The Vampire's Assistant

Chapter Six

I slept clear through the day. It was a deep, restful sleep; I didn't even dream. When I woke, I found myself on my own bed, on top of the covers, still wrapped in Mr. Northman's leather coat. The room was empty but I heard the shower running in the bathroom. It was already past sunset.

My mouth was like the Sahara, so I headed for the kitchen. My groceries sat innocently on the counter. I stared at them for a long moment. Had it really only been yesterday I had purchased them? It seemed longer. Everything felt so different now. I felt different.

"You're up."

I shrieked and jumped at the voice. Mr. Northman stood at the kitchen threshold, pulling a black t-shirt over his head. I couldn't avoid taking in an eyeful. But what struck me then was a wave of lust more powerful than I'd ever experienced. It was not the first time I had admired my boss's undeniably good looks, but I had always taken great care not to get too carried away. This feeling was so powerful it had me nearly swaying on my feet. I was suddenly very aware that I was in nothing but panties and a leather coat and I pulled the jacket tighter around myself, though nothing was showing.

"My apologies," he said, with a grin that did not seem at all apologetic, "I didn't mean to startle you."

I turned away quickly and grabbed a Coke from the fridge. "I guess I'm a little jumpy," I answered dismissively as I popped the cap.

The Coke was heaven to my parched mouth. I couldn't remember ever enjoying one quite so much. The flavors were so rich and pronounced; the carbonation danced in my mouth. I downed half the can at once. Mr. Northman was still at the threshold, watching me curiously. I felt a blush on my cheeks as I slipped past him towards the bedroom.

"I'm just going to hop in the shower," I called out and didn't wait for a reply.

My experiences the night before had really done a number on me. I couldn't seem to shake this strange feeling. I threw my underwear in the trash can and carefully hung Mr. Northman's coat on the back of the door. I'd have to have it dry cleaned. It was covered in blood.

The shower was soothing. But I felt as if every inch of my skin was alive in and of itself. I could feel each drop of hot water individually, like an intense ecstasy trip. Maybe being so close to death had awakened me more than I was before. I banished all those complicated thoughts from my mind and languished in the spray, taking my time washing every bit of dried blood from my skin. I only turned off the water when it grew too cold.

Mr. Northman was sitting on the couch when I emerged from the bedroom. He looked up at me seriously and I knew we had to address the previous night's events. I didn't find it an appealing prospect at the moment though. He appeared to sense my hesitation and patted the seat on the couch opposite him. I sat, pulling my legs under me. I knew what needed to be said so I bit the bullet and came out with it.

"I'm so sorry."

Mr. Northman looked surprised, which wasn't an expression I was used to seeing on him. "For what?"

It was my turn to be surprised. I'd thought he would be angry with me. "I was stupid. I didn't think. I shouldn't have even been there and I caused you so much trouble."

He gaped at me. "You have nothing to be sorry for. It was foolish, yes, but you were ignorant to the risks. It is my fault and I am sorry."

I reflected on his words for a minute, but I found that I staunchly disagreed. There was no point in arguing though and there were other issues at hand. "How is it that all my wounds have healed?"

He looked at me seriously. "I owed it to you."

"Owed it to me?"

"If you had given him the information he was no doubt looking for, neither one of us would be sitting here now. Obviously, you maintained your loyalty even at your own expense. I thank you."