YOU ARE MY BLOODY VALENTINE

CHAPTER 21: WE ARE TOGETHER NOW, RIGHT?

I woke up to the gentle warmth of her presence beside me, her peaceful slumber casting a serene glow upon her face. Her cascading hair, released from their confines as I had suggested, flowed like a river. As her eyes slowly fluttered open, I couldn't help but be captivated, my gaze locked on her, my mind flooded with memories of the moments we shared yesterday.

"Good morning," I greeted her playfully, my voice laced with a mischievous undertone. "How did you sleep last night?" I inquired.

"What the hell?" She exclaimed as I reached out towards her hair, intending to brush it away gently. "What are you doing on this bed?" she demanded, her voice echoing with disbelief. "You were supposed to sleep on the air mattress in the other room!" She pushed me and I found myself tumbling to the floor, the impact resonating with a thud.

"I had a nightmare." I stated, my fingers gently massaging my furrowed brows.

"You had a nightmare? What are you, five years old?" Barbara playfully retorted, her voice laced with both surprise and teasing. 

"Listen doll face, I needed to feel comfortable, and that bed was calling my name."

"There are many beds in this villa, Ayden!" She paused as her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Oh yes, how high and mighty I am up on this huge bed," she taunted, her words dripping with playful superiority.

"That is not what I meant..." I tried to explain but she swiftly cut me off.

"Silence in the presence of your king! Who sleeps a lofty eight and a half inches above the ground." she proclaimed, rising from the bed with a regal air. 

"Listen, I'm not ashamed," I asserted, my arms crossing defiantly against my chest. "I slept comfortably when I got up into that bed and I'm sure you did too." I stood my ground, unapologetic for my choice. 

"Yeah, okay." Barbara scoffed, her voice filled with sarcasm as she rolled her eyes.

"You know what? I want to know, how'd you sleep last night?" My tone held a touch of mischief, eager to turn tables and see her reaction.

"Shut up, Ayden!"

"Gasp!" I exclaimed dramatically, my voice filled with mock astonishment. "The king finds comfort in the embrace of a lowly peasant on her bed. But alas, my sire, our love is a forbidden tale." I paused, watching as Barbara attempted to walk away, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Hi, is this the police? There's a bedbug in my room, he's six foot three, with fiery red hair." Her eyes darted towards me with annoyance evident in her voice.

"Ask them if they have a larger bed, so it'll be more comfortable next time we find ourselves in such close quarters," I quipped, a mischievous glint in my eyes. 

"Okay. I am going to shower and wash all of you off of me!" She turned and walked away.

"Oh, maybe together we can..."

"No!" She exclaimed loudly.

"Just to save water..."

"No!"

"That's a good point." I uttered as I watched her walk away, and decided to shower too.

***

I went to the kitchen and made coffee, I saw her walk towards me gracefully with her hair still slightly damp, droplets glistening like tiny diamonds in the soft morning light.

"Coffee?" With a warm smile, I gently placed the steaming cup of coffee before her, the porcelain caressing my fingertips.

"Thanks." Her lips curved into a soft smile of gratitude but it faded away all too quickly.