by Alice Addy
Crouching low, in the aisle, he placed his firm hand on the distraught man’s arm. Keeping his voice soft and calm, he gently prompted. “Tell me about, sir. It can’t be that bad.”
“Oh, Todd. You have no idea. I left the most wonderful woman in the world, simply because I didn’t want to get hurt, again. In saving myself, I think I broke her heart. I need to get back to New York. I need to get off this plane.” His eyes pleaded with the flight attendant.
Todd smiled for the first time in what seemed like hours. The strange passenger was simply suffering from a lover’s quarrel. That was something he knew something about. He made a mental note to call Jeffrey and apologize.
“We don’t put down for another three hours, sir. I’m afraid there is nothing to be done about it…but you could call her. I would guess she’d be there, waiting for your arrival. Will you be all right until then?”
“I apologize, Todd. After 9-11, it’s been difficult for those of you, in the airline business, and it always seems to be the customers doing all the complaining. For what it’s worth, I think you’re a remarkable flight attendant, and I’ll send word to the head of the airline, commending your professionalism and the personal attention you give to the customer. I know Richard, personally.
“For now, I need cookies, mints, anything sweet. In fact, break out the treats for all the children on the plane. Fruit for them, too.”
Todd smiled from ear to ear. “Yes, sir. Right after I get the permission from all their parents.” He turned on his heel, and rushed up the aisle, heading for the cabin speaker.
Tony laid his head back and laughed. For the first time in days, he felt happy. He was going to see Sophie. In fact, he was going to have a long talk with her, right before he made love to her. After so many years, he felt he deserved to love again.
* * *
Sophie felt she needed a drastic change. She could go red, but she felt like going black. Stripes would be interesting, she thought. “What would Tony like?” she pondered, just before she pinched herself for caring. “Who cares what he would like? His opinion doesn’t matter to me,” she argued with herself. She snapped her fingers. “I know. I’ll go Goth. I’ll do black and asymmetrical cuts, with lots of metal studs.” She grinned at herself in the mirror. Now that she had a plan, she felt better. She’d not let Tony break her heart...at least, not more than he already had.
* * *
By the time Tony’s plane landed at Kennedy, he’d been gone two whole days. Two miserable days of longing and dreaming about his golden Sophie. Soft, cuddly Sophie. Not taking the time to go by his house, he decided to grab a cab and go directly to Sophie’s neat and tidy apartment. Grant had been reluctant to divulge her address, but was somewhat appeased when Tony promised not to break her heart. That was easy. He’d die making her happy. He chuckled at the thought.
The loud knock sounded again. Someone was definitely standing outside, pounding on her door. “Hold on,” she yelled. “I’m coming.”
Sophie grumbled, as she wrapped a towel around her wet head and pulled her pink robe tightly around her body. Reluctantly, she reached up and unlatched the chain.
“Oh, my God! It’s you!” she screamed, just before slamming the door.
Tony stood in the hallway, grinning, and placed his foot inside the door jam, blocking it’s closing. “Surprise! Can I come in?”
Sophie looked very uncomfortable. She turned her head and glanced around her small studio apartment. Shaking her head, she said, most definitely, “No!”
Her reaction was a total surprise, to Tony. He had suspected she might be annoyed with him for leaving, or perhaps she’d be a little hurt, but it never occurred to him that she would not want to see him. Maybe it was his male vanity, but he honestly thought she’d be happy to see him. There had to be another reason for her not allowing him into her apartment. It had to be another man.
Tony shoved her aside, as he charged into the room, accidentally knocking the wet towel from her head. He froze. “What the fuck?”
“I don’t like that language, Mr. Barton. I would like for you to leave now, please.”
“Sophie...what have you done?” Tony couldn’t believe what he saw. His beautiful, delicate, and sweet Sophie had decorated her apartment in the blackest, most demented style he’d ever seen. That was saying a lot, since he’d seen real dungeons, prisons, and witches lairs. “Have I done this to you, sweetness?” His voice was suddenly soft and caring. “Are you suffering this much?”
Sophie brushed something from her eye. “Don’t be so vain. I felt I needed a change, that’s all. I wanted my home to reflect the real me. This is the way I feel inside. If you don’t like it, then that’s just too bad. Other men like it.” She tossed her blonde curls in defiance, and walked to the refrigerator.
