The Heart Of A Vampire

chapter fifty: title

She quickly slid the thick material on, feeling it completely swallow her whole. Vlad smirked as he reached behind her and pulled her out of the house.

Closing the door behind them, he kept a close grasp on her arm as they began making their way through the night.

His grip was firm, yet gentle, and his fingers left strange shivers in her skin where they pressed into it.

"It's freezing," she mumbled

"I suppose you're glad I had you borrow one of my cloaks then," he teased

"I'm beginning to think you had an ulterior motive. Perhaps secrecy wasn't all you wanted."

He chuckled.

"You're making it seem as though I'm poisoning you. Is it a crime to want you to be warm?"

"Yes," she responded without hesitation. "You're a criminal to the highest degree."

"Then what shall become of me? Do you intend to turn me in?"

"Hmm," she murmured, feigning deep thought "Perhaps if you buy me a meal too, to go along with those drinks you promised me, I might not."

"You're acting as though I wouldn't have purchased a meal for you regardless."

"You would, after making me beg you for it in front of everyone."

He raised an eyebrow.

"You truly think so ill of me? I'm wounded, my dear."

"Well I certainly wouldn't hold you past it," she responded teasingly.

"I can feel my heart breaking. Steady me, I fear I shall faint."

"So dramatic, aren't you!"

"You know you love it," he laughed.

She didn't even bother denying the accusation. It was true. They both knew it so be.

Instead, she just smiled, and he tightened his grip, drawing her a bit closer.

Soon enough, they both were standing in front of the doors to the tavern. The two could hear the sounds of men laughing and yelling inside, and the bright candles littered around them created an almost romantic ambiance.

He stepped forward and pulled open the door for her, allowing her to step inside first, which she did.

He followed a moment later, closing the door behind him.

Evangeline couldn't help but feel intimidated by it all. The tavern was crowded and loud and filled with all sorts of characters.

She found herself drawing nearer to Vlad, almost as if for his protection. Seemingly understanding, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

Nobody in the tavern seemed to notice them at first. Outside of the cloaks, they looked perfectly ordinary.