Bloodbound Desires (Vampire Romance)

Truth

I look between him and the open door, a whirlwind of thoughts swirling in my mind. The weight of the situation presses down on me—on one hand, there's the undeniable pull of what he claims, and on the other, my life, my own identity is a mystery to me. "Neo, you don't get it," I say, my voice trembling slightly as I wrestle with my emotions. "This isn't just about you and me. It's about my identity, my future. I need more time—  Can't we just tell him we'll see him another time?  I can't act as if I don't know he's not my biological father—  Unless you go."

"Understandable." He interrupts, his gaze piercing through my defences. "I care about you. Don't you see that? ''  His gaze softens, ''You don't have to confront him now.  Just wait until I've given you more information on your biological father.  For all we know, Mr. Beaumont is going to try and get some big business deal out of me which is no problem considering he did provide for you...''

I want to scream in frustration, to shake him and make him understand. "I wanted some time to prepare myself before I asked my father or at least told him.  Maybe he has no idea that I'm not his daughter. I won't be able to pretend that everything is normal.  What if he doesn't know and I hurt him?''

Neo steps closer, his voice low and serious. "You're always considerate, and it's good.  Think of it this way.  You keep quiet for now, not to hurt him.  And we go now to hear what he has to say?"

"What if he knows we were together last night?" I counter, maintaining my stance even as my heart races in my chest at his proximity. ''What if he's angry and demand I not see you?''

"You're an adult, Elena," he says earnestly. "So am I. Do you really think I'll just obey him?"

I look at the car, then back at him. Every instinct urges me to run, yet the intensity in his eyes keeps me rooted. "I just need time," I say quietly, my voice trembling. "I can't face this right now."

He nods, his expression softening. "You're Elena Beaumont, daughter of a famous man. Maybe he heard about us last night. Let's go and tell him I've decided to marry you."

Silence stretches between us as his suggestion sinks in, leaving me torn. Maybe I could gain some clarity. "You want to marry me?"

He holds my gaze before nodding. "I do."

"Is this a proposal?"

"No, not yet. I just want you to know my intentions."

"Okay." I slide into the back seat of the car, feeling both out of place and oddly comforted. Neo settles beside me, and the driver pulls away, merging into the busy street. Outside, the city rushes by, but inside the car, tension fills the air.

I glance at Neo, who watches me intently, making my heart race. "So, what's the plan?" I ask, trying to regain control.

He leans back, crossing his arms. "We're meeting your father at his office. You'll do some of the talking. He needs to know we're serious, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect his company's reputation."

"Why does everyone care about reputations when half the elites have mistresses?" I scoff, shaking my head. "My father married his, and his business thrived even more. He never cared about me. Why am I reluctant to tell him he's not my biological father? It's not like he'll cry or something."