“Other men, Sophie? You’ve brought other men, here?” Tony couldn’t believe his ears. Surely he couldn’t have been so wrong about her.
Sophie couldn’t look at Tony, while she piled one lie on top of another. It would be so simple to rush into his strong arms and beg for his forgiveness. She was willing to do anything for him, if he’d only return her love—and wanting that, made her furious with herself.
“Sure. Tons of men! You have no right to judge me, Tony. I invited you here, and you refused. Remember?” She stuck her little chin high into the air, trying to look worldly and more sophisticated. “Now, if you don’t mind, you’ll have to leave. I’m expecting someone.”
Tony was speechless, as he looked around the small room. Her apartment looked like the den of the Marquis de Sade, right down to the chains hanging on the walls. He’d never, in a million years, envision his Sophie living like this. She had to be playing him. He grinned. Two could play this game.
Closing the door behind him, Tony walked up to Sophie and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Oh, you wicked little creature,” he growled. “Why didn’t you say you liked it rough? And here I thought you were such a timid little mouse. I can show you things you’ve never imagined.” Tony nipped her earlobes and trailed hot kisses down her neck. He reveled in her squeals of delight. Gently, he placed his hands over her firm breasts and began kneading them slowly. He heard her moan with pleasure as his finger and thumb pulled on her extended nipple.
“Oh, Tony. I never knew it could feel like this,” she purred.
Tony lowered his mouth to her hardened nipples and sucked them through the material of her robe, creating two large, wet circles on the fabric. He was ready to take her, but looking around the ghastly apartment, he made a decision.
“Grab your clothes. I’m taking you to my place and my bed. Then, tomorrow, I’m hiring a team to repaint this disaster.”
Sophie smiled like a naughty child. “I knew you’d like it.”
She rushed to the bureau and grabbed several pair of panties, two bras, a nightie, a very short skirt and a few assorted blouses. She emptied a blood-red pillowcase and dropped everything into it. She swung by the bathroom vanity and grabbed her makeup bag, toothbrush, and hairbrush.
Taking a final look around her bizarre apartment, she shrieked. “Abner! Oh, my God. I almost forgot him.” She ran to the shower and rescued a worn out cardboard box containing a tiny turtle.
“Please forgive me, Abner. Poor little guy,” she clucked.
Tony curled his lip and looked utterly appalled at the beady-eyed little reptile. “You keep a turtle for a pet? Where’s the cat in the photograph?”
Sophie grabbed a head of lettuce from the refrigerator, and some packaged turtle food from the pantry, and quickly stuffed them into the red bag.
“Prince?” she asked. He belonged to my neighbor. She died and left him to me. Then, he died.” Her mouth turned down at the edges. “Abner was my little brother’s pet. I’ve had him for years.” A note of sadness could be heard in her voice. Abner was a link to her past.
Wanting to lighten the mood, Tony grabbed Abner, traveling securely inside his box, and threw Sophie—dressed only in a r
obe—over his shoulder. “You grab the pillowcase,” he grunted, as he kicked the door closed behind them. “We’re on our way, sugar. This promises to be an unbelievable adventure, for you and me. I love you, Miss Sophie Drew.”
* * *
The velvet drapes were pulled; the candlelight glowed softly, casting dark shadows along the silk covered walls, and lighting the corners of the vast bedroom. It was Victorian in design, and very elegant, Sophie thought. The Persian rugs felt soft beneath her bare feet, and the fragrance of fresh-cut flowers in tall, crystal vases, filled her nostrils.
“It’s like a dream,” she murmured. “I feel as if I’ve stepped back in time to a more romantic era. I don’t know what to say,” she whispered.
“What? You mean to say you’re speechless?” Tony laughed. “I didn’t think that was possible, darling.” He took in the beauty of the young woman standing in front of him in nothing more than her thin robe, tied very securely around her tiny waist. “Do you like it?”
Sophie nodded. “It’s magical. I feel like a princess and you’re my handsome knight.” She lowered her eyelashes, obviously embarrassed by her imagination.
