BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART EIGHT
Chapter 14
“Who says I'm scared of you, Vampire?” She took a step closer and took Trinity's hand. Trinity could be very insecure at times, something she feels had a lot to do with her and what she'd told Trinity eighteen years ago. If necessary, she will spend the rest of her life making up for the anguish she'd put her lover through. “You were just a little intense, that's all. I know you will not hurt me.” She was speaking softly as if she was trying to soothe a scared child.
Trinity felt herself relaxing a little.
She knew the truth, even if Gabriella was trying to reassure her. She'd smelled her fear earlier and it was still there – a faint whiff. They looked at each other, each trying to reassure the other. Breaking the stare, Trinity noticed that the bathroom was steaming up with the taps in shower still running.
“Take your shower. I will wait for you in the bedroom.”
At the door she turned and looked at Gabriella standing there looking at her, bewildered. She shamelessly probed her mind and felt elated at what she found. Yes, she wanted her too. Later after she'd finished her shower, she was going to try and seduce her again. This time with whole lot more finesse.
“Hurry up, love, I still want to spend time with you before dawn approaches.” This time her voice sounded almost cheery and she saw the tension leaving Gabriella's body.
“I won't be long. I promise.” Gabriella said suddenly, her eyes gleaming. She turned quickly and disappeared behind the frosted glass partition.
Trinity turned to leave, briskly walking to the door. What the hell was wrong with her? It actually hurt knowing that Gabriella feared her – even if it was just for that moment. She remembered the look in the amber eyes as looked back at her a while ago, the lingering apprehension in their depths as she'd bravely tried to soothe her.
At the door to take a last look at Gabriella, but almost immediately she knew that she'd made a bog mistake in doing so.
The arched naked shape of Gabriella was visible through the frosted glass. She was captivated. Gabriella's face was turned upwards accepting the full blast of the jets of water while her hands where sleeking back her wet raven locks.
Trinity swore it was the sexiest pose she'd ever seen.
^^^^^^^
The water felt nice on her skin, but Gabriella didn't want to linger long in the shower. Trinity was waiting for her in the bedroom. The vampire was probably pacing the room, berating herself for her earlier behavior.
She reached for the bar of soap, but found the soap holder empty. Damn, she could swear that she'd seen the bar of soap when she'd entered the shower cubicle.
Just then she felt a soft touch on her back and with a shriek, spun around to find a naked Trinity standing very close to her, the bar of soap in her hand.
“I though maybe you needed help reaching your back,” she said in a husky voice and Gabriella felt the butterflies in her stomach flutter to life as her eyes traveled over the vampire's body. Trinity was absolutely gorgeous. The last time they'd made love she'd been fully dressed, except at the end when she took off her jeans to pleasure herself. Tonight though she was completely naked and Gabriella's eyes slowly caressed the flat abs, leisurely travelling downwards to the copper-colored triangle and then the long, leanly muscled legs. Absolutely gorgeous. Gabriella felt the green eyes watching her intently as she continued her quiet perusal. When she finally looked up to make eye contact; she smiled at the look in the green eyes.
“Don't look so apprehensive, baby. Except for a few blisters, you have a sexy body.”
Gabriella was stunned to see utter relief on Trinity's face. Good heavens, the woman was unbelievably gorgeous and she wasn't aware of it. What a find, thought suddenly feeling very possessive over her lover. She opened her mouth to voice her surprise, but was stopped by a soft finger on her lips. She found the green eyes sad and contrite.
“I'm sorry for my behavior earlier, Gaby. There is no excuse for the way I touched you. I am truly ashamed for the way I treated you.” The green eyes darkened. “I never meant to scare you the way I did…” she held up her hand. “I know you've said that you weren't scared of me, I know, but I beg you to forgive me…please.” She ended her heartfelt apology with a voice thick with emotion and eyes pleading for forgiveness.
Gabriella felt her heart constrict at the forlorn sight of her lover and she gently kissed the soft fingertip. She will have to allow her to make amends. That was just the kind of person Trinity was. Only a few weeks ago, the same Trinity had looked her in the eyes and told her that she'd forgiven her for the cruel way she'd cast her aside eighteen years ago. She owned her the opportunity to restore the balance. By the way, she loved her too much to see her like this.
“Think nothing of it, my Angel heart. You are the most wonderful, gentle, loving and sexy person I know. You have my complete forgiveness. I love you with every breath in my body and more.” She reached out and gently cupped Trinity's cheek, her eyes filled with love. “You do realize that the minute you entered the shower naked, you did so at your own risk.”
