“Yes ma’am. This is Gabriella Carmichael over at Gates and Summers. And I….”

  “Gabriella Carmichael?” She asked, cutting me off.

  “Yes…?” I said, not sure why my name was so important to her.

  “Hold, please.” Without giving me a moment to object, I heard the soft click and the sound of the hold music. I wasn’t on hold for more than thirty seconds when the line clicked back on.

  “Gaby?” My stomach clenched at the warm, velvety sound of his voice. I froze. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. “Gaby, I know you’re there.”

  I exhaled the breath I didn’t even know I had been holding, and put on my best professional mask hoping it would hide the unease I felt. “Mr. Alexander, I’m calling because we have a problem with the meeting scheduled for next week.”

  “Really, Gaby? You’re going to put on the professionalism cloak? I’ve had my mouth on every surface of your body for Christ sakes.”

  “Grayson!” I shouted letting my mask slip a little bit.

  “So now it’s Grayson,” he asked. I sat there quiet for a moment, unsure what to say. “Fine! What is the problem, Miss Carmichael?” He spat my name like it left a bad taste in his mouth. I relayed everything that Carol had told me, including the need for a sooner meeting.

  “The magazine goes to press Friday.”

  He let out a long exhale. “The problem is I don’t have an opening tomorrow.”

  I shook my head. I wasn’t sure if he was being difficult to me on purpose. “I can always pick out the layout I believe is best. The one that goes with the image we are trying to get people to perceive.”

  “I appreciate that Miss Carmichael, but as I told your superior when I selected your organization, I want the final say in all the decisions. We will just have to have the meeting today. I presume you can handle that?” He asked with his best professional voice, full of authority. Grayson was the CEO of his company. The man was unfamiliar with the word “no.”

  “Of course. I’ll arrange for the ad agency to be there at whatever time you prefer.”

  “Great. I’ll see you all at, say, seven.” What? No not me. This was just something Grayson needed to handle with the ad agency. This was their project after all. Before I could protest, Grayson had hung up the phone. What was it with everyone at his company not waiting for a response before they reacted?

  ***

  Carol met me outside of Alexander Holding Incorporated. It was like most of the skyscrapers in the area. It was tall and cold, mostly glass, and built in a semi-circle. The flat side rose higher than the rest of the building coming to a point.

  “Where’s the rest of your crew?” she asked.

  “I let them head on home. We just need to pick a layout and discuss an upcoming interview, most of which could be done via email and phone calls, but Grayson insists on physical meetings,” I rambled.

  “Grayson, huh? You on a first name basis with him?” she poked.

  I rolled my eyes. She had no idea just how familiar I was with him. “Come on, Carol, let’s not keep the boss man is waiting.”

  We arrived outside Grayson’s office, where his secretary still sat at her desk. “Miss Carmichael?” I nodded, acknowledging her. “I’ll let Mr. Alexander know you’re here. Is there anything I can get either of you while you wait?”

  “I’m fine. Thank you though,” I said as I took a seat against the wall.

  “I’ll take some water. Sparkling, if you have it,” Carol stated sitting beside me.

  Ten minutes after Carol received her water, Grayson appeared at his office door. I felt my heart skip a beat at the sight of him. It hadn’t been long since I’d seen him, but in a way it felt like it had been years. My mind flashed to the chills he caused when he caressed my skin. The way he smelled, tasted. My mind cleared when he spoke. “Send ‘em back,” he whispered to the lady at the desk. “And Ms. Giles go ahead and head home for the night.” She nodded without reply.

  Carol and I stood walking over the threshold into his office. I refused to make eye contact as I walked past him, even though I could feel his deep penetrating gaze on me as I moved.

  “You have an amazing office, Mr. Alexander,” Carol stated.

  He smiled at her charmingly and I hated it. “Thank you, Mrs...?”

