After I Fall (Immortal Billionaires Book 1)

by Melissa Sercia

  I took a deep breath and another big gulp of wine and then dialed Piper’s number.

  “Raven! Hi! I was just about to call you and check in. How’s everything going?” Piper’s voice was chipper as always. I was beginning to wonder if that girl ever had a bad day.

  There was something about the warmth and ease of her voice that sent me over the edge and I burst into tears.

  “Raven, are you ok? What’s going on?”

  It took me a few seconds to get a hold of myself as the tears turned to sobbing. I choked on my own saliva and had to get a glass of water before I could form complete sentences. A few deep breaths and I was able to gain enough composure to speak.

  “I know what he is, Piper. Ozi. He’s a vampire. Tell me I’m crazy. Or tell me it’s all just an elaborate joke. Please, this can’t be real.” My teeth chattered against my trembling lips.

  Piper was so quiet. For a moment, I thought she’d hung up on me. “Piper, did I lose you?”

  “No, I’m still here,” she stated. “You’re not crazy and it’s not a joke. This is why I warned you to stay away from him. Once you know what they are, you can’t unknow it.”

  “How did you know this world existed?” I asked.

  “I live in this world, Raven. I have for a very long time. It’s my job. I hunt supernatural artifacts. I’m working with one of Ozi’s partners right now.”

  “Aren’t you scared?”

  Piper sighed. “Sometimes. But I’m so accustomed to it now. I guess it’s become normal. Raven, listen, unless you want to become like him, you should stay away. He’s dangerous. All of them are.”

  I let out a slight whimper as I tried to stifle a cry. “I know. But I think I’m in love with him. I can’t explain the hold he has over me. I’ve never felt this kind of attraction before.”

  “I get it. Believe me. But that’s part of their charm. They’re immortal which means they are physically perfect and have centuries worth of charisma they’ve been stockpiling. Of course he’s never going to compare to a normal human man. I can’t tell you what to do except to just be careful.”

  I hadn’t even told her about my abduction or how I watched one of my coworkers get drained of blood in front of me. But at least I now had someone to talk to about all of this. That brought me some comfort.

  “You be careful too, Piper. Thanks for listening. I’ll keep you posted on what I decide to do.”

  We said our goodbyes and hung up and I was alone again. My apartment felt cold and empty. The more I thought about what Ozi was, the more I realized that it didn’t matter. I didn’t know if it was love or obsession or something else entirely. All I knew was that I didn’t want to be away from him. Even if Piper was right and I was only drawn to him because of what he was, I didn’t care. I craved him like he craved blood.

  I rushed through the doors of Dolce Sale and nearly toppled Enzo over.

  “Raven…are you all right?” His fingers trembled around a stack of menus.

  “Ozi told me everything.” I glanced around as some of the staff perked up at the mention of his name and then lowered my voice. “I know what he is.”

  He set the menus down. “Come with me.”

  I followed him to the back office. He shut the door behind us. “I’m so happy you are safe. I’m sorry you had to see all of that last night.”

  “Enzo…Thank you. For looking out for me all these years. For sending me to Italy. In a weird way, I feel like you’re the only real family I have.”

  He clasped my hands in his. “I knew what Camille was capable of and I couldn’t let her ruin your life. You deserved a chance to be human. Whatever you decide to do now, is up to you.”

  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to live forever—an endless existence of drinking blood to survive. The only thing I knew for certain was that I wanted Ozi.

  The past could no longer haunt me. The only darkness hanging over my head now was from the shadows of regret. From losing Raven. I didn’t even know how much I needed her until she was gone. How could she ever look at me the same again? She watched me rip out Camille’s heart. She saw who I really was. And like Camille, she would probably reject me. The only difference this time was I would not turn Raven into a monster like me. I would not force her into this life. Unlike Camille, she had a chance at a better life. She’d despise me forever but at least she would still have her free will.

  As the chopper took me back to my estate in the country, I looked over the Brooklyn Bridge one last time. I put my penthouse in Charlie’s name and told Enzo to run Dolce Sale without me. There would be no more parties, no more women, and no more trips to the city. All I wanted was solitude. To be left alone with my guilt. The city held too many memories. All of my good memories of Raven were in the country. That one perfect weekend we spent together without any distractions from the outside world. I would cherish it always.

  My phone rang, startling me out of my reverie. Cassius.

  “I’m not in the best mood right now, just to warn you,” I answered.

  “I’m calling to let you know I took care of the bodies. None of it will lead back to any of us. Especially Raven. I also erased any paper trail of her going to your winery in Italy.”

  I nodded even though he couldn’t see me through the phone. I breathed out a sigh of relief and anguish. “What about our hacker problem?”

  “I’ve got a hold on that too. I was finally able to trace the IP address to an apartment in Brooklyn. Registered to a Harley Ryan.”

