“Hi, Mom. Sorry I missed your calls. I was out horse riding.”
“Mia, I have been so worried.”
“You’re overreacting again, Mom.”
“Maybe!” Jess tried to sound cross but the relief was evident in her voice. “Are you having a nice time?”
She grinned. “Yeah, I am. It’s amazing.”
They continued to talk for another five minutes while Cain watched in amusement at how mothers could make their children feel loved, annoyed, and embarrassed, all at the same time. As Mia ended the call Cain walked over to her.
“Have you thought about the ranch? Will you accept my gift?”
“Yes, Cain, I will accept your gift,” Mia said with a huge grin on her face. How could she refuse this place? It was truly amazing.
He hugged her. “Thank you! I am happy you accepted.”
She giggled, “So am I,” and returned his hug.
“So what are you planning to do now? Will you still go to college?”
“Yes. I think I may take a business course, and then when Mr Bates starts teaching me about the day-to-day running of this place I won’t come across as a total idiot. Of course Mr and Mrs Bates can continue to run the place for as long as they want.”
“Wonderful. I think they will be relieved at that news. They like you, and had no idea who I was going to turn the place over to. Now I will go let everyone know.”
Cain called a meeting of all the staff to explain that Mia would be the new owner. Nothing would change; Mr and Mrs Bates would continue to run the ranch as normal, and everyone’s job was safe.
After the meeting, Mrs Bates served a light supper and left. Cain had pretended to eat while she was still there, but once she had left his plate of food went in the bin. Mia watched as he did this. Cain smiled at her.
“How about we celebrate? We have a good selection of wine. You could pick a movie. If you open up that cabinet next to the couch there are some DVDs in it.
Mia went over to the cabinet and was surprised at what she saw. “Are they all love stories?”
Cain smiled. “Probably. Helena was a hopeless romantic.”
Mia searched and found what she thought was the perfect movie. “Titanic?”
“I have not seen that movie in a long time. Yes, I will enjoy that.”
Mia set things up and made herself comfortable with her feet up on the couch. Cain returned from the cellar with two bottles of white wine. Perfect! By the end of the movie Mia was quite tipsy, and after crying over the death of Leonardo DiCaprio she fell asleep.
Cain carried her to her bed, and left her sleeping soundly, but once again she woke with a scream. Cain raced along to her room. She didn’t need to ask; he held her all night while she slept. The next morning she woke up in his arms.
He smiled down at her. “Do you want to talk about the nightmares?”
“No, no. I don’t want to talk about them.” They were always the same, and when she finally awoke, all she wanted to do was forget them. Her nightmares about Phil were worse than the reality of what he had done to her.
“Okay. I will leave you to get ready.” He felt helpless. If only she would talk about them maybe he could help.
After breakfast, Cain asked Mia if she would like to learn the basics of keeping the ranch making a profit. Mia agreed that it would be a good idea. Privately, she admitted she’d agree that anything was a good idea if it meant spending time with him. She’d never enjoyed anyone’s company as much as she did his. They spent the next two days going over the day-to-day running of the ranch, and before she knew it, it was time to leave. She was sad to go and wondered if he would disappear out of her life again.
Once the plane had landed, he walked her to her car.
Impulsively she said, “When will I see you next? Or are you going to disappear on me again?” She couldn’t help it; the thought of him not being there was disturbing, and somehow painful. This was maybe another reason for the nightmares. He was nowhere to be seen when she needed him. He would arrive too late and the monster had caught her.
“If you like, we could meet up every week?”
“I’d like that,” she said. Okay, you can stop smiling like a Cheshire cat now, she told herself, but in no way could she obey.
Chapter 32
They had been meeting every week for the past three months when Mia found herself with an unexpected long weekend free. She asked Cain if he’d like to spend it with her as they could then meet up every day. She longed to spend more time with him. He suggested they go away somewhere, just an overnight stay. Mia accepted the offer, perhaps too eagerly she thought. She didn’t want to seem too keen, but her body language and racing heart made that impossible. She wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.
Cain picked her up from work the next day. Her overnight bag was ready, along with a suitcase. Not knowing where Cain was taking her had meant she packed clothes for every possible activity from hiking in the wilderness to a night out on the town, including her new black dress with the delicate black sequins on the bodice. No matter how hard she tried, Cain would not give anything away. The night before they were due to leave he told her not to forget to bring some form of ID.
She was pretty excited. Was he taking her to the ranch? She couldn’t afford to take any chances though, so she packed for each and every eventuality. When he collected her from the shop she had changed into her favorite green camisole top, black trousers and black flat shoes. It was a warm day so she carried her sweater, just in case. A spark of electricity surged through her when she set eyes on him.
“You look lovely,” he purred.
“Thanks. Is this okay for where we’re going?” She was hoping he would now tell her exactly where they were heading. She didn’t know if she was excited, scared, or both; the not knowing was driving her crazy.
“It’s perfect.” Cain winked. “But you would look nice in a potato sack.”
She scrunched her eyebrows together. “Thanks, I think.”
“It was a compliment.”
