Blood & Secrets: The Night Movers Vampire Series Book 2

by Helen Bright

  I heard a clatter and a yell from the hallway so went to investigate.

  Ryan was chastising a young man who was down on the floor picking up a copper tray. I put my hand on Ryan’s arm and led him away for a moment.

  “Maybe I should let my staff know they are working for a vampire, they may not drop anything else then,” Ryan huffed.

  “Don’t you bloody dare, I’m surprised you know,” I told him truthfully.

  “Well love, when you are paid as much as I am for a job, it ensures the utmost discretion at all times,” he smirked.

  “Weren’t you scared at first?”

  “Keeley, I’ve worked for the highest paid footballers and Royal families from all over the world. Trust me when I say that being a vampire has nothing on them.”

  Another clatter sounded in the dining room, and Ryan dashed off to confront the clumsy one.

  I went back into the office that Gregor had assigned to me and began to go through the schedule of business that Gregor would need to attend to during his visit.

  Most of it revolved around the new supermarket being built by Gregor, Sergei, and the Night Movers team. I knew how much it will benefit the community, but the main supermarket giants were not too happy about it.

  There had been hold-ups with planning in the beginning, and we found out that one of the main factors of that was due to a supermarket chain lodging a complaint, but thankfully the council was able to discount all further objections, and the building work should start next week.

  I had checked the plans last week with Josh, Nik, and Alex, and then I emailed the revisions to Gregor and Sergei.

  After nearly an hour had passed the house became very quiet, so I went to see if anything was the matter. I found Ryan just about to go down to the basement/cellar area.

  “Oh hey Keeley, everything is finished on the ground floor and first six bedrooms. Did you want me for anything else?”

  He was looking a little sheepish and seemed to be still inching his way below stairs.

  “Ryan, why have I not been allowed downstairs?”

  “Now Keeley, you know that Gregor stipulated that there’s only him, myself, and a select team allowed down there,” he replied shaking his finger.

  “So are you replicating something that’s in his kink club? Is that why he flew you out to Russia?” I asked hesitantly.

  “I will pretend I didn’t hear that Keeley, and if not knowing bothers you that much, take it up with Gregor.” He marched down the steps without looking back, and I knew then that I had my answer.

  I heard a vehicle pulling up the driveway and went to meet them at the door. The first person I saw was Maxim. He was scowling at me as usual, and I had to work hard to keep a smile on my face to greet my boss with.

  “Keeley my darling, you look even more beautiful now than on my last visit,” said Gregor.

  Oh, this man was smooth, but I lapped it up and went over to shake his hand.

  He pulled me into a hug instead and said, “Thank you for everything you have done here while I have been away.” Then he kissed me on the cheek.

  “It’s good to see you again Gregor; everything is prep…”

  Before I could get the rest of the sentence out Sergei picked me up and spun me around.

  “Keeley, I have missed you. Please tell me we are all going out to the Red Lion again on this visit. I have brought much alcohol this time.”

  “I think I will give your alcohol a miss after that last time Sergei, although a night out sounds good.”

  I would be going as Josh’s girlfriend or fiancé this time, which will be the first time that I have been out as part of a couple in five years. I couldn’t help the silly grin that spread across my face until I happened to glance in Maxim’s direction again. Yuri came around the back of the car with Nik. They both carried two suitcases and stopped just in front of me.

  “Hello Keeley, I am happy to see you again. How is your lovely daughter?” asked Yuri. He was a lovely guy. Although tall and muscular, Yuri didn’t have that bodyguard look to him that Maxim had. He had an almost dishevelled rock star appearance that came with a friendly manner, and I had warmed to him instantly.

  “She’s good Yuri, thank you for asking. And how are you?”

  “All the better for being here in England, because you have the sun. Russia is having much rain at this time.”

  “Well don’t expect it to last Yuri. Our summers aren’t usually this good.”

  It was the truth. We normally have around three weeks of scattered sunshine in South Yorkshire, which is typically considered a good summer, although we seem to be doing really well of late. I followed everyone inside, keeping my distance from Maxim. Ryan walked up to Gregor and shook his hand.

