She's Not Afraid

Chapter Eleven

"Master, are you sure you saw him?" Scotty asked.

"I'm positive. He was there," Vlad said midst his pacing.

Vlad went through the encounter over and over again in his mind trying to make sense of it. He couldn't deny what he saw. The only thing in this world that could send a chill down his spine and place fear in his heart. Scotty watched his master nurse a glass of scotch while he paced from wall to wall of the room. "Master?" Scotty spoke up. No reply. "If you're truly worried for the girl's safety, why don't you keep her here?"

Vlad stopped pacing for a moment to let the idea tumble around in his thoughts. Impossible. "She can't. As much as I want her safe, she'd be in more danger if she found out who...what I am," Vlad voiced.

"Master, she won't have to find out. As far as she knows, you go to work all day and then appear at her door by night. What should be so different? You just have to find somewhere else to hide during the day," Scotty suggested.

"And if she goes snooping? Finds all the blood stowed away? My armor? Or even me?" Vlad snapped, towering over Scotty like he was cowering prey.

Scotty thought for a moment before a big, mischievous grin appeared on his face, "I am your humble servant, Master. I can take care of all that if only you allow me the time."

Vlad stared at his servant with apprehension. Standing straight, Vlad walked away from Scotty towards his bedroom. "You will work quickly. The sooner she is safe, the sooner you are," Vlad threatened. Scotty bowed his head in gratitude as his master disappeared into the darkness of his bedroom.

—•—

"You want me to what?" Nicoleta asked, surprised by the offer.

"I want you to move in with me, my love," Vlad smiled, "Allow me to take care of you. You'll be safe with me I assure you."

"I don't know, Vlad," she hesitated.

Vlad knew he was asking a lot of her, but this was the only way he knew he could protect her. "I haven't even been to your place," she argued, "This is a big step, Vlad." He nodded understandingly, "Yes, I know."

"It's not that the offer isn't tempting. It's just a big thing to think about. I don't want to rush this," she lay a reassuring hand on his with a smile. Vlad felt a desperate need to protect her stir inside him. He needed her to be safe and staying with him might be the only way. "How about this then. Tomorrow night you come over for dinner at my apartment," Vlad offered hopefully. She smiled at his offer and accepted.

—•—

On his return home, Vlad had ordered Scotty to hide every single piece of evidence that pointed towards his monstrous secret. His armor, the blood, the ridiculously heavy and thick drapes were all stowed away and replaced. Scotty had locked away the armor in a hidden place and replaced the empty space in the wardrobe with clothes. The blood that had been stocked in a small refrigerator was replaced with bottles of wine. And for a final touch, the heavy drapes that blocked out the sun were removed and stylish light curtains hung where they use to. Scotty had really out done himself, which earned his Master's gratitude.

Dinner was being prepared, and Vlad had just finished dressing when he heard a knock on his door, and Scotty answering it. "Good evening, my lady," the henchman greeted, "Pleasure to see you again."

"A pleasure seeing you too, Scotty," Nicoleta smiled as she walked in.

Vlad came to the balcony from his room and watched her admire his humble, two-story penthouse. He chuckled at the astonished look on her face. "Do you like it?" he called grabbing her attention. Nicoleta looked up at him and smiled, "I thought you said you lived in an apartment not a penthouse." Vlad descended the stairs to her, "I don't like to be flashy or show off." He embraces her and placed a kiss on her sweet lips. Upon pulling away, she smiled at him and gave him a loving gaze. "You look ravishing, my dear," Vlad smiled. A blush tinted her cheeks. "This place is so beautiful, Vlad. You have good taste," she complimented.

"Thank you, my lady. Are you hungry? I have dinner prepared for us," Vlad smiled.

Nicoleta took the arm he offered to her and escorted her to the dinning room. Vlad was doing his very best to impress her and sway her towards moving in with him, so very best behavior was required on his part. Pulling her chair out for her, Vlad helped her into her seat before sitting next to her. At that moment, Scotty appeared and poured them both a glass of wine. "Do you eat like this every night?" Nicoleta asked picking up her glass and taking a sip. "Only when I'm trying to impress," he winked. She laughed at him.

As dinner began, Vlad gave the impression that he was calm, cool, and collected, but inside he was a whirlwind of worry and fear. It did ease anxiety seeing her safe in front of him. Some of it would creep back though when the thought of her going home came to mind. He pushed them away though. This night was about her, and he planned to leave her with an amazing impression of what living with him would be like.

"That food was so delicious, Vlad," she smiled, delicately wiping her mouth. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it, my love," he said returning her smile. Nicoleta stood gracefully from her chair and took Vlad's hand, "Now I want you to show me around this amazing apartment of yours." He stood up, taking her hand, and began his grand tour.

—•—

"And this is the master bedroom," Vlad finished, leading Nicoleta into his room. She took in every detail of the room. Her fingers skimmed along the silk bedding of the large king bed against the wall. Vlad could smell something in the air. Something intoxicating. Arousal? What did this little minx have planned? "Have you given anymore thought of moving in with me?" Vlad asked walking into the room more. She turned to him, "I have." He watched her carefully sit herself down on the bed. "And?" he asked the open ended question with hope that she'd say yes. It was a bit hard to concentrate on the problem at hand when she practically dripped with lust. Nicoleta bit her bottom lip, staring at him with intensity, "I might need some more convincing." Finally, her invitation was made. This was a game, and Vlad would pull out all the stops to assure he'd win. Vlad chuckled as he strolled closer to her sitting form, "You are quite the temptress, my darling." The smirk that played at her lips made his knees feel weak. He was truly a man possessed by this seductress.

"You bring it out of me, Vlad," she whispered softly. Her delicate hands traveled up his stomach, begging him to finally sate her lust. Vlad's head swam as the smell of her arousal filled his every senses. Her small fingers played with the buckle of his belt as he watched her mesmerized. He suddenly snapped and pried her hands from him by her wrists. "You play a dangerous game, darling. I assure you that I will win," he growled. The shiver that went down her spine did not go unnoticed. Her teeth bit into her plump bottom lip as her dark gaze watched him, pleading with him to do something. The tips of his fingers took purchase of her chin and led her to stand before him. In a soft yet commanding whisper Vlad smirked, "Kiss me."

Nicoleta's lips met his in a heated kiss, both participants craving to speed up the process but not willing to stop playing the game. Her arms snakes around his neck as his firm grabbed her hips and trapped her against him. Vlad quickly took control of the moment and kissed her neck and simultaneously grabbing a handful of her backside in each hand. He could practically drown in this woman, and he'd die happy. As her body writhed against his own and her voice emitted small whimpers Of desperation, Vlad knew he was winning this little game. "Please, Vlad. D-don't tease!" she begged him. A smirk spread across his lips. Success.

He planned to celebrate his victory with her throughout the whole night.