After looking at her for a long moment, Trinity leaned in for a kiss. Her mouth clamped over hers and Gabriella sighed as she felt the effects of the kiss in her toes. It made her body feel so light as if she was floating in an air bubble. She felt something cool against her back and her eyes flutter open. Trinity had backed her against the cool tiles of the shower cubicle and one of her legs was nestled between her legs, her muscled thigh pressing snugly against her throbbing sex. Using her strong leg to keep her pressed up against the tiles, Trinity's hands were free to grab her arms and hold them over her head. The move made her back curve and pushed her breasts out.
“I love you so much, Gaby. Thank you for forgiving me.” Trinity whispered against her lips before her mouth greedily sucked in a hardened nipple into her mouth, making Gabriella gasp.
Trinity's mouth was hot as her smooth tongue circled the stiff nipples lazily before gently gnawed in the hardened tip. The tender assault went on for a few more minutes before she moved to the other breast and repeated the same action there.
Gabriella hadn't even noticed when she'd started to ride Trinity's thigh. The friction had parted her swollen lips and the erotic massage was burning a hole in the pit of her stomach. Her head was thrown back against the tiles, her mouth open, as she was gasping loudly. She felt Trinity pull away and clutched her closer.
“No, don't move. I'll die if you do,” she pleaded urgently and Trinity started to kiss her again.
This time the vampire's tongue slowly explored the inside of her mouth, emulating the frantic movements of her lower body.
She was so close by now that it took her only one more push before she came in a rush of musky wetness and husky moans. Her body clenched and unclenched as the powerful climax shook her. Trinity had stopped kissing her a few seconds before her climax and as she shuddered and moaned, Gabriella knew the green eyes were quietly studying her. The thought of those hot green eyes watching her – in the throes of passion – set off another wave of mini orgasms which crashed through her body towards the hot throbbing spot between her legs. Only once the worse shudders had subsided, her body slumped forward against Trinity's.
“Was I very loud?” she asked wearily with her face buried in Trinity's neck.
“Not even a peep slipped out,” Trinity said tenderly, holding her still quaking body tightly against her naked body. Gabriella chuckled softly and planted an open mouth kiss in Trinity's neck.
“You are great for my ego, Vampire,” she whispered softly and groaned when Trinity pulled away to look into her eyes. Gabriella stared into the dark green eyes and smiled. ‘What?”
“You must be in a good space judging from that smile.” Trinity said, her eyes gleaming with sexual pride. Gabriella touched her fingertips to Trinity's lips.
“I'm smiling because I can't believe my luck.” She replaced her fingers with her lips. “You could have any woman you want, but you chose me.”
“Other women fade into obscurity when you are around, Dr. Talos?”
Gabriella basked in the warmth sincerity of the compliment and pushed her fingers through Trinity's copper locks. Her amber eyes stared long into the green ones. They traced the beautifully sculptured face, the expressive eyes and the gorgeous lips. Gosh, what a beauty? She hadn't changed much physically since the last time she'd seen her eighteen years ago, but Trinity still made her palms sweat and her heart race. Just like she'd done eighteen years ago. The green eyes narrowed slightly the longer Gabriella stared at Trinity until a bold question flickered in the emerald depths.
“I had a crush on you as a teenager, but was scared to let you know in case it scared you off. You were so strict with me and always looked upon me as your baby sister, patting my head and scolding me over homework.” Her eyes studied the changing the expressions on Trinity's face. “I lived for the moments when you would materialize in my bedroom, looking so dangerous and sexy.”
Trinity's eyes darkened suddenly.
“But still you sent me away.” Her tone was even, but Gabriella could still detect the undertone of hurt in her voice.
“I was devastated by Luisa's death and I wasn't thinking straight.” She planted a soft kiss on Trinity's lips. “For years afterwards I've waited for you to appear next to my bed and hold me until I fell asleep. But you never came back.”
“I wasn't far away. It was only when you started seeing Jessica that I stop following you around. It was too painful for me to see how happy you were with another woman. I've always thought that I would be the one for you once you were grown up.”
Gabriella's hands framed Trinity's face gently, her thumbs softly rubbing the cool cheeks, before she pressed her lips against Trinity's. The tip of her tongue gently poked against Trinity's closed lips, demanding entry. With her eyes staring deeply into Trinity's, she probed the warm, silky interior of Trinity's mouth. It was only when a deep groan reverberated through Trinity's body that she stopped the kiss.
