Two for tragedy. Volume 2

– 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!