Chapter 13
Chapter Thirteen
“Hey, boss.” Randy waved at me and Cillian as we stepped out of the warm and cozy cave into the chill of the night-shrouded ravine.
Knowing the freeze wouldn’t murder me didn’t prevent me from shivering, and neither did my tightly wrapped coat.
The draft up my skirt onto my bare cooch didn’t help either, especially not after the unexpected—but very pleasurable—interlude in the cave.
As we began the trek to the rope Randy mentioned they’d hung for easy climbing, I immediately stumbled in my heels and twisted my ankle.
Ouch. Being a vampire didn’t magically make me graceful—or allow me to glide freakishly like Sophia.
It might have been a miserable journey if Cillian hadn’t swept me into his arms.
It should be known I used to mock women who got carried despite their two feet working just fine.
I took it all back now that I could see the benefit.
For one, I no longer had to worry about twisting my ankle—which healed almost right away, but still, it did hurt!
Two, I could smell Cillian’s cologne and press my lips to his neck, which made his arms tighten around me.
And three, I enjoyed feeling dainty and protected.
I know, not very feminist of me. I did not give a single fuck.
Sometimes I didn’t want to be strong and independent, for example, when I saw how high I’d have to climb.
I eyed that dangling rope and realized I’d have to haul my ass upwards, hand over hand, while praying I didn’t lose my grip and fall.
I could do it, but when Cillian said, “Get on my back and hold on,” I didn’t argue, I wrapped myself anaconda style.
Had to admit, it was pretty damned hot the way Cillian showed off his strength.
Guess my appreciation didn’t go unnoticed because when we reached the top, he dragged me close and whispered, “If only we didn’t have company, I’d do something about that sweet-smelling pussy.”
Holy shiver and thigh clench. Who knew the seemingly proper Cillian had such a dirty side? I barely resisted an urge to shove Randy off the edge of the ravine. I controlled myself, mostly because a grim Gwen stood guard with a gun in hand.
“You seem on edge. Is there a problem?” Cillian asked as Gwen opened the rear passenger door on a Toyota Corolla of all things.
“Thought I heard something.” Gwen kept scanning the shadows.
The wind chose that moment to whistle through branches and the sleet on them crackled and rained down, the noise of it an eerie musical plinking.
“I don’t sense anything.” Cillian had his eyes closed as if he mentally scoured the area. For all I knew, he did.
“Hard to tell what’s normal or not with all the ice making noise. The sooner we get out of here, the better,” Randy suggested joining us.
I ended up in the backseat, bereft of the heated leather of Cillian’s sedan. While it might lack material comfort, snuggling against Cillian, who tucked me against him for warmth, actually proved nicer.
“Where did you find the car?” Cillian asked as we drove off from the scene of the accident.
“A couple of miles down the road. Owner was asleep so we borrowed his wheels. Once you’re safe at home, we’ll have it wiped clean and left somewhere easily found.”
“With some cash in the dash or trunk,” Cillian advised.
“Will do, boss,” Gwen promised.
Despite the slippery conditions, Randy drove faster than might be wise with the car, though it handled the iced asphalt better than expected. We made it home—ahem, to the mansion—with less than an hour to spare before dawn.
Cillian leaned close and whispered, “I’ve just got to return a phone call then I’ll meet you upstairs in your room.”
I nodded. “Sounds good.”
Better than good. I raced upstairs and stripped from my now pretty ragged clothes.
I felt kind of bad that the silver sequined gown got abused on its first outing.
Maybe Yvette could clean and fix the missing sparkles.
I hopped into the shower for a body sluice, making sure I kept my still decent-looking hair and face out of the spray.
I gave my womanly parts a good cleaning and was in my bedroom wrapped in a towel when Cillian arrived—without knocking, as usual.
I whirled and almost lost the damp fabric keeping me covered.
He whistled. “I’m really wishing I’d not returned that phone call.”
“Bad news?” I surmised.
“Yes and no. Something’s come up that requires my attention.”
“Now? But it’s almost dawn.”
“The place I need to visit isn’t far, and once inside, there’s no windows to expose me.”
“You’re leaving.” I couldn’t help but sound disappointed.
“I’m afraid so. This matter has to be handled before Christmas. You’ll barely notice I’m gone, seeing as how you’ll be sleeping shortly. While you slumber, I’ll take care of business. That way, you’ll have my undivided attention when you wake.”
