Читать книгу Two for tragedy. Volume 2 - Анна Морион - Страница 2

I paced towards the car park and still couldn't believe that Viper was flying away. But despite the sadness of the breakup, I was glad that Viper was safe from now on, and I looked forward to the message she was supposed to send me as soon as she arrived at Rio airport. I was scared for Viper, for the plane could fall and crash, or a storm could come up that would bring the possibility of an accident.

When I arrived at the castle, I put my car in the garage, sprayed the interior and myself with air freshener, went upstairs and found Markus – he was in the lounge, chatting among his friends, but when he saw me, he came towards me.

– There you are! I have good news for you! – Markus said, smiling broadly.

– What news? – I smiled too.

– Let's take a walk around the city and I'll tell you all about it. – Markus winked at me.

'Something about Viper,' I guessed, or Markus wouldn't have lured me away from the castle and the guests.

Fearing the ears of strangers and chatting about nonsense, we went down to the garage, got into my brother's car, and, only after driving far away from the castle, Markus stopped the car in a small grove, under the dense shade of tall, powerful trees.

– What's the good news? – I asked, intrigued by Markus's behaviour.

But instead of answering, Markus turned on the radio loudly and began to sing along-he seemed to be enjoying his exciting news and wanting to torture me.

– Markus!

– Sing along! – he said, and then he went back to his jolly jazz song.

– I know you're having a lot of fun, but please save it for later," I asked, turning off the radio.

– Why would I do that? – Markus turned the radio back on and sang at the top of his lungs.

– Because I already have enough to worry about! – I grinned and turned the radio off again.

– Really? Then I'm glad to relieve you of some of your worries! You don't have to worry too much now: Brandon left this morning.

– That's great," I said grimly. – But how did he make up his mind? He told me he couldn't miss your wedding.

– He had urgent business in England, so he apologised profusely and left.

– Is he sure he's gone? – I asked. – Did you see it yourself?

– Yes, I walked him to the airport. He called me from the plane a while ago," Markus replied.

– That's great news," I sighed, but somehow I felt distrustful.

– Are you happy? – My brother asked, looking at me carefully. – I can see that I'm not.

– It's great news, but something's weighing on me," I said, not knowing why I was so excited. – I can't say anything until I hear from Viper that she's okay.

– But you checked the plane, didn't you? There were no vampires on it?

– That's the thing. A corridor broke down, and the passengers had to get off the pad. And it was in the goddamn sunshine.

– It's unfortunate, but it's no big deal. I think I see what you're worried about, though. You're wondering if she met Brandon?

– Yes, and now I realise how thoughtless I was! – I said bitterly. – After all, he called you recently, and, therefore, he is not yet in England.

– You don't have to worry about that: he left on his private plane, and before you sent Viper to Brazil.

– Are you sure about that?

– A hundred percent sure.

– But I need to be sure. I have to call him. – I was worried.

What if he didn't get off on time and saw me and Viper? I mean, then he could have jumped on her plane to eliminate the "vampire-threatening mortal girl." What if he was, after all, on the same plane as Viper?

Those thoughts burned my mind.

– I don't think that's necessary," my brother frowned.

– I have to call him," I repeated. – Give me his number.

Markus sighed unhappily.

– Wait for a message from your Viper to come in or not. What if it's just a coincidence? I am sure of it," he said in a dissatisfied tone.

– You're right, we should wait," I agreed. – But if I don't hear from Viper, I'm going to Brazil. I'm sorry, Markus, but I won't be able to find a place to go, and I'm already regretting sending her there.

– It's all right. You're exaggerating. It's just a coincidence, believe me. There's no way this situation could be real.

– You don't know how much I want to believe it, but if you do the percentages…" I began grimly.

– I'm so sick of your whining! It's okay, Viper! You don't have to be so worried about her! – Markus interrupted me nervously.

– You can't understand me, because Mariszkais immortal, and you don't have to be afraid for her. And Viper is human," I grinned. – She could die, and I'm afraid I won't be there to save her.

