Tammy bit down on her lip as she processed Jenna's words. Then she remembered how she felt the night she had come to live with them. She had thought it was odd and not normal. That didn't really matter now and it didn't really matter what others thought either. She knew why she was here... Dante. Her stomach flipped just by thinking of him. She loved him... Too much... Way too soon, but she didn't care. Like he had said it was fate, they were drawn to each other and she couldn't think of living without him.
“Please, Jenna” Tammy sighed, turning to her best friend. “Just be happy for me. I have met and fallen in love with a beautiful wonderful man. I guess things change when you meet the right person.”
“So, they didn't kidnap you?”
“No!” Tammy laughed. She started to play with a strand of her hair that had fallen from her ponytail. “I love him,” she blushed again, feeling her eyes go dreamy and her heart beating fast. “Really love him.”
Jenna shrugged. “Fine! I will go back and tell the raging villagers there is no drama and to put the pitchforks away.”
Tammy rolled her eyes at her friend's sarcastic joke, which she didn't even remotely find funny. Maybe she should have a word with Dante, maybe she should go back to work and try and gain some normality to her life, just to stop people from talking. After all, it was very unlike Tammy to just walk away from things. She didn't want to bring any bother to their families. Yes, she would talk to Dante. Plus, she loved her job and at least she wouldn't feel such like a parasite living off them, which she had done for the last week.
***
“This isn't good” Sir Renaldo snarled. “People are beginning to ask questions and we don't need this attention.”
“What attention?” Dante said, watching as his father paced up and down the living room. Really, sometimes he could get paranoid. “Her friend was obviously worried about her. After all, she did have a life before us!”
“That is exactly what I said” his mother added from the corner, looking up from her book. “Leave the poor girl alone, Howard.”
Dante watched as his father finally stopped moving, thank god! He thought his father was going to wear out the carpet. He knew what was coming next, the same argument from breakfast. He had been waiting for it.
“But she hasn't signed the contract!”
Dante rolled his eyes, there it was! Dante stood up from the chair and shook his head. “I told you I am not making her sign it. I want a different sort of relationship.”
“Meaning?” His mother looked curious.
“Meaning... I want a normal engagement, a normal wedding and a normal life.”
“There is no such thing as normal to us!” His father huffed. “Things are happening to you that I can't even explain.” His father sat down and rubbed his brow. “This tradition has worked for hundreds of years, why change something if it isn't broken.”
Dante felt his fist clench. “Because I don't want this,” he yelled, his temper finally winning through. “I don't want Tammy to be seen as my donor or a baby carrier. I want more from my life.” Dante swallowed hard, he knew his father was really going to kick off with what he was about to say next. “I am going to avoid my thirst if it kicks in.”
His father's head whipped round to him. “What?” He growled. “Why can't you just accept it, Dante?”
“Because I don't want to. That's it, enough!” With that, he left the room fuming. Why did he have to go along with this stupid tradition just to break some stupid curse? Why couldn't he choose his own path without any of this superstitious stuff following him around? He went in search for Tammy.
He couldn't wait to get away for a couple of days without the mention of blood, vampires or contracts. While they were away he was going to make sure Tammy got to know the real him. She needed too, because he wasn't sure what was going to happen once he started to ignore his thirst.
“Your mother actually said yes?” Tammy started jumping on the spot in excitement. She was finally going to leave Ashville, something she had never believed would happen in her life. She ran over and flung her arms around Dante's neck. “Really?” She asked again, feeling this was too good to be true.
“We leave tomorrow,” he pressed his lips to Tammy's forehead.
“Wow,” she really couldn't believe it. “You know” Tammy laughed, stepping back a little. “I have never been out of Ashville before!”
“Really?” Dante looked astonished, then it clicked, she probably had never been able to afford it. Dante felt a little sorry for her, he had been brought up with holidays, big house and anything he wanted. Tammy was new to everything. “Then we are going to do everything,” he winked. “Tower of London, The London Eye, Madame Tussands and a good old shop in Harrods!”
The smile dropped from Tammy's face and her thoughts were back to her being a parasite again. Maybe now would be a good time to have that chat she wanted. “I was thinking” she started to awkwardly move from foot to foot. “Maybe I should go back to work.”
Dante tilted his head to the side. “Why?” Was she getting bored with spending so much time with him? He hoped not, a wave of disappointment washed over him. Or maybe she was changing her mind about everything
“I just don't want to live off you and your parents,” she gave a slight embarrassed smile.
“Oh,” he nodded. “I see...” he tilted his head to one side and then another. It was normal for the men of the family to provide and give everything. She was obviously feeling weird with the set up. What would his father think? Dante shook his head, like his father had any say in this. “Fine,” he agreed.
Tammy gave a shocked look, she was sure he was going to protest a little. Wow, how he had changed in just a few days. Was he no longer the over bearing control freak. “Really? You would be fine with that?” Still stunned by his reaction.
Dante grabbed both of Tammy's hands tight. He loved the way her tiny doll hands got lost in his. If they were going to have a 'normal' relationship, then they had to do things right. She wanted to work and he didn't want to stop her. From now on they were making up their own rules and no one had a say in anything.