Tony reached for her and wound her in his embrace. He buried his face in her fragrant curls. She always smelled like lilacs. It was an old-fashioned fragrance, for an old-fashioned girl, he thought, and he smiled. After all, he was a very old-fashioned kind of guy.
Grasping her chin, he tilted her face up, and slowly lowered his lips to hers. “Oh, Sophie,” he growled. “You’re indescribable.” He feasted on her luscious mouth, coaxing his tongue into her sweet mouth, tasting the wine he had poured for her. He felt her body melt against his. What exquisite torture this was. He wanted nothing more than to possess her innocent body, but first, he needed to tell her all his secrets.
Tony tried to take a step back, to put some space between her plump, firm breasts and his chest, but it was impossible. She was a perfect fit for his body, the missing piece of the puzzle. He groaned in ecstasy, at the touch of her silky, white flesh, beneath his fingers.
“Darling, we must stop for a moment,” he pleaded, breathlessly.
“No, Tony. I like this too much.” Sophie pressed her face against his neck and nibbled and sucked like a small child. She was driving him crazy.
“Stop it, Sophie. I have to tell you something very important, and I can’t think clearly when you’re so close.” Tony put his hands on her shoulders and stepped back one small step.
Sophie didn’t look pleased. In fact, worry lines crossed her brow. “What is this, Tony? Don’t tell me you’re having second thoughts. I swear, if you say you don’t want me, I’ll buy a gun and shoot you dead! I’ll have to apply for a license, and register it first, of course. How long does it take to learn how to load a gun? Never mind! I’ll make you pay, Tony. I love you too much to put up with this kind of nonsense.” She placed her hands on her hips and stomped her foot for emphasis. “Oh, my God. You’re married,” she groaned.
“No.”
“Gay?”
“No. Sit down on the bed, darling.” Tony grinned wickedly. “I like seeing you on my bed. I hope you’ll be spending a lot of time there. What I have to tell you is hard to believe, and for many years I didn’t believe it myself. But the proof is in the pudding, so they say.” He crawled up in the big bed beside her, and pulled her back against his shoulder.
“Who says?” Sophie asked.
“What?
“Who says the proof can be found in a pudding? I don’t get it.”
“That is just the first of many things, I have to tell you, that you probably won’t ‘get’.” Tony knew this was going to be very difficult, but necessary, if he wanted a long-term relationship with her.
“I’m going to tell you a story, sweetheart. It’s about wolves, gypsies, and a terrible curse. And the most frightening thing of all…it’s absolutely true. Please don’t be frightened of the things you learn. Remember that I love you more than anything in this world, and I will do anything for you…even let you walk away, if you choose.”
“Tony, you’re scaring me.” Sophie was clearly afraid. Her eyes were huge and her complexion was as pale as parchment. She gripped his arm tightly.
“I’m not like other men, Sophie. I’m cursed.”
“Cursed?” She couldn’t imagine how the rich and handsome man could possibly be cursed. “You’re not serious.”
Tony kissed the back of Sophie’s head and sighed. “I couldn’t be more serious, darling. Promise to listen to the whole story, before you decide to walk away.”
Sophie turned around and faced him. “Walk away? I don’t walk away, Tony. I believe in sticking it out, if you want something badly enough. I’m a one-man woman, remember? Tell me your story.”
Tony gathered his thoughts. He needed to be precise and matter of fact about everything. Clearing his throat, he began.
“On a dark night, long ago, two best friends were exploring Prague. They’d been drinking for hours and were definitely deep in their cups.”
“Where? In their what?” Sophie asked, innocently, trying her best to understand.
“Shhh, darling. Let me continue. They were very drunk.”
“Oh,” she murmured, softly.
“They got lost taking a shortcut. Upon discovering a young girl, being threatened by a pack of savage wolves, they decided to rush to her aid, unarmed with nothing more than sticks and stones. Needless to say, they got the shit kicked out of them. Both men were near death, but the girl had escaped unharmed.”
“That’s good. This is a really good story, Tony. Go on,” she coaxed.
“I’m trying, dear.
“Nadia—that’s the girl’s name, in case you were going to ask—returned from her camp, along with her wise old grandfather. You see, they were gypsies. I believe he might have been the king or the ruler of his clan. Anyway, he prepared the two gadjos for their imminent death, and promised them a good funeral.”
