Читать книгу Two for tragedy. Volume 2 - Анна Морион - Страница 3

– Viper, how excited I was! – I was beyond excited to hear Viper's voice on the phone. – I'd already thought of a thousand disasters! – But I kept silent about how apprehensive I was about her possible encounter with a dangerous vampire, since I didn't want to scare her with something that wasn't really there: she called me as promised.

– Don't worry, I'm fine! I was a little scared when the plane started to shake, but, on the whole, the flight went fine," Viper said.

– I'm sorry I didn't answer right away – I had to leave the castle to call you back," I said, feeling incredibly relieved. – Did you notice any vampires around you?

– No, not at all. You put me on the plane yourself!

– But I didn't have time to check it out. I mean, I couldn't.

– It's okay, Cedric! Sorry, I'll call you back or text you later. I have to pick up my luggage.

– I'll do that. I'll wait for your call. – I listened to every note in her voice.

– Okay, I'll go. Just please don't worry about me," Viper said softly.

– 'I miss you already. But be careful and don't go outside after sunset. Remember everything we agreed on.

– I will! I love you!

Viper disconnected.

I felt so happy and at peace. I was suddenly ashamed that I'd almost gotten in a fight with Markus over my misconceptions about Grayson. But now I was at peace.

***

I silently handed the phone to Grayson.

I was surprised to find myself talking to Cedric as cheerfully and carefree as if there was no danger, as if Grayson and his servant didn't exist. It might have been our last conversation. Now that I heard my lover's voice, I felt a little better. I wanted to call my parents one last time to tell them how much I loved them, but the vampire didn't give me that chance: he took the phone from me, grabbed my hand, and we walked to the plane.

As we walked up the ramp to the rather spacious cabin, sparsely but comfortably furnished, I wanted to sit down on the small couch and rest, maybe even sleep, when I heard the vampire's icy voice over my ear.

– Were you trying to trick me? – Grayson asked in a dark tone, and I was suddenly lying on the green carpet that covered the floor. My left cheek was flaming.

He'd hit me.

I was insanely scared, and my body shook with a fine tremor.

No one had ever laid a hand on me in my life, and now this hard slap threw me into a daze and a maelstrom of fear. I didn't understand: why? Why had he slapped me? Had I not fulfilled all his demands?

Grayson towered over me like a threatening dark rock.

"He's going to kill me!" – A frantic thought raced through my brain, and I shrank back and hid my face in my hands, waiting for him to hit me again.

The vampire set me roughly on my feet and pulled my palms away from my face. The expression on his face was terribly stern.

– Did you think you'd tricked me? – he said quietly and began stroking my hair.

I was trembling. I felt completely defenceless against this monster in human form.

– I didn't mean to hit you. Besides, it wasn't a punch, it was punishment for trying to trick me, because I hate being lied to. Don't do it again. Do you understand me? – The vampire said in a smooth tone, and I nodded back. – You're my guest, and I don't want to hurt you. I need you safe and sound. Or rather, I need your blood healthy. – He sat me down on the couch. – Sit down, and don't let me hear you," Grayson said grimly, and walked into the cockpit.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I looked around for a way to escape, but I realised with despair that the doors to the plane were already locked. I had no hope of escape, and at that thought I lay down on the sofa, curled up and sobbed silently, my body shaking like a death convulsion. Soon everything disappeared, and I fell into a deep sleep.

***

– I'm sorry, I was wrong," I said to Markus, alone with him, and added with just my lips. – She called. It's okay.

– Is that why you ran out of the castle like a madman? – grinned his brother. – Is she there yet?

– Yeah. She's probably on her way to the hotel now, but I'll call her back tonight.

– Well, I'm glad you're not going crazy now.

– I'm sorry, I'm so embarrassed I almost broke you and Grayson up. Has he called back yet?

– Not yet, but I think he's been in England for a while, and he's not interested in me right now. Said he'd call me later. Damn it, Cedric! I can't believe I'm getting married!

– You're a lucky man," I smiled at that. – You've earned it, Markus.

– How about we drink a bottle from the dungeon? – my brother suggested with a mischievous grin. – I heard rumours that fresh blood was brought in last night!

– How could I refuse such a gallant offer? – I laughed.

I was in a marvellous mood.

***

I was awakened by an icy touch on my cheek. I didn't want to get up, but just snuggled into my blanket.