Chapter Nine
Tammy couldn't believe her eyes the penthouse was amazing, open plan living area that connected to a modern kitchen. All black marble surfaces and silver electrical appliances and accessories. Two bedrooms; the main, with a king size leather bed with black silk quilt and cushions. The second was obviously designed for Dante, a single pine bed, blue quilt, blue walls and carpet. It was the views that took Tammy's breath away, when you stood on the balcony you got a birds-eye view of the whole City of London.
She had to keep pinching herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. It felt unreal to be out and away from Ashville. She was that overwhelmed she even thought she may cry. God, life is good!
“I'm taking you out tonight” Dante's voice finally took her eyes away from the view. He was standing, leaning against the door leading back into the penthouse. His hair all smoothed back, blue jeans and that light blue shirt that made every feature of his beautiful sculptured face come alive. Tammy made a mental note that his favourite colour was most probably blue.
“Where?” Tammy smiled at him.
“Somewhere fancy,” he smiled back at her. She looked happy and in love with life. She was such an easy person to please... He felt bad for thinking she was ungrateful she wasn't. He watched as her face fell and his lips twitched. “Um mm, if you need something to wear my mother has a few things in her closet.”
“I am a midget compared to her” Tammy tutted, it was a nice thought, but not an offer she could accept. Well, at least she brought her blue dress, the only half decent thing she owned.
“Look, I'll make a call” Dante quickly added, he pulled out his phone from his pocket.
“You'll... Make... A. Call?” Tammy laughed, now he was standing like a middle aged business man.
Dante rolled his eyes. He could tell she was mocking him. “My mother has a personal s
hopper. I will explain and they can bring you some dresses.”
Tammy shook her head that was really not necessary. “You're flashing the cash again!”
With a few long steps Dante was next to Tammy, he placed his finger against her lips to stop her from carrying on with her whining. “You don't get a say” he smiled. “Hi,” he walked back inside talking into the phone.
Tammy turned back round to stare at the view a little longer. Even though she didn't want him to do that a little smile came to her lips. He really did love and care about her... But was she enough for him? She couldn't spoil him with fancy trips or fancy clothes. A pang of sadness flooded through her... What exactly did he see in her?
Tammy turned left and then she turned right, was that actually her reflection in the mirror?
The personal shopper had turned up with a hairdresser and make-up artist. Dante has really gone to town with this.
Her long brown hair had been piled up on her head with a few loose strains curling down the side of her face. Her make-up gave the illusion her skin was flawless and her big eyes covered in smoky eye shadow and dark eyeliner. She had decided on a light blue halter neck dress, with a split going up the leg and heels, which gave her height for the first time in her life.
The butterflies started going crazy in the pit of her stomach, what if Dante didn't approve? What if he thought she looked an utter mess? Tammy closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. There was no point hanging round in the bedroom all night. She had to face him. Otherwise he would be banging on that door at any moment.
“You can do it,” she said to herself, she picked up the blue clutch bag and headed into the living area.
She stopped in her tracks the minute her eyes laid on Dante. “Wow,” she said out loud. Dante gave her that smug smile. “You scrub up well,” she teased. He truly looked every inch of her perfect dark and dangerous stranger. He wore a black suit and white crisp shirt, his thick dark hair all roughed up and his dark eyes burning into her.
“You look amazing, Tammy” he sighed as he made his way towards her. He took her hand and brought it up to his lips. “I will be keeping a very close eye on you tonight,” he placed a kiss on her hand. Tammy felt that electric current shoot through her body. “Come!” He ordered, pulling her along with him.
Tammy gave a little laugh. She loved when he did that. His tone all authorizing and masculine. Him wearing that suit was doing things to her she didn't understand. All she wanted him to do was kiss her and never let his lips move from hers.
The grip of his hand tightened as they walked towards the elevator. While waiting for it to come he couldn't help but look at her. She looked grown-up and unbelievably sexy. He could feel the heat spreading over his body. She was staring into space, lost in her daydream. Everything about this probably felt like a dream to her. Dante was just pleased to be away from his father and all the other rubbish he had to deal with.
The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside, the second the doors closed Dante could feel the static energy emerge between them. Tammy's floral scent took over the whole confide space and his mouth went dry. A pain ripped through his throat as if he hadn't drank anything in months.
He closed his eyes and took in a deep breath, unaware what was happening to him. How could she make his body react in this manner? This was a completely new feeling towards her and he couldn't make out what it meant. Okay, so when it came down to the ladies he wasn't a complete stranger or virgin. Never in his life had someone had this reaction on him.
He slowly opened his eyes and Tammy was staring at him. He couldn't afford to tell her about what he'd just felt. This was all new to her. He didn't want to wreck their trip. Especially her first trip out of Ashville. The elevator pinged and the doors opened, he stepped out his hand still gripping hold of Tammy's.
“I hope you will enjoy yourself,” he firmly said, still trying to regain himself.
“I will enjoy anything if you are there with me” her voice slightly husky.
Dante whipped his head round at her and a slight smile danced upon his lips. He had been so consumed with himself in the elevator, he hadn't regarded Tammy. Had she had her own physical torture in that confide space? He hoped so, as it meant they were on the same page. He pushed what had happened to the back of his mind, nothing about tonight was about him. This was all for her....