“Even then, I've thought about you. On a few occasions I did wonder what it would be like with you. It was…”
She never got to finish the sentence, because Trinity was kissing her again. With the one hand she reached out and closed the taps and still carrying her, they left the shower and moved to the bedroom. Trinity was carrying her with so much ease that Gabriella wondrously touched the lean muscles in Trinity's arms again.
“Vampire magic, my love.” Trinity whispered and her green eyes gently teasing her. The bed came into view and Gabriella sighed when Trinity gently laid her down. “You've had your moment. Now it's mine.” Without preamble she spread her legs wide and Gabriella felt the hand touching her down there. Her body heat was slowly escalating as if she hadn't just had an orgasm a mere five minutes ago. Trinity was sitting back, just looking at her naked body as if she was contemplating where to start.
“Tell me what you are going to do to me, Trinity?” she murmured softly and Trinity's eyes moved to meet hers. Gabriella almost swooned at the tender look of love she found in the sea-green depths. What was it about this woman that made her just go so crazy for her? She craved for her constantly.
“I'd rather show you.”
Gabriella gasped when Trinity scooted lower and placed a hard open-mouthed kiss between her legs. Her pelvis shot of the bed at the first warm touch of Trinity tongue. First it swirled around her nub and then lapped at the entrance of her channel where a slight pool of dampness was forming. Then it was back to her swelling nub again. This time Trinity flattened her tongue and tormented her with long, wet, lazy licks which made her break out in cold sweat.
She tried to wiggle out of Trinity's grasp so she could rolled away and just take a short break from the relentless assault, but Trinity held her firmly in place while her tongue was ravishing her. Just when she thought the torture would end soon, Trinity lifted her pelvis of the bed and stabbed her tongue in as far as she could into her. Gabriella felt her eyes glaze over and her body started to quiver. She screamed her frustration when Trinity stopped and looked down at her. Half-sobbing, Gabriella tried to use her own fingers to bring her release, but Trinity grabbed them and held them above her head.
“It's still too early. I have another surprise for you, my angel.” She reached under the pillow. “I knew you put it there last night.” She pulled out the toy. “Now behave while I put it on, because I promise to bring you even greater pleasure. Do you promise?”
Gabriella nodded quickly, her slightly unfocussed eyes looking at fixed on the toy. It took Trinity a few seconds to secure the toy and then she rolled back to Gabriella, lifting her body from the bed and positioning her on all fours.
And then Trinity went to work.
She groaned as the dildo slowly entered Gabriella, stretching her gently. The friction caused Gabriella to moan and she pushed herself back against the toy. When she was sure that she was in all the way she pulled back and started to pump slowly. She purred when Gabriella flattened her torso on the bed, pushing her ass upwards allowing her to go even deeper. A few minutes later, sweating profusely, she pulled out and positioned a squirming Gabriella on her side before she continued her loving assault.
The rest of the night passed like that. In between bouts of wild sexual acts, they would rest for a few minutes and chat until the urge to make love again overwhelmed them. It was only when dawn gently crept over the horizon, that Trinity gave a sleepy Gabriella a goodbye kiss and rushed to her underground chamber. She grinned when she rounded a corner and found Paloma exiting Inger's bedroom quietly.
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Fran was whistling cheerfully as she opened the door to the office and Gabriella raised her eyebrows. Since she'd moved into the Marsden Mansion she hadn't been in the office since Monday and today was Friday. Judging from Fran's pleasant mood, a lot must have happened in her absence. She flipped through her appointment list. The usual suspects, she thought with a smile. Her after-hour appointment was not listed, but she knew who it was and she couldn't wait for the hours to fly by so that she could see her patient.
The door to her office swung open and she Fran gasped when she saw her sitting behind her desk. Inger had to be at the office earlier today and she'd jumped at the chance of having an extra hour to prepare herself before her first appointment.
“You are early today. I wasn't sure if you'd come in today,” Fran said once she had caught her breath. Her sharp pale blue eyes were studying her closely. “You still look a bit tired though.”
Gabriella's stomach clench when she thought about the reason why she was looking so worn out. Trinity . Since they made love on her second night at the mansion, Trinity had come to her bed every night since and left at the crack of dawn. She shrugged and rolled her eyes at Fran.
“I'm fine. Nothing a good night's sleep won't fix.” She took off her reading glasses and smiled at Fran. “How about you? You seem to be in a very good mood?”
Gabriella winked when a dark red blush crept up from Fran's neck all the way to her cheeks. Yip, she thought, there was definitely a man involved.
