Two for tragedy. Volume 2 - стр. 13

– 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!