  I pinched my eyes shut, trying to fend off a blood migraine. “Never heard of him.”

  “Yeah, me neither. I’m putting a team together to retrieve him. Once I have the guy back at my compound, I’ll find out who he’s working for and let you know.”

  “Good. Use all means necessary to get him to talk. I’ll be at my estate for a while if you need to reach me.”

  “Got it. Try not to beat yourself up for another hundred years over this one, buddy. Camille was coming after her regardless of you.”

  “I gotta go. Talk to you soon.” I hung up before he could launch into another lecture about fate and destiny. His heart was in the right place but I just didn’t have the stomach for it tonight.

  As soon as we landed on my estate, I headed straight for the cellar and ripped open the biggest blood bag I could find. I sat in the dark and musty room on the floor, not caring about the dust getting on my designer suit. I stayed there all night. By morning, my shirt and tie were crumpled on the floor next to me along with three empty blood bags.

  I jerked at the sound of tires hitting gravel coming from outside the main floor. I grabbed my shirt and flew up the stairs. I raced across the foyer and peered out the front window. It was one of my cars. The sleek black town car slowed to a stop. The driver jumped out and opened the door to the back seat. My heart sped up.

  Raven.

  Standing in front of Ozi’s house, I was beginning to lose my nerve. Enzo had been kind enough to tell me where he was and to lend me the car. He’d said it was the least he could do for keeping me in the dark all these years. My heart was racing as I tried to think of what I would say to Ozi. How would this work? Would he still want me if I was only human? I’d age and he wouldn’t. Would he be with me then?

  The front door opened and he leaned against the entryway. His hair was disheveled, his pants wrinkled, and the first three buttons of his shirt were undone.

  “You look like hell,” I half teased, half meant it.

  “You look stunning.”

  A rush of heat flushed my cheeks as he fixed his gaze on me. I had forgotten how sexy he was. How just one look could send me spinning. I strutted forward in my little black dress and stiletto heels. It was the fanciest outfit I owned and he had not gotten a chance to see me in it. I stopped short of the porch, suddenly more nervous than I’d ever been around him.

  “I’ve thought about everything you said and I’ve decided that I don’t care about any of it. Not the money, not my job, not ev
en the fact that you’re a vampire. None of it. I only care about you. I don’t know what that means or how any of this is going to work but I just don’t want to be away from you. I know I’m just an ordinary human but—”

  Before I could finish, Ozi flew toward me and scooped me up in his arms. His lips smashed against mine in a frenzy and I melted into him. His kisses deepened as I trembled against him. He worked the tip of his tongue around mine, exploring all of my mouth with a ravenous hunger.

  “You are anything but ordinary, Raven. You are an explosion of stars lighting up my dark sky. You never have to be away from me ever again. I promise.”

  I kissed him harder and tangled my hands in his hair. The scent of tobacco and whiskey and blood filled my nose as the breeze picked up around us. His muscled arms held me tight to his chest and I let myself surrender to all of it.

  He led me inside and began giving orders to his staff to prepare dinner. I stopped him.

  “Ozi, I don’t need anything fancy. Let me cook something for us.” As much as I loved the way he pampered me, I wanted to pamper him for once.

  He slid his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. “Darling, you’re going to have to get used to people waiting on you for a change. I want you to have everything you desire.” He nibbled on my earlobe.

  My stomach did a little somersault. I gazed up into his eyes. “You are all I desire. Cooking is a big part of who I am. I want to share that with you.”

  He nodded, conceding. “I can’t wait to taste every part of you.”

  Two hours later, we sat across from each other on the terrace under the moonlight. With just a few candles and twinkle lights, the glow illuminated the space between us like something out of a fairytale. I had prepared filet mignon in a red wine reduction, fingerling potatoes, and mixed veggies sautéed in truffle oil. I took the bottle of Bordeaux out of the server’s hand and sent him away.

  “See, isn’t this more intimate? Just me and you,” I cooed.

  I watched his face light up as he chewed on the tender steak. “Oh, Raven. You have a gift. This is delicious.”

  My heart filled hearing those words, especially from him. “Thank you,” I murmured.

  Everything was new and scary and exciting. We both opened our mouths to speak at the same time and then stopped, laughing.

  “You first,” Ozi quipped.

  I fiddled with the napkin on my lap. “I’m not ready yet to be…like you. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be. I need more time to decide. Is that all right? I want to be with you for as long as you’ll let me.”

  Ozi smiled and leaned forward, scooping up my hands in his. “Whatever makes you happy, makes me happy. You can be human for as long as you like. I will never take that choice away from you. And you never have to fear me. Ever. I will always protect you, Raven.”

  “What happens now? Do you want me to live here with you? Do I quit my job?” I was unsure as to what this new life would entail.

