Tammy shook her head. “No, thank you.” She looked down at her blue dress, the one she had brought for her first visit to Ashville manor. It now looked old and dated. It looked nothing like the dresses hanging up. Tammy didn't care, it was the only thing in this room that she had paid for. Was this what her marriage was going to be like? Was she going to feel like this forever?
“Tammy,” Dante sighed, sitting down next to her. “What is wrong?”
Tammy's hands flew in the air and circled around the room. “This!” She let out a deep breath. “This is just a little too much. I wasn't expecting this and besides, I brought my own things with me. So, this wasn't really necessary.”
“Oh my dear Tammy” Dante smiled, he reached out and pulled Tammy towards him. His cheek rested on the top of her head and inhaled her wonderful scent. The scent that had drawn him originally to her. “This was something my mother came up with. There are times we will need these clothes, there will be dinners and fancy parties.”
“Fancy parties on our honeymoon?” The idea made her flinch... didn't he want to spend time alone with her? The fear flowed through her, she was beginning to wonder whether she had done the right thing in marrying him.
“Tammy,” Dante softly said, her eyes slowly moved in his direction. Once again the love he had for her was plastered all over his face. She had to stop doubting him, she had to stop doubting them. All the emotions from today had just gotten the better of her, plus she had no idea where she was.
“Come” Dante said, raising from his feet and holding out his hand. “Lets go and get you something to eat. Then we can explore the ship..” He gave a wicked wick. “We have our own private pool...” Some how Tammy felt something explode inside her and her cheeks flushed. Dante gave a little laugh and led her out of the dressing room.
They had shared their first meal of the their honeymoon on there own private terrence on the ship. Tammy looked out to the sea which was lit up in the moon light. She still felt out of sorts, a cruise, a wardrobe filled with clothes and a fancy meal of champagne and sea-bass. Now she was living the high life. Money.. Money.. Money. She prayed that she wouldn't become like Jenna, not that she thought badly of her. She just didn't want anyone to think she'd married Dante to be rich and be taken away from her poor upbringing.
She swirled the last mouth full of champagne in the glass and took in a lung full of the fresh sea air. She felt Dante's arm wrap around her waist and they both stared out to sea.
“I really must tell you something,” Dante quietly said against her hair. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. How? How could he tell her now on their first night as Mr and Mrs Renaldo? However, he just didn't want to keep secrets. Maybe his father could live with telling his mother a fairy tale, but what if, and that was a big if, him and Tammy weren't lucky. Why was he even thinking about this tonight.
Tammy slowly turned round in his arms and looked up at him. He slowly opened his eyes and took in her tiny beautiful face. Her big eyes staring up at him. “Yes” she hesitated.
“We should try out the pool” he lied, he quickly moved away and began removing his clothes.
Tammy narrowed her eyes. “I should really go and get my swimsuit.”
He stopped in his tracks and kicked off his shoes. Tammy watched as an evil grin spread across his face. “We don't need to them” his
hands quickly got to work on his trousers and they fell to his feet. Tammy gasped and turned the other way. “Oh Tammy!” Dante laughed. “We are married, a little skinny dipping in our private pool is actually allowed.”
Tammy downed the rest of her champagne and placed the glass down. She heard a splash and Dante was in the pool. Her heart was beating fast, she looked over her shoulder, he was a wonderful sight. His strong body controlling the water, the moonlight lighting down on his porcelain skin. Why was she being such a prune about this? He was right, they were married. Tammy bit down on her lip as she thought about the possibilities of tonight. This was what she had been looking froward to for months.
“Turn around” she yelled, Dante held up his hands and did what he was told. She reached for her zip with shaking hands. She was feeling every emotion possible-- Nervous,anticipation, excitement, fear and most of all love. She slid the dress down her body and stepped out of it, she removed her underwear and walked over to the pool. Her whole body trembling as she made her way down the stairs and into the warm water.
Dante turned to face his wife and swam over. She looked scared, his arms embraced her, her bare skin next to his felt amazing. “See” he said softly. “That wasn't difficult.” His lips brushed against her bare shoulder. “You are beautiful and love you so much.”
Their eyes locked and Dante felt his heart skip a beat. In that second he knew he couldn't tell her, he wanted to protect her and make her happy. Telling her the full curse would led to unnecessary panic and now he understood exactly why his mother didn't know.
Tonight was the start of his whole new life with Tammy.
Chapter four
Tammy woke up startled, had it all been a dream. Her eyes wondered over to Dante who was still sleeping, the blanket draped over his bottom half and his perfect chest on full display. His dark hair curled around his perfect sculptured face.
No, last night had not been a dream. She wished she could lay for a little longer and watch him sleep. Her bladder had different thoughts. She crept out of the bed and grabbed a dressing gown from the back of the door as she entered the bathroom.
She dealt with her problem quickly and stopped to look at herself in the mirror – she didn't look any different, except her face was slightly flushed.. her lips still tingled and her body felt relaxed and indulged. She was a woman now... A married woman.