  “Miss Tate. Carol,” she replied matter-of-factly. It was amazing. Looking at his office, I could see it inspired his home; floor to ceiling glass walls that showed off the city, and a huge mahogany desk fit for a king. I guess, in a way it was for a king. Grayson was the king of his company. Gray carpet, and two chairs sat in front of his desk. There was a rectangular table large enough for six that sat to the right, but not too close to the window. Two accent chairs sat in the corner to the right of his desk around a small round table. It looked like one might eat lunch there while still in the office, enjoying the view. To the left was a door that led to a full-sized bathroom, complete with a shower.

  “Please, take a seat,” he gestured to the chairs in front of his desk.

  “Well, Mr. Alexander, as you know...” I zoned out as Carol started repeating everything I already knew and had already relayed to Grayson. I did my best to focus on anything other than the fact that I was sitting in the same room with the man who held my heart and knew it. I mentally sighed.

  “Gaby?” Carol nudged me.

  “I’m sorry?” I looked between them trying to figure out what I had missed.

  “I was asking, Miss Carmichael, what layout you preferred,” said Grayson, emphasizing my name again.

  I smiled, “As we discussed on the phone, Mr. Alexander,” I said his name just as snidely, “my opinion is not of consequential value. You, after all, have the final choice and I believe you will choose whichever you believe is best suited to you, no matter what I think.”

  The room fell silent. Grayson sat across the desk from me; his elbows resting on top of the desk with his fingers steepled. A small forced smile on his face. Carol sat with her mouth open, eyes wide, absorbing what I said.

  Grayson turned his gaze to Carol. “Miss Tate,” he stood coming around the desk, “I believe this will do.” He pointed to the one I would have chosen myself. “Please make sure it goes to press. Now if you would please excuse us. I believe that Miss Carmichael and I have something we need to discuss, in private.”

  “Of course,” she said. After Carol gathered her stuff, she gave me a small sympathetic smile. As Grayson led her to the door, I sat frozen, too aware of his body moving. I was attuned to him. I could hear the beat of his heart, the blood rushing through his veins. I wanted him buried inside of me with my fangs buried in him, to feel the connection of our two bodies.

  I heard the door shut then the room went silent. I felt Grayson approach me. “Gaby...” he whispered, his finger brushing my shoulder.

  I couldn’t let him touch me. The last time he touched me, I almost gave up trying to protect him. I couldn’t be that selfish. Using my vampire speed, I was out of my chair and across the room before Grayson could blink an eye.

  “Don’t touch me!” I hissed, clinging to the wall for dear life. It was the only thing stopping me from launching myself across the room and begging Grayson to take me on his desk.

  His eyes looked at me with such sadness. “Fine,” he said through clenched teeth. He took his seat behind his desk gesturing for me to do the same. I took slow, unsure steps almost like I was walking across a frozen lake instead of a sturdy office. “Miss Carmichael...”

  “I know.” I looked down avoiding eye contact at all costs. “My outburst earlier was unprofessional. I wish I could say it won’t happen again, but we both know I’d be lying. So I understand if you want to replace me.”

  Grayson chuffed, “You really think it’s going to be that easy Gaby. You are refusing to tell me what is going on. You’d rather lie to me and hurt us both, than to just be honest with me. And you think one outburst is going to make me pull you off this account?” He shook his head in disbelief.

  “Damn it, Grayson! Why can’t you just leave me the hell alone!” I shouted. I was trying to keep him alive. Why couldn’t he appreciate that? That’s right because you haven’t told him, I reminded myself.

  “Because I fucking love you!” He shoved away from his desk. He paced behind it, running his long fingers through his untamed hair. He paused, leaning over his desk, both palms flat against it. My eyes locked on his and I couldn’t pull away. “The next time you decide to have an outburst like earlier, I will contact your supervisor and inform him of your unprofessionalism.”

  I glared at him before I stood, walking away. I was almost to the door, when I paused and said the meanest thing I could. “I should have just drained you when I had the chance.” I was being spiteful and I knew it even as the words left my mouth. Yes, I loved him and didn’t really want to hurt him, but being forced to work for him and be around him was hurting me more than just not being around him at all. It was like teasing a cat with a mouse and never letting him have it. Maybe that was a poor analogy, but it was the best I could think of.