  “Everything is as you requested Mr. Antonov. There are just the old coach house cottages, stables, and estate cottages to complete. Although the cottages have had their first fix and are just waiting for the electricians to finish off.”

  “Excellent news, Mr. Adamson. When do you expect completion on the cottages?”

  “About three weeks if the kitchen units can be delivered on time.”

  Gregor turned to me and said, “Keeley, will you chase up with all the suppliers on Mr. Adamson’s list so that there are no delays. I am happy to pay for prompt service if that helps. Until that time, both Maxim and Yuri will stay in the Manor House with me.”

  “Okay, Gregor,” I replied hurrying along behind him. He had long legs, which equated to even longer strides than my five feet ten frame was used to taking.

  “I’m sure you would all like something to eat and drink after your flight, would you like me to bring something in from the kitchen?” I asked, glancing around everyone.

  “That would be wonderful Keeley,” said Gregor with a smile. “If you give us a moment, we will join you in the kitchen.”

  I smiled back and walked out of the door. Nik and Sergei followed me, and it was only a moment later that Nik said, “So Keeley, you and Josh have finally got it together then. It’s about bloody time.”

  “You are with Josh? Why did you not wait for me, Keeley?” Sergei joked as he took my arm in his.

  “There has been something building between you for a long time. I guessed as much after you had your daughter, but Josh kept denying it. I just had to put up with him mooning after you when you weren’t looking.”

  “Josh was mooning you?” questioned Sergei, alarmed. “I thought that baring your ass was an insult.”

  “Not that type of mooning,” said Nik shaking his head. I turned and hugged Sergei.

  “Sergei, you make me laugh. Thank you, I needed that.”

  “Anytime Keeley. Although, I do not know why you would laugh. And you can tell Josh that I do not wish to see him bare his ass at you when I am near. I feel that it is wrong to do this.”

  Nik just shook his head and filled the kettle up. I had bought two platters of sandwiches and some pastries from the Night Movers canteen on my way in to work. I also picked up some cupcake’s that Moira, one of the Night Movers kitchen staff, had made. Sergei made a beeline for them. I slapped his hand away and indicated to another box at the side of them.

  “Those are yours, Sergei. When I asked Moira if she would bake for today, she told me that she had promised to make you your very own cupcakes for your next visit.”

  “She is a wonderful lady, always bakes for Sergei.” He opened the box and took two out. Then he passed the box to Nik, who also took two.

  “Gina is dieting again,” said Nick just before he bit into a cupcake and groaned.

  “We had better eat them all before you take me to your cottage,” replied Sergei as he took out another cupcake and licked the frosting from the top.

  “I’ve hidden chocolate chip cookies and red jellies in your room,” Nik said before putting a whole cupcake in his mouth this time.

  “Are they the sour fizzy jellies?” asked Sergei.

  “Of course,” replied Nik, licking the blue fro
sting from his chin.

  Gregor, Yuri, and Maxim walked into the room just as I was pouring the tea.

  “There’s also fresh coffee in the pot if anyone would like any,” I informed them.

  “Thank you Keeley, but I fear only Yorkshire tea will do for most of us now. My dear Freya has me addicted.” Gregor smiled as he mentioned Freya.

  I used to think that Gregor and Freya were involved, but Freya insists that they are just good friends. It’s obvious that they are extremely fond of each other. The same can be said of Gina and Sergei. If I didn’t know that Nik and Gina were together and very much in love, never mind bonded, then I would say that Sergei and Gina could be a couple.

  Everybody came around the table in the huge kitchen and it wasn’t long before there was very little food left.

  “There are also blood supplies in the small refrigerator in the old pantry. It was delivered yesterday,” I added.

  I had linked a supply of fresh blood from the same provider that Night Movers use. This part was all very new to me, although of course I knew they were vampires and obviously drank blood; but other than the donations we made at the monthly blood drive on the Night Movers compound, I wasn’t aware there were any other ways to obtain fresh blood. Apparently there are donors throughout Europe who regularly donate to vampires, and are paid very well for their services.