Once the pain had exploded, pleasure had taken over. She closed her eyes and remembered every tiny detail. His soft touch and how her own body had shivered beneath him. Nothing would ever compare to this and waiting had made the whole thing mind blowing.
Life was wonderful and she doubted that it couldn't get any better. She held her finger up, just like Claudia she had that pin prick scar. She was now his life force and he was the one that took her to new heights.
She laughed to herself as she thought about the day she was forced to go live with them, she thought about their first stolen kiss, the day she learnt their secret and the day he dropped on one knee and proposed. Everything had led to this moment and whatever happened now her perfect, dark and dangerous husband would be with her.
She walked back into the bedroom and Dante was now sitting up in bed with his hands behind his head. He looked rather pleased with himself and he couldn't stop smiling. Tammy felt exactly the same, she quickly raced over and got in beside him.
“Hey” he smiled.
“Hey” she huskily replied. The pair just stared at each other, both replaying last night in their minds. Tammy could feel her cheeks turning bright red. Finally, her own curse was broken and it had been worth the wait. “So?”
Dante shifted towards Tammy and pulled her on his lap. “Why are you acting coy with me, Mrs Renaldo?” He placed a strand of her brown hair behind her ear. “Are we having regrets about last night?”
Tammy leaned back and her face fell. “How can you say that?” Her voice full or pain, she actually thought she was going to burst into tears. “Is that how you feel?”
Dante's hand clasped the sides of Tammy's face and he kissed her forehead. “No!” He firmly replied. “Last night was the most amazing night of my life” he pulled her tight against his chest. “I have never felt this happy before. It's as if you are the final piece of my jigsaw and now I finally feel complete.”
Tammy's heart melted at his words, she most definitely felt the same. She had never expected to feel this good in her life. Okay, the money was still an issue and if she was truthful, it always would be. On the plus side, she knew she loved Dante body,heart and soul. Nothing could bring her down from this natural high, life had never bee
n this good.
***
The morning had been blissful, not moving from the bed. It was a shame they finally had to move, Dante could of spent the whole 14 days doing nothing else but Tammy. Never before had he even thought sex could be that good, being in love and waiting had a certainly made the difference. Nothing could ever compare to Tammy.
Dante escorted Tammy to the Ship's 'fine' dinning hall, tonight everyone on the ship was welcoming the heir of the company. A massive banquet was being served, with champagne and a jazz band. Dante chuckled to himself, he had a funny idea his mother had been behind it. Although, his father insured him his mother never interfered with business-- Yeah, who was he trying to kid!
After a lot of debating Tammy finally decided to wear a ball-gown from the dressing room. He didn't understand why she hated it so much. Surely every woman dreamed of having their personal dressing up room with no expense. Then again, Tammy wasn't like other women, she was one of a kind. A one of a kind that was perfectly suited to him.
The room looked like something out of the Titanic, never ever in her life had she seen anything this grand. Not that she had actually paid much attention to the film, but by imagination this is how she imagined it.
Tammy stopped in her tracks. “Dante” she sighed, her eyes whipping over all the people. Not one person did they know, they were all holiday makers. Great, now who is getting snobby! Tammy cringed, she felt bad even thinking that – 'The Jenna attitude was wearing off'. No, it wasn't that, her eyes glazed over Dante's form. He looked perfect in his tux, she just didn't want to share him. The whole day had been lush laid up with him. Her skin still tingled, she now chuckled- Was she becoming an addict? Well, she was only addicted to Dante.
“You're blushing” he cooed, his eyes flicking across the room. “Believe me, I don't want to be here either.” His arm whipped round Tammy's waist, slowly their faces met. He could tell Tammy was panting already, slowly a smile curled his lips. “Please... Stop!” Their lips only inches apart, Dante lifted a finger and traced Tammy's cheek, he could smell her in-luring breath, the heat from her body, the scent of her blood flowing through her veins.
“Kiss me” she begged, her eyelashes fluttering, her chest soaking in every breath. She watched him raise an eyebrow and look away. Then slowly turned back towards her, that side smile, those eyes dark with need. Before he even answered, her lips landed on his. Their tongues exploring each others mouths. Her fingers locked in his hair. His digging into her waist. She wanted to explode, somehow he had managed to release an animal in her.
She backed away slowly, not only from her thought but also from her behaviour. She didn't know what had gotten into her, tonight she was all desire and no thought.
“Control yourself” he smirked.
“Well” boomed a loud voice, the pair turned to a man dressed in a navy suit and a sailors hat walking in their direction. “There is no doubting who's boy you are” the man chuckled holding out his hand for Dante to shake. “Welcome abroad, I'm the Captain of this mighty fine lady.”
“Please to meet you” he smile as he took his hand away. “I am Dante Renaldo and this,” his arm wrapping around Tammy's shoulder. “Is my wife Tammy.”
“Welcome, Tammy. Would you like to meet the rest of your crew?”
Dante turned to look at Tammy. “Go” she smiled, waving her hand. “I'm pretty sure I can find away to amuse myself.” At that moment a waiter walked past carrying a tray of champagne. “See.”
