me? Was he going to bend me over his desk after hours?

Josiah cleared his throat before he spoke. “Della, these are unusual circumstances for me. Clearly, it is unethical for me to be sleeping with you, to have taken you as my lover and woman.” My heart plummeted like the heaviest rock.

“The company policy is no fraternization between executives, salaried or hourly regular employees. Your signature attests to your knowledge of this rule. It is nonnegotiable.”

He stood up as my eyes watered and my heart thumped angrily behind my ribcage. I’d risked everything for a piece of ass and now, my dad and I were screwed. A sarcastic laugh slipped through my lips unbidden.

Because I got screwed, I got screwed. I’d released the tight reins I’d held over my life for nothing but a single night of the best sex I could ever imagine.

He took slow measured steps toward me, his hands casually resting in his pockets as if he hadn’t turned my world upside down in more ways than one. His outfit was impeccable, as usual, with his form-fitting button-up shirt and vest, perfectly creased pants, and shiny leather boots with thick soles. His life seemed to match, unlike my own, which was suddenly very disordered.

He peered down at me with parted lips, and I watched him run his tongue against his teeth. He gave the impression he was hungry, and I was his eagerly awaited snack.

“What do you want from me?” I meant to ask him what he wanted me to do but the ravenous look in his eye was distracting, conjuring up visions of my blood painted across his pecs while I bounced in his lap.

Josiah arched an eyebrow. “Little One, I expect your unfailing loyalty and undying faithfulness. I won’t settle for anything less and you’ll get the same from me in return.”

Oh .

Wait.

“I meant to ask what you want me to do. That,” I waved my hand in the air vaguely at him, .”..that is distracting.”

He ran a hand down my arm. “I want you to go to lunch with me.” He glanced at a watch I just noticed on his wrist, all shiny, sparkling gold. “In ninety minutes.”

“Also, you should know your department has been eliminated and you now work for a separate company that just so happens to now rent space here in this building. You’ll notice the difference on your bank statements.”

What? “Is that legal?”

He smirked. “My lawyers assure me it is.”

I scratched my head. “Okay.”

“Don’t worry, my love. Your reputation will be protected.”

“I wasn’t worried about that but thank you.” I glanced down at the floor. “I just have a lot of questions.”

“About?” he asked impatiently, when I stayed silent.

Meeting his dark gaze, I said, “Last night... you said and did some things I’m not sure I understand.”

“I was rather clear with you. What do you not understand? I know you have feelings for me. Are you denying what you feel? There is no point in doing so.”

Letting out a deep breath, I replied, “No, that’s not it. It’s, well, you said some things. Said you are some things, but there’s no mark on my neck. No marks anywhere. And I....well obviously you’re successful but do you have a blood fetish?” I was rambling but I didn’t know how to phrase “ you think you’re an actual vampire .”

And I didn’t want to kink shame—especially not one that I didn’t know I had until last night. So okay, yes, I’d always been fascinated by blood, but I kept that to myself because it’s, well, socially awkward. My thoughts had me anxiously moving my feet around, scuffing the carpet.

Josiah tore his gaze from me but not before I saw irritation, surprise, and defeat color his expression. He stared at the wall to his right and ran a hand through his hair, his chest sinking as if he’d just taken a deep breath.

The floor became fascinating to me again.

“Della,” he addressed me, but I didn’t look up. “I’m not good at this. I’ve never been in this position before.” Before I could help it, I remembered some particularly satisfying positions we’d found ourselves in less than twelve hours ago. Bad timing , I admonished myself.

What are you doing, what are you doing. Those words kept running through my head. He wasn’t the only one who hadn’t found themselves in this situation before.

“I’ve thought about it and everything you do that seems unusual could just be technology or sleight of hand. Your eyes could have contact lenses. You could just really like blood. I mean, you’re rich enough to get away with being quirky,” I stated, the words rushing out of my mouth before I could stop them. “I do want to believe you. I really like you, as you know. I just don't want to be lied to or made a fool of.”

“Come here,” he said. I walked over to the desk. “Sit.”

He arranged my limbs so I sat on the wooden surface of his desk, facing him. “Give me your arm. Now, look at me.”

Josiah turned my wrist over, exposing the tender underneath and spread his lips, baring his teeth. I watched as his already pronounced canine teeth lengthened and transformed, the ends turning as sharp as needles. I heard my intake of breath and kept my eyes on his, the irises swirling with obsidian smoke, while he gently lifted my soft skin to his mouth.

And then he bit me. His eyes rolled back into his head while my pulse thundered in my ears. It only stung for a moment and then it was as if a delicate string was attached between his mouth and my core. Desire hit me fast and strong, leaving my pussy clenching with need.

Every nerve in my body tingled and I swore I could feel my blood rushing to his mouth. I watched as traces of saliva tinged red where his lips met my flesh as he suckled. I was getting wetter and wetter between my legs and we were at work , and it wouldn’t be long before I was tearing at his pants. Already, I was sliding off the desk, one hand with a death grip on the edge and the other hanging onto his shoulder for dear life. What if Micha came in?

“Josiah, please,” I panted. “Okay, I believe you.”

Next thing I knew, I was flattened to the desk and my legs thrown over his shoulders. He shoved my skirt up and my panties were torn off with the distinct sound of ripping fabric and then a long tongue was licking the slit between my legs. My hands grabbed onto his silky hair as I attempted to shove his face against my center.

With two fingers, he spread me open and alternated between long strokes and deep thrusts of his tongue as I writhed against him with his hand pressed to my lower belly, holding me in place.

