Right on cue, there was another knock on the door. “Azurdee, it’s me, Kai. I have your clothes. Do you mind if I come in?”
“S-Sure.” Azurdee blushed softly.
Kai walked in, her clothes neatly folded in a pile. “I found them in your backpack. I hope they didn’t shrink.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else you need?”
Even though Kai was in the room with a woman he found incredibly attractive, he remained the perfect gentleman. He knew all he had to do was rip the towel from her body, push her against the wall, and she would be his for the taking, but he restrained himself. Right now, all he wanted, was to make her feel comfortable.
“I… I think I’m okay. Thanks again.”
“Not a problem.” He left the room, closing the door behind him.
Quickly, Azurdee started to get dressed. She blushed a little when she realized that the brothers had picked out her sexiest pair of panties for her to wear as well as a deep V-neck T-shirt and her tightest pair of jeans. She wondered for a moment whether they had done it by accident or if they had meticulously gone through her clothes, looking for her sexiest outfit. In a way, the thought excited her. She liked the idea of turning them on.
With a grin, she wiggled into her jeans. They accentuated her voluptuous ass and thick thighs to perfection. She ran her hands over the soft material before finally leaving the bathroom with a newfound confidence.
The moment she stepped out, she was instantly bombarded by the smell of something cooking. Following her nose, she navigated through the home until she arrived at a spacious kitchen. There, both men were hard at work, preparing a meal together. Noah even had an apron wrapped around his waist, flipping something in a frying pan.
“Look who decided to join us.”
“What are you making?” Azurdee asked, intrigued by the strange items they were using.
“Pancakes and eggs.”
“What’s that?”
Noah turned, raising an eyebrow in her direction. “Don’t tell me nobles don’t eat eggs.”
“I don’t think so… I’ve never seen them in our kitchen before.”
“Well, they come from chickens. We have a coop in the back. You’re free to look at them as soon as it stops raining. We let them graze on our land and in return, they lay eggs that we can eat.” Kai explained with a patient tone.
“Wait, you two aren’t hunters?” Azurdee asked, slightly surprised.
“Oh, we are,” Noah smirked, placing a stack of flapjacks on a plate. “But when it’s raining, we prefer to stay in. No one likes wet meat.”
Before Azurdee could ask any more questions, they had turned off the stove, moving to a large kitchen table. Kai set the table for three while Noah divided the food evenly among them, giving Azurdee the biggest share.
“Do you like syrup?” He asked politely.
“Syrup?”
“It’s collected from the trees. It’s sweet. Here, try it.”
She nodded, sitting down and watching as Kai drizzled the sticky substance on top of her food. Never in her life had she seen such strange dishes. Nobles and lesser vampires were truly worlds apart and yet, these two men were making her feel welcomed in their home.
The two of them watched her expectantly as she took her first bite. Her eyes widened at the sweet, delicious taste. “Wow…”
“Do you like it?”
“It’s spectacular!”
Azurdee went in for another bite and then another, and another.
“Slow down, you’re going to choke,” Noah warned, a chuckle emerging from his lips as he cut into his pancakes with surprising etiquette.
“I’m sorry… it’s just we don’t have anything like this back home.”
“All the more reason for you to stay with us,” Noah said after swallowing his bite.
Azurdee blushed softly, considering his words at length. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all. They were kind, gracious, and for the most part, well-mannered. Sure, they had their dark side, but that only made them more desirable in a way. Azurdee found herself strangely attracted to their dark, mysterious ways.
“I’ll think about it…”
“You’re already here, I don’t know why you would leave.” Noah leaned in close, his lips dancing with mischief. “Besides, we both know you like us.”
Chapter Fifteen
Despite the slight teasing from Noah, the two brothers were very kind to her. They made sure she was well-cared-for. By the time the sun began to rise, she felt like she could live with them forever, even though, deep down she knew that it would probably never work out that way.
“Come with me, I’ll show you to your room,” Kai said once they were finished with their card game.
“Oh, can’t we have one last game?” Azurdee asked. She had never been allowed to gamble. It was considered improper. And even though they were only betting with something the siblings called cookies, it was still extremely fun for her. Granted, she had yet to win a hand, but she assumed Noah was cheating somehow, even though she hadn’t actually caught him in the act.
“It’s getting quite late, we wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself,” Kai said, picking up a few glasses from the table and carrying them into the kitchen.
“Oh, come on, one more game won’t hurt. Besides, if we tire her, maybe she’ll be more willing to get into bed with us.” With a grin, Noah started to shuffle the cards, avoiding the glare Azurdee shot his way.
“Must you always make remarks like that?” she asked.
He shrugged. “What can I say? It’s hard to hold your tongue when you’re in the presence of a beautiful woman.”
His comment actually caught her off guard, her cheeks coloring.
“And unbelievably cute when you blush like that.” He smirked, seeing her cheeks darken even further. “Should I try to get your whole face to redden? I don’t think it would be that hard. Would just have to comment about those deliciously thick thighs of yours… that lovely chest… that tempting rump…”
“Noah. That’s no way to speak to a lady.”
