Lethal Beauty

XVI - Deception

Dawn came seeping down the green hills and into the castle-like citadel of Saint Constantine. Abel stretched and yawned, a glow was slipping from the curtains of his balcony window, and a light peek outside revealing 13th century-looking fortress that resembled some gothic churches reminded him that he was in Transylvania, probably more than a hundred miles away from Puglia.

Stifling another yawn, Abel attempted to get up from the bed but a heavy arm draped around his waistline was preventing him from doing so. He looked slowly to his right and found Iris sleeping. Here, he thought that vampires never sleep, and if they did, it would probably be inside a coffin. But a vampire was lying beside him, dozing off...

Abel studied the face. It was amazing how Iris could appear peaceful, even childlike now that he was sleeping beside him. When awake, he was intimidating, charming, and annoying. As a leopard, he was large with sharp claws and dangerous. Truly alluring. His forefinger started tracing the edge of Iris' face. From the forehead down to the prominent nose and those lips shaped like Cupid's bow.

"Good morning," Iris murmured and Abel quickly withdrew his hand. The man grinned, "You can touch me in other places too."

"Pervert!" Abel got up at once and started kicking the man. "Get up, now."

Iris yawned, revealing pearly-white fangs. "It's the weekend. No classes. Let's go back to bed," he tried to pull him back again.

"No! I have something to do."

"Anything I can do to help?"

At the offer, Abel stared and thought for a moment. "Actually, you can probably help."

Interested, Iris sat on the bed and inclined his head. "Tell me," He urged.

"I'm studying the coat of arms..."

"The coat of arms? Trust me, there's nothing interesting about the history of Saint Constantine's coat of arms."

"Not the university. The House of Elders."

Iris slowly peered on his face. "Why?"

"I'm just interested," Abel looked away. "Forget it. It's not like you can assist me---"

"Well, you're not exactly being very honest, are you?"

Their eyes met. Abel was not certain why in the world have he thought of asking Iris that information. Not only was it dangerous, it could open a can of worms that he wasn't prepared to deal with. The request came out of nowhere. It was a slip of the tongue. Or maybe not? When it comes to Iris, Abel often ends up not being sure.

"I don't want to tell you. Come on, let's have breakfast."

An arm caught him around the waist and pulled him back onto the bed. Abel felt the mattress in his back and before he could voice another complaint, Iris was already hovering over him, both arms on his sides trapping him in between.

"I'll do it."

"Do what?"

"Your request. In exchange, you'll let me kiss you."

"Nothing new. You've been kissing me over and over---"

"...and touch you."

Abel found his words stuck in his throat and his eyes went round. "W-What?"

"Say yes."

"I won't be tricked by you!"

"I won't hurt you."

"That sounds even worse," Abel tried to get up but Iris wouldn't let him. He glared, "Let go."

"I won't hurt you," he repeated. "I promise."