– I had a nightmare… As real as the one I had seen on the way to Brno. Do you remember? – I mumbled without opening my eyes.

– Poor sheep. Did an evil vampire scare you? – There was a creeping voice. And it wasn't Cedric's voice.

I opened my eyes sharply and saw Grayson sitting in the chair at my feet, staring at me.

– No, you're just a horrible dream! – I whispered in desperation, tucking my head under the blanket.

– Even if I do this? – The vampire abruptly pulled the life-saving blanket off me and set me on my feet. – What were you dreaming about?

– How you kidnapped me! But, alas, it wasn't a dream! – I replied with emotion.

– Ungrateful girl! You should be grateful that your kidnapper was kind enough to find you a pillow and a blanket! – Grayson laughed.

He was right: there was a small white pillow and a wide white blanket on the couch, which I'd used to cover myself all through the cold night.

– Are we in England yet? – I asked quietly, not intending to thank him for the favour.

– Yes, and from now on you'll enjoy nothing but my company. – Grayson smiled a beautiful, wide smile, but then his face grew serious. – Now wash up and clean yourself up. Don't forget to brush your teeth: you'll find toothpaste and a guest brush in the loo. Go! – He pushed me roughly, and I obediently went into the small toilet. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't recognise myself: crying, sleepy, with dishevelled hair. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I managed to comb my hair with my fingers.

– You're taking too long. Come on," the vampire said in a disgruntled tone as I reappeared in the salon. He picked up his black umbrella that was leaning against the wall, opened it, and dragged me behind him.

When we got off the plane, it was as if I'd gone blind: the sun was shining so brightly that my eyes hurt from the sudden change of shadow and light. And squinting, I saw a black car with tinted windows standing outside the plane, very expensive looking.

There was another vampire standing by the car – it was obvious: he, too, was hiding from the sun under a large black umbrella.

– Welcome home, sir," he said in a pleasant voice to Grayson, opening the car door for him. – Welcome home.

– Thank you, Eric," he said with a smile. – Tell Mitchell to order the servants to vacate my castle for the time being, and let him go himself.

– As you say, sir. – I noticed that the servant, unlike Mitch, wasn't surprised by my presence-he didn't even look at me, but immediately telephoned Grayson's order to the second servant. Then he got into the driver's seat.

– Take us to the middle of the road, and I'll drive from there," Grayson told him.

– As you say, sir," the servant replied.

Grayson pushed me roughly into the car, sat down beside me, and closed his umbrella. Then he slammed the door shut and took off his gloves.

– I hate the sun," he said grimly, throwing the gloves on the seat and turning to me. – How are you feeling?

The car started softly and drove down the road, taking me into the unknown.

– I'm very tired," I said to the vampire, turning away from the window.

– Tired? No, my dear, we have so much fun ahead of us! You won't have time to rest. I'm sure you'll like my estate. I'll give you a tour today. Are you hungry or thirsty? We could stop at a restaurant.

– How gallant of you! But I must refuse your gracious offer! – I replied mockingly.

I was terribly thirsty, but my pride would not allow me to accept a handout from him.

– As you like, but if you change your mind, be sure to tell me. I must look after my guest. You look tired, and I don't like it. Where's your blush?

How strange: I was in a car with two vampires, yet I felt no fear, only hunger and thirst. How many hours had I not had even a crumb of bread or a drop of water in my mouth?

Suddenly, my mind raced with the memory that not only was Cedric waiting for me to call, but my parents as well. They must have been worried, because I hadn't heard from them in so long!

– Can I…" I started timidly, turning to Grayson, but his icy stare silenced me.

– What?" he said calmly.

– Can I call my parents? – I asked quietly.

He smiled charmingly.

– Why the hell would you do that?

– I promised I'd call them when I got here. They're worried," I said in a near whisper, looking at Grayson pleadingly.

– What are you going to tell them? – He asked, not taking his mocking gaze off me. Grayson pulled my phone out of his jacket pocket, as if taunting me.

– That I'm in Brazil! In a hotel! – I exclaimed in frustration.

– Don't do anything stupid," Grayson said, handing me the phone.

I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw that Eric was smiling.

Of course he was smiling! After all, he thought I was a naive fool who had fallen for his boss! He was laughing at the thought of how wrong I'd been about my choice of companion!

But I didn't care: I quickly dialled my parents' number.

