Come to Me by Twilight: A Caius Volturi Story

Chapter 9:The First Time

Chapter 9: The First Time.

By the time we left for home, I was glad I had not confided in Rob about Caius. Because the way he acted in the diner proved that I can't trust him. I love Caius and I trust him. How could I have considered betraying Caius?

At the end, Rob insisted on carrying everything in without any of my help. His way of impressing me no doubt. Cindy invited him to stay afterward. I was certainly not pleased; Caius would be coming down soon and Rob would be in the way.

During dinner I said little because I was so angry with Rob. I hope my rudeness would make him want to leave after dinner, but no. He even had a second helping of pie. Dad had the nerve to ask Rob to stay and meet Caius, the very thing I dreaded.

After Cindy took an unwilling Mikey to bed, dad led Rob into the living room.

''Caius is an interesting sort of man, ''he was saying, ''I think you will like him. ''

When Caius came downstairs dad introduced Rob. Caius shook his hand politely and smiled, but Rob seemed intimidated and unsure of himself.

Good. I inwardly thought with satisfaction. Rob was a clumsy awkward boy in faded jeans and a bulky T shirt and Plaid shirt. Feet enormous in scuffed work boots, his hair curly and untidy. His cheeks red as a child's.

''Bob showed me these, ''Caius said, making an effort to put Robbie at ease. ''And you are exceptionally talented.''

Rob mumbled his thanks and came to sit by me. As Rob got comfortable, I notice Caius's eyes darkening then he sat back in his own chair disappearing into the shadows.

Caius asked about formal training and where he intended to study. What he hoped to be when he was graduated. His interest in Rob made me a bit jealous because I sat there forgotten.

Rob stumbled through his answers and tried to answer intelligently. But it was obvious he didn't enjoy being the center of attention. Finally, he got to his feet. ''I told grandmother I'd be home by ten. She doesn't want me to be late.''

He edged towards the exit, but his eyes lingered on me. I had a feeling he wished me to walk him out. Quick to pick up on things, Cindy said, '' Show Robbie where his jacket is, Raina. ''

Not wanting to leave Caius's presence, I reluctantly led Robbie out of the cozy living room to the cold dark Hall. Behind me dad was saying something witty and Caius laughed, and I was missing it.

I quickly pulled Rob's jacket out of the cluttered closet and handed it to him. He took it wordlessly and stood there a moment as if he were struggling with a decision.

''I don't like him, ''he said at last.

How can you say that, Caius paid you special attention, he encourages you to continue your work. Was even interested in seeing more of it. Even praised your work. ''

Rob shook his head. ''He didn't mean a word he said. His tone was not genuine, Raina. ''

I Clicked my tongue. ''You're as bad as Mikey. ''

''People say kids and animals are best judge of character, ''Rob said.

''Don't be silly. Everybody knows animals are not to be trusted. Dogs attacked children. ''

Rob sighed and zipped up his coat. ''Maybe I'm just jealous, ''he said without looking at me then opened the door and vanished into the night.

For a moment I stared at the closed door in my face. There was a time I would have loved to have a boyfriend like Robbie Lawrence. But that was before Caius.