“Gadjos?”
“Yes, sweetie. They were white men...not gypsy...not Rom.”
“Oh, I see. Continue,” Sophie instructed.
“As I was about to say, the girl would not allow that to happen, as the two Englishmen had saved her life. During the night, she slipped into the wagon and did some hocus-pocus with some healing powders belonging to her grandfather. Both gadjos survived.”
“But that’s good, Tony...isn’t it?”
“The story goes on. Her grandfather was furious with her. She didn’t know exactly what she had done that was so terrible. He said the men would live, though they’d be cursed for all eternity.
“The two gadjos left the camp as soon as they were well enough to travel, and their lives seemed to go on pretty much as before. Unaware of the curse, they felt amazingly healthy and almost never tired. After touring the continent, they returned to England.”
Sophie grew excited. “I took a tour of San Francisco, once. Which tour did they take?”
“A very long one, dear. It’s something young men did, back then.”
“Back then? When was that?”
“1810.”
“That was a long time ago, Tony. How do you know this story?”
“I was around. I knew Thomas very well.”
There was silence. Tony wasn’t sure if Sophie had connected the dots or had even found the date preposterous. “Did you hear me, Sophie?”
She turned huge eyes toward him. She had heard him, and she had calculated the dates correctly. “I don’t get it, Tony. You must be mistaken,” she challenged, feeling slightly faint. “You’d be ancient!”
Tony held her tightly, and kissed the side of her face. He could feel his heart beating a mile a minute; so unsure, was he, of her response. “I have an unbelievable past, Sophie. The secret is…I am far older than I appear.”
“So, you’re part gypsy? Is that it?” That would explain his mysterious and exotic good looks. Tony was so dangerously sexy. “That makes no difference to me. I love your bl
ack hair and dark complexion.”
“No, you impossibly adorable woman,” he laughed. “That’s not it. I’m telling you that I’m too old for you.”
“Huh?”
Running his hands through his thick hair, he almost shouted, “I was one of those two men, Sophie. My best friend, Thomas, and I were attacked by the wolves that night, and it is we that should have died!”
Sophie caught her breath. Nothing was making sense. “Wow! You’re a werewolf!” This was not a question, but she was clearly thrilled with the revelation. “That’s way cool.”
Tony growled, just for effect, causing Sophie to scream. Then he laughed wryly.
“Not hardly, darling. I was saved by the gypsy girl, but condemned by her actions, as well. You see, Sophie…I am…immortal.” He whispered the last word. It sounded very creepy, but managed to keep her attention.
Once again, there was silence in the room. Tony waited for Sophie’s reaction. She hadn’t yet flinched or pulled away from his arms. That was a good sign, wasn’t it?
“Oh, my God,” she uttered. “You’re a Vampire?”
“No, damn it. I am not a Hollywood vampire,” he scolded. “There are no such creatures as werewolves and vampires—at least not to my knowledge. But there are a few immortals, such as myself.”
“You mean you don’t suck blood to survive? You can’t fly or turn yourself into a bat? Are you at least super strong?” Sophie looked as if she was actually disappointed in his revelation.
Totally exasperated, Tony knew he shouldn’t have said anything. He should have just walked away from her and away from the happiness she provided him. “No, to all those ridiculous things,” he spat. If he lived to be a million years old—and who knows, he just might—he’d never understand women.
In a quiet voice, and without looking at him, Sophie pressed on. “Then, tell me. What makes you so special? Why do call yourself cursed?”
“Well, I guess if living forever doesn’t impress you, you might like to know that while I can’t do some of the stunts, that the average celluloid vampire can do, I do not fall prey to their frailties, either. You can drive a wooden stake through my heart and it won‘t kill me. It’ll hurt like hell, but I’ll survive. I can walk in the sunshine and not burst into flames. I do not have to feed on blood to keep up my strength. In fact, if I do not want to eat or drink, it really isn’t necessary that I do so. I am partial to Italian food with a lot of garlic, chocolate, and a fine wine, now and then. A beautiful woman taught me to appreciate the finer things in life. But I digress.”