– That girl has turned you…" Markus started, but stopped himself at the last word.

– Into a rag? – I finished his thought grimly. – So be it, I don't care. Yes, Markus, you're right: I've changed a lot. But I'm not making excuses for you.

He took a deep breath and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

– Haven't you noticed that all we've been doing lately is arguing? – He said, as if he hadn't heard what I said.

– Life without arguing would be extremely boring," I replied calmly.

We were silent for a while, staring in different directions.

– I wish I hadn't told you about Viper. Then you wouldn't have tortured yourself," I blurted out.

– I wish you hadn't fallen in love with her," Markus replied grimly, and started the engine.

We drove back to the castle. I noticed that my brother's mood had fallen; he became sullen and silent. We drove into the garage, got out of the car, went upstairs, and went our ways, Markus to the hall and I to my room.

Locked in my room, I wandered from corner to corner, measuring the vast space with my footsteps. I had one thought in my head: if I didn't hear from Viper, I'd call her, and if she didn't pick up, I'd drop everything and fly to Rio, no matter what the consequences.

***

– What did you and Cedric agree on? – I heard the vampire's voice.

"Oh, yes. We agreed that I would text or call him as soon as I got to the airport in Rio," I remembered, regaining clarity of thought.

But what could I do? This strange vampire had taken my phone, held me prisoner, and kept his eyes on me like a chain dog! True, he was so "merciful" that he even asked the stewardess to bring lunch, dinner and drinks for me. But I didn't touch the food and only took a couple of sips of water. Grayson also let me go to the toilet when I asked him to. Other than that, he let me sleep, but I couldn't sleep a wink: my body and mind were too tense to let me sleep for a while. I felt cold in the night, and I timidly asked the stewardess to bring me a warm blanket. Fortunately, the vampire didn't mind, and I spent the remaining hours of the flight wrapped tightly in the plaid. My back and legs were aching-not even the reclined seat helped.

– As soon as we get off the plane, call him," Grayson said.

I couldn't help but wonder.

Why would he do that? He's not saying it out of mercy!

– Yes, I know what you agreed to," he grinned, apparently enjoying my surprised look. – I heard every word you said at the Prague airport. I almost wept – it was so romantic.

– I don't understand why you need this? – I asked, unable to see the logic in his actions: first he was going to lock me up in his mansion to kill me quietly, and now he was ordering me to call Cedric. It makes no sense!

– He must think you're all right. I don't want him to panic and come after you. So you'll call him.

– And if I don't? – I asked defiantly.

– Then he'll get worried and fly anyway – I've known him a long time and I know his temperament. And when he arrives, he will be met here by our brethren, whom I will inform of his misdemeanour. Can you imagine what will happen to him? He'll be crippled enough to become a living log.

– Stop it!" I blurted out, picturing the consequences of my stubbornness. – I'll call and pretend to be very happy! I'll pretend all you want, but don't tell anyone about us! Please!

– Mortals… How naive you are! When I scare you, you're ready to do anything, panicking and talking nonsense," the vampire grinned wickedly. – But don't worry – it's not in my interest to hurt Morgan. I'll just get rid of you, and that will be the solution to all your problems.

"Parents. My poor parents! What about them? What will happen to them when they find out their daughter is missing? How will they live knowing they'll never see me again? I mean, they'll go crazy!" – Tears came to my eyes.

What conflicting thoughts! One part of me was happy that my death would eliminate the threat to Cedricoa, and the other part of me was sobbing because it would kill my parents-there was nothing worse for them than having their child die.

– Your blood is amazing! – The vampire whispered into my ear. – When we get to England, I'll kill you, but not right away. I'll drink a small glass of your blood every day, stretching out the pleasure.

– I won't give you that," I said quietly but firmly. – I'll kill myself, and all your plans will be ruined.

– Don't forget about Cedric. You don't want anything to happen to him, do you? – he interrupted me in a harsh tone. – Your life and death belong to me, and if you kill yourself, I will make sure your Morgan is punished. Your life is the key to his happiness and well-being. Do I make myself clear?