Dante's voice lowered. “Remember to eat and don't leave the party.” He quickly followed the Captain leaving Tammy looking around the massive banquet hall. The place was packed with people wearing dresses just like hers. At least she didn't feel out of place here, she slowly began to walk around.
Her first thing to do was grab a glass of Champagne. The bubbles popped on her tongue and it tasted divine. Okay, maybe having money wasn't as bad as she thought. She knew she couldn't live her whole life like this. Once in awhile would be okay to flash the cash.
The band sounded wonderful, she took a seat next to them and began to listen. They were playing 'witch craft', she remembered her father would listen to it and sing along. She wondered what everyone was doing back home. She had only been gone a day and was already missing her Gran. Then those words came into her head, 'be careful'. She still didn't understand exactly what that meant.
“Hi” said a voice, stopping Tammy's thought. Tammy's eyes looked up at the woman standing in front of her. “May I?” She pointed to the chair empty next to Tammy's, Tammy just nodded and she sat down. “Not really a big fan of these things” she said, flicking her long blonde hair.
Tammy was left silent just by the woman's beauty. She was absolutely perfect; blue eyes, blonde hair and perfect tanned skin. Her dress was a classic white 1920's style, she showed a little cleavage but not to much. Tammy instantly felt like the ugly duckling now.
“My name is Laura” the woman smiled politely. “And you would be..”
“Tammy” she coughed, finally finding her voice.
“Hello Tammy.. Have you been on a cruise ship before?”
“No, I am actually on my honeymoon” her cheeks slightly flushed as she thought about last night.
“Well, congratulations. Who is he?”
“Dante Renaldo” Tammy said very proudly as Laura's jaw dropped wide. Tammy narrowed her eyes at Laura's reaction. Once again she felt very awkward, of course people would be surprised. Tammy was a poor pale girl and Dante's family owned all of this.
“Tammy!” Said an abrupt voice. Tammy looked up and now Dante was standing over her, his face like thunder as he looked from one woman to the next. “Come!” He grabbed her by the elbow pulling her from the seat. He quickly marched her out of the hall.
Tammy was now surprised herself, why had he reacted like that. She sunk her heels in and stopped, Dante flying round to face her. “What was that about?”
“I don't want you talking to strangers.”
“I am not a child, if you hadn't noticed.” She yanked her arm out of Dante's grip. “I'm going back to the cabin, as it seems I some how manage to embarrass you.” She began walking, knowing full well Dante was following behind. She took in a deep breath, she would wait till it was safe to cry, she didn't want to make a scene. Her heart felt heavy, did he think the same as she thought about herself. Was he now showing his true colours?
As soon as she entered the cabin she collapsed on to the bed and burst out in tears. He had completely humiliated her in front of that woman. She was stupid to think she would ever fit into Dante's world. She would always be seen as the poor girl he had somehow rescued.
The words he once said to played in her head. 'Can't you just be grateful that my family have taken you away from your miserable life.' Did he still think like that? Had he not changed at all.
She felt the bed move as he took his place next to her side. “Tammy,” he sighed, reaching out for her but she moved, she didn't want him touching her.
“Go away, Dante” she sobbed. “I can't bare to me near you” her words being chocked out by her own tears.
“Tammy,” his voice soft, he felt rotten for showing her up like that. He had just panicked, he saw her talking to a stranger and got paranoid. He knew how she felt about her self and money. He could only imagine what terrible things she was thinking. Once again he had messed up just like he did on their wedding day. She didn't bother to look at him and Dante could feel his temper raising. This was really not the time to lose control.
“Tammy” he called out louder. “You need to look and listen to me.”
Tammy sat up and wiped the tears off her face. She was pretty sure nothing he could say would stop her from hurting. She knew what she was and where she came from. Of course, he wouldn't want her mixing with the others. Marriage didn't mean anything, it couldn't change you, just your name. After all just like Shakespeare said 'what is in a name?” Tammy was beginning to feel mortified, after everythin
g her Grandmother had said to her, she had failed.
“This is not about you” Dante exhaled, his hand running through his hair. This was it, he had to tell her. There was no way he could carry on knowing how she felt. He placed his hands over his face, the brutal truth was coming, everything she knew about the cruse was a lie...
A made up fairy tail lie... he was a vampire because that was what he was. They were coming for him and her... They were watching and waiting.... For their daughter if they were ever to have one. As far as the others were concerned it was pay back time.
Tammy turned her nose up at him. “Then what is this about?”
He slowly removed his hands from his face and his eyes looked over at Tammy. Her little face stained with her own tears. “The curse” he hissed. Tammy's face was now blank and he had her full attention. “You see,” He paused and swallowed hard, a lump now in his own throat. “I lied to you, Tammy. The men in my family have and always will be vampires. We just adapted our ways to feed during time.” She hadn't moved, she was still listening.
“But your grandfather the witch hunting?” Her voice weak, she was stunned. Was nothing he told her true? Had she been pushed into this under false pretences? No, he loved her, didn't he?