Closer-Part Two Read online

“Stop fussing” he whipped her hand away. “I am fine!” He carried on walking a head, he had to get back. He just wanted to lay down and sleep.

  Tammy trailed behind, what is wrong with him? She thought to herself, did asking if he was okay offend him? She had to admit he had been acting weirdly, that wasn't the first time today he had snapped or brushed off her hand.

  Maybe her little fairytale bubble had finally popped! Or maybe he was just coming down with something and she was getting paranoid.

  Everything about him looked weird, his skin had gone very pale and she had witnessed on a few occasions his hand gripping his throat. Something was clearly wrong with him. There was no point asking him, unless she wanted her head bitten off once again.

  They finally arrived back at the penthouse, Dante disappeared off in his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. Tammy guessed she was spending the evening alone. She slumped down on the sofa and closed her eyes. A little sleep wouldn't hurt.....

  Chapter Five

  “Araghhhh” screamed a voice. Tammy woke up in complete darkness, she rubbed her face and it took her a few seconds to remember where she was. The voice screamed out again, she jumped up and ran to Dante's room. She opened the door and stepped in switching her light on.

  “Tammy!” Dante yelled, as his hand gripped his throat and then his stomach. He fell to the floor, frantically tossing and turning. Tammy ran over to his side. He was pouring with sweat and his face white as a ghost. Tammy could see all his vains in his hands as gripped tightly.

  “What should I do?” She screamed, he couldn't reply he was too much in pain. She scanned the room for an answer and laying on his nightstand was his mobile.

  Ring his dad!

  Tammy jumped up and grabbed the phone. Her fingers shaking as she tried to find Sir Renaldo's number, she hit the call button and began to pace around. Dante was still crying out louder in pain.

  “Dante?” A voice softly answered.

  “No!” Her voice filled with fear and anxiety. “It's Tammy...It's Dante, I really don't know what to do.. He's in pain and it won't stop.” She burst out in tears as she watched him moving around the floor still gripping hold of his throat.

  “Calm down, Tammy.. Tell me where the pain is?”

  “His stomach, he is clinging on to his stomach” Tammy watched as Dante's other hand gripped his throat. “And his throat!” She quickly added.

  “What colour is his eyes?”

  Eyes?

  Why would he want to know the colour of his eyes – that was a strange thing to ask. Without thinking too much about the question, she ran to Dante's side.

  His eyes full of tears and wide, “Black!” She yelled, the darkest, clearest shade of black she had ever seen before. She brushed some hair away from his forehead in a bid to comfort him slightly. Some of his hair clung to the sweat on his forehead.

  “Tammy,” Sir Renaldo said firmly. “You must listen to everything I say. This boy will be death of me.” He tutted.

  Tammy watched as Dante suddenly stopped moving, she placed a hand on his chest he was still breathing. He had obviously passed out from the pain.

  “Tell me what to do, Sir Renaldo. I will do anything..”

  “I'm afraid to tell you this Tammy, but your the only one who can do it. My son has avoided his thirst, if he carries on he will get ill and we can't risk taking him to the hospital.”

  It clicked and Tammy froze. “Blood? He needs blood?” Then she remembered what Claudia had told her – the lancet! Tammy didn't have any lancets.

  Shit! What am I to do?

  “And quick, Tammy” he took in a deep breath. “Do what you have to do and fast, any longer and he is going to get worse.”

  “Okay!” She pressed the end button. She looked down at her finger and there really was only one answer. She ran out of the room and into the kitchen, straight over to the draw and pulled out a knief.

  She took in a deep breath and plunged the knief into the tip of her finger. Blood squirted everywhere and she cried out in pain.

  She ran to Dante, who was still still and quiet. A trail of blood following behind her, she dropped to her knees and placed her bloody finger in between his parted lips. Dante didn't do anything.