– You couldn't be clearer! – I whispered, finally losing the strength to fight. – Do whatever you want! I don't care!

How easily he manipulated me! He knew every string he had to pull to make me do his bidding!

– You'll have fun with me. I'll entertain you, call Markus and tell you the news from the wedding. England in August is beautiful and you won't regret spending some time there instead of Rio. And just what do you find in Brazil? Palm trees, beach and heat? Viper, you have no idea what a wonderful time I'm going to give you.

Suddenly, the captain's call to fasten seatbelts was loud in the cabin as the plane was coming in for landing.

Those sixteen and a half hours were torture for me. Sixteen hours – the worst, scariest, and most hated hours of my life. It was agony: I knew that now everything was ruined, that my parents would die of grief, that I would never see Cedric again, that it was over. And this event, this retribution for my and Cedric's love, caught up with me just when we both thought we were saved.

What irony! What a cruel joke!

The aeroplane sat on the tarmac, drove down the road and soon came to a stop. People jumped up from their seats and pulled their suitcases and bags from the shelves and from under the front seats. When the cabin door was finally opened and the passengers began to slowly leave the plane, Grayson leaned in close to my face.

– Let's go. And don't you dare take a step away from me," the vampire whispered in my ear.

– I won't! – I answered him ironically, out of place.

– Don't even try to run away, Viper, or I won't be as kind to you. – Grayson grabbed my hand, and we headed for the exit. Luckily, I managed to grab my backpack. As we made our way to the exit, I almost fell, tripping over someone's bag, but Grayson didn't mind me, just dragged me along, not looking back at me like I was just a suitcase on wheels. We walked down the wide, long corridor into the airport building to check in, and then we walked briskly toward the terminal gate.

– My luggage! – I exclaimed in despair as we walked straight towards the terminal exit.

– What's in the luggage? – The vampire responded indifferently.

– Everything! Things, shoes, personal belongings! – I answered. – I need them!

Instead of answering, Grayson turned sharply to the baggage claim, and I followed him. I had no choice, though: the vampire held my palm in his icy one the whole way. But I was glad: at least I'd have my clothes, toothbrush, toothpaste, and necessary feminine accessories with me!

After picking up my suitcase, we left the airport, and the bright sunshine and the bright sunny day immediately blinded me: all the way to Rio, my porthole was covered with a curtain, as there was no point in enjoying the views for me. We stopped in the shade of a wide, long awning. But the sun was shining all around us, and that made me smile ear to ear. He couldn't steal me away now!

– Oh, yes, you can't be in the sun! – I said sarcastically to Grayson.

But he just grinned wryly.

– Silly girl! – He laughed suddenly. – You think I haven't thought my way out of this? I've been living in this world for a hell of a lot of years, and I know how to walk in the sun, even on the sunniest days! Look!

Grayson pointed at a man approaching us with two large black umbrellas, one of which he held above his head: this man was dressed in a strict black suit, just like my tormentor. It was only now that I noticed that Grayson was wearing a tightly buttoned black suit, with only his head and palms exposed.

– Good evening, sir," the man who approached said, and I saw that he was a vampire, too.

"Is it evening already? But it's still so bright! How did I make it to evening?" – I wondered, looking around and seeing the sunlight, unusually bright for evening.By my calculations, it was almost seven o'clock in the evening here in Rio, but I had safely forgotten that, exhausted from my emotional struggle with Grayson.

After giving me a mocking glance, the vampire approached and raised his eyebrows as if to ask: "Who the hell is this?

– Good evening, Mitch. She's a guest of my castle," Grayson told him, smiling unpleasantly. – Where are my gloves?

Mitch silently pulled thin black leather gloves from his jacket pocket and handed them to Grayson.

– The weatherman was wrong: instead of rain, it's sunny all day today," he said.

– No problem," Grayson said, letting go of my hand, "it's only two steps away. – He pulled on his gloves and took the umbrella from his servant, opened it, and grabbed my hand again, stepping out into the sunlight, the huge umbrella hiding him from the sun's rays. Mitch followed us.