Okay, that didn’t sound so bad. But still… a woman didn’t appreciate knowing work came first. I dropped the towel.
His brow lifted. “Now that’s just cruel.”
My lips tilted. “Just making sure you’re motivated and don’t forget about me.”
He moved so fast, I had no time to react, and didn’t want to since he dragged me against his body for a kiss. “Sweet dreams. I’ll be here when you wake and we can start celebrating Christmas early.”
I’d forgotten it was Christmas Eve, and me without a present.
Guess I’d have to rely on my womanly skills—and suction power—because by the time I woke, the stores would mostly be closed.
Besides, what did you buy the guy who probably owned everything he needed?
Not to mention, was it tacky to use his credit card to do it?
I didn’t think about the dilemma for long as the sun rose and I conked out. I didn’t wake until it set again, stretching and yawning wide enough my jaw cracked.
Rather than lounge in bed, I rolled over to grab my warm drink only to notice nothing on my nightstand.
Weird. Guess someone forgot. No biggie. I knew where to find a blood bag.
Seeing as how I didn’t want to run into Cillian with a bedhead and sleepy pillow face, I spent a few minutes in the bathroom, brushing my fangs, washing my face—and nether parts—combing out my hair, which crackled before falling like silk around my bare shoulders.
Had to say, I loved what I saw in the mirror.
No more menopausal jowly cheeks or dark circles.
My lips had regained their fullness and my lashes had never been thicker.
As for my body? My hands skimmed over my curves.
Full perky breasts, my waist a noticeable indent, my belly almost flat, the slight roundness of it in my opinion sexier than the concave some women strove for.
A slight turn and I could admire my ass, heart-shaped and firm.
Seeing as how I didn’t know what Cillian had planned—other than his promise to celebrate—I dressed comfortably in a clingy cotton crop top—that showcased my nipples—and hip-hugging velvet joggers. Not something I’d have dared to wear a few weeks ago, but if you have it, flaunt it.
I chose to remain barefoot and exited my bedroom to find the house dark.
The Christmas tree wasn’t lit. The fireplace was cold.
Odd. Also strange, I didn’t spot Cillian or any of his staff on my way to the kitchen.
Perhaps he’d not yet returned from his business.
Most likely he had Randy with him. But it surprised me that Gwen appeared gone.
Usually, she got stuck babysitting me. As for Lou, I’d only ever seen his scowling face a handful of times, seeing how he worked the day shift while I slept.
The pot of blood didn’t take long to warm on the massive gas stove—which I found to be an ironic appliance given Cillian didn’t eat solid food. His staff did, but I’d yet to see any of them in the kitchen prepping any meals.
I poured the warmed plasma into a mug and wandered into the living room. A press of a foot pedal lit the tree making it a little more inviting.
“You’re up.” The flat statement came from Lou, who’d entered the room wearing his usual suit—and grimace.
“Evening, Lou.” I chirped brightly which only made his face knot tighter. “Where is everyone?” I asked before taking a sip of my breakfast.
“Out.”
I could have rolled my eyes at the obviousness but instead said, “Out where?”
“You’ll see. Finish up your drink so we can leave.”
Ooh, a mystery trip. Sounded promising. “What should I wear?”
“What you have on is fine.”
Hmm, guess the secret location didn’t require fancy attire. How intriguing. I did find it odd Lou would be the one taking me, though. Usually, he ended his shift when I got up.
I finished off my blood and smiled. “All done. I just need a minute to brush my teeth.” Because I didn’t want coppery breath.
“I’ll meet you in the driveway,” Lou’s short reply.
The man seriously lacked a personality, and it wasn’t just with me.
I’d overheard Gwen muttering to Randy about how she didn’t know why Cillian kept Lou on staff since he made no bones about being miserable most of the time.
Randy said something to the effect of Lou considered being assigned the day shift an insult.
To which Gwen replied, He should be grateful he’s still alive, given I heard he’s been giving the boss major attitude since Skylar’s arrival.
He hated me and I couldn’t think of a reason why.
I quickly scrubbed my teeth—minty fresh and ready for smooches—threw on a jacket and slid my feet into some cute UGG boots—that I would have scoffed at as overpriced slippers when I was broke. Had to admit, now that I owned a pair, it was like wearing clouds on feet, warm and cushy.