VAMPIRE TEMPTATION

CHP 9 It’s Over *** Ruby pov For once, I’m glad to leave the office. I’m nervous for the rest of the day after seeing Amelia’s neck. Perhaps it’s stupid to think someone in the office bit her, but I can’t quite get the suspicion out of my mind. One thing is for sure, Vamp Investments isn’t your typical investment company. Kelly isn’t home yet when I arrive. He’s probably working late with a client. I don’t blame him. I’ve been working late too recently, not wanting to face the awkward silences at home. I try to distract myself with cooking. Should I tell him I slept with Klaus again? Are Kelly and I even really together anymore? In the end, I can’t stand the idea of another confession. My decision to keep quiet for now doesn’t stop the guilt, though. I told Will I wouldn’t sleep with Klaus again, and I broke my promise. Maybe things are broken beyond repair between us, but I still shouldn’t have done it. I should have ended things with Kelly before sleeping with Klaus again. The thought brings me up short. Should I leave Kelly? I’ve been with him for five years, and I’ve been happy for most of that time. I’m not happy now. It’s my fault, of course – I was the one who cheated – but does that mean I have to suffer indefinitely in a ruined relationship because of one mistake? I barely notice when Kelly gets home and ignores me, too lost in my own thoughts. It’s really not fair to stay with him, not when I’m developing feelings for Klaus, and especially when I can’t seem to keep my hands off Klaus. I decide to sleep on it, not wanting to make any hasty decisions. The next morning, I get up early and make pancakes. What is the proper way to break up with someone you’ve been with for five years? Kelly comes down, barely glancing at me. “Kelly, sit down, please. We need to talk.” I half expect him to ignore me, but I’m relieved when he does as I say and sits opposite me. Neither of us touches the pancakes. Perhaps Kelly also feels like he’s about to be sick. Kelly… I don’t feel like this is working. Us, I mean. I know it’s my fault, but I can’t –I don’t think I can do this anymore. He doesn’t say anything, just looks at me. I force the words out. “It’s over between us.” Kelly doesn’t say anything. He just gets up and walks out of the front door. He doesn’t even pack anything. I stare at the door, wondering if I’ll ever see him again. I know I’ve hurt him, but I was hoping for at least a goodbye before he left. I only realize I’ve been staring into space for almost ten minutes when my usual morning alarm goes off. Despite having plenty of time to get ready, I only just make it in time to work. Amelia can tell something is wrong, and she tries to comfort me, but it’s difficult when I won’t tell her what happened. I can’t seem to get the words out. Besides, she’s not the one I want to comfort me. Of course, it’s not going to happen. Klaus is hardly the sensitive type. Still, I find myself shuffling into his office without even a pretend excuse for why I’m there. I must be insane. He’s going to fire me. Maybe I deserve it. Klaus looks up as I come in. “Ruby?” His voice isn’t quite as sharp as usual. I just stand there stupidly, staring at the floor. I broke up with Kelly, and I don’t think my heart will ever recover. I need you to hold me, but I can’t ask that. What have I done to my life? Klaus gets up, his face a picture of concern. He leads me to a comfortable couch in the corner of the room that looks like it’s never been used. I sit down next to him, cradling my hands in my lap. I broke up with Kelly.” “I’m so sorry, Ruby.” To my utter disbelief, he puts an arm around me, drawing my head to his shoulder. I sigh and relax into him. It’s taking all my effort not to cry, but just being here like this is enough. “I’m sorry. I should get back to work.” “There’s no hurry. Stay awhile.” So I do. Klaus doesn’t seem to know what to do – it’s clear he’s not experienced in comforting people – but he stays with me, giving me time to sort out my thoughts. This is a whole different side to him. Before today, I never would have expected that he was capable of showing any sign of tenderness. I like this side to him. I like it a lot. Klaus… tell me what everyone here is hiding?” What do you mean?” “You know what I mean. The ritual. The… there’s something odd about this office, that much is clear. I know that most of your employees know about it, even the ones who aren’t directly involved.” He hesitates. “I will tell you, Ruby… but not yet. You have to understand, we have protocols for a reason. Once you’ve been working here long enough, I will tell you.” I guess that’s the best I’m going to get for now. I nod and lean more of my weight into Klaus’s side. He shifts his arm slightly so that he’s almost embracing me. It’s lunchtime before either of us moves. Klaus looks completely prepared to spend the entire day here on this couch with me, but that wouldn’t be fair. I stand up. “Thank you, Klaus.” He grins at me. “We can afford the lost time, thanks to you. My files and emails are in perfect order.” Huh. I guess even when I’m distracted I’m still competent. Good to know. “I’d best see to it that they stay that way.” I go back into the office, feeling rejuvenated. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to see that side of Klaus again, but I hope so. Amelia drops by not long after to pick up some reports I proofread. “How are things going?” she asks hesitantly. You never really talk about yourself, about your life outside of work, but I can see that something is wrong.” I sigh, considering. “I have a reason not to. At my old work, I confided in my colleagues. I thought they were my friends. They sold me out to my boss, telling him things that I said to them in confidence. It was mostly just venting frustrations. I didn’t mind him, really, but you know how you talk when you’re annoyed with someone.” Anyway, he fired me. Since then, I’ve made it a policy not to mix work and home life.” Amelia nods sympathetically. “I’d never do that to you… but I understand. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.” The funny thing is that I’d probably rather talk to Klaus than her. Klaus is intimidating and brisk, nothing like Amelia’s bubbly friendliness, but I can’t help trusting Klaus. Something about him draws me toward him. Anyway, he fired me. Since then, I’ve made it a policy not to mix work and home life.” Amelia nods sympathetically. “I’d never do that to you… but I understand. If you ever want to talk, I’m here.” The funny thing is that I’d probably rather talk to Klaus than her. Klaus is intimidating and brisk, nothing like Amelia’s bubbly friendliness, but I can’t help trusting Klaus. Something about him draws me toward him. I know Klaus will keep his word about telling me the secret of the ritual, but I’m so curious, I don’t know if I want to wait. I glance around, making sure Katherine isConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

nowhere in sight. Amelia… don’t you think it’s time I know about the ritual?” She also checks to see the area is clear before lowering her voice, speaking with her lips close to my ear. “I can’t tell you that. But I can tell you that it’s nothing bad. It may seem that way at first, but I promise it’s by not, Her words hardly do anything to reassure me. In fact, they just leave me even more worried. She sounds like she’s describing a cult. Is that what I’ve walked into. Amelia.”I lower my voice even further, leaning as close as I can. “If you need to get out, I can help you. There are safe places you can go. She laughs, the sound jarring considering my own worry. “I swear, Ruby, it’s nothing like that. It can be quite wonderful, actually.” This is sounding more and more Like a cult.