  “Suck!” She yelled, shaking him slightly. She watched his eyelids flicker and she could feel the sensation on her finger. His hand gripped hold of her wrist and sucked harder.

  “Dante!” Tammy called out, he was holding on to her so tight she could see her hand go blue from the pressure. Finally, his eyes sprung open and Tammy sighed with relief. “Dante?” She leaned over and kissed his forehead while he carried on drinking from her. His grip loosened and Tammy took her finger away, she was still bleeding badly.

  Dante sat up and pulled off his shirt, the pain had stopped and the burning feeling in his throat had gone. He took Tammy's hand in his, wrapping the shirt around Tammy's finger to stop the bleeding.

  He looked up and their eyes met. “Thank you” he smiled. He leaned over and kissed Tammy on the cheek, sitting back on his heels he took her beauty in, her long brown hair, her small pale doll face, her bright green eyes staring at him as if he was a magical creature. He loved every itch of this woman. “Marry me?” He blurted out.

  “Huh?” Tammy chuckled.

  “You heard me” he raised an eyebrow. “Any woman who is willing to slash themselves for me is worth marrying. Please...”

  “Sleep with me?” Tammy teased, she watched as his lips twitch in amusement. Her finger was beginning to sting and his white shirt was slowly turning red.

  “Ah.. Such a hard bargain” he smirked. “You know sex and marriage pretty much come in hand in hand.” His eyes looked down at the blood. “But..” He paused. “I'm afraid we will have to talk about this later.. You need to go to hospital.”

  Tammy panicked. “No! Your Dad said we couldn't risk going to the hospital.”

  He loved her innocence and her devotion towards him. “I am pretty sure they won't find anything suspicious about a cut finger.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  The rest of the trip seemed to get back on track, apart from her sore finger. She watched as they left London behind and headed back to Ashville. For the last few days of their trip Dante hadn't said a word about his proposal, Tammy had taken it as a sign he hadn't really meant to of said that. It was a in-the-moment thing! Or her begging him to sleep with her had turned him off the idea altogether.

  Tammy rested her head against the seat and closed her eyes. The thought of going back to Ashville upset her, she had loved being somewhere new. She liked exploring and discovering, now it was back to her boring old life. Well, not really, she had Dante now and he needed her more than ever. At least she had her job back, she was looking froward to getting back into the shop and seeing what new books they had in stock.

  Dante's eyes flicked towards Tammy and back to the road. She was day dreaming again, this time he wasn't going to interrupt. He felt a pang of sadness that she hadn't answered his question – to marry him! Maybe he had been to hasty and erratic for her. He had meant it and there was nothing else he wanted more. He owed her this much for saving him. He had been stupid to think he could avoid his thirst, if she hadn't been there he didn't want to think what would of happened.

  He couldn't be that stupid again. It didn't matter how much he tried to turn his back on this stupid curse, it was always going to bet him. At the end of the day he was a vampire and now he was a vampire who liked the taste of blood.

  He swallowed and could still taste Tammy's sweet blood run down his throat, he had never tasted anything more delicious in his life. At least next time he wouldn't have to worry about her accidently cutting her finger off.

  Dante had the feeling the minute he walked into the house his father was going to start the lacture, not like he didn't know how stupid he was anyway.

  “I was thinking maybe we should stop off and see my Gran?” Tammy interrupted Dante's thoughts, and she saw out the
corner of her eye him flinching. “Okay, just drop me off.”

  Dante's fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “It's not that I have anything against her...”

  “But your afraid she will start yelling at the top of her lungs” Tammy snarled, she knew deep down her gran wouldn't say anything. How many times had she asked her questions and her Gran's lips had remained tightly sealed.

  “No!” His jaw shut tightly. “I just don't want to upset her.. She thinks I am my uncle. It's not fair to lie to her.”

  “Did you see how happy she was when she thought you were him?” Tammy turned in her seat to look at him. “I have never seen her smile like that – ever!”