“It's still early days, but I think I finally met the right guy.” She nervously pulled at her blonde strands and flashed a shy smile. “But as I said its still early days.”
Gabriella walked around her desk and gave Fran a hug. She had been there when George had died and then through the birth of Angelique a few months. The two of them had been through all that together and had forged a strong bond over the years. A new man on the horizon after five years was a good sign and a new adventure for them both too.
“You do know that I'm with you every step of the way?”
Fran smiled tenderly. “Yes, I do. Thank you once again for everything you've done for me over the years. You took a chance on a country bumpkin eight years ago and you stuck with me. Thank you.”
Gabriella brushed a soft kiss on Fran's cheek. Their relationship had never really been that of boss and employee. After havening been through so much together they had become friends – close friends – so close that Fran had asked Gabriella to be Angelique's godmother.
“You have been there for me too,” she said softly. Fran gently pushed out of the embrace and stared at into Gabriella's eyes.
“Then why didn't you tell me that you and Jess broke up?”
Gabriella grimaced. She had almost completely forgotten about Jessica. The past three weeks had been so intense with Trinity coming back into her life.
“How did you find out?”
“Jess was here a couple of times and said that she was trying to get hold of you at your apartment, but that you refused to open the door for her.” The blue eyes were pensive. “She said that you broke it off with her. May I ask why?”
Gabriella walked back to her desk and sank down on her chair.
“She cheated on me.” Gabriella was shocked to find that she could talk about Jess and not feel a thing. No anger. Nothing. “I came back early from LA to surprise her, only to find her in bed with another woman.”
She saw Fran's jaw drop. “You must be joking?”
“Nope, I'm not. I kicked her out that same night.”
Fran shook her head in disbelief. “The two of you were so good together. What a shame.” She bit her under lip, pensive again. “We need to get you back in the dating game. I know of a number of ladies who would be over the moon about your new single status. What do you say?”
Gabriella shook her head and picked up her reading glasses. Telling her about Trinity now would only result in a lot of questions and as for now she only want Trinity to be on a need to know basis for now. She wanted to keep her as her little secret for just a little while longer. She felt a little guilty having to lie to Fran, but she will make it up to her later.
“All I need now is some time out, Fran. After six years it's not that easy to just move on and find somebody else.” Oh, heavens, she was going to hell for this lie. “But I will let you know as soon as I'm in need for companionship. Being single doesn't mean that I have to neglect other stuff, you know.” The last was said with a naughty wink and she laughed when Fran blushed again.
Fran wasn't the frank type and after eight years still cringe when she had to type up notes with explicit descriptions of sex acts. That made her all the more endearing to her.
“I have to go switch on the kettle,” Fran said quickly and ducked out of the office, with Gabriella's chuckles following her out. Fran came back later with steaming mug of coffee and reminded her of the taping she had for the A Woman's World show after lunch. Shortly afterwards her patients started to show up and she was kept busy until lunch time.
**********************************
She stepped out of the elevator leading to the underground parking lot, going through her purse for her car keys. Her hands stilled suddenly and she quickly scanned the semi-dark area. She wasn't alone. She could sense another presence close by. The building housed many other firms and the parking bays were filled with cars. Her car was parked a on the opposite side of the parking lot and she made a mental note to ask Fran to get her a parking spot closer to the elevator.
Holding tightly to her briefcase, she took a deep breath and started the long walk to her car. The presence grew stronger and stronger until she came to a stop next to her car. Her heart was beating so fast now that she felt lightheaded.
“Hi.”
She spun around at the sound of the voice behind her, dropping her briefcase and the car keys in the process. Trinity was standing behind her looking guilty for having startled her. Her shock and fear evaporated at the sight of her green-eyed lover. She walked into Trinity arms and held on tightly.
“You scared a few years of my life, but I'm glad to see you.” She quickly took a step back, her amber eyes suspicious. “You're not supposed to be awake right now, least of all walk in the sun.” She took another step back.
Trinity smiled.
“Vampire magic, remember. With so much money going around, a lot of it has been invested in the development of a daylight drug. It allows us to enjoy temporary exposure to the sun.”
Gabriella lifted her eyebrows.
“I remember seeing the others walk around during the day, but nobody told me about the daylight drug.” She came closer to Trinity. “What a handy invention.”
She'd been planning on grabbing a sandwich for lunch from the deli around the corner and drive to the studio, but having Trinity with her was very tempting indeed. She bent down to pick up her keys and briefcase. Her apartment wasn't far from here. Maybe a quickie in the lounge on the carpet wasn't such a bad idea.