Mia returned his smile and her cheeks flushed with pleasure. Her feelings were growing stronger for him each time she saw him. She could not help picturing him with his firm-fitting jersey off, lying on a beach with palm trees swaying in a gentle breeze.
At the airport Cain scanned the boarding lists. She tried to follow his gaze and work out where they were going, but it was no good because the list of possibilities was too long. When they finally arrived at the check-in desk, she let out a squeal. “Las Vegas? We’re going to Vegas?”
“Yes. Do you remember as a child how you wanted to see a show there? It was going to be number three on your list of places to visit.”
“I can’t believe you remembered that. Thank you, Cain.” Mia blushed as she thought about him, how he looked, how he treated her, how she was feeling about him. Her heart was pounding. Jeez! At this rate they’re not going to let me on the plane. My blood pressure must be through the roof! Breathe, girl, just breathe!
Cain watched as her cheeks turned pink, her heartbeat was louder and faster, and her breathing accelerated, but then a worry crease appeared on her forehead. “Is everything all right?”
“Oh, yes. I’m just excited, and a little worried about the flight,” she lied. She did not want to tell him she thought she was falling in love with him. Maybe she had always been in love with him, but never realized it. And these past few months had been simply wonderful. She was becoming more and more nervous and whenever she tried to make herself think about other things, she thought about her mother’s reaction when she got home. Yep, that did it. “To be honest though, I’m a little anxious about Mom, what she’ll say when I get home.”
“What did you tell her?”
“I was staying with an old school friend. I really don’t like lying to her, but I wouldn’t be here if I’d told her the truth.”
Cain grinned mischievously. “Well, that was not a complete lie. I am an old friend. Do not look
so worried. Your mother will be fine.” He squeezed her hand and she seemed to blush even more.
***
Outside the air terminal, they were greeted by a uniformed driver. He sorted their baggage and then whisked them off in a Rolls Royce. The ten minute drive took them directly to the majestic suites at the LV Grandiose Hotel on the Las Vegas strip. They arrived at their own private entrance and were taken by the chauffeur to the elevator and from there on up to their private suite.
The two-bedroom apartment felt way too big for just them. The atmosphere when Mia entered the private lobby on the top floor had instantly captivated her emotions; she barely heard anything that was said as they were introduced to their personal coordinator, who was to cater to their every whim. They were assured that there would be someone there twenty-four hours a day. Each coordinator only had two apartments to look after, so nothing would be too much trouble.
The suite was pure luxury. She had never encountered anything like it before. The smart décor of soft creams, whites, and browns gave the room a classy appearance. The two-storied floor-to-ceiling windows gave amazing views of Vegas. There was a control panel, which worked everything from the music and TV to the drapes and lighting. Mia thought she would never be able to work it; it looked so complex. The two master suites were on the second floor. And the matching spa bathrooms were extremely spacious. Mia imagined spending hours pampering herself in there.
Suddenly it all became a bit much for her and she was overcome with emotion.
Cain saw a tear slip down the left side of her face. “What’s wrong? If you don’t like it here, we can go somewhere else.” Concern etched his face.
“This place is so amazing, Cain. It must have cost a fortune. Have you been here before?”
“No, this is my first time in Vegas. I thought you would like it here. It looked nice in the brochure.” He was feeling confused. If she thought the place amazing why was she crying? “Why are you so upset?”
“You did this for me?” He nodded in agreement. “It’s all so overwhelming. I’ve never seen anything like it. I really don’t know what to say. I guess, thanks would be a good start.”
“You are most welcome.” He could not help the absolute delight that transformed his serious face.
Mia spent the better part of the next hour in the bathroom while Cain ordered her some food. When she came out to join him Cain was waiting for her. Her heart started hammering, and her breath became light and rapid. She nibbled the corner of her lip, waiting for his verdict. Time stretched and she couldn’t hold his gaze, painfully certain his silence meant he didn’t think she was up to the mark for these splendid surroundings.
He was transfixed by the vision in front of him. Mia was wearing a black dress and black high heels. She had arranged her hair up into loose waves and her makeup was flawless.
“You look absolutely beautiful.” He managed to compose himself.
Her gaze flew to his eyes and she saw quite clearly the effect she had on him. Her eyes were radiant and her heart did not slow when he leaned forward to kiss her cheek.
Chapter 33
After she had picked at the food she was eager to go and see the sights. It was dark outside, but the contrast of the black sky and the brightly lit ‘Strip’ only added to the magic of the evening.
As they blended with the crowd, Mia saw a group of people watching something. She started to make her way through the crowd to see what was going on.
Cain froze; he was hearing the familiar slow heartbeat of his kind. “Mia, come away! We have to leave now.”
Mia grabbed his hand; she was bouncing up and down with excitement. “Oh, my God, this is amazing. Cain, you have to come and see this.”
There was a man with his legs bent and his back at a ninety-degree angle. He looked like he was lying on a bed with his legs dangling over the bed’s side. Only there was no bed underneath his body, just air. He stayed like that for a few minutes, and then he lifted one leg off the ground. The crowd was gasping in amazement. Then the man stretched his hands down toward the ground. Both palms were still a few centimeters above the ground when he lifted his other leg up. A lot of people around Mia were laughing, but their laughter was from astonishment.
