He met her gaze and cocked his head. “Not much.”
Maybe he thought she would run screaming from him. A good question: why wasn’t she? She should be furious he’d been in her apartment uninvited, but couldn’t bring herself to be mad. She’d been too damned happy to see him. “What are you doing here?”
He lowered his head. “I needed to see you were all right. I shouldn’t have intruded the way I did. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. Now go on inside before you freeze.”
He headed toward his SUV, but his gimpy gait gave him away.
“You’re hurt. Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.
He stopped and let out a small chuckle, but did not meet her gaze. “No, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the fall.” Burying his face in his hands, he moaned. “I love you, Sarah, but if you want me out of your life, you need to go inside.”
Out of her life? As in forever? “I don’t know if I want that.”
He lowered his arms. A flicker of hope splashed across his face. “I never used you. Never. If you don’t believe anything else, please believe that.”
The sincerity in his voice seemed real. She wanted to believe him. A gust of wind slapped her face and she shivered. The robe only reached her knees and her pajama pants were thin, but she couldn’t leave him. What if she never saw him again?
John took two steps toward her and then stopped. “Sarah…you’re not even wearing shoes. Go inside before you get sick.”
She looked down at her feet. In her hurry, she hadn’t even put on slippers. Now that he mentioned it, her feet became wet and cold. “Will you stay until I see you from my window?”
His face softened and he smiled. “Sure.”
She rushed inside. Not because she was cold, but because if she stayed outside another second, she would have run into his arms, regardless of what he was. She clearly couldn’t think in his presence.
With the window wide open, her bedroom had become a walk-in freezer, giving her another chill. She looked outside and found John. He waved before getting inside his vehicle and driving away.
How had he gotten in her room? She’d found him on the sill, was he coming or going? Did he climb the wall? He must have, there weren’t any trees near the building. Wow. Was there anything he couldn’t do? She glanced at the ground.
Well, apparently he couldn’t fly.
A blast of frigid air forced her to shut the window. The room remained cold and she hugged her robe tight as she cranked up the heat. No way could she go back to sleep. Besides being uncomfortable, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She had questions. Lots of them. He said to call any time. Why not now?
First, she changed her socks and put on slippers. Then she grabbed her cell along with two blankets and settled in on the loveseat. He answered before her phone even acknowledged the ring.
“I am so sorry, Sarah. I swear, it’ll never happen again.”
Somehow, she believed him. He’d never hurt her before, so why start now? “Did you mean what you said? You’ll answer my questions?”
“I’ll do anything you ask, but wouldn’t you rather finish sleeping first?”
“I can’t sleep. After witnessing what I did, I realized I know nothing about you. I just don’t know where to start.”
“I can tell you my story. If you still have questions when I’m done, I’ll answer them the best I can.”
She found herself eager to know all about John.
Chapter 16
“I was born in 1925,” John began.
“1925! I think my grandma was born that year.” Oh geez, that sounded bad. “I didn’t mean to imply…” Crap. Sarah pounded her forehead. Could she be any ruder?
He laughed. “That’s okay. It’s old. I know.”
“You don’t look old, though.”
“And I never will. In 1957, at the age of thirty-two, I was cursed. Frozen in time.”
“You didn’t want to be a vampire?”
“No, but Danielle didn’t care. The crazy vampire thought she was in love and without me even knowing they existed, took it upon herself to turn me. When she explained what she had done, I was confused, just like you are. I didn’t believe in vampires, who would? She wasn’t prepared for my questions. She wasn’t prepared for my hunger. That’s when she realized she needed help and contacted the Committee.”
“What is that?”
“Our form of government. They monitor all vampires and enforce the rules.”
“But wouldn’t you have broken a rule when you told me?”
“While the Committee prefers to be informed before I reveal myself, legally, I’m allowed to tell a prospective…well, mate, but I don’t like that term. Sounds animalistic. How about love interest?”
“Oh.” She swallowed. He thought of her as his mate? Why did that sound sexy and why did she like it so much? She pulled the blanket closer. “So what happened with this committee?”
“Danielle definitely wasn’t thinking straight, because she pretty much confessed to breaking their newest rule: no turning a mortal without getting permission. Then again, she thought she’d gotten it from me except I was under her control, so it didn’t count. She’d completely forgotten about getting the Committee’s permission.
“After they arrived and cared for me, she thought everything would be okay after that. She didn’t count on the Committee making her an example and she was sentenced to death.”
“Death? Is that how they enforce all their rules?” God, she didn’t want him to die. She’d rather go back and discuss being his mate.
“No. Telling a mortal about vampires is not punishable by death. Mainly because the mortal’s memory can be erased. Problem is, I can’t erase your memory, and I’m pretty sure no other vampire can, either.”
“You tried to erase my memory?” What else had he attempted? While she was relieved he wouldn’t be sentenced to death, what gave him the right to go digging into her mind?
“God, no! I only tried to get into your head. Remember that movie fiasco? You scared the crap out of me.”
“Why did you even try? Did you want to control me?”