  “Gentlemen?” Gregor asked. All but Maxim shook their heads. Maxim knew where the pantry was, so I left him to fend for himself.

  “Keeley, shall we go now to see the Volvo’s. Do you have your own car here to take us or should I ring Alex?” asked Gregor.

  “I have a car we can go in,” I said. I was eternally grateful that Josh had given me his Avensis to use, as my car had been a tiny rust bucket.

  Nik looked at me knowingly and smirked. I think the look of relief must have been visible for all to see.

  “I wish to have a four-wheel drive vehicle so that we are not restricted in bad weather. I will purchase one for myself, one for Yuri and Maxim to use when they are here, and one for you, Keeley,” said Gregor nonchalantly.

  I think my jaw must have hit the floor when I heard him say that, and I quickly turned to let him know that I had my own transport. Gregor held up his hand to silence me when I began to speak.

  “Keeley, I am going to buy you a vehicle. I would like to know that you are safe when driving yourself and your daughter around, and Volvo’s are one of the safest cars on the road. I did not bring you a gift on this visit. Instead, my gift to you will be a vehicle of your choosing at the dealership today.”

  When I started to shake my head, Gregor came over to where I stood and said, “Indulge me a little, my darling. I like to reward those who work for me, and you have been more than capable in your role as my P.A.”

  What could I say to that? Gregor was not a man easily refused. It seemed that only Freya could put him in his place. Maxim was not impressed, however, and he barged out of the kitchen in an almost child-like strop, laughable really for someone his size.

  “What’s with him?” asked Nik.

  “He is a fucking dick,” replied Sergei, and Yuri nodded his agreement.

  “Sergei, do not use those words in front of a lady, how many times do I say this to you? It is not good manners,” Gregor admonished.

  “I am sorry if you are offended Keeley,” said Sergei as he leaned in for a hug.

  “No worries Sergei,” I said as I kissed his cheek. “And you were right; he is a fucking dick.”

  I was just glad that I wasn’t the only one here bothered by Maxim’s behaviour. Maybe it wasn’t just me he didn’t like, after all.

  During the journey to Doncaster Luxury SUV’s, Gregor asked me why I was driving Josh’s car. I told him that Josh and I were a couple now and that I had moved in with him, so as my car had broken down he let me use one of his.

  Gregor was thrilled that Josh and I were together, and so too, was Yuri, although Gregor said I should have told him about my car situation sooner. He didn’t realise that my other car was so old, and he felt bad that he hadn’t bought me one before now.

  I told him it was down to me to sort out my transport issues, not him. But as we walked into the SUV showroom, I could tell that Gregor wouldn’t be swayed from buying me a car. I just hoped that Josh was okay with it.

  I walked up to the reception desk and advised the salesperson that I was P.A. to Mr. Antonov, and that we were here with the intention of purchasing three brand new four-wheel drive vehicles. I also informed Mr. Andrews, (the salesperson), that it was either a choice between Volvo or Audi, and we hadn’t yet made up our minds.

  I used my special professional don’t bullshit me voice, which seemed to do the trick, as Mr. Andrews immediately jumped up and took us to an office area, and arranged for hot drinks to be brought to us as we perused brochures, colour charts, and specification leaflets.

  When Gregor advised Mr. Andrews that cost was not an issue and he would like to pay for them in full today, I had to suppress my laughter and keep a professional demeanour as the salesman wore a look that said all his Christmases had come at once.

  After test driving the XC 90 and the XC 60, Gregor decided on two XC 90 Inscription, one in Onyx Black for himself and Savile Grey for Yuri, and a top of the range XC 60 SE LUX in Ice White for me. Gregor wanted me to have the XC 90 like him, but I liked the smaller SUV and told him I would feel more comfortable driving this one.