– Hello, Mum! – I said in a warm voice as soon as I heard my mum's voice on the phone. My heart squeezed with pain.

– Finally! Why didn't you call earlier? We are worried sick! – Mum also responded in a warm, happy voice.

– I'm sorry, I didn't have time to call," I began, making up lies as I went along. – You know how it is – fuss, excitement, a foreign country. But don't worry, we're already at the hotel. We've got the best room, can you believe it?

– Sounds very romantic! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Could you give the phone to Cedric?

– He's not here right now, he's gone to order dinner and I've just started sorting out our bags. We're going to the beach tonight! It's really hot in here! – I exclaimed happily, closing my eyes so I wouldn't see Grayson's smirking face or cry at my own beautiful lie.

– It's so great! Don't forget the sunscreen! And don't eat too many unfamiliar fruits, in case you're allergic to them! But I won't say too much, they charge you a lot of money for calls to the Czech Republic. Bye, sweetie! Say hello to Cedric for us, and tell him we're waiting for your call.

– I'll call you when I have time. Bye, Mum. And give Dad a kiss for me.

– Kisses! – Mum's switched off.

– Good girl," I heard Grayson's satisfied voice, and he stroked my hair. – Now your parents have peace of mind: you're going on holiday in Brazil, in the best hotel, with Cedric. And in the evening, you'll go to the ocean, holding hands to watch the sunset.

It suddenly dawned on me that he'd just given me the name of my lover. What if his servant Eric knew who we were talking about?

But luckily, as if he'd realised my fears, Grayson shook his head in denial.

I leaned back in my seat and stared out the window, but my thoughts were gone, and all I wanted to do was sleep. My eyelids felt so heavy that I had to work hard to keep my eyes open.

That was it: I had said goodbye to Cedric and my parents, and now I could die in peace, even if my death was long and painful-Grayson had made it clear that I would "pay for all my sins."

Glancing down at my hands, I found that they were covered in small but vivid bruises from the vampire's fingers. Then I remembered the slap he'd given me, and my cheek ached again.

Luckily, Grayson stopped paying attention to me; he pulled his phone out of his pocket and started fiddling with it with his finger. Then, dialing a number, he started chatting with a friend.

– No, Siegfried, I'm going to be busy this month, and I don't need any guests," Grayson said into the phone.

Busy. By torturing me. What an interesting business!

– Yeah, I've got some things to sort out, and besides, I won't be alone. Damn things have kept me away from Markus's wedding, and he's my best friend.

When I heard him say that, I was thrilled: He and Markus are best friends? That's great! I knew that Grayson and Brother Cedric had a friendship, but I didn't know it was so great! But I had to hide the fact that I knew Markus, because he would probably do the same thing if Grayson called him to warn him about Cedric's connection to me. So I didn't look at Grayson, but listened intently to every word he said.

From what he said, it was clear that he was determined to torture me for a month. A whole month of torture and suffering before he would deign to kill me!

The vampire talked on the phone for another ten minutes, about all sorts of things, and then he switched the phone off, put it in his pocket, and we could finally enjoy complete silence.

We drove for a long time, each in our own thoughts, but suddenly the car stopped.

– Here we are, sir," the vampire driver said.

– All right! From now on, you and Mitchell are on paid holiday. I'll let you know when I need you," Grayson said, putting on his gloves.

I thought about how uncomfortable it must be for them to wear gloves all the time in the summer, though… Cedric had told me that vampires didn't leave their houses until sunset in the summer, but Grayson didn't seem to care about the sun at all-he wasn't afraid of compromising himself.

Eric opened the door, opened his wide umbrella, and stepped out of the car.

– Get in the front," my tormentor ordered me. His tone was calm, but I knew it was an order.

He and I moved into the front seats, and the car sped along the smooth, wide tarmac at a high rate of speed that made me squirm in my seat.

– What are you thinking?

The vampire's voice made me shudder in surprise.

– That's a strange question," I grinned.

– What a funny name you have.

– Whatever it is.

– Do you want to know mine?

– Not at all.

– We're friends. My name is Brandon, and I give you permission to call me that.

– Jack's name suits you better," I blurted out, because it was the English serial killer I associated with this vampire.

Brandon… That beautiful name couldn't be the name of such a bastard.

– I like your sense of humour," he grinned.

– I'm not joking," I said grimly. – How do you know Czech?