“No. Never. You frowned at everything I did, I just wanted to know what I did wrong.”
“I was trying to be assertive and you kept taking charge.”
“Yeah, I got that. Later. But at the time I was doing what my mother always taught me: to be a gentleman.”
And he was, too. More than Steven ever could be. What did it say when a so-called monster was a better person? “You never manipulated my thoughts? What I feel is real?”
“I don’t know what you feel, but I swear, I’ve never controlled you and I never wanted to. I was only curious. You’ve gotta believe that. But do you understand our predicament? If you start spreading the word that vampires exist, I’m pretty sure it won’t be good for either of us.”
“Yeah, I understand.” She could never tell anyone. She wasn’t sure she wanted to. It wasn’t like anyone would believe her. “How did they kill Danielle? After seeing you survive a stabbing and a fall, I assume it can’t be an easy task.”
“We are a hardy bunch, that’s for sure, but not indestructible. The only way a vampire truly dies is from burning, whether from fire or sunlight.”
“No staking, huh?”
“No. A stake to the heart will only immobilize a vampire.”
Wow. No pile of dust? No messy goo? Not that burning wouldn’t leave a mess. “So how was Danielle burned? Did they put her out into the sun?”
“I was told they set her on fire.”
“You didn’t witness it?”
“No. Too busy learning about my new life. I didn’t find out until months later. But when I was told, I was…glad.” His voice broke at the end.
“John, there’s nothing wrong with wanting justice.”
“I know, but still…to take another life. It’s hard for me. I never believed in the death penalty, s
till don’t, but what she did was unforgiveable.”
As she’d always thought, he was a good man. It wasn’t an act. If she was sitting beside him, she’d probably give him a comforting hug. And then jump his bones. Another reason they were talking via the phone. “What characteristics do vampires have that I might have heard in the myth?”
“There are many different myths, but I am strong and my hearing and eyesight are superior. I feed from humans, but I don’t kill them. Thank God I don’t need much.”
“You sound like you don’t like…feeding.”
He chuffed. “It’s not my favorite activity.”
“Have you ever tried blood banks or animals?”
“Animal blood doesn’t work. Basically, I’d starve. And bagged blood loses something when it gets old. I don’t get the energy like I do from a live donor and then I require more of it. Besides, I’d rather not take blood that is allocated for humans.”
“But how can you…feed and not leave evidence behind? I would think you would leave bite marks and be discovered.”
“We have the ability to hide our presence. Our saliva can heal small wounds, so basically we leave no sign behind, no bite marks. Being able to control minds, we make sure the donor feels no pain. And of course we erase their memory. Feeding only takes a minute or so and we are discreet. If we weren’t, you’re right, we’d have been discovered by now.”
The things he could do boggled her mind. “What about some other vampire myths? Do you sleep in coffins, turn into bats, only enter houses that you’ve been previously invited into?”
John chuckled and she could hear relief behind it. “Do you think I would have fallen if I could turn into a bat?”
He had a point.
“But yeah, those are myths,” he said. “We use them to our advantage. We don’t sleep in coffins because we don’t sleep. So if I don’t have a coffin, I’m not a vampire, right? If you can see me in the mirror or take my picture, I’m not a vampire. If you see me awake during the day, I’m not a vampire. If I can enter your home without an invite, I’m not a vampire. And if I can’t turn into a bat, then I’m not a vampire.”
It made sense, except the sleep part. “You don’t sleep? At all?”
“Nope.”
“I don’t know whether that would be a good thing or a bad thing.”
“It was a little strange at first. Like living one long day that never ends. But I eventually got used to it. So, have I answered your questions? Do you understand why I did what I did? And can you forgive me? Or am I expecting too much right now?”
He needed reassurance, but how much could she give him? As badly as she wanted to be with him, could she be with someone who never aged? Someone who could hurt her with little effort? Sure, he had never lifted a finger against her, but there was always a first time, wasn’t there? Steven hadn’t hurt her until after the wedding.
“I wish you could have been truthful from the beginning, but I understand why you weren’t. We all keep secrets, don’t we? It’s part of what we are. Granted, your secrets were doozies, but I don’t hold that against you.”
“Thank you. I know it’s probably too soon, but where do we stand?”
“I honestly don’t know.”
“The last thing I want to do is rush you. I love you and I’ll wait for however long it takes. If you decide it’s over, and that you never want to see me again, I’ll abide by your wishes.”
“I’ll call you soon. I promise I won’t make you wait too long.” The thought of never seeing him again hurt too much—she wanted to see him right then and there—but could she trust herself? He said he wasn’t manipulating her mind, but what if he was sending out vampire vibes he couldn’t control? If that was the case, then wouldn’t separation cause it to fade? Nothing had faded so far. If anything, she wanted him more. So what did that mean?
Was she really considering dating a vampire?
Chapter 17
“I think I hate the Super Bowl,” Ashley said as she placed the beers on the tray.
Standing behind the bar, John smiled and decided to tease her. “Are they treating you bad? Do I need to bounce someone out of here?”
