“I have to make some calls, baby. You go on up to bed. I’ll be up in a bit. If you need anything, there isn’t a lot in the fridge, I haven’t been here in weeks, but there should be some water or juice or something to drink. I’ll get some supplies delivered.” He kissed her and folded her into his arms, “I’m going to keep you safe; I promise.”
She looked up at his face and the look in his eyes told her he meant it. She felt flutters in her belly and nuzzled into his chest. He smelled like warm oatmeal cookies. Then she yawned. It was 2:45 am and she was exhausted.
She guzzled a bottle of water, found a t-shirt of his as well as a pair of silky boxers and changed into them. He had a fairly well-stocked closet here so he’d be fine. She got into bed and turned out the lamp but she could hear Tristan’s phone calls.
First he called the hotel and asked them to have an event planner call him at 7:00 am. He said he’d need an urgent masquerade ball slash charity event held the following night beginning at 7:00 pm for about 100-120 guests with a dinner and a band as well as security. He told them, “Make it happen. Cost is not an issue.”
Then she heard him on the phone again.
“What’s the status on everything…
Okay, so there was a fire set at the house…
No, I don’t know yet…
I’m staying at the condo for a few days …
Booked the Four Seasons for tomorrow…
Yeah that’s where Tsakos is…
Right, well, make sure of it…
Fine, I know, it will be…
Okay, I’ll call you in the morning around nine.
Can you get texts sent to notify everyone we will firm up the event details and update everyone by tomorrow by noon?
Okay, bye.”
Then she heard his phone ring the familiar Marimba tune. He answered:
“Dawn.
His tone sounded strained.
It’s late. What do you want?
No, I’ve been a bit busy. My house was set on fire tonight.
Don’t know yet…
Won’t how bad know until tomorrow…
At my other place.
Yeah.
Moving it to a hotel…
Wait, hold on. Don’t come over.
Because I said don’t. I’m crashing in a few and I have to get up early.
Yeah, that’s true. You heard right.
She is.
His voice went from exasperated sounding to softer but angrier,
No, not necessary. I’m good.
What part of ‘we’re done’ don’t you understand?
That’s right.
Because I have too much shit to deal with right now and this is working for me.
I’m sure. Don’t show up tomorrow night. I’m serious.
Yeah, I’m bringing her.
Don’t show up, Dawn.
Bye.”
Kyla pulled the covers tighter. Dawn, huh?
She heard him make another call to, she assumed, a concierge as he quoted his suite number. He asked for a toothbrush, some coffee, milk, sugar, and a continental breakfast for two for 6:am. Then she couldn’t make out the rest of the conversation.
A few minutes later she heard Tristan trot up the stairs. In the dimness of the room she saw him shed his clothes. He climbed into bed with her and pulled her toward him. He was warm and made her tingle all over.
“Hey. You’re not sleeping yet,” he whispered in her ear, “Shaken up, baby?”
“Hey you. I’m okay. Who’s Dawn?” she pushed him back with her palms and looked to his face.
He let out a groan. “Great. Do we have to have an ex conversation right after my house burns down? I gotta be up in 3 hours, babe.”
“An ex? Dawn? Interesting vampire name,” Kyla muttered.
“Yeah,” he scoffed, “interesting.”
“When did you split up?”
“We weren’t ever exclusive.”
“Oh? Sounded from this end like she doesn’t want to be ex.”
“There’s that green-eyed monster again,” he teased, “She doesn’t matter. No one matters but you. C’mere. It feels so good to get you out of that house.” He pulled her closer, “Close those beautiful green eyes so we can both sleep. Big day tomorrow.”
“Understatement of the century,” Kyla muttered, then added, “You need to tell me the deal between you and Rebecca, too. I know there’s a story there and I’d like to know what it is. It’s obvious you aren’t going to tell me tonight but you need to. If you want me to trust you, you have to trust me, too.”
He said nothing but gave her a little squeeze. She snuggled in close.
“Joe said he brought someone to you the other day.”
She felt him stiffen.
“Why?”
“That’s Joe’s job. He’s one of my scouts.”
“Huh?”
“He scouted females for me, to keep me fed.”
Kyla shivered.
“I didn’t, princess. I haven’t since you. I think Joe was testing me.”
She nuzzled in. It did feel good to be out of that house. Odd. But good. The bed was comfortable and everything was quiet. All she could hear was Tristan breathing steadily. He had spooned her close and she could feel his warm breath against the back of her head, his hand cupped her hip. She dozed off to sleep feeling safe and protected.