“As deliciously wicked as it sounds, it is a bad idea, my love. You will be late for your appointment.” Trinity took the keys from her and unlocked the car by deactivating the alarm. “If it's OK with you I'd wait for you until you're done with the taping and then we can go to your apartment. What do you think?”
Gabriella cupped Trinity's cheek and placed a gentle kiss on her lips.
“Sounds great.” She wasn't ashamed to admit that since she'd met Trinity again, all she could think about was having sex with her. The woman was so addictive. “I will have to pick up a sandwich though since I've skipped breakfast this morning.”
“I will stop at the deli.”
Gabriella walked around the car and got in at the passenger side. She'd never seen Trinity drive a car before and had even doubted as to whether she could. But she wasn't overly shocked when the vampire smoothly pulled out of the parking bay and exited the underground parking area. Vampires can do almost everything it seems.
***************************************
The taping was halfway when there was a commotion at the door of the studio. She saw the floor manager yank off his headphones and handing it to another guy before he walked over to where two security guards were trying to push someone away from the door. She quickly turned back to he set and saw that everyone else were undisturbed by what was happening at the door. The doors were closed quickly and she could hear the muffled conversation taking place between the floor manager and the newcomer.
“I'm sorry but we cannot allow you in. Any disruption now will affect the taping,” she heard the floor manager said firmly.
“I need to speak with Dr. Talos,” a female voice was saying and at the mention of Gabriella's name, Trinity quickly turned to face the door.
“I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait until after the taping.”
“How much longer before you're done in there?” the woman asked sharply.
“Another twenty minutes or so. Now will you please let us do our job until then?”
There was short silence before the woman answered.
“OK. I'll wait for her in the green room. Please give her the message.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 15
Gabriella signed with relief when she heard the floor manager indicate that the taping was done and she waited patiently for the sound guy to remove his gear. Her amber eyes searched the studio for the tall frame of Trinity and she smiled when she caught the green eyes staring back at her from behind a studio camera on her right.
<There is someone waiting for you in the green room. Do you want me to come with you?>
Gabriella's eyes widened when she realized that Trinity had just spoken directly to her mind. She saw the amusement in the green eyes and smiled too. Inger had told her that she and Paloma mostly communicate telepathically and she had meant to ask Trinity why she'd never tried that with her. Her thoughts went back to what Trinity had said and she shook her head.
<It might be someone who wants advice. It happens a lot when I come for tapings. But don't go too far, OK.>
She saw Trinity nod before she was ushered to the door by one of the floor assistants. Just then the producer came over to her and they quickly discuss the taping schedule for the next week and ten minutes later she made her way over to the green room.
“Nice show, Doc,” one of the young assistants called to her on the way to her green room and she smiled back at him as she pushed the door open.
She stopped it her tracks when Jessica quickly came to her feet. She hadn't seen her for over three weeks and she couldn't help but notice how worn-out she looked. Her beautiful grey eyes were dull and her hair had grown longer than she used to keep them. She slowly closed the door behind her and walked over to where Jessica stood. Just when she was about to speak, Jessica held up her hand.
“Please just hear me out before you tell me to leave. I know I've hurt you, but I want to know if there isn't a way for me to show you how much I regret what I've done to you.”
Gabriella couldn't help the feeling of melancholy that washed over her. Had it not been for Trinity, she would've been in the same state that Jessica was in. Six years was a long time to just stop loving a person overnight and move on. She know for a fact that she did love Jessica when they were still going out and that she would probably always have a soft spot for her in her heart, but as cruel as it might sound, she had moved on. She was in love with someone else. Someone she knows loved her back as much as she did. Someone she trusted completely with her heart. Her silence was making Jessica even more frantic as the photographer began to pace up and down only to stand before her again.
“There must be something I can do to save our relationship and win back you trust. Please tell me that its so.” The grey eyes were pleading with her and Gabriella felt her heart constrict. No matter what Jessica has done to her, she wasn't sure she could utter the words she knew she had to say. Not when those dove-grey eyes looked at her like that. The anguish in them was heartbreaking.
“You shouldn't be here, Jess,” she said lamely.
“You didn't answer the door when I went to the apartment and you didn't come to the office for the past four days. I found out about you taping session from Fran and I knew this was the only place to talk to you.” The grey eyes stared deeply into her. “What can I do to make you take me back, baby?”
Closing her eyes, Gabriella prepared herself mentally for what she as about to say. She slowly opened her eyes, finally ready to do one of the most painful things she'd ever had to do in her life.