As they made their walk through the restaurant, Tammy couldn't help but notice all the women stare at Dante as he walked by. Some would lean over and say something to their friends. A few gave Tammy the evil glare, but she decided to play smug. She had nothing to worry about. Dante only had eyes for her. They were escorted to a table and Dante pulled the chair out for her. She sat down and started looking around.
He was right the place was fancy; chandeliers hanging everywhere, candles lit on the tables. She touched the tablecloth-- was that silk? A small violin quartet playing quietly in the corner and all the waiters dressed in dinner suits. Then her eyes diverted to the place setting, how many knives, forks and spoons??? She was lost and way out of her depth, she didn't know a thing about fine dining.
“Don't worry” Dante smiled, watching how for the last few minutes, Tammy had done nothing but look at her place setting. “You just start from the outside and work your way in.”
“You must be embarrassed” Tammy sighed, “I must stick out like such a sore thumb. Did you notice how many people watched your grand entrance?” Tammy paused and looked back down at her hands. “They must think you're doing some charity work-- Out reach program for peasants.”
Dante's jaw locked tight and he smacked his hand down on the table, trying to avoid others from looking over. Tammy immediately looked up at him, his face full of anger. At least she hadn't softened him up too much. She sort of liked the man she had originally met.
“Now,” he raised an eyebrow, his voice low and growling. “No future wife of mine is going to refer to herself as a peasant. After all, I bet you didn't see how the men reacted to your entrance.”
Tammy rolled her eyes. “Don't be stupid, no one has ever looked at me except you.”
“Then you are blind... Do you know how beautiful and sexy you look right now? If I didn't have morals and a promise to my mother, well...” His voice trailed off, he had to stop his thoughts in their tracks.
Tammy's eyes widened. “A promise to your mother.” Now she really was intrigued... Then it hit her, was he referring to sex? Surely not, like he even saw her like that. Although he did say she looked sexy, but he was probably just being kind, trying to make her feel more confident with herself.
Shit! Tammy could feel her breathing hard and her heart thumping in her chest. What if he did want to sleep with her? She had never slept with anyone before. She would be such a big disappointment. The fear began to fill her body-- Was this why he had brought her away? Try the goods before you buy, if that was the case, Tammy knew he would be looking for a refund.
“Champagne?” The waiter said, placing two glasses down on the table.
Tammy looked at the glass, this would be the second time in her life she drank alcohol, but she did remember Jenna and Rose say wine had helped them overcome their nerves the first time they did the dirty with their now husbands.
Tammy picked the glass up and downed the lot without even taking a breath. She placed the empty glass back down, the waiter looking at her stunned. “Another?” She just nodded and he poured another glass. “I will be back shortly to get your orders.”
“Hey,” Dante smiled, a little worried about her reaction to what he had just said. “You know I promised my mother we wouldn't do anything till we are married.”
A swirl of disappointment circled in the pit of her stomach. Now he didn't want her? Maybe he secretly knew she wouldn't be able to fulfil his needs. Once with a ring on her finger, he wouldn't be able to change his mind. Why was she getting all worried about sex?
Because she was a virgin and she wanted to please him. Also, in the
elevator she had felt this deep dark pain below and the electric coming off him had her head spinning. She had to stop this. This was going to get her into some serious trouble.
Dante handed her a menu. “Order... And stay with me please,” he joked. “I would love to know what you daydream about. However, I am not a mind reader.” He looked down at his menu and Tammy followed.
Wow! The prices were out of this world. Some things cost more than she earned in a month. Once again, she felt poor, she had to get past all the hatred she felt about money.
“What you having?” Dante asked his head now in his hands and his dark eyes focused on Tammy. She was beginning to behave slightly oddly. He hoped he hadn't offended her in any way.
Maybe it was the restaurant, all this was new to her and he had sort of dropped her into the deep end. He just wanted to treat her to the best and treat her like a princess. She was his princess, his dainty precious princess who deserved to see and taste the world. At least he owed her this much for everything she was giving up for him. Or what she was willing to give up before he decided against plan A.
Tammy looked up from her menu, it wasn't just the prices she had a problem with she couldn't read French either! It was no good, she was going have to confess, he was sure to laugh at her.
“I can't read it,” she cringed. Dante tilted his head to the side and his eyes widened. “What?” she huffed, knowing full well she wanted to burst out laughing.
“Have you decided?” The waiter had reappeared.
“Yes,” Dante's eyes moved off Tammy. “We will have two Steak Tartars and two Roast Sea-bass.” The waiter quickly wrote it down and went off again. Dante could feel Tammy's eyes burning into him. She had an amused look on her face, which intrigued him.
“You ordered two?” She quietly said, in case anyone was listening into their conversation. A few women still had their eyes firmly fixated on Dante.
“Yes and your point?”
“So, you do eat then?”
Dante threw back his head and laughed like Tammy had never seen him do before. Was she really that funny? “Oh Tammy,” he was now taking in deep breaths to try and control his laughter. “What... Did you think I only survived on blood? I am human as well.”