  “You have the chance now, Gaby,” he held out his arms. “No one else is here. Go ahead. Drain me. At least then you’d be doing me a kindness and putting my out of my misery.” I stared at him. I hadn’t expected that from him. I thought I’d be spiteful and hurt him. Maybe make him hate me. He grinned looking over my expression. “You won’t though, will you? Because you love me, even if you won’t admit it.”

  I spun walking out the door, then shouted back, “Good night, Mr. Alexander.”

  “Good night, Miss Carmichael. I look forward to seeing you at our next meeting,” he called after me knowing I’d be able to hear him. Cocky bastard.

  ***

  “You said what to him?” Shawn’s voice was rising the further into the conversation I got. It was Friday and we were having lunch. I was telling him about my first encounter with Grayson post break up. I had just told him about my spiteful comment that I had hoped to injure Grayson with.

  “Look, I didn’t really mean it. I would never drain anyone. That’s not me. I thought maybe if I hurt him, he’d let go of this ridiculous business arrangement he has going on,” I sighed, drawing it out. “It’s hard to be around him, Shawn, and not be allowed to touch him or even to be close to him. If I don’t have to see him, it would make it easier.”

  “That’s because you’re in love with him, baby girl,” Shawn explained with a gentleness to his voice.

  “I know that, Shawn.” I spoke through clenched teeth. “I love him more than my own self, that’s why I’m doing this. I’m keeping him safe,” I whispered the last part mostly to myself.

  ***

  The Saturday passed uneventfully. In fact, it really was a huge bore. Shawn was off with his pack preparing for the full moon, which was Sunday, so I was stuck at the apartment, never far from Anton.

  Sunday, once Anton rose for the night, his first stop was to my room. I was going over some paperwork. I had arranged an interview for Grayson with CEO of the World magazine to discuss his branching out into the hotel business. I needed his well-polished image to roll over into this area as well. I was going over the list of pre-approved questions when I heard the slight creak of the floor as a knock on my door sounded.

  I sighed a heavy breath knowing who it was. My mother would never rush to me first unless it was severely important and she hadn’t seen me before she went to ground for the day. It was crucial for her to feed as quickly as possible, but because of his age, Anton could get away with waiting a considerable amount of time before he was forced to feed. He just wouldn’t be able to pass for a living human until he had.

  I opened the door and there he was, leaning casually against the frame. “Gabriella,” he whispered my name. I’m sure to any other women it would have sounded seductive, but it did nothing for me.

  “Anton,” I replied, not hiding my annoyance. After all, he was the reason I was miserable lately. Because of his obsessiveness.

  “No late night at work this evening?” Ah! So he was prying.

  “Nope, brought it home with me instead.” I gestured over my shoulder, but did not step aside.

  “Ah... Well I was hoping you would accompany me for breakfast. Well, supper, in your case.”

  I shook my head. Would he ever give up? “No, thank you. I’ve eaten and I’ve got a lot of work to do.” I tried to shut the door, but his hand shot out, stopping it from closing.

  “Yes, but have you fed?” There was no point in lying, plus, I didn’t have the energy to. I really needed to start remembering to feed before the vampires rose to keep myself out of situations where I needed to lie. I bowed my head. Anton held his hand out to me, but I shoved past him.

  In a flash, he was by my side. We walked human pace to the dining room. I noticed my mother sitting at the head on the table, and I suddenly got the feeling that I was being set up. She never sat at the head. She knew when I showed up that I’d sit next to her. Where she was sitting was the only way for her to ensure I sat next to Anton. I just didn’t get it. Did they really think sitting next to him would change my opinion on wanting to be with him? Part of me just wanted to jump up on the table and yell, “It is never going to happen. I’m in love with a human and would rather die than have to tolerate Anton for eternity.” But I didn’t. I did what was expected and took the seat to my mother’s left while Anton took the seat to my left. He called for the blood to be brought.

  “Darling, I’m surprised you’ve been getting home so much earlier this week. I was telling Anton that I was thinking that perhaps your work load was slowing down.” I wanted to scream. Why was she telling Anton my business anyways? No matter how many times I asked, she still kept on drip feeding him information.

