Vampire Cursed Read Online Free Page A

time to discuss this later.  For now, you are exhausted.  I can see it in your eyes.  You need to sleep.”
    She shook her head.  “Like that’s going to happen.” She broke free of his embrace.  “If you truly are a vampire, then the night is just beginning for you.  And now that I’ve seen fangs, I want facts.  Are you keeping me here so that your stomach won’t rumble?  I just want to know if I’m supposed to be your dinner for the next few evenings.” A little dose of humor was her way of getting him to open up…and reassuring herself she wasn’t on the menu.
    He smiled.  “No.  I will not be drinking your blood this evening.”
    “You’re supposed to add or any other evening,” she pointed out with a touch of edginess in her voice.  When the vampire remained stoically silent, she winced. “Okay, so eventually, you’re going to drag me into the world of the undead.  I’m sure you’ll pardon me for asking.  Why?  Why me?”
    “Whether or not you can see it now, you are my destiny, and I am yours. I would never do anything to harm you. Is that not sufficient enough reassurance?”
    She would have preferred a “no, I’m not going to drain your blood until you join me on the dark side”, but she’d take what she could get. “I just need to know if you intend on changing me.” Like he hadn’t already. She doubted her life could ever be the same after this. How often was it a woman met an 18 th century immortal duke?
    He took her hand and began leading her to the door. “Go to bed now, Abigail. I have provided you with enough information this evening.”
    “I’ll go when I’m ready.” She peeled his fingers away from her arm. “Do you sleep in a coffin?”
    The question brought a smile to his face. “You have watched Dracula, I see.”
    “Yeah, well, it was the in thing when I was young.”
    Capturing her arm again, he continued his trek back down the corridor.  Reaching the bedroom Abby had occupied before, he swept a hand toward the bed.  “You shall sleep here.”
    “And what about you?  Going to pull your coffin up next to me?”
    He moved his hand over the bed, and the blankets rolled back.  “Would that alarm you?”
    The thought creeped her out actually. “You don’t seriously sleep in one, do you?”
    The smile broadened. “No, I do not. I sleep in a bed just as you. In fact, if you are in need of evening companionship, I would be happy to join you.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Could you be any more obvious?” Abby plopped down on the edge of the mattress. “Tell me about this curse. Who did it? Why was it done?”
    All humor fled from his face. “No. That is not information you require.”
    “I’m sorry. Did I not just ask the question? That means it’s information I require.” Her ire on the rise, she stood up again. “You know, I’m getting really sick of these chauvinistic traits of yours, and I’ve been in your company for less than twenty-four hours. Destiny, my ass. I couldn’t see myself spending another day with you much less an eternity. Close the door on your way out.”
    Nathaniel sighed and swept a hand behind him. Flames flickered in the marble fireplace, adding a soft glow to the hard lines of his face. “There is much about me you do not understand, Abigail, but know this. You are safe here. No harm will come to you, and should you wish to leave in the morning, I will not stop you.”
    As he started to walk away, she called him back. “Why not?”
    He didn’t turn around. “Because I will not force anyone to endure the hell that is my life. Good-night.”
    Abby sat on the bed with only the flicker of the flames for light. Her heart had begun to soften in just a few short hours, and that, to her, was very dangerous. What would happen if she stayed another day?

Chapter Three
     
    “She will never love you.”
    The cold chill of the witch’s voice raised the hairs on the back of Nathaniel’s neck. He didn’t need to turn around to