A few people were getting down on their knees to try and see what was holding him up.
The magician held that position for only a few seconds, but it seemed as if time was standing still. Then he smiled and somersaulted to his feet, the action so quick his movement barely registered. He stood up and walked over to a group of women outside a club on the opposite side of the street.
Mia held her breath. She stood there for a minute trying to make her mouth close. She barely registered the talking going on around her, people trying to get their heads around what they had just witnessed.
Cain pulled on her hand as she went to follow the magician. “We have to leave.”
Mia saw the look of concern on his face again. This was the second time today. “Why? What’s wrong?”
His head was tilted back slightly and his jaw was tense. “It’s not safe for you here.”
Mia shook her head at him and pulled her hand away. “I just want to see the street magician, Cain. He’s really good.”
Cain ran his fingers through his hair. Should he tell her what the magician was? Would it scare her or make her more curious? “All right, but stay well back and do not leave my side.”
Mia looked at him. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“I just want you to be safe. Come on, let’s go see him, but please stay at my side.”
They pushed their way through the throng to where the surrounding women were wide-eyed; some laughing and some almost shouting at the magician. “How did you do that?” and “That’s impossible!” could be heard from several people. Now, what have I missed? And Cain seems to think I’m still a child. But while he never ages, I do.
The magician asked one of the women for a coin. He took it, then asked her to put her initials in the middle, which she did with the black marker he provided. He then rolled it around the end of his finger once and slowly slid his finger through it. Then he turned and looked directly into Cain’s eyes. He stood statue still for what probably seemed like minutes, but in reality it was just a few seconds. He pulled his finger out and gave the woman back her coin, along with the center that had her initials on it.
Mia was mesmerized. When she turned to Cain he was glaring at the magician. A sudden thought went through her head. “He’s one of your kind, isn’t he?”
Cain could not take his eyes off the other vampire. “Yes, he is like me.” He relaxed a little when the vampire moved from view. “Where would you like to go now?”
But that wasn’t the question on Mia’s mind; was this guy nice like Cain, or was he evil? Would he know Cain was a vampire as well? I now have a herd of vampires around me, or do you call it a lair? “I want to get away from here, Cain. Can we go to a casino?”
He nodded and wrapped his hand tightly around hers, realizing it must have been a bit of a shock for her to find herself so close to another vampire. Just as they arrived at the casino across the way from their hotel, Cain froze again. Mia quickly looked around. She saw the magician, the other vampire, right behind them.
“Mia, I want you to go to the hotel. Right now. I will join you soon.”
She felt panic starting to set in. She still didn’t know much about vampires and what she should expect from such a meeting. Would Cain be in danger? “Come with me,” she begged him.
“I will not be long. Don’t worry about me. I will be all right.” He was not worried for himself, but he was for Mia; he could not allow anything to happen to her and did not want the other vampire anywhere near her.
The vampire was softly spoken. “I am not here to cause trouble,” he said, “and I would never hurt anyone. I just want to talk to you, if that’s okay?” Cain stood in front of Mia protectively. The man walked forward with his hand held out. “My
name is Alexander Slone.”
Cain glared at him, but Mia felt reassured by his voice, suddenly calm, and very curious. She walked around Cain’s protective bulk to introduce herself. “You’re British! My name’s Mia and this is Cain. He’s from England too.”
Cain could not believe she was about to shake his hand. How could I have done this, made her comfortable around my kind? “Mia, go to the hotel. Now!” he hissed.
She froze. She had not seen Cain look this angry since she had been held captive.
“Mia!” Cain shouted. She jumped. He closed his eyes. Scaring her was probably a good thing. “Go!”
“I’m not leaving you alone with him.” She felt for sure if she left, Cain and the other man would come to blows. “Please, don’t make me go.” Gut instinct told her Alexander was not a threat and Cain had told her most vampires did not harm humans, that he had made friends with many others through the years, but this sudden anger, this…? Was it jealousy? No, that’s a stupid thought. But….
Alexander looked at Mia. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ll leave.” He put his head down and turned around to walk away.
Mia saw the sorrow on Alexander’s face, had seen the deep sadness in his eyes. He looked like a child who had just been told his best friend was never coming back. “Cain, please, can’t we just talk with him?”
He took a breath, he wanted to insist she do as he asked, but seeing her expression he relented. Mia’s hand was on his arm, her eyes pleading with him. He had no real reason to believe Alexander was dangerous.
“Come up to our hotel room,” he said, “but I am warning you, if you try anything, I will kill you.”
He noticed the various expressions flit across Mia’s face, compassion vying with uncertainty and a trace of anxiety. He was furious with the vampire for spoiling her day. She had spent hours preparing herself for this evening with him but now his plans to make it special were in tatters. Why was she so concerned about this handsome young stranger? He covered her hand with his, and put an arm protectively around her shoulder. “Everything will be all right. I will not leave you alone, and I will not harm him, unless he steps out of line.”