Take On Me (Cursed Kin Series Book 3) Read online

  Vanessa was surprised and grateful for it. Her stomach was painfully full. She’d managed to eat her entire steak, her potato, and three of the rolls. Fiacha had an affinity for the rolls and had ordered a second basket of them, polishing off several himself. She was surprised that he seemed to keep such a lean figure. She remembered the way his taut stomach had felt and then shook her head. Thinking along that line only brought up the intimate memories again.

  Fiacha paid the bill easily and drove her to her apartment. She was a little surprised that he knew immediately where the complex was since it was tucked back just a bit from the street. He exited the car and opened her door, making her blush at being treated so nicely. Russ never opened the car door for her in all the years they’d dated. He carried the dessert bag and the roses to the front door, following her up the stairs to the building.

  Vanessa felt her anxiety rising at the thought of him ruining the night with expecting her to fool around with him again. She wanted more than that from someone in her life. If things went that direction, she’d just tell him to leave her alone.

  Getting out her keys, she opened the door and stepped inside. She turned to look at Fiacha, who still stood on the stoop holding the roses and plastic bag. His jawline was clenched and she could see a faint flush on his cheeks. There was an intensity to his eyes that was hidden in the murky blue depths. Before she could even open her mouth, he spoke.

  “Vanessa, I’d like to bid you goodnight here – please,” he uttered softly in a tight voice. “Do you need me to bring in the roses?”

  “I thought… I, uh…” she stammered, feeling her own face heat up in embarrassment and mortification at her assumption. “No, I can take them. Thank you.”

  He handed them to her and stood there unmoving. She set the vase of flowers and the plastic bag down on a small breakfast bar that ran along the wall of her living room, separating the tiny room from the kitchen. It was truly a catchall for her bills, her purse and now her flowers. Turning, she saw Fiacha was still standing there.

  “I’d like to see you tomorrow night, if you are available?” he asked simply.

  “Would you like me to cook?”

  “Only if you let me bring the groceries,” he countered.

  “Would you prefer to go out?”

  “I just want to see you and be with you for a bit.”

  “We could talk for a while, if you like?” she asked.

  “Honestly?” Fiacha gave her a wry smile. “I don’t want to overstay my welcome or lose control again, and the temptation is great. I canna forget how verra lovely you felt or the way you tasted, lass.”

  Vanessa swallowed hard, hearing his accent flare to life. That was one thing she’d noticed tonight while they talked. When he was very animated or excited about something, it slipped past the reserved coolness he presented at times.

  “Then I’ll see you tomorrow,” she breathed, feeling her pulse race nervously. She noticed that his eyes kept moving from her face to her neck and shoulder area. She hoped she didn’t have a stain on her shirt or something.

  “I’ll see you then. Sleep well.”

  “You too.”

  8

  Being in Vanessa’s presence was like an invisible hand had just caressed the most inner part of Fiacha’s soul. He could feel it in his bones that something special, someone special, was near. He got the same jittery feeling when one of his siblings was too close making him vulnerable, but this was significantly different. This almost felt like a warmth he couldn’t explain.

  He was beyond happy simply seeing her smile.

  Carefully avoiding any contact other than something casual, like holding hands, he was able to function like any other normal, sane man. When she touched him or looked at him in a certain way, he had to curl his hands to keep from pulling her into his arms. Everything in him wanted to taste her, touch her… he wanted to devour her essence and that struck him as odd. Something in Vanessa called to him, overriding his phobia- his fear of blood.

  Normally, he fed only at night and only when he couldn’t wait any longer but with Vanessa it was different. He felt a keen desire growing for the lovely woman. There was a sweet spot on her delicate neck that just begged to be kissed and that is what had inspired him to buy the comb for her hair.

  Seeing her dark black hair twisted up in a chignon made him ache in a way he’d never known. His hands itched to pull the comb from her hair as he drank from her. The thought of using all those midnight locks as a curtain of privacy made his blood boil.

  He’d almost canceled their date.

  When Vanessa had opened the door to her apartment to greet him, everything in him surged forth. His body, his soul, his very hungers were almost overwhelming. She stood there unknowingly in a sleek silvery gown that looked extremely modest in the front, yet when she turned to get her purse he saw that her entire back was exposed, the material stopping at the curve of her spine. His incisors burst forth uncontrollably and cut his tongue.

  “Shite!” he exclaimed softly. They were supposed to go to dinner at Reunion Tower downtown. She’d admitted that she had never been there and he wanted to bask in her happiness. The thought of seeing the city at sunset with her seemed almost magical. Only it wasn’t the city that was magical.

  It was Vanessa.

  “Is everything alright?” she questioned softly and he had to physically restrain himself from groaning aloud at the lust racing through his veins. Her sultry eyes looked over her shoulder to where he stood with a ‘come hither’ look. Did she even know how he felt or what she did to him?

  “I bit my tongue. May I use your restroom?”

  “Of course.” She padded barefoot in her hose back towards a tiny hallway. Opening the door, she grimaced. “I haven’t had a chance to clean up yet. My rollers are still cooling down and I can’t put them up yet in the case. Just ignore my mess.”