“What if she likes it?” Noah retorted, narrowing his eyes in his brother’s direction. “Don’t think I don’t know your angle. You’re trying to act all well-mannered so she will fall for you, but fat chance of that.”
“Uh… let’s just play.” Azurdee intervened, grabbing the cards and attempting to shuffle them in the same fashion Noah had just done. To her dismay, when she bent the cards and tried to get the two stacks to weave together, the deck seemed to explode, scattering all over the room.
Noah burst out laughing. “Next time, princess, next time.”
Kai gave his brother a disapproving look before he helped Azurdee gather up the cards, handing them back to her. “Like this…” He got behind her, placing his hands on hers, patiently guiding her through the steps before the cards were properly shuffled.
Azurdee could barely focus on the task at hand. It was hard enough to keep breathing with Kai’s body pressed up against hers in such a way. She could feel his large member against the small of her back and her mind immediately dove into the fantasy world, picturing him naked in bed with her.
She tried to push the thought away, but it was impossible. His body rippled with lean muscle as he hovered over her, his hands wrapped around her wrists, keeping her pinned to the bed. His willing little victim.
Noah suddenly shoved him away. “That’s enough of that.”
The two brothers glared at each other and Azurdee thought that Noah would jump over the table and tackle his brother to the ground. To her relief, Kai sat down and they started to play.
As usual, Noah was winning by a considerable lead.
“Are you sure you’re not cheating?” Azurdee accused, wondering how he always seemed to know exactly what cards she had in her hand.
“I’m an honest man.” He replied, showing her that his sleeves were empty. “I’ll even show you my hand if you’d like.”
“No, no.” She answered, determined to win the game by her own skill.
But, of course, just like every other game, she lost horribly.
“A little tip, never play cards with Noah,” Kai whispered, his tone playful.
“Yeah. He stole all my cookies.” She pouted.
“Aww, don’t look at me like that. Here, a consolation prize.” He handed her a single cookie with a smile. “But only if you promise to go to bed with me tonight.”
Azurdee crossed her arms over her chest. Even though her mind was adamantly fantasizing about these two men, she wasn’t about to give into her desires just yet. After all, she was a virgin. Giving that up wasn’t something she was prepared to do with just anyone.
“I think you can take that as a no.” Kai teased his brother for his failed attempt at flirting. “Should I show you to your bedroom then. It’s not the nicest room in the house, but it’s definitely the safest.”
He brought her to the staircase where there was a hidden door, that was only visible once someone knew exactly what they were looking for. Kai opened it, revealing a small, cozy bedroom, tucked away underneath the stairs. “I hope this will be enough for you.”
Azurdee had to crouch down a bit when she went through the doorway, but once she was inside, the ceiling was the perfect height. “I think this will be just perfect.” The room had a nice, brass-framed bed, adorned with a simple, but warm duvet. A small nightstand. A lamp. It wasn’t much, and yet, it was everything she needed.
“We hope you have a good day’s rest.” He said. “Let me know if there’s anything you need. Don’t be afraid to ask. I’m upstairs, second door on your left. Noah is just across the hall from me.”
“Definitely come drop by for a visit,” Noah said, suddenly peeking his head into the doorway. “I would love the company.”
Azurdee chuckled a little. Noah’s flirtatious comments were actually starting to grow on her a little. “Good morning guys.”
“Good morning, Azurdee. Sleep well.” Kai made sure she was in bed before closing the door, casting her in utter darkness.
Chapter Sixteen
Azurdee slept soundly through the day, feeling safe and secure inside her little nook. The duvet clung around her like a lover, soothing her into a peaceful slumber.
When she woke up, she had no idea what time it was. All she knew was that she felt well-rested.
Rolling out of bed, she stretched her limbs in the darkness before she fumbled around for the doorknob. Finally finding it, she blinked at the light of the hallway, squinting slightly until her vision adjusted.
Once she stepped out of her room, she closed the door behind her, the sound of hushed whispers coming from the kitchen.
“We can’t let them know we have her here. If the nobles find out, we’ll be brought to the gallows.”
“What do you suggest? We just hand her over to that scumbag? You know Fredrick will use her as nothing more than a breeder for his offspring.”
“I want her to stay safe as much as you do, but we have to think of our own safety as well. We’re wanted in at least a dozen districts. Ever since our father died, we haven’t exactly been model citizens.”
Noah growled. “Don’t talk about him. Those nobles deserved exactly what they got for killing our father. He missed one payment on his rent – one – and they thought that was a good reason to kill him in cold blood. You weren’t there, Kai, you didn’t see it happen. You didn’t see his head roll onto the ground, his eyes lifeless before they kicked it to the fire and burned him to ash.”
There was silence for a moment. Azurdee bit her lip, remembering her own father’s death. He had been publicly executed for helping a lesser vampire rather than punishing him. Azurdee had been forced to watch, along with everyone else. His death hadn’t been justified, it had only served as a warning to other members of the nobility. Her heart tightened, remembering her dad. He had been a friend to her, comforting her when she was lonely and scared. After his death, she had felt helpless, especially in her mother’s cruel care.
