“How are you feeling?” Jayden asked. “Do you need any more blood, or was that one bottle enough?”
“Yeah, it seems enough thanks. I’m going to try a coffee though. See what it’s like.” Jayden jumped up, but I put my hand up. “I got it. Thank you though.”
Jayden looked disappointed. That guy needed something to do. I didn’t need a constant assistant.
I took a taste of the black syrup and thank God it still tasted fantastic. Then I breathed a sigh of relief. I sat at the table noting Smith’s smirk. “What?”
“You and your coffee. What would you have done if it had been horrible?”
“Staked myself.” I shot out before my brain engaged. Then I looked at Smith in horror. “I’m sorry, Smith. I didn’t mean…”
“Yeah, I know you didn’t.” He said, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
But I did. I wished I could take back what I’d said. It had been so insensitive.
“So what are we doing today?” Jayden asked.
“I don’t know what you’re doing, but I’m going to check in on Leonie.”
“It's your first day home, don’t you think you should take it easy?” Flynn said.
“No. I feel absolutely fine and Leonie hasn’t seen me since she arrived here. I want to pop in on her and say hi to Ted. I won’t stay long and if any of you insist on playing bodyguard you can come with me and hang at the hotel. Leonie will just think you’re crazy possessive.”
“I’ll come then.” said Smith. “Cause I am crazy possessive.”
I laughed. “Right, I’ll call and check when she’s free and then we can make our way over to the hotel. I’ll meet her in the restaurant. Why don’t you go work out while we chat?”
“You just want to lick the sweat off my body, don’t you?”
“Aww you got me all worked out.”
I swallowed the last of my coffee. “Maybe I should have an extra bottle seeing as I’m heading out in public, just to be safe.” I headed to the fridge for a cold bottle of blood then yelled, “Catch ya later,” to the others and left the room.
Leonie looked well when I saw her. Her brown hair had been cut and recolored with chestnut highlights, and her nails were French polished.
I air-kissed her on both cheeks. “You look amazing.” I told her.
“Well, I figured if I was gonna run a spa I’d better look polished myself.”
My eyes widened. “You’re running the spa?”
She flicked her hair behind her shoulder. “Yes, did Smith not tell you? Ted offered me the Manager’s position. I couldn’t believe it. I have so many ideas, and the other girls are great. My room is amazing. I’m already so happy, Serena. Thank you.”
“I’m so pleased for you, and look, you didn’t need a man. You got that job because Ted was obviously impressed with you when you worked here before.”
“Yes, he said he was disappointed when I left because customers had spoken highly of me.”
“See. Right what shall we do? Do you fancy a walk on the beach? I could use some fresh air.” And Smith’s safely in the gym so I can get away for a while.
“Sure. Are you okay? Smith said you’d had a small surgery. You do look a little pale.”
Yup being a vampire tends to do that to you, but hopefully a couple of days at the beach will disguise it.
We set off on our walk.
“I’m okay, just tender. Listen, can I ask you something? You spoke about your mom and how she wanted you to marry a rich man.”
I saw Leonie’s jaw set.