“We can't get back together again, Jessica, because I've met someone else.”
A mixture of shock and hurt crossed Jessica's face and she stumbled back until she was standing against the wall. The grey eyes shot full of tears and she slowly lowered her head. Gabriella wanted to walk over to her, but a sharp command stopped her from doing just that.
<Let her be. She needs to get through this alone. I'm coming to get you.>
Gabriella felt like the worst kind of criminal standing there looking at Jessica. As angry as she was at Trinity for commanding her on how to handle the situation, she had to admit that Trinity was right. Comforting Jessica now would only confuse her and might give her hope of reconciliation.
“I'm sorry, Jess. I'm sorry I'm hurting you,” she said softly, but kept her distance. Jessica lifted her head and Gabriella saw the tears on her face.
“Did you hook up with this person because of what I did to you?”
“No. I've known her all my life, but we only met again three weeks ago.”
Jessica wiped her face with the back of her hand and pushed herself away from the wall to come stand in front of her.
“I deserve this, you know. I've always known that if and when you ever found out about my affairs that you'd leave me.” She sniffed and tried to smile through her tears. “I have been very happy with you and I wish I can tell you that I will try to accept your choice and move on, but I can't and I won't. Who knows, maybe one day you might decide to give me another chance.”
“Jessica…” she began, but Jessica shook her head.
“You are a woman worth fighting for and…” A sharp knock on the door startled them both and they turned together to see who it was.
Trinity stood in the doorway, looking from Gabriella to Jessica and back to Gabriella.
“Are you ready to leave?”
Gabriella turned to Jessica.
“Goodbye, Jess, and take care.”
Trinity nodded in Jessica's direction and held out her hand to Gabriella.
“I will try to win her back, you know.” Jessica said suddenly and Trinity's green eyes flashed, but she didn't say anything. Instead she held the door open for Gabriella and followed her out.
They were in the car when Trinity broke the silence. She turned to look at Gabriella, who was sitting staring quietly in front of her.
“I like her.” That's all she said and then she push the ignition button and maneuvered the car out of the studio's parking lot into the traffic. She didn't question Trinity when she drove straight to her office on the contrary she was actually glad that she was so sensitive to her feelings. Making love now would sit well with her, not after what had happened at the studio between her and Jessica.
“I'll hang around until you knock off and then we can go home.” Trinity said and Gabriella was surprised to find that they were already at the office.
“Where will you go in the meantime?” she asked softly her amber eyes looking into Trinity's.
There was something they had to say to each other, but she wasn't sure what it was. Trinity's eyes were hooded, a sign that she was trying to hide her feelings.
“It's Friday. I'll go play a few sets of chess in the park and come back here. Will you be OK until then?”
“Yes.”
“Let me know when you're ready to leave. I'll come straight away.” She leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “Let me walk you to the elevator.” She opened the driver's door and walked around to the passenger door.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
As nonchalant as she was acting about the situation, Trinity was seething inside. Jessica had cheated on her not once but many times and here Gabriella was feeling dejected for having told the woman that they couldn't get back together again. She was really trying to be understanding about the situation but her jealousy was slowly getting the best of her too. She needed to put space between them quickly, before Gabriella picked up on her mood.
The door opened and Gabriella got out of the car. They looked at each other for a while before Trinity took a step back making space for her to be able to walk pass her. But still Gabriella just stood there, looking at her with sad eyes.
“I'm sad because she was my best friend and closest confidant for six years. She supported me, encouraged me and celebrated my achievements with me during the course of our relationship. And no matter how many affairs she'd had, I will always remember what she'd meant to me during our six years together.” The amber eyes were serious. “It doesn't mean that I regret the break-up though, because I love you very much. I just wished there was an easier way to let her down, instead of hurting her the way I know I am.”
Trinity nodded, grateful that Gabriella had put everything in perspective for her. She understood it all better now. Just the other night when she had confronted Clarissa, she too had felt the same emotions that Gabriella was experiencing. She had felt the same guilt for being with Gabriella while Clarissa obviously still loved her and wanted her back.
“Please tell me you understand?” Gabriella pleaded softly, making Trinity reach out and pull her into her arms.
“I do now. I must admit that I was a little jealous before now.” She bent her head and they shared a tender kiss. “You need to go now before you're late for your next appointment.”
They held hands as they walked to the elevator and just before she entered the elevator they kissed again.
“I feel like going out tonight. Would you like to go to the movies? I can have Fran call to find out what's showing.”