The bright light was still blinding me, and I had to cover my eyes with the palm of my hand. I looked around at the thousands of people around us, hustling, shouting, rushing, and I envied them for being free, while I felt the icy grip of a vampire on my skin.

– So, what do you think of Brazil? – I heard Grayson's voice.

– I'm afraid I won't get to see it because of you," I told him grimly, walking obediently beside him.

– You have beautiful hair," he said suddenly, giving me a fleeting glance.

That out-of-place phrase made me smile mockingly.

We were getting further away from the airport building. The wind blew my hair around, tangling it, but I had no way to keep it out of my eyes as I dragged my wheeled suitcase behind me with my free hand.

People looked at us in surprise: we must have been something funny. Two men in black suits, hiding from the sun under big black umbrellas, were clearly asking for attention. I was the only one dressed for summer.

We walked and walked. I was starting to get exhausted from the heat and was breathing heavily. My loose hair only made it worse. Finally, we reached a small building and stood under its graceful shade. There wasn't a soul around. Grayson closed his umbrella, but didn't take off his gloves. As we reached the place, I noticed girls smiling at him as we passed, but he didn't seem to pay any attention to their smiles.

Grayson let go of my palm, pulled my phone out of his jacket pocket, and held it out to me.

– Call him.

I looked into his face and knew he wasn't in the mood for jokes: the blue pupils of his eyes were as cold and sharp as shards of broken ice. They dug into me with an almost physical pain.

The vampire left me no choice: I picked up the phone.

– I switched it to normal mode. But remember, no jokes," Grayson warned me in a serious tone.

I nodded absently and dialled Cedric's number. Tears of self-pity suddenly came to my eyes. I put the phone to my ear and held my breath as I heard the long beeps. Grayson was watching my every move, and I was afraid to breathe.

But suddenly the ringing stopped. Cedric hadn't picked up.

That fact startled me, and I froze, with the phone to my ear. Then I took a deep breath and closed my eyes: actually, my soul was rejoicing that Cedric hadn't answered, because now I had a chance to convince Grayson that I was nothing more than a distraction, a toy to Cedric.

– He lied to me! – I whispered, trying to look mortally hurt. But I didn't have to squeeze the tears out-they just flowed down my cheeks, and I didn't bother to wipe them away. Let the vampire think I was terribly upset!

Grayson seemed to believe me: the smile faded from his face, and it took on an expression of deep seriousness.

– So you're not as important to him as he claimed," he said, taking the phone from me again.

– He was playing with me! – I sobbed, not looking at Grayson, but as if I were talking to myself, desperate. – How did I deserve this? How could he do this to me? I mean, I love him so much, and he …

– If he hasn't responded, it's not a sign of anything. I think he's busy now, or he's among us, so he couldn't answer you.

– No! He said he'd wait for my call! He promised he would answer under any circumstances! – I exclaimed, praying that Grayson wasn't right and that Cedric wouldn't call me back.

Grayson silently pulled a clean, white, neatly folded handkerchief out of his pocket and held it out to me, "Wipe your tears and stop being hysterical. You're starting to get on my nerves.

Accepting the handkerchief from him, I wiped my tears. Waiting patiently for me to finish my task, Grayson took the handkerchief from me and tossed it into a nearby rubbish bin. Then the vampire opened his umbrella again, and we walked out into the sun-drenched square. Fortunately, it wasn't a long walk-I realised I was being led to a small plane.

But then, to my horror, my phone, which was in the vampire's jacket pocket, rang loudly.

"No, Cedric! Don't call me! – I thought with despair. – Why are you calling!"

Grayson stopped abruptly, turned to me and looked mockingly into my eyes, and something strange flashed in his gaze that made me go cold despite the heat around me.

The kidnapper silently held out my phone to me.

– Cedric! – I exclaimed in a purposely cheerful voice as Grayson kept his eyes on me. – I just landed in Rio! It's so hot here!