– Do you think that, having lived in the world for over three hundred years, I haven't had time to learn it? You know, I have seen so much in my life that you have neither imagination nor fantasy to imagine it all.

Over 300 years? He's older than Cedric and Markus!

But looking at his beautiful young face, I couldn't believe it.

– And just so you know, your adorable Cedric only speaks Czech to you, and at home he communicates in English.

– I'm no match for you vampires! – I grinned, but that was new information about Cedric. Cedric himself had never mentioned it. – But why haven't you invented your own language in all these years? – I asked.

– My own? – Brandon grinned.

– Yes, a vampire language," I clarified. – It would be great for you to communicate about who you'd killed tonight without the people standing around you understanding.

– Silly girl, do you really think the secret language is the most important thing? Fancy letters and funny words? If you were a little smarter, you would know that any language, even a super secret language, can be deciphered. Besides, in the eyes of humans, this secret language would look suspicious. Where's your logic?

Grayson was taking me for a complete fool. I agree that my assumption about their secret language was wrong, but jumping to conclusions?

To hell with him, he can think what he wants about me!

– Did Cedric tell you about his family? – The vampire asked suddenly.

– No," I lied, seeing no reason to tell him the truth.

– I don't believe you.

– "As you wish," I said.

– I saw Morgan the night before you left.

That phrase made me look at him.

– I knew you'd be interested. When you say his name, you look like a little dog who's heard a familiar word. – Grayson laughed a short, beautiful, but unpleasant laugh. – Damn it, if I hadn't received a call from England that night, you would have flown off to Brazil like that!

– And you didn't hesitate to fly with people? – I grinned.

– Do you think I was happy to have such worthless company? My private plane could not come for me, and I had urgent business in England.

– But why did you take a flight to Brazil if you had to go to England? – I wondered, unable to see the logic in what he was doing.

– I had a couple of things to do in Rio, too, but they weren't as important as you suddenly, quite by accident. Luck is an amazing thing, although in this case, it's not just luck, it's fate. Your fate was to get on the very plane I was on, and my fate was to find out about you and Morgan and to stop the danger of the secret being disclosed in your face.

– But I don't understand why! – I burst out. – Do you think I would harm the man I love?

– There is a golden rule in our society: eliminate danger before it stops us.

– Don't you realise I'm going to die anyway? You're denying me the right to just live my life with Cedric! I don't claim to be his lawfully wedded wife! I just want to be near him!

– I just want to save that idiot Morgan from you," I heard and couldn't believe my ears.

"Save him from me? What can I do to him? That Grayson is clearly out of his mind!" – I thought mockingly.

– Did he tell you about Barney? – he asked.

– Who's Barney? And why would Cedric tell me about him?

– I'll tell you about him some other time," Grayson grinned.

– Why not now?

– Because we have a lot of time to talk.

– You don't have a heart! – I whispered, frustrated that he'd teased me with a secret about Barney and now he was keeping it to himself.

– There is, but it's barely beating, and Morgan must have told you about it. Where would be the best place to put you in my castle?

– I don't care.

– I don't want you to catch cold in the cellar and die before I'm done with you. Besides, you're my guest. A very special guest, so-

He stopped talking before finishing his sentence.

"How contradictory he is! He's like a spoilt brat, reveling in his impunity and not knowing how best to destroy his new toy so that it doesn't break at once, but endures his abuse of it for a long time!" – involuntarily ran through my mind.

The scenery outside the car window was a bright contrast to this terrible day: everything was green and looked like a huge green canvas studded with colourful flowers.

– How long will it be? – I asked, because I couldn't bear to be in the same enclosed space as the vampire.

– Can't wait to die?

– I can't wait to get rid of you!

Grayson laughed, as if I'd made him laugh.

Suddenly, the phone rang, and I knew from the ringtone that it wasn't mine.

Grayson pulled his phone out of his pocket and put it to his ear.

– Yeah, Mitchell. Is everyone gone? Oh, great! Have a good holiday! – He put the mobile phone in his pocket. – We have the castle to ourselves now. I think we'll have a fun time together.

He said that and made me feel uneasy.

– Why are you doing this? – I couldn't help but ask, not knowing why he was making such grand plans to kill me, or why he was being so friendly when he'd just hit me. – I can't understand what you want from me.

– I'm a very hospitable person by nature. Just don't piss me off-that's the secret," the vampire replied, and we didn't speak again, just drove in silence until the car stopped at the tall iron gate.