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He leaned over to kiss my forehead before standing. “I don’t need a response, my sweet. I assure you that I will be here for you during this entire journey, as your…companion. Whether you realize it or not, that’s what you need right now. Afterwards, if you still want to explore a relationship with me, I will be more than willing.”
Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe I’d just been dumped.
I couldn’t sleep for more than a few minutes here and there, so I decided to get out of bed and freshen up. Afterwards, I climbed the stairs and tried opening the door but the magical padlock was still in place. I sat down on the top step to wait it out. Vance and Leo found me a while later just as the door had opened.
Michaela stood in the doorway. “Mornin’.” She stepped aside, allowing me to cross the threshold. Leo was right behind me but she held up her hand. “You might not want to do that, Mr. Markos. You see, our abbey isn’t protected for…your kind. There are large windows and skylights throughout the main house. I’m afraid you’ll have to stay down here until nightfall.”
Vance shouldered past him and joined me. “Tough luck, Vampire.”
Our eyes met. I think Leo was silently asking me to stay but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I needed a chance to breathe, to get away from both men, and I couldn’t do that being holed up with him downstairs. He nodded as if he understood me. “No trouble whatsoever.”
Vance smiled. “I’m starving. Is there someplace we can get breakfast?”
Michaela nodded. “Yes, you two can follow me to the dining room. We have an assortment of goods.”
“Lead the way,” Vance said.
Despite wanting time to myself, I felt guilty about leaving Leo alone. “I’ll find you guys. Give me a minute, okay?”
Vance scowled. “Yeah, sure.”
I descended the stairs to join Leo. “Are you sure you’re okay down here?”
“I’m fine, my love. Don’t worry about me. Enjoy the grounds, take some time for yourself. I’ll see you after the sun sets.”
“Would you like some food? I can bring something down.”
“I appreciate the offer, but no.” He kissed me on the forehead. “Enjoy your day.”
I bit my lip. “Okay.”
Despite our earlier encounter, the witches were actually quite hospitable. They offered us delicious food and allowed us to walk the grounds freely. With the exception of meal times, I roamed around on my own. Vance tried to join me at first, but I shut him down pretty quickly. He was a bit thrown off since I wasn’t normally such a loner, but I convinced him that I just needed time to think.
I spent some time walking through the abbey gardens viewing hundreds of different flowers, all blooming with color. After that, I made my way over to the greenhouse and helped the women pick some fresh herbs for dinner that evening. Later in the day, I wandered over to the west end of the main house and found a miniature cathedral. The exterior was made of gray limestone with gorgeous rose windows on each tower. Celtic crosses topped each pointed arch and angels stood in place of gargoyles. The architecture was Neo-Gothic but it certainly had a feminine spin to it.
I really needed to rest my feet so I stepped through the large wooden door and took a seat in one of the pews. The contrast between the interior and exterior was striking. This was unlike anything I’d ever seen inside a church. The walls were pale yellow sandstone engraved with delicately shaped birds and flowers. Marble pillars in shades of green, rose, black, and gray supported the ribbed vaulting that lined the ceiling. On the floor, stained maple pews with burgundy benches took up most of the space and towards the front, an altar stood on a platform beneath the largest window. I wasn’t normally a religious person, but the serenity this place offered made me consider becoming one. It was absolutely breathtaking and definitely my favorite part of the abbey.
I could see the sun setting through the window as Vance stepped inside. “Hey, I saw you come in here. Do you mind?”
I patted the seat beside me. “Come on in.”
“What’s going on with you? Are you nervous?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Not entirely untrue. “I’ve just had a lot on my mind.” Much more accurate.
He sat next to me and placed his arm around my shoulders. “Everything will work out. God, I can’t wait to get you there. It’s so beautiful, Karli. And peaceful. I know you’ll love it.”
I turned towards him and was stunned by the beauty of his smile. I couldn’t help but return it. “You’re really excited about this, aren’t you?”
His grin grew wider. “I really am. Is that weird?”
“Not at all. It’s cute.”
He nudged me with his shoulder. “I was hoping for unbelievably sexy. I’d also accept irresistible.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re a piece of work.”
He laughed. “Ah, but you love me anyway.”
