Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32116 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 128(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“It’s not important,” I told him, flapping my free hand. We had bigger things to worry about.
“It is to me. I vow to protect you from everything.” I could handle myself against harsh words; I’d been doing it all my life, but it was comforting to know someone had my back. “Do you have anyone else who is close to you? Any other family or friends?”
“Not really,” I shrugged. “It was always just me and my dad until he kicked me out. I get along with the people I work with, but I wouldn’t say we’re close.” Most people found me to be too abrasive.
“What do you do for work?”
“I’m a fry cook at a fast food restaurant.”
Viggo gave me a proud smile. “My mate is a chef.”
“Hardly,” I replied with a laugh. “Flipping burgers is a far cry from fine dining.”
“Does your work bring you joy?”
“Hell no. The kitchen is too hot, the customers are too rude, and I’ve burned my hands countless times on the grill. But it pays the bills.” Barely.
“I will pay your bills,” he replied, and I raised my eyebrows in question. “I do not want you to work somewhere that makes you miserable; especially if it causes you physical pain. Besides, our bond insists that I stay in your presence.”
“So I get to quit my sucky job and hang out with my hot vampire boyfriend all the time? Damn, where have you been all my life?” As soon as the question left my lips, I cringed. My hardships had been nothing compared to the way Viggo spent his past century. “I’m sorry. I wish I could have heard you sooner.”
“What matters is that we are together now, and for the rest of time.” I smiled at the sincerity in his eyes. He’d been through unimaginable trauma, but was just grateful to be there with me.
“Do you have any other family or close friends? I’m sure they’d love to hear that you’re safe.”
“My mother is as cold and calculating as my father,” Viggo replied. “That’s what makes them such perfect mates, but she never had strong maternal instincts. As for my siblings, they are spread far and wide, and I’m sure they believe whatever story my father told them. They either think that I am dead, or they know the truth and never came for me.
“But I do have one very dear friend, Remy. He stood by me through my toughest moments. I only hope that my father has not changed Remy’s opinion of me.”
“Let’s reach out to him,” I suggested. Viggo wouldn’t exactly know the guy’s phone number, but, “Do you remember where he lives?”
“I do. He lives on his family’s land in Harriston, and I don’t believe he would move.”
“We should go visit him. I know he’d be pumped to see you.” I wanted Viggo to see a friendly face from his past; maybe it would help soothe some of his painful memories. “Plus, maybe he can give us some information on your dad.” It was always beneficial to have dirt on your enemy.
“You are so intelligent.” I puffed up with pride at Viggo’s words and he added, “I would love to visit him when you are feeling up to it.”
I took stock of my body, noting that my strength was returning, and told him, “I’m feeling pretty good, but I am getting hungry. What time is it?” I pulled my phone from my pocket and saw that it was 3:15PM. I’d been asleep for over twelve hours.
“Damn, it’s no wonder I’m hungry. Do you want me to order a pizza or something?” I tapped on my Domino’s app and looked up at Viggo, who was watching me with wide eyes.
“What is this magic?” he asked, pointing at my phone.
I was so used to the technology, I wasn’t even thinking about it, but of course it was all new to him. “Oh, this is a cell phone; a smart phone, actually. I can call anyone who also has a phone, which is pretty much everyone. And I can use this to look at maps, order food, play games…all kinds of stuff.”
“Fascinating.” Being around Viggo was making me realize how much I took for granted.
“Is pepperoni pizza okay?” He gave me a strange look and I asked, “Wait; do you even eat food? Or do you just drink…?” I tapped two fingers to the side of my neck, where he’d drank from me earlier.
“I eat food,” Viggo replied with a smile. “It nourishes my body while blood fuels my life force. But I’ve never had pepperoni pizza.”
I was glad I never lived in the 1800s. “It’s delicious. I think you’ll like it; it’s one of my favorite foods.”
“Then I’m sure I will love it.”
I smiled and tapped out the order before asking him, “What room are we in?”