Papers fell to the floor, and I heard a pen drop, but neither of us paid the lost items any mind. The heat of his mouth and the delicate sting of his fangs as he feasted on me were jolting. The fear of one of his lethally knife-like teeth stabbing me in my most sensitive space sent my lust soaring. He must've sensed my need because his hooded eyes flickered up at me and he slid his mouth up just a fraction of an inch. Our gazes locked as his teeth extended and then he bit into my mound and flicked his tongue feather-light against my clit.

The effect was mind-blowing and as I thrashed against him, my mouth split wide open in an ear-piercing scream. I heard him slurping and licking away any remaining traces of pain. Then he shoved his thick cock inside my soaked heat.

I slid further back on the desk as he railed into me before he grabbed my thighs, his nails digging into my skin to hold me in place. I was still trembling from my last orgasm as I felt the fire building in my veins again, the tight coiling in my gut.

Josiah bent slightly, hitting a different angle as his eyes fluttered closed and I shattered around him a second time. The waves of ecstasy stole my breath as they rolled through me hard and fast, one after another, my pussy clenching his cock as he came right along with me.

Spent, he leaned down and claimed my lips, the taste of my own blood and juices mingling between us and staining us crimson.

“I will never lie to you, Della. You can feel the truth in my touch.”

Grabbing his chin, I pulled him in and kissed him in answer. “Your face is covered with blood,” I said turning him to examine his cheeks. “It's everywhere.”

He gripped my arms and helped me up and off the desk. I straightened my skirt, looking longingly at my torn underwear flung carelessly to the floor.

“Come,” Josiah instructed me.

He led me to door in the wall that was unnoticeable until you were practically on top of it and pressed his hand to a sensor. The door opened and we walked into a stark white room that seemed like a giant bathtub, the floor shiny and with a bright, chrome drain in the floor. There were matching cabinets on one wall and equipment that appeared medical, with scalpels and rolling trays.

“What is this?” I stopped and glanced around; my arm stretched out with my fingers clasped by Josiah.

“My private quarters. I have an apartment here.”

“This doesn’t look very comfortable.”

He tugged me lightly. “It's not built for comfort, its designed for torture.”

I gave him an incredulous look. Why would he want a room like this to live in? “I have a lot of enemies, Little One. It attracts less attention to bring them here; we can’t deal with them in the street. There’s a private elevator for transportation.” He pointed at a wall to our left.

It hit me then, why Brett was so concerned. Did he know? What had he seen? Staring at my bloodthirsty lover, I remembered the scene at the street festival I’d gone to with Ashley, and I thought of the anger I’d seen etched across Josiah’s face and present in his stance at times. He was lethal. He was a vampire, a killer. A murderer. He was the man I’d seen in the corner of the parking lot.

The realization he truly was that man almost bowled me over. “That was you at the festival,” I said accusingly.

His face softened as he glanced down at me. “It was.”

Could I really allow him into my life? What about my dad? What about my friends? “Hey guys, this is my billionaire, blood drinking, mass murdering lover, do you want to hang out Friday night?” I imagined myself saying the words and a small laugh escaped me.

Josiah tilted his head at me, waiting for me to further explain my concerns..

“How is this supposed to work?” I asked him. “What do I tell people? Should I be scared you’re going to kill my friends?”

He shook his head at me as if I should’ve known better than to ask.

We walked through another door that opened when we approached and entered a luxurious space with vast windows and dark-stained shiplap everywhere. Brass or gold vases were filled with fresh flowers that scented the air, and a variety of beautiful artwork covered the walls.

Dropping his hand, I went ahead of him, my head swiveling. “This is really nice,” I said, running a hand over the wooden molding bordering a leather couch.

“I’m glad you like it. You can freshen up over here.” He indicated toward a bathroom and then disappeared down a hallway.

I did the best I could, cleaning my face and between my legs. Flecks of blood remained stubbornly on my skirt but thankfully the wet patches blended into the navy-blue fabric and wouldn’t be too noticeable. My hair was all over the place.

Christina was going to be all over me when I got back. Despite my attempts at freshening up, it was obvious I’d been ravaged. My cheeks glowed and my eyes sparkled. I looked like an exceptionally satisfied woman.

Josiah came back, meeting me near the couch, this time with a suit coat on. He looked immaculate, like nothing ever happened and he hadn’t had his face in between my thighs fifteen minutes ago.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“You look perfect,” I complained. “Also, answer my question. How will this work?”

“I don’t think I need to tell you that my nature is not to be publicly discussed.”

“What would happen if I did? Tell people, I mean.”

He stalked toward me and my back hit the couch. “First of all, I would find that quite upsetting. Second of all, no one would believe you, and you’d look like a fool. I’m certain neither result would be to your benefit.”

“Are you threatening me?”

He paused—which for him meant he went preternaturally still before he spoke. “I will only ever make you promises, Little One, you don’t need to fear me. I will take care of you.”

My heart beat a furious tune in my chest. He was warning me in the absolute nicest way. “I’m not scared of you.”

He grinned, sending a shiver down my spine. “But you are.” He took another step closer, so we were touching, and whispered his lips along the side of my neck. Raising his head, he said, “I won’t eat anyone who is a friend to you.”

He laughed a little after he assured me Ashley and my dad were safe.

My hands slid from his shoulders. “Did you pay for my dad?” I remembered Brett’s reaction to my question when I found I didn’t owe anything.

“I told you I would take care of you,” he said simply, moving toward the door.

“You didn’t ask.” I felt stupid complaining, and I honestly didn’t mind, it was just that I’d always taken care of everything so it was uncomfortable.

I had a routine. I did certain things at certain times and my ducks were in not only a row, but a military-precision line-up. I didn’t like that messed with; it threw me off.

“You’re a little too perfect,” I muttered. “Thank you though.”

His lips separated with a little smile, and I almost thought he was going to shake his head at me again. “You’re the one who’s perfect,” he said, as he led me out of his apartment and back through the bathtub-slaughter room.