Hypersensitive psychic abilities
Tremendous exhaustion
Heightened desire to engage in coitus
Wow, talk about accurate information! As far as the symptoms went, I could scratch them all off the list. Especially the coitus part. I began skimming other chapters finding more proof of the book’s credibility. I sat back for a moment in disbelief. I had the answers to so many questions right in the palms of my hands! And thanks to Leo, of all people. Vance apparently wasn’t the only guide that I had on this journey. I took some deep breaths and closed my eyes to absorb everything.
*****
I must have fallen asleep because I opened my eyes sometime later while lying in a huge bed. The dark was a bit disorienting so I felt my way around until I found a table lamp. I switched the light on and surveyed my surroundings.
I was alone, but I knew instinctively that I was in Leo’s bedroom. It was too stylish and masculine not to be. I took a deep breath in, and smelled his leftover spicy, clean man scent. His bed was bigger than any I’ve ever seen. It must have been custom made. The arched headboard and footboard were made of a deeply stained oak, with a matching nightstand on each side. The black silk duvet mirrored the elegantly papered walls and sat atop crisp, white sheets. In front of the bed was a sitting area composed of a black leather loveseat with red accent pillows and a large fireplace. An eccentric piece of art hung on the wall behind me that reminded me of intricately woven snowflakes. Iron and glass sconces filled with tea lights flanked the undoubtedly priceless masterpiece.
“Wow, talk about a room built for seduction,” I said to no one in particular.
I noticed a door off to the right so I got out of bed to explore. I gasped upon entering the master bathroom. The cool, sexy motif carried into there tenfold. The walls and floor were the color of steel and the vanity was a polished black with black granite countertops. On my right, a floor to ceiling mirror rested behind a black Jacuzzi tub, surrounded by silver candelabras that stood at least four feet tall. To the left, a glass enclosed shower with jets on every wall tempted me to indulge in the luxury they promised. My God, Leo certainly knew about living a glamorous life.
A garment bag hanging on the back of the door caught my attention. There was a note attached to it with my name. I unfolded the thick piece of stationery and recognized Leo’s handwriting.
A beautiful dress for my beautiful fairy.
I unzipped the bag and wasn’t entirely surprised to find a designer label, sinfully soft, red silk, knee length wrap dress. And in typical Leo form, a bag sat next to it complete with lingerie and matching shoes, all in the right size. Also included was an assortment of my favorite cosmetics and perfumes. He certainly believed in being prepared, didn’t he? I wondered how long this had been there.
I took a long shower and my time getting ready. I walked back into the bedroom to find another note lying on the freshly made bed.
Good morning, my love. I will be in the grand hall when you’re ready. Take a right outside the bedroom door and walk down to the open archway.
I followed his instructions and was speechless upon my arrival.
I felt as if I had been transported into one of my smutty historical novels. The ‘grand hall’ as he’d called it, was indeed magnificent. It was large enough to fit an entire army comfortably. It reminded me of a medieval ballroom and also had stone walls and marble floors. Several seating areas were scattered throughout consisting of plush couches, chairs, and chaises, all in shades of burgundy, brown, and gold. On the ceiling were exposed beams, cascading into a cathedral-like dome, with a large iron chandelier hanging from the top. On each end of the room was a hearth made of stone inside of which I could easily stand. It was rather disconcerting how something that felt so old seemed so effortlessly modern. Leo was sitting in a chair near the fireplace on the left. He stood and walked over to greet me, grabbing my hands as he leaned in to kiss me on the cheek. I couldn’t help the shiver that followed.
He smiled as he picked up on his effect on me. “You look incredible in that dress, my sweet,” he said. “Are yo
u hungry? I can make you something…I stopped by the grocery store last night before you came.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Planning a sleepover, were you?” I accused.
He grinned. “I was just trying to be a good host by anticipating all of my guest’s needs.”
I looked down at my dress. “I’d say you passed that test.”
His eyes slowly roamed my body from head to toe, scrupulously examining my curves. His fangs lengthened as I’m sure he was imagining the black lace that was currently draped over said curves. “I can’t say my motives were entirely selfless,” he admitted.
I blushed. “Well, regardless, I appreciate everything. Thank you.”
He dipped his head to place a soft, sweet kiss on my lips. “It was my pleasure,” he whispered.
I shivered again and broke away from him before I did something crazy like peel my new dress off. I walked over to the hearth, sat down in a chair, and cleared my throat. “I want to know about Maria, Leo.”
He joined me in the adjacent chair. “Ah, yes. I didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to have you forget about that,” he said. “Where shall I start?”
“How about the beginning?” I replied.
He sighed. “The beginning it is then.”
Eleven
Leo shifted uncomfortably in his chair before starting. “What would you like to know first?” he asked.