  As the vehicles were each to Gregor’s specification, they had to be ordered. We were told that it would take at least a week, so I informed Mr. Andrews that we would want two XC 90 courtesy cars to be supplied at no extra cost until the new ones arrived. I also told him that we wanted three years free servicing to be thrown in with each vehicle at no additional cost to us, as that’s what Audi had offered. It was a lie of course, as we hadn’t even been to Audi, but he wasn’t to know that. Mr. Andrews went away to ask his boss about servicing, and how soon they could have the courtesy cars ready.

  Gregor turned to me and said, “You are an excellent negotiator Keeley. I may have to take you back to Russia with me so that you can sit in on some of my business deals there.”

  I blushed and told him that if I could speak Russian, I would do just that. But, I also had Daisy to think about, and now Josh, so maybe Russia just wasn’t on the cards for me.

  Mr. Andrews came down with his boss, a Mr. Halliday, although we were to call him Rodger. He thanked us for choosing his company, ‘Luxury SUV’s, and I reminded him that we hadn’t yet settled on the deal, as we had yet to hear whether we could have our service plans and courtesy cars. Gregor went with me on this and started to put his Platinum credit card away.

  Rodger immediately agreed to our terms, and so Gregor handed over his card. We were informed that they were readying a courtesy vehicle straight away and that another would be delivered to an address of our choosing tomorrow morning. Yuri handed over his details for insurance purposes as he would be driving the vehicle back, and Gregor handed over his details so they could organise the second. After all the boxes had been ticked on our purchases, we returned to the Manor.

  Gregor came back in my car instead of going with Yuri, which surprised me. I thanked Gregor for buying me the car so many times on the way back he had to tell me to stop, but I couldn’t help it, I was thrilled. It was a lovely thing for him to do and I was awed yet again by his generosity.

  We pulled up to the front of the drive with Yuri right behind us. Maxim came out to the car and opened the door for Gregor.

  “Ladies first Maxim,” Gregor admonished, but I was already out of the car and walking around to Gregor as he held out his hand for mine, then kissed it.

  “I think your new car will suit you, Keeley.”

  “I think so too, Gregor, and thanks again for buying it for me. I hope you know just how much I appreciate it.”

  “Now, now, my beautiful one. You deserve the very best of everything, and something tells me that’s just w
hat you will get from now on,” he winked.

  Maxim huffed as he walked away, but when he turned back, the look he gave me made me stop in my tracks. My good mood plummeted and the sickening sneer he left me with didn’t make me feel any better.

  I found Ryan in the kitchen and told him about the car. He was over the moon for me and said it was a shame I had fallen for Josh because Gregor would make a great catch. I just laughed at him and told him that money and expensive gifts weren’t everything, so Ryan said, “Come on Keeley, don’t tell me you don’t get even a little turned on when you hear him say your name in that sexy as fuck Russian accent.”

  I had to agree with him on that score, and I was giggling so much that I didn’t see Maxim standing behind me.

  “Do you think he wants you, English woman? Do you think you could satisfy a man like Gregor?” Maxim asked angrily.

  “Why? Do you think you could satisfy him, Maxim? Because from where I stand Gregor is all man, as straight as they come, whereas you…well you are as gay as me, just not as camp. Isn’t that right, Maxim?” said Ryan knowingly.

  “You do not know what you speak of decorator.”

  “Honey, I’ve spent years honing my gaydar and you Maxim are not a straight man, and I think that you are jealous of Gregor’s affection for Keeley.”

  I was gobsmacked. Ryan must have it wrong. Maxim wasn’t gay; I was sure of it. I turned to Maxim to let him know that I was in a relationship, but he left the room with vampire speed before I could even speak.

  “Well, now you know why Maxim hates you so much,” said Ryan with a sigh. “Maxim has feelings for Gregor, but I can’t see him ever getting anywhere with that one. So he will just have to stay his angry, frustrated self forever. I know what that feels like, believe me.”

  “I just can’t believe that he’s gay, though, Ryan,” I said shaking my head.

  “What’s he like when Freya comes Keeley? Think back to how he acts when Gregor and Freya are together, he’s even moodier when she’s around than he is with just you.”

  He had a point there.