  “No, actually it’s not. It’s just been easier to bring it home and work. I might actually be a lot busier. I kinda got a promotion, I guess.” If that’s what you called what Grayson rigged for me.

  My mother’s face was immediately riddled with disappointment. “More work, Gabriella. Really? Don’t you think it’s time to put aside this human dream and make a place for yourself in our world?”

  I turned, gaping at her. I was opening my mouth to argue when Anton spoke. “Now Persephone, Gabriella enjoys her job and likes to have something to do with her time.” I turned to Anton, my face transforming to one of shock. “It’s very important to her and it gives her something to do while we all rest. You can’t really expect her to sit inside all day by herself. Even her furry friend has a job.” I couldn’t believe he was taking my side. As much as I appreciated it, I wasn’t going to feel indebted to him. I was sure it was one his tricks, one that I would not fall prey to.

  “I don’t like it, Anton. I never have. If people found out…”

  “What people? It’s not like I’m munching on my coworkers,” I stated.

  “She is right, Persephone. She is of age. Out of respect to you as my fledgling, and as her mother, I have allowed you to be overbearing with her in hopes you would see the responsible woman she has become, yet you still treat her as you would a child. No longer; Gabriella has transitioned, therefore, she is subject to vampire law.” My mother sat there open-mouthed. My guess was this wasn’t part of the plan.

  “Anton...?” she whispered.

  “It is done,” he raised his hand silencing her. “Gabriella, come with me. I believe your mother needs a moment to collect herself and to remember that in this house, I am ruler.” I didn’t know what to say, or do, for that matter. Had that really just happened? Anton had just given me my freedom. I no longer had to answer to my mother. I could come and go as I pleased. Seeing my confusion, Anton grabbed my hand pulling me to my feet. He rested it on the crook of his arm then handed me my wine glass of blood. I was in complete shock as I allowed him to lead me away. A cold breeze woke me from my dazed state.

  “Did you enjoy that?” Anton turned to face me.

  I couldn’t help but giggle. “I did. I love her, but as you said she has been overbearing. A lot more since I transitioned.”

  “You are her only child, Gabriella. It is hard letting go.” He spoke to me with kindness instead of his usual arrogance. A smile broke across his face. “I, of course, did have a selfish reason for it.” I had expected as much.

  I huffed, “Let’s hear it then.”

  His grin grew bigger showing off his white teeth. “Go on, how do they say, a date with me?”

  Seriously? “Anton, you know I don’t have feelings towards you.”

  Anton’s face darkened, his smile turning wicked. “Gabriella, I think you misunderstand. I ask you solely as a formality. Under the old law a single female must entertain the advances of any unmated males.” The shock I felt earlier was nothing to now. Somebody could dump a bucket of ice water on me and it wouldn’t even affect the chills I had at the moment. My stomach was in my throat and I felt like I was riding a speeding roller-coaster, tossing and dipping in all directions, leaving my stomach behind.

  “You did it on purpose!” I exclaimed. He simply shrugged. “You bastard!”

  “Now, Gabriella, you’ve known I have always had an interest in you. All I’m asking for is an opportunity to prove I am worthy of your attention.”

  “And forcing me to date you is your way of proving you’re worthy? You can’t be serious.”

  His lips drew into a thin line. “Tomorrow, you will be home no later than eight. That should give you plenty of time to wrap up with work. Oh and let me make this abundantly clear, you will show up. After tomorrow, if Monday’s do not work for you, you may pick another day of the week.”

  “What if tomorrow is no good for me?”

  “Tomorrow is nonnegotiable.”

  “And what if I choose not to show or if something really does come up?”

  “Whichever the case, you do not want to know. Let’s just say, I will punish you. Your work is a kindness I allow you. Other vampire masters would not be so generous.” He leaned in close to whisper, “Push me on this, Gabriella, and see if I do not lock you up during the day. You will only be allowed out at my convenience.” He walked back inside leaving me standing there alone. I was being forced into dating Anton. Unlike when Grayson did it, which made me feel happy and giddy, I felt sick to my stomach.