Page 61 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

Nowthisis the life.

I lay back comfortably against the curved rim of the bathtub. It’s designed to hug my neck and shoulders perfectly, so I can relax as I sink into the steamy, soapy water. Rose petals dot the top of the pink bubble bath. A little extra treat I got for myself when I was at the mall.

The entire bathroom is filled with flickering candles. Since I’ve been living at the mansion, I’ve found I prefer softer, more sensual light. I’ve barely turned on the electric lights in my room, especially because it’s so bright during the day when the picture window is open.

I reach over and take my wine glass from the small table beside the tub. I swirl it once, then take a generous sip, allowing myself to enjoy its rich aroma and its bright, cherry notes.

I can’t remember the last time I was this relaxed. This comfortable. It’s possible I’veneverbeen. When I was a child, my life was chaotic at best. My mother did what she could, but she was never able to provide for us the way she wanted to, or create the stability we needed. As an adult, I always felt like I was behind. Behind on rent, behind on school, stagnating in a relationship I had outgrown.

But now…I feel like I canbreathe. Like I can take a little space to be with myself.

It’s not always easy. From time to time, difficult thoughts come up, about my mother, worries aboutMiles. It’s as though I was always running so quickly I never had a chance to think about those things.

And then in other moments, I feel totally blissful. I’veneverhad so much time to myself before. Time to read, time to dance, time to just linger in the courtyard, smelling the roses. I didn’t realize how much life I was missing.

I take another sip of my wine. How am I going to go back to my normal, day-to-day life after this? I certainly can’t stay in the mansion forever. The original deal was three months, that’s what they’d said on the phone. I don’t know if that’s because they like to cycle the donors out, or what. Maybe I should ask Eloise.

I don’t want to dwell on it too much. I should be enjoying this time, not ruining it by worrying about what’s going to happen in the future.

My thoughts drift back to Crimson. I can still taste her on my tongue. God, she wasamazing. So sexy, so confident, sodominant…seated on her throne while I knelt before her, while Iservedher…

And everyone watching us…I didn’t think I would find that so hot! It was powerful like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.

But that little voice rings in my head…

How long could this last? I mean, she’s some super-powerful, rich vampire king. I know I’m not the first. She must do this all the time. What happens, if she gets bored of me?Whenshe gets bored? After three months, will she forget all about this?

And why does that even bother me?

I shake my head. I’m doing it again. Spiraling.

I take another sip of wine. The water’s getting a little cool. I lean out over the rim of the tub, looking through the open bathroom door. It’s gotten pretty dark. I’m sure the sun’s almost down, if it isn’t already. I should start getting ready.

I slip out of the tub and dry myself off with a fluffy pink towel. Then I open my wardrobe. It’s brimming with options now. I can barely decide what to wear!

Finally, I settle on a silky, rose pink dress and matching shoes. It’s strapless, showing off my neck and collarbone. I find two shimmering, teardrop earrings to do with it, and I finish it all off with a matching lipstick shade.

I’mabout to go find Chelsie and Sean when there’s a knock at my door.

Eloise opens it, giving me her characteristic warm smile. I’m surprised to see two red bite marks on her neck. I don’t remember seeing them before.

She catches me looking, and blushes.

“It…just sort of happened,” she says, wrinkling her nose. “I wasn’t sure whether to hide them.”

“No need to worry,” I reply, pointing at the marks on my own neck. “You’re in good company.”

She chuckles. “I just came up to let you know that Crimson was asking for you.”

My stomach flutters at the thought of her wanting to see me again. “Oh, thank you for letting me know.”

“Yes, she asked if you could come see her in her office, when you’re ready.”

“Oh.” I frown. “Heroffice?”

“That’s what she said,” Eloise replies. “It’s just on the main floor, down past the kitchen, the last door on the left.”

“Right,” I say, trying not to get nervous. “Thanks, Eloise!”