Quietly, she tiptoed into the kitchen. “Good evening.” She said as if she had heard nothing of their conversation. She looked at them in a new light now that she knew what they had been through. No wonder they hated the nobles so much and felt entitled to steal from them. She didn’t blame them.
The two men turned, facing her. “Good evening,” Kai answered with a soft smile. “Did you sleep well?”
“I did, thank you.” Azurdee nodded, noting the awkwardness in the room. “What are you guys doing, just standing in the middle of the kitchen anyway?” She glanced at the stove to see if anything was cooking, but there wasn’t even a frying pan to be seen.
“Looks like you’ve been reported kidnapped.” Noah handed her the newspaper where a sketch of her took up most of the front page. “From what the article says, your mother is distraught and paying a handsome reward for whoever brings you back in time for your wedding.”
Azurdee snorted. “My mother isn’t worried about me. She’s worried about the bad publicity this will give the family. Why do you think she staged it as a kidnapping? If she said I was a runaway, she’d be the laughing stock of the nobility, unable to control her own daughter.”
“That may be so, but it puts us all in danger.” Kai pointed out. “If they find us – “
“You don’t think they will do you…?” Azurdee asked, concern in her voice. She looked out the kitchen window as if royal guards were about to march up to the house this very instant.
“Unlikely. We live in the middle of nowhere. Besides, no one knows you came here, do they?”
“No… I left unannounced. Haven’t said a word to anyone about you guys.”
“Then, there’s nothing to worry about,” Noah said in his usual, nonchalant manner. “Stop looking so glum. No one is going to take you, and even if they try, they’ll have to do it over my dead body.” He whispered, tilting her chin upwards until she was forced to look into his eyes. Since he had not fed in a few days, his eyes were a soft red color, almost violet.
Azurdee felt herself shudder in the heat of his gaze. She bit her lip, finally looking away. “Okay… but I’m only staying until Fredrick is married off to another vampire.”
Noah frowned but didn’t say anything. He just shrugged, heading toward the counter to start making breakfast.
“Do either of you have a computer?” she asked.
“Of course.” Kai nodded. “It’s one of the objects we search for the most during our ventures. They sell extremely well on the black market, especially to middle-class vampires trying to get an education. They all think they can advance into nobility that way.” Kai shook his head, retrieving a state-of-the-art laptop from a cabinet in the living room. The cabinet was full of electronics, which the nobility tried very hard to keep away from the lower class, pretending that such items didn’t exist.
Azurdee grabbed the laptop and sat down on the couch. She chose to take advantage of the stolen items in the cabinet, thinking the brothers were at least somewhat justified for their actions after the death of their father.
Kai left the room, joining his brother in the kitchen.
Alone, Azurdee opened the laptop and started to do a little research. There had to be something online that would tell her how to prevent her mother from marrying her off. Finally, the third link gave her some answers.
Reading quickly through the article, she learned that the only way to officially dissolve a marriage was to lose one’s virginity. Members of nobility could not arrange one without the female party being a virgin, guaranteed by the girl’s family.
So, in order for Azurdee to get out of this mess, all she had to do… was lose her virginity.
She looked into the kitchen where the two men were preparing breakfast.
But, which one did she choose?
Chapter Seventeen
“Breakfast is ready.” Kai came back into the room, wiping his hand on his apron. “What did y
ou need to look up, anyway? Anything we can help you with?”
Azurdee looked at him, biting her lip. Somehow, seeing him in an apron made him even sexier. The fact that these men knew how to cook was even more of a turn on for Azurdee.
As Kai waited for an answer, he swept back his soft blonde hair, but a few wisps just kept falling into his eyes, which were a soft golden red. They were breathtakingly beautiful.
Azurdee gulped to keep back her urges. She had to keep a level head about this. She couldn’t just pounce on one of the brothers and lose her virginity that way. No, this was something she had to think about. Long and hard.
“Azurdee?” Kai cocked his head to the side. “Are you okay?”
“Y-Yes…” Azurdee finally realized that she had been staring. Her cheeks colored in embarrassment before she closed the laptop, leaving it on the couch. She quickly got up. “Let’s enjoy breakfast and then I can tell you both…” She had no idea how the two men would react to her news, especially since it was a well-known fact that vampire men were especially attracted to virgin females. Something about the conquest, of claiming that untouched innocence.
Feeling a tad bit nervous, she followed Kai into the kitchen. To her surprise, Noah was there, pulling out her chair. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me.” Noah grinned. “Kai isn’t the only one who knows how to act like a gentleman.” He whispered into her ear, his lips grazing the side of her neck.
Azurdee shivered but didn’t pull away. There was no denying that she liked Noah’s teasing by this point. It made her feel wanted and sexy, even more so than the dirty literature she used to read. She almost leaned into the kiss when Kai cleared his throat, warning his brother to stop.
With an exasperated look, Noah sat down, taking a large bite out of his barely cooked bacon. His teeth glistened, protruding slightly over his bottom lip.
“So, Azurdee, what was it you needed the laptop for?” Kai asked, carefully cutting his omelet into bite-sized pieces.
“Well… hiding here might not be a permanent solution to my problem. I mean… at any time someone could find me and bring me back, right?”
A Secret Baby for the Vampire Page 17