“Sounds good. Let's make it a real date and include dinner.”
The amber eyes looked up into hers tenderly.
“See you later.”
************************************
It was Friday evening and the New Yorkers were all suffering from severe bouts of insomnia, but tonight Tristan didn't even notice. He had a date and even if it killed him he was going to continue acting the charming gentleman. After all this was just a means to an end.
He pulled out a crisp note and handed it to the girl behind the counter. She was chewing bubblegum, blowing bubbles in between and Tristan felt his nerves wearing thin. If she'd known what he was capable of doing to her she'd stop her rude behavior immediately, he thought as he felt a thrill go through his body. The beast inside was sharpening its claws. He should feed before he picked up his date just in case his hunger overwhelmed him and he snacked on her instead.
Pocketing his wallet, he once again fixed his attention on the bubblegum-chewing girl, trying hard to keep his face from pulling in a sneer. He looked around him quickly and grimaced. There were too many people present. He turned back to the girl who was in the process of blowing another bubble, while fishing in the cash register for his change.
Ach, what the hell, he thought and looking hard at the girl he soundlessly murmured a few lines and clenched his hand in a tight fist.
The girl suddenly looked up from the cash register, her eyes wide in terror as she started to sputter. Her one hand going to her throat where the strawberry flavored gum she'd been chewing on a second ago was lodged. A lady to his right screamed in panic as she rounded the counter to perform the Heimlich procedure on the girl.
Tristan smiled inwardly. Not tonight, he thought as he and the other patrons watched as the girl gave a final gasp and then went limp. Taking his flowers from the counter he walked out the door. Suddenly the night didn't seem so dreary anymore. Pulling up the collars of his trench coat he walked down the street, whistling a merry tune as an ambulance rushed passed him.
***************************************
Trinity looked at Gabriella from across the table as her lover tore into the pizza slice. She'd hoped to take her to some fancy restaurant and a bit of dancing afterwards, but the brunette had insisted on going to for pizza and a diet Pepsi instead. Gabriella looked up and smiled at her, the corners of her mouth sported crumbs from the biting into the huge slice.
“You should try some. It's really very nice,” she said after she's swallowed.
Trinity pulled a face and shook her head. “No thanks. I'm on a diet.”
The remark made Gabriella chuckle and she took a long sip from her soda.
“When last did you try to eat solid food?”
Trinity put her coffee mug down and leaned forward, but the offensive smell of the pizza made her sit back quickly.
“That bad, huh?” Gabriella teased. “So?”
“The last time I ate solid food was the night I was bitten by Tristan. I had smoked trout, corn bread and peas,” she said with hesitation. “It was my favorite dish and my mother would always send my younger brother out to catch enough trout for the manor as well as for ourselves.”
Gabriella slowly pushed the empty plate away, her expression serious.
“Tell me about your life before you became a vampire?”
Trinity inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly.
“We all grew up together. Tristan, Clarissa and I. My mother was the personal maid of Tristan and Clarissa's mother as well as the midwife at the keep. She brought both Tristan and Clarissa into the world. My father was the carpenter and my brother, Jeremy, was the stable boy. I grew up to groomed to become a chamber maid at the keep. It was a simple but fulfilling life and I never expected to die so young.” The green eyes were unreadable. “But I did. Tristan saw to that.”
“But why did he bite you?”
Trinity's jaw hardened and her eyes began to flash. “He'd been obsessed with being with me. When I turned fifteen, Tristan started to pursue me, but I turned him down every time. Not only was he trying to bed me like he had all the other young servant girls at the keep, but I was already seeing Clarissa at the time.”
Gabriella frowned.
“You were already sleeping with Clarissa at the age of fifteen?”
“We actually only became intimate a little later, but yes we were already in love by then.”
Fascinated, Gabriella leaned even closer. “And Tristan? Did he know about the two of you?”
“I don't think so. He only found out the night he caught us making love in the firewood shed. By that time already he had slaughtered his own parents and my mother along with them.” She stopped for a few seconds, surprised at the dull ache in her chest. Gabriella put her hand over hers and squeezed them. “He first bit Clarissa and let me watch her ‘die' while he raped me. The next night he went back to the village to kill my father and my brother. He then took me to Italy with him, raping me every chance he got.” The green eyes were hard as she allowed her mind to go back four hundred years. She could still smell the blood on Tristan's breath. How she hated him then and even more now.
“Was that where you meet Genevieve?”
Trinity smiled. It was a cold upturn of the lips.