  “You don’t need to work as a server anymore. Everything you could ever want or need I will give you. I was thinking, however, that we could travel a bit. You should be a chef, Raven. And Europe has some of the best culinary schools and mentors. I could make a few phone calls and have you set up in days to start training… We could also try to find your birth parents. If you want to, of course.”

  My heart felt like it would burst. “I would like that very much. You would do that for me?”

  “Raven, honey, I would do anything for you. I told you when we first met that I would break you…but it is you who has broken me. In a way that I needed to be broken so I could be put back together. Only you could do that. For that, you have my heart in your hands for eternity.”

  He was right. I thought I was the broken one. The one who was weak and frightened. But it was my strength that held us together. I was lost and searching for him my whole life. I just didn’t know it until now.

  I was still scared. I had conditioned myself to hold back. I was so accustomed to keeping my guard up. But I was finally ready to let it all go. “What happens after I fall?” I asked. I already knew the answer but I wanted to hear him say it out loud.

  Ozi pulled me into his lap and hugged me tight. “I’ll catch you.”

  The End

  This book has a special place in my heart. I wrote it during difficult times and it was a big part of what got me through. But it would not have been possible without the following people.

  Thank you to my amazing editor and friend, Katie Golding. I started my journey with you back in 2017 when I was looking for a home for Blood and Magic. It was with your help that I was able to get that book noticed and it truly has come full circle with you editing After I Fall. I’m so happy you fell in love with Ozi and Raven as much as I have.

  Thank you Sarah Paige at Opium House Creatives for creating the most beautiful cover I could ever dream of! You captured Ozi and Raven better than what was even in my mind.

  Thank you Stacey Blake at Champagne Book Design for formatting my book with such skill and creativity. I am truly grateful I was able to work with you!

  I have to thank Tina and Yelena of City Owl Press. You took a chance on me and have been so supportive of my career. No matter where my journey takes me, COP will always be my family and I look forward to releasing more titles with you in the years to come. Thank you to all my City Owl Press owls for your continued support and friendship.

  To Negeen and Candace, We are such a fierce trio and I cherish our friendship so much. I love that we are always there for each other with writing and life stuff. I love our daily chats and I would not be able to get through this crazy thing called publishing without you. Love you both so much and can’t wait till we can share a few bottles of wine together in person.

  Thank you to my amazingly talented website designer, Cassandra Penticoff, for everything you do. You have helped me showcase my books and my ideas and I will forever be grateful. No matter what, you always get my vision and deliver it just as I’ve imagined.

  To my mom, thank you for always supporting me, loving me, and being there through everything. I strive to make you proud every day. I love you so much and can’t wait till we can take that trip to England together.

  Thanks to my dad for everything. We have been in this pandemic together and I appreciate all you do to keep us safe, sheltered, and still laughing. It’s been a crazy year but we are getting through it together.

  To my sister Jen, I love you sis! Thank you for being my number one fan and for always encouraging me to keep going. I’m so proud of you and I can’t wait to see what you create in the future. The Sercia sisters are doing great things.

  Thank you to all of my family, Aunt Charlene, Uncle John, Kathleen, Marji, all the Sercias, Maioranas, LeFevres, Lyons, Driels, and Campbells. I love all of you and can’t wait to see each and every one of you again.

  To my BFF, Renee Infelise, thank you for friendship, love, and support over these past 15 years. Your words and encouragement get me through so much. Thank you to your lovely soon to be wifey Rachel for taking care of my bestie! I miss you both so much and I can’t wait to visit you. I love you and am blessed to call you my best friend. Looking forward to more ComicCons, late night conversations, wine tastings, and silly shenanigans when the world gets back to normal.

  Thank you to all of my amazing friends who continue to inspire me and bring a smile to my face every day: Brennan Kennedy, Joe Manuguerra, Julie Brooks, Katie Fisher, Serena MacLean, Ben Lawley, Art Lomboy, David Protelsch, Tatjana Papic, and Tiffany and Randy Werner.

  Thank you to my new family at Spoiler Country Podcast! Your support is amazing and I’m so happy you’ve welcomed me in with open arms. Kenric, John, Jeff, and Casey: I’m learning so much from all of you. Great things are happening and they are only going to get more awesome!

  Thank you to my reader community for joining me on this journey. I hope my books can bring you joy in times of uncertainty. To all the bloggers, I see you, I thank you, and I’
m so appreciative of all that you do.

  Last but not least, to my love, Christopher, thank you for always believing in me and supporting all that I strive for. This year has been insane and tough but I’m happy I can share it with you. All my love.

  MELISSA SERCIA is an award winning Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance author with a passion for philosophy, mythology, and all things supernatural. She is the author of the Blood and Darkness series, Beautiful Dark Beasts series, and Immortal Billionaires series. Melissa lives in California with her man and her cat. When she’s not building dark fantasy worlds and slaying demons, you can find her in the kitchen cooking with a glass of wine in her hand.

  www.melissasercia.com

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