  Fiacha took a deep breath and scented her tantalizing smell on the air between them. Flowers and vanilla, sweet and warm. Just like her kiss, just like when they touched. He looked at her standing there nearby and couldn’t help himself. He didn’t think, just felt. He reached out and tenderly cupped her neck, his lips brushing hers.

  The sensation of her soft lips molding against his melted every bone in his body. It wasn’t just a yearning or craving, it was like finding a perfect piece to the ultimate puzzle. A sweet satisfaction that this person was just the one for you.

  “Ow,” Vanessa suddenly whispered and pulled her lips from his. Her divine lips were swollen from his kisses and he’d forgotten to be careful of his teeth. He needed to hide them from her and he’d been careless. A single drop of her ruby red blood welled up on her lip and Fiacha felt the room spin.

  “What is going on?”

  “Oh shite…” he uttered faintly before losing consciousness.

  * * *

  Vanessa stared in shock at the gorgeous man crumpled on her floor. Kneeling down awkwardly in her dress, she struggled to keep it on her shoulders as she patted his face several times… just before she noticed his teeth.

  Fangs?

  She saw the teeth poking out from his slack lips. Instantly and unceremoniously, she held his lip up. Sure enough, there were two fangs in his mouth that were slowly receding up into his jawline. What in the world was going on? She sat back on her heels and felt his throat for a pulse.

  He was alive – with fangs.

  Should she call the police?

  A priest?

  Who did you call when the sexiest man in the world was lying out cold at your feet? Would a paramedic know what to do with him? Did he even have the same organs as her? She knew one of his organs was the same- from experience! she thought, and blushed profusely. She got up from her spot next to him and went to fetch a cold rag – for her lip and for him.

  It was almost two minutes Vanessa had to compose her scattered thoughts as Fiacha came to slowly. His long dark lashes twitched several times against his pale cheeks before she saw a fu
rrow on his brow develop and a deep frown.

  “Can I open my eyes?” he said with embarrassment.

  “I don’t know – can you?” she quipped. She really didn’t know why he fainted. Maybe it was some weird blood-borne disease and she was going to end up dropping like a ton of bricks or be allergic to garlic now.

  “It’s a long story and I know we have dinner reservations to…”

  “I called and cancelled.”

  “Why?” he balked as his blue eyes shot wide open in surprise and then quickly pinched shut. It was only seconds before he slowly opened them again and let out his breath.

  “What is wrong with my outfit that makes you pass out cold? Do I look so awful that you can’t stand it?”

  “NO! No! That’s no’it at all, lass.”

  “You are starting with the lass-crap again. Slow down and drop the accent. It’s hard to understand at times. Just tell me the truth, Fiacha. What made you faint…and why do you have fangs? Are you a vampire like on TV?”

  “Yes and no?”

  “Which is it?”

  “Yes, I am a vampire – but not like on the television. I don’t die in the sunlight or am frightened by garlic. I was cursed as a young boy.”

  “So, why’d you pass out?”

  “Look, I’m a wimp. My family has teased me about it for years. I’m afraid of the sight of blood. There – my guilty secret is out. I pass out at the sight of blood uncontrollably and for a vampire? It’s tough. I’m barely existing now and can’t die.”

  “You can’t die?” she parroted.

  “Nope. I may be half-starved and struggling to find blood that won’t make me pass out… but dying is a whole ‘nother problem. I could die, but it would take some serious effort. I hope you understand if I keep the details to myself?”

  Fiacha looked at her with an apologetic, sad smile. He wouldn’t tell her. For a moment, she flashed back to Russ and how he kept things from her. Vanessa almost felt offended… almost. If someone she barely knew needed the details of how to destroy her, she would not be forthcoming about it either. This she could grasp, understand, and appreciate.

  “Of course. What’s it like?”

  “What is what like…dying?”

  “No, being a vampire, silly.”

  “Truthfully. It’s hard on me. All of my siblings are vampires. We were all cursed by my stepmother at the same time. They make it all look so easy and none of them ever seem to have a weakness. For me, my weakness is simply sustaining myself. I’m always afraid I will turn into some monster from the movies. My brother, Conn, recently lost control and nearly killed the person he cared for. I don’t know what to do and I can’t bear it anymore.”

  “Am I in danger from you?” Vanessa asked softly, feeling supremely protective of him. He looked broken… almost lost… and barely holding himself together. His dark blue eyes looked like a turbulent ocean of emotions as he unloaded his fears. He was staring at the ceiling, swallowing hard as if he was trying to regain control of himself.

  At her softly spoken question, Fiacha looked at her tenderly, and it was like watching everything that was disorganized in his mind suddenly snapped together into place. His hand reached out to grasp hers as he smiled softly.

  “You are everything good in my world right now and I feel like I would do anything to make you happy. If you feel like I am a danger to you, I will go.”

  “I don’t want you to go, but it was a valid question.”

  “Yes, and I am sorry to burden you with all of this. I was trying to keep it to myself, keep it hidden so that I didn’t scare you off.”