  “My uncle is dead, Tammy. Their baby died. Do you really think it is far to let her remember all of that?” His eyes never removed from the road,

  that wasn't the only reason. There was more that Tammy didn't know and he didn't want her knowing anymore right now. She had just gotten use to the basics, when the time came he would tell her the rest. Right now, he only had one thing on his mind..... Getting down on one knee and making her say yes to his already asked question.

  ***

  “Tammy!” Mrs Waters smiled as Tammy walked into the bookshop. She wrapped her arms around her and hugged her hard. Tammy gave a little smile, she had missed Mrs Waters. “I am glad you have decided to return.” She pulled away, and studied Tammy. “All the customers have missed you and your recommendations.” She clapped her hands in a little delight. “They will be pleased.”

  “I never thought anyone noticed me?” Tammy replied, feeling a little overwhelm by her welcome. Tammy looked round the shop, nothing had changed. Well, of course not! She had only been gone just under two weeks. Her thoughts returned to Dante, she wondered what he would be up to today. Would he even miss her, after all they did spend all day in each others company.

  “What happened to your finger?” Mrs Waters asked, pointing to the plaster.

  “I cut myself with a knief while I was cooking” Tammy lied, that was the story they had told at the hospital. It still stung a little but it was worth it, even though Dante had done nothing but apologize, what was she meant to do? Leave him in pain, she loved him to much to allow that.

  “What is it like being in love?” Mrs Waters eyes went all dreamy, she was in too all the romantic stuff. “I remember when I first met my husband, all the talking and kissing.” She let out a little sigh. “Well, after twenty years of married that fades away. I'm lucky if he even grunts in my direction.”

  Tammy gave a little laugh, she had missed everything about this place and was glad to be back. “I'm pretty sure Dante won't be like that” she blushed. “He has asked me to marry him” she blurted it out, she guessed it was still playing on her mind.

  “What did you say?” Mrs Waters asked in astonishment.

  Tammy pulled a chair out from under the counter and sat down. She still cringed at the thought of what she had said. She knew she should of replied yes straight away. As now, he hadn't dared mentioned it again. She almost felt like kicking herself and she didn't dare saying anything either. It seemed as if the subject was now taboo.. Just like her virginity!

  “Nothing,” she murmured. A wave of embarrassment and foolish filled her. She watched as Mrs Waters tried to shrug it off, but she could tell she was thinking Tammy was stupid too. “Do you think I should ask him?”

  “NO!” Mrs Waters whipped her head in Tammy's direction. “Do you think he loves you?”

  Tammy placed her hands against her chest, just thinking of him made her heart race and her palms wet. “Yes” she smiled. She could feel his lips against hers, his arms wrapped round her and smell his scent.

  “Is he handsome?” Mrs Waters was now teasing.

  “Unbelievably so...” She was cut off by the shop bell ringing, she quickly looked up hoping it was Dante who appeared, but instead it was Jenna, all dressed up in her posh designer clothes.

  “It's true!” She scowled. “He actually let you out!” She walked over to them and placed her over large Gucci bag down on the counter. She pulled out another chair and sat opposite Tammy and Mrs Waters. “Where have you been?”

  “I got back from London yesterday” Tammy gave a big smile as Jenna lost her I-am-better-than-you look.

  Seriously, Jenna was Tammy's best friend but ever since she had married Mr Big shot of Ashville, she had turned into a big snob. Jenna was married to the second richest families in Ashville the Rosenfeld's, it seemed they had rubbed off her a lot!

  “Oh” her lips pressed together tightly, Tammy felt a little better. “I was really surprised you have come back to work” she shrugged, scanning the tatty old book store. She didn't understand what Tammy thought was so appealing about it, it stuck of mould and there was dust everywhere. Jenna quickly checked her nails for dirt. “Where is Dante?”

  “Dante?” Mrs Waters echoed. “He that is name.. Sounds very sexy and dark.”

