A fluttering sensation takes off in my chest. “My new quarters?”
Marius doesn’t elaborate. Instead, he navigates us down the long drive—framed by an open courtyard blossoming with unique flowers and bordered by the forest beyond. It’s magical, reminding me of another world, and that feeling I experienced last night in Bra?ov returns.
The one where I feel like I’ve left my reality and stepped into a storybook.
“You’re definitely not a tour guide,” I mutter, more to myself than to Marius. Though, the words are about him.
“I’m a tour guide today,” he offers. “So, technically, not a lie.”
I grunt. “Okay.”
“I elaborated on some trivial facts on our way here,” he points out. “And I’m supposed to provide you with a brief rundown of the castle grounds. That’s very tour guide–like.”
“You also claimed not to be into kidnapping these days, and yet…”
He smiles. “Kidnapping implies taking someone without their consent. You very willingly slipped into my car this morning, Ms. Dalca.”
He slows the car again as we near the front of the castle where a fountain sits in the middle of a circular drive. Navigating around it, he parks us close to the entryway steps, then slides out from the driver’s seat and rounds the front of his vehicle to pause outside my door.
Marius opens it, then waits for me to decide how I want to proceed.
“It’s still technically kidnapping,” I inform him as I unbuckle myself and join him outside. The crisp air carries a note of lavender that curls around me in an enticing caress, one that reminds me of last night.My dreams…
I swallow.
He was in my room,I realize.Count Negru… was in my room.
I’m certain of it. Not just a fantasy. Not just a thought. But a reality.
Because his scent iseverywherehere. Or perhaps he just carried this aroma with him when he visited me at the hotel.
Regardless, he was there.
And now… now I’mhere.
Outside Negru Castle.
About to be given a tour and shown to mynew quarters.
“I never said I wanted tostayat the castle,” I add, my words for Marius. “There’s no need to prepare a room for me.”
He smiles. “You don’t really think he’s going to let you leave, do you?” He leans down, his long silver-blond hair tickling his shoulders. “Tell me you didn’t come all this way to find a vampire without considering the consequences of your desires.”
I can’t tell if he’s toying with me or not. Part of me hopes this is a joke. But a larger, more insane part of me… hopes this is real. That I’ve finally found the object of my obsession. That said object is planning to keep me.
And how fucked up is that?
I should not want to be kidnapped by a vampire. Or forced to stay in a castle.
Yet every part of me tingles at the prospect.
I’ve utterly lost my mind. That much is clear.
And I can’t seem to bring myself to care.
“I guess you should take me on that tour, then,” I tell him.
He straightens, surprise filtering through his features. “You’re a fascinating creature, Ms. Dalca,” Marius says softly. “Let’s see how long you keep this unique confidence, hmm?”