“When we arrived in Naples at Mercredi's castle, Tristan was informed that a live Royal Clan member had been caught. They were all very happy about it. So much so that Tristan bit me again that night, but this time the purpose was to kill me and not to convert me. He threw me into the cell were they'd kept Genevieve, hoping she'd finish me off. Instead I begged her to save my life so I could take revenge and make him pay.” Her green eyes softened at the thought of Genevieve. “She was scared of breaking the most sacred of the Royal Covenant, but she couldn't bear to see me die like that – angry and with so much hatred, so… she converted me. In return for her great sacrifice she made me vow that I will live by the laws of the Royal Clan and rid the earth of the renegade scum. Once I was strong enough she hid me from Mercredi and the others, by creating a secret underground passage which led into the nearby woods and for many years she taught me everything I needed to know to survive.” Her eyes hardened and she looked away. “I don't know how Tristan found out that I was still alive, but I could sense his presence throughout the centuries, bidding my time until I was ready to destroy him.”
She had been so lost in thought that when Gabriella spoke, she stiffened. Gabriella's eyes were brimming with unshed tears when she bent her head to kiss the stiff cold hand.
“I'm so sorry for the pain you had to endure, my love.”
While Trinity was talking, Gabriella had relived her painful past with her and was stunned that Trinity still managed to stay human deep down inside. She took Trinity's hand in her own and started to rub it to warm it a little, but after a while she gave up. Trinity still looked cold and distant. It was time to distract her.
“Let's go home. The movie can wait.”
This time she drove them home, parked the car and led Trinity to her bedroom. In silence she undressed her and put her to bed and then held her tightly.
“By the way, did I tell you that I love you?” she said softly where she was lying, spooning Trinity. When there was no immediate reaction from Trinity she held her even tighter.
Trinity turned her head and smiled into her eyes.
“I know you do, silly.”
Both were quiet for a minute enjoying the moment and reminiscing. They used to lie like this when she was a teenager. Trinity would appear in the room with a bag of snacks and non-alcoholic champagne and they'd have a midnight picnic on her bed, afterwards they would lie on the bed and Trinity would read to her or tell her stories from centuries back. Most of the times she was fast asleep when Trinity left, but the few times that she was awake, the vampire would hold her tightly for a few seconds before planting a soft kiss on her head.
“I love you, Trinity,” she'd mumble sleepily and Trinity would pinch her nose and looked at her with those fascinating green eyes.
“I know you do, silly,” she would answer, giving her a gentle hug before she left.
Gabriella suddenly felt a strange flashing presence in her mind. Alarmed, she sat up, but Trinity pulled her back against her body.
“That was me. Besides wanting to share the moment with you, I also want you to get used to my presence in your mind.” Trinity said softly and touched the tip of her nose.
“Can I read your mind to?”
Trinity smiled.
“Yes, I can drop my mental blocks and allow you to read them, if you want.”
Gabriella nodded.
“Only when you drop your mental blocks? Why's that?”
“Yes. I have been bitten Tristan and because of that he is capable of reading my thoughts – if I drop my blocks around him. As a vampire, leaving one's thoughts unguarded is a fatal mistake. My thoughts can expose the whereabouts of the whole group, our secrets, our human allies …you. Tristan could cause immense damage if he got hold of that kind of information.”
Gabriella turned on her stomach and with her face turned toward Trinity she broached the subject that she'd been trying to avoid for the week. Since they were opening up to each other, they might just as well get this one out in the open too.
“And Clarissa?”
She saw the slight tightening of the skin around Trinity's cheekbones.
“What about her?” she asked evenly.
“When last did you speak to her?”
Trinity rubbed over her eyes, a sign that Gabriella knew so well. It not only meant that she was tired but also weighed down by the topic. She'd seen the gesture so many times as a teenager.
“She refuses to see me or talk to me.” She inhaled deeply and exhaled loudly. “She is very upset about our relationship. I went to see her a week ago to talk to her, but she became agitated when I told her about us and asked me to leave. We haven't spoken since.”
Gabriella moved closer and pressed her body against Trinity's.
“Do you still love her?”
There was no hesitation.
“Not the way she wants me to.”
Gabriella understood. She gently pushed a wayward curl from Trinity's forehead.
“It's getting late and since you're going to be a day walker for the next two days, you'd better get some rest too.”
They snuggled up and after a few more minutes of soft pillow talk, Trinity heard Gabriella's breathing even out. She tightened her hold around Gabriella and settled back, getting ready to lay there and stare at the ceiling for the rest of the night.