  Tammy bite her lip and laughed privately in her head, If only she knew the whole truth!

  “Mrs Waters,” Jenna snapped. “They are a bunch of freaks.. Everyone thinks so, Tammy.” She crossed her legs and smoothed out her skirt, then flicked her blonde hair.

  “They are not freaks!” Tammy voice full of anger, hadn't they already had this discussion the last time they saw each other. What was she even doing here? Tammy had worked in this shop since she was 16, and not once had Jenna bothered to visit her. Why now? What did she want?

  “Jenna,” Mrs Waters said smoothly, but you could hear the hint of annoyance towards the girl. “Can't you just be happy for your friend? Everyone finds love in different ways... It doesn't matter about money or gossip.. What matters is how they make you feel.” She rested a hand on Tammy's shoulder. “By the look of things Tammy is having the time of her life.”

  “It's just strange!” Jenna shrieked. “You go to his house and BAM” She clapped her hands together. “He is your boyfriend.” Jenna gave a little laugh. “What did he do? Pay your parents to take you away?” Looking full of herself and laughing, but no one else joined in.

  Tammy's eyes widened and her lip trembled slightly. Tammy swallowed hard.. Did Jenna know something? She quickly discarded that thought, Jenna knew nothing. She was just trying to belittle her in front of Mrs Waters. What sort of friend was she?

  Tammy rose from her chair and slammed her hands down on the counter. “You are vile! You think your better than me... You think because your married you are the only one who should be happy?”

  Tammy pointed a finger at the now shocked Jenna. “The Renaldo's are a kind caring family – everyone in Ashville knows all about their charity work. Your just jealous, because you know I have found something you will never understand. Real love” Tammy smiled. “And he didn't have to buy me a massive bag to make me sleep with him.” Tammy leaned a little closer and lowered her voice. “They have names for women like you....”

  Jenna's jaw dropped almost hitting the counter. “Tammy Miller!” Jenna stood up and grabbed her bag. “How can you speak to me like that?”

  Tammy shrugged and folded her arms. “Well, if the boot fits!”

  “I have never been so insulted” Jenna gasped. “Go ahead and be with your freak. The fact he chose you over Diana Lewis shows how desperate he really is.” She turned on her heel and stormed out.

  Tammy felt a pang of sadness flow through her, they had been best friends since they were five. Jenna had turned into some monster and Tammy didn't need friends like that. She had her own life with a wonderful man. At least she still had Mrs Waters and her family. What else did she need?

  ***

  Tammy laid on her bed and stared up at the ceiling, her argument with Jenna was still playing on her mind. Maybe she shouldn't of referred to Jenna as a whore? She just got angry it was hard to bite her lip. She closed her eyes, maybe she would get to see Jenna in the village and apologize, the situation did get out of control.

  “Hey,” said a soft se
nsual voice, she felt his arms reach out for her and pull her in to his chest. Ah, exactly what she needed as his lips gently touched her forehead. “I'm sorry I wasn't here waiting for you. It's just I was planning something in the cottage for later.”

  Tammy quickly opened her eyes and looked up at his handsome face. He was giving that smile and suddenly Tammy didn't feel bad about what she had said to Jenna. She deserved every bit of it. She snuggled into him tighter and took in a deep breath filled with his scent.

  “What have you been planning?” She asked.

  “You'll find out soon enough” he chirped. “Wear the blue dress we brought you in London.”

  “You say we but you really mean you!” Tammy corrected. “How are you feeling?” She wanted to change the subject from money.

  “Fine” he kissed her forehead quickly and got up from the bed. Tammy sat up disappointed, she was enjoying her cuddle. “I'll meet you in the cottage in half an hour” he gave a little wink and left the room.

  Dante made his way into his parents room, they were laid on the bed watching a movie. His mothers face smiled a big grin as she had been helping with this evening plans.

  “Excited?” She asked, clapping her hands in delight.