“That’s not it.” She glanced at the crowd.
And it was a good crowd, one that John was grateful for. It helped get his mind off Sarah.
Ashley turned back to John. “With the same customers all night, I don’t anticipate a lot of tips.”
“They might surprise you.” Sure, he could send a suggestion so the customers all left hefty tips, but he knew he wouldn’t have to. Everyone loved Ashley.
“We’ll see.” She picked up the tray and left to deliver the order.
His phone vibrated and he pulled it out. Sarah. His heart skipped a beat. It’d been nearly fifteen hours since they last talked. That couldn’t have been enough time to make a decision, unless she’d decided to end it. His mood nose-dived as he answered the phone.
“Hi, John.” Her voice sounded upbeat. “How’s your back?”
He still couldn’t believe he’d fallen out the window. Talk about graceful. “Good as new. Do you have more questions?”
“Are you busy?”
She acted as if nothing had happened. Dare he hope? “I can’t leave, but I can talk. What’s up?”
“I want to give us a try. I was going to invite you over, but since you’re busy, is it okay if I come there?”
His smile couldn’t get any bigger. “You mean it, Sarah?”
“Yeah, I mean it. I miss you.”
No more than he missed her. His heart swelled. “You’re always welcome here. It’s kind of busy, so you might want to park in the back.”
She laughed. It sounded sweet to his ears. “I think I’ll avoid the alley for a while if it’s all the same to you. I’ll just park on the street and come in the front if that’s okay.”
He could kick himself for mentioning the alley. What was he thinking? “Anything you want. It’ll be great. Call me when you park and I’ll walk you over.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
He wished her a speedy but careful trip and hung up. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought she would come to a decision so fast. He’d make sure she wouldn’t regret it, either.
The crowd cheered and John glanced up at the TV. Someone had scored a touchdown. With the noise level on par with a jackhammer, the bar wasn’t the best place to talk, but he had promised Mike the night off. Well, the game wouldn’t last forever. Then he could take her upstairs. To an apartment that was currently a mess. Shit. He needed to clean it before she arrived. He headed for the stairs and made it to the door when he stopped. The bar, he couldn’t abandon it. Double-shit.
Ashley approached the kitchen window. Before she collected her order, John pulled her aside. “Can you watch the bar for a few minutes? I know I’m asking a lot, but something’s come up.”
Nodding, she said, “Sure, John. Don’t worry about it.”
He kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks, Ashley. I won’t forget this.”
Practically flying, he burst through the door and raced up the steps to his apartment. Sarah was coming!
* * * *
Sarah turned down the street and found an open spot a block from Wings. Her heart beat double time in anticipation. If she hadn’t slept the day away, this trip would have happened sooner.
After her conversation with John that morning, she still couldn’t sleep so she had watched a movie to relax. She’d relaxed, all right. Ten hours later, she had awakened on the loveseat, stiff and sore. It had taken a good soaking in the tub to loosen up. At least she had put the time to good use. She’d finally realized that it didn’t matter what John was, it only mattered who John was. And he was the sweetest and kindest person she’d ever known. She cared a great deal for him. It didn’t hurt that he could do all those cool things, too.
With the car parked, she got out, and took one last look at her reflect
ion in the window. She hadn’t planned on going out and looked bulky with her sweater and jacket. With any luck, she wouldn’t have them on for long. She hit the lock button on her fob a few times.
Oh crap. John had wanted her to call. What the hell was she thinking? She wasn’t, that’s what. She rummaged inside her purse for her cellphone when an arm came around her neck. Memories of her attack flashed and she tensed.
“Hold still and be quiet and you won’t get hurt,” the man said, the scent of apple strong on his breath.
No, no, not again. Was she jinxed or something? She squirmed to get free, but he tightened his grip, nearly cutting off her airway.
“Listen, I have a knife and I’m not afraid to use it.”
A knife? She stopped struggling. Her skin tingled with fear and her heart tried to climb up her throat. “Take my purse. Take my car. Please, just let me go.”
“I want you to get in your car. If you try to run, you better make damn sure you can get away, because you won’t like it if I catch you. Do you understand?”
She looked down the street. Many cars were parked along the road, but there wasn’t one person in sight. Even Wings seemed a mile away. She’d never make it. “Yes.”
“Good. Now give me your keys and get in.”
“If you want my car, just take it.”
His lips brushed against her ear. Goosebumps broke out all over her skin.
“I don’t want your stupid car, I want you. Now give me the damn keys.”
His voice. He sounded familiar, but from where? With shaky hands, she found the keys inside her purse and held them out. He reached for them and she opened her hand. They landed on the ground with a jingle.
“Very funny.” He unhooked his arm from around her neck, but grabbed onto her hair, pulling her head back. “Now pick them up and give them to me.”
She hadn’t meant to be funny, she just didn’t want to touch him. As she bent over, he let up on her hair so she could pick up the keys. He plucked them from her fingers and pushed her into the car. Sarah headed for the passenger door, but he seized her by the shoulder. “You’re driving.”
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