  “First off, no more hiding things if we are to be friends or in a relationship,” she began and stood up, pulling his hand to indicate he should join her. She walked over to the small loveseat that served as her main piece of furniture in the nearly barren living room. It was cozy and clean because it was nearly empty. Taking a seat, she patted the cushion next to her.

  Vanessa understood the helplessness Fiacha felt internally and the self-reproach he felt – she had just struggled through it alone with leaving Russ. She wasn’t sure where that strength had come from but was grateful for whatever brought it on. Feeling lost and alone in the world was horrible.

  “What if we try giving you an I.V. drip, or could you drink from a Styrofoam cup? Maybe you can poke the lid with a straw?” she asked simply, squeezing his hand gently. He took a seat next to her, staring in shock and surprise at her words.

  “You don’t think badly of me?”

  “Is it any worse than someone that can’t process gluten, peanuts or sugar? They get physically sick, but sometimes mental issues are just as debilitating. It’s nothing to be ashamed of… it just is… and we need to figure out a solution together so you can feel better, feel confident.”

  “Blood isn’t sold on store shelves you know,” he began and stopped when she smiled widely.

  “Nope. But all roads lead somewhere…and maybe I was meant to be a phlebotomist in order to help you- and not to frustrate my father to no end.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “We won’t know until we try it -and if it doesn’t work? You won’t be alone to handle it. Now, c’mon and let’s go.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “The blood bank,” she explained. “My favorite vampire has the munchies.”

  9

  Neither one of them said a word on the way to the blood bank. Vanessa knew that if someone said something or questioned her she would need to come up with a really good story or his potential food supply would be gone. Thankfully it was late and she could claim that she forgot something in her desk. As they got to the office, she instructed Fiacha to wait in the car.

  She was still dressed in her slinky, silver dress that she’d worn to impress him tonight. It was covered by her winter coat and her bare legs peeked out from underneath. Since she didn’t plan on being inside very long, she wasn’t worried about getting overheated. Walking in, she waved hello to Shirley who was sitting at the desk eyeing her.

  “You sure look happy.”

  “I’m going out on a date tonight,” Vanessa admitted, smiling.

  “What are you doing here then?”

  “I forgot something in locker. I won’t be but just a few minutes.”

  “No problem, sweetie. Get your stuff and get going. I want all the details tomorrow over lunch.”

  “But Shirley,” she teased. “You aren’t supposed to kiss and tell.”

  “As long as there is kissing, that’s all this old heart needs to know.”

  “You’re the best. I will tell you tomorrow everything within reason.”

  Vanessa darted inside and immediately passed her desk walking to the back. She got several bags of blood from the fridge and placed them in her large purse. Grabbing a needle, some tubing, and alcohol wipes, she quickly left saying goodbye to Shirley with a wave.

  “I will make a donation tomorrow to the blood bank to cover what is missing.”

  “It’s okay.”

  “I won’t have you stealing for me.”

  “It’s more like testing a theory to see where we go from here.”

  “I will still be doing it to assuage my mind.”

  “Well then thank you – but make it anonymous.”

  Vanessa sat back as her heart pounded. She’d just taken blood from work in order to help a man she barely knew. A man that had the weirdest backstory ever for a guy… but believable because he had proof. He truly had fangs. She didn’t pay attention to where they were going until the car came to a stop. Looking up, she glanced at Fiacha questioningly.

  “Where are we?”

  “My home, if that is alright? I didn’t want to be any more of a burden on you than I already am… especially if I pass out again.”

  “Well that isn’t going to happen, so it’s no burden. Stop thinking like that and let’s get you set up. Maybe if we keep your mind occupied this will work.”

  “If this works, I
could kiss you.”

  “Then I hope it works,” she quipped and got out of the car quickly before anything else was said. Heading inside the unassuming house, she was startled by how normal everything seemed and felt. Warm wooden floors welcomed you into the home and a small lamp was on in the corner of the far room, making it feel cozy. There was a leather couch, a worn-out recliner, and end tables stacked with magazines and books. Family photos were hung on the wall and she could see the resemblance between Fiacha and his brothers.

  “Is this your family?”

  “Yes.” He went through and identified each photograph. Some were his siblings and some were children that he’d simply adopted under his wing over the years. He explained how he’d met each one and told a bit of their life. It was like he reiterated it over and over to keep from forgetting details as time passed.

  “You should keep a journal of memories so that way they are always with you,” she invited. “They sound like they were wonderful companions over the years. Shall we get started and see how this all works out?”

  “I’m a bit nervous. Let’s sit down in the living room in case I faint. I have awoken with two black eyes before and I’d rather not have that happen again.”

  “Yikes! I guess not. We can set up wherever you want – I just need something higher than you to put the bag on, preferably out of your line of sight.”

  An hour later, they were playing chess on the far side of the living room from where he was hooked up. Fiacha was on his third bag of blood. His skin was taking on a healthy glow and he actually felt better. Vanessa also discovered that he was incredibly competitive as they played, making her smile as he announced his triumph every time.

  “You know, some people would find you saying knight takes pawn over and over again truly annoying…”