Page 21 of Into The Light

“Why? What were you thinking about?” He tipped his head, a curious expression accompanying it.

“What? Nothing,” I lied. Heat flushed my cheeks.

A smile.

There. His lips curled slightly at the corners. His eyes joined them in the gesture. My heart squeezed in my chest.

“You were thinking about something you don’t want me to know about. What was it?” he asked, a sparkle flashing in his eye.

You naked.

“Nothing. Really. I was just curious about some... things.”

“Mmmhmm.” He laced his fingers together and set them on his lap, his eyes searching mine for an answer. The heat in my cheeks traveled to my chest. I cursed the splotches that started to form. A trait I had inherited from my mother. Anytime I felt stressed I broke out in a very glamorous speckled rash across my chest.

His eyes fell to it. It embarrassed me more and deepened the color.

“Are you all right?” he asked as he looked me over.

Shifting uncomfortably beside him I tried to brush my hair forward to cover it.

“Where is my wine?” I fumbled with my dress and diverted my eyes from his curious gaze. He made me feel like a bizarre animal at the zoo.

“I’ve got bubbly!” Mark shouted, entering the room holding a bottle of champagne and two long-stemmed glasses.

“Oh, thank God.” The words slipped out of my mouth and I jumped up to meet him. I practically ripped the glass from his hand.

He looked at me, his confused expression questioning my antics. His next glance went to Aiden. I swear he scolded him with his eyes. Aiden returned his look with a shrug and his gaze wandered away.

Their silent exchange complete, and my embarrassment at epic levels, I eyeballed the bottle. Mark caught my eyes pleading with the champagne to uncork itself and fill up my glass. Hell, I wanted to break the neck and drink straight from the bottle.

“Step back,” he said with a smile. His fingers slipped to the bottom of the cork and pushed. We both cringed waiting for the familiar pop that meant backup was on its way. Unlike us, Aiden sat unconcerned that the cork might break loose and take out an eye

I bet he can’t be hurt by flying corks. Another vampire trait I must confirm.

Pop. The cork shot out and flew toward the ceiling. The height of the vaulted ceiling forced it to fall back before contacting it. Bubbles exploded out the neck and rushed down, making a small pool on the tile floor.

Mark glanced over at Aiden who gave the liquid on the floor a look before moving it up to Mark.

“Don’t give me that look. I’ll clean it up,” he challenged right back. Aiden crossed his arms and sat back. Mark certainly knew how to handle him. Noted.

He filled up our glasses and raised his in the air.

“Here’s to a wonderful, profitable, fabulous five years together. All of us.”

I raised my glass to meet his and followed his gaze to Aiden. He tipped his chin in a nod as we clinked glasses. I downed that champagne like I might never get another drop.

“Atta girl!” Mark filled my glass again. This time I only slammed half.

“I swear I’m not an alcoholic,” I said, licking the bubbles from my lips. “It’s just been a strange few days.”

“No judgement here, sweetheart. Isn’t that right, Aiden?”

“None at all. Do whatever makes you happy.”

Whatever makes me happy? This was starting to feel like an all-expense paid vacation to paradise. No bills. Anything I want to eat. A huge pool. No mortgage.

Wait. My mortgage!