CHAPTER 32
I found Roberto in the kitchen with Cristoforo and Mark. They all stopped talking when I entered. Roberto stood up and without speaking led me upstairs to our room. As soon as the door closed, I threw myself into his arms and sobbed. He let me cry until his shirt was soaked. Then he led me to sit down on the edge of the bed.
"I know that must have been hard for you Cara. But it needed to be done."
"I know Roberto, it was hard. And now I need to talk to you."
Roberto looked more intrigued than concerned, "Of course Cara. What is it?"
I took a deep breath and plunged forward, "I havent been honest with you. The first night Alex bit me; he said the words to bind us. I dont know why I didnt tell you. I guess I was a little scared because I had some feelings for Alex. I talked to him about it tonight and told him I didnt want to be bound to him. He has promised me that he will try and find a way to undo it."
Roberto didnt say anything for a few seconds and I was terrified he was going to get up and leave. Instead he tilted my head up to look into my eyes. "I knew about the binding Piccolina. But Im glad that you decided to trust me enough to tell me."
"You knew!? How did you know?"
"I knew when I saw the strength of your connection. Binding is a powerful thing. Even more so with you being a Sensay."
"Im sorry Roberto that I didnt say anything. And Im sorry if this means you wont be able to bind us together." I looked at him from under my lashes suddenly embarrassed, "I mean if you would want for us to be bound together."
"Mio Dio, Olivia. How can you think otherwise? I
265 love you. I didnt plan on this and things are kind of a mess but dont ever doubt I want to be with you always. And I am not counting on Alex alone to find a way out of your binding. While you were gone I have started my own investigation into the matter."
"What if there is no way to undo it Roberto?" I whispered, afraid.
"It wont make a bit of difference to me. Bound or not bound we will be together. I will marry you in the way humans do!"
Shocked, I stared at him until I found my voice. "Did you just propose to me?"
He looked shocked himself. "Yeah, I guess I did."
I laughed and kissed him. "That was not my dream proposal but I thank you anyway." I got serious then. "Actually, its too soon Roberto. We need some time. Circumstances have thrown us together and now we need time to get to know each other. Like a normal couple."
He chuckled, "And what does a normal couple do?"
I carefully arranged myself on his lap, "Well, they go to the movies, and they go out to dinner. And they make love. Often. In as many positions as they can bend their bodies."
"Mmmmm, I like this normal thing. Can we be normal right now?"
I kissed him softly on the mouth. "No, I have to go get my arm fixed right now and its almost dawn."
"Damn." He said as he nibbled on my ear.
"Roberto, I have to go but I will be back after I get my arm fixed and we can continue this tonight."
"Mmmm, okay, mmm." he kept nibbling.
It was very close to dawn so I let him continue, because it felt so good. We lay back on the bed and he ran his tongue down my neck and lower to my collarbone and stopped. He was out for the day. It amazed me how vampires turn off like that. It was a shame they could never
266 be studied but I knew that was not an option. The evolved species needed to be protected. I sensed that if they were not, they would all be wiped off the face of the earth.
I didnt see anyone as I slipped downstairs and called a cab and grabbed my backpack. I was nervous about going to the hospital. How would I explain my lack of identification? When the cab arrived, I asked the driver to take me to the nearest hospital.
He turned to me and in a suspicious voice asked, "Are you hurt Miss?"
"I fell down the steps last night and hurt my arm. I was hoping it was just bruised but I woke up in the middle of the night and the pain was much worse." I made my voice sound like it was quivering. Dang! I was getting to be a pretty good liar.
That thought made me stop and think. I had always been a terrible liar. Now I was lying like a used car salesman. I should be more upset over this fact. But I wasnt. Life sometimes throws a curve ball at you and you got to learn to hit ,,em. Thats something my Dad used to say. It hurt to think about him and I supposed it always would.
The cab pulled up in front of a county hospital. I went into the backpack to retrieve some money to pay the cab. Roberto had told me he put some money inside in case of an emergency. I hadnt looked before and when I opened the side zipper there were stacks of money in there. It had to be ten thousand dollars inside. Yikes! I was nervous walking around with so much money. I paid the driver and went in to the emergency. As it turned out being a county hospital, no one asked me too many questions not even when I told them Id be paying cash. On the other hand it being a county hospital it took me all day to have a doc look at me, have ex-rays done and having an orthopedic doc declare it was broken.
Then I had to wait until they could cast it. When I
267 finally got back to the Cape Cod it was going on nine pm. and I was exhausted. As soon as I put my hand on the doorknob, it was flung open and Roberto swept me up into his arms, "Dio Cara, you had me so worried. I couldnt believe you were still at the hospital from this morning. I was going crazy. Dont ever worry me like that again!"
He kissed me then, kissed me hard. I forgot about being tired as his tongue swept in to mate with mine. He sat down on the sofa with me still in his arms, still kissing me. It was as if he was afraid to let go. I pulled back from him to look at his face, "Whats going on Roberto?"
For the first time since I met him, Roberto looked embarrassed. He cleared his throat nervously before he began. "Alex is gone. And I thought maybe you had left with him."
I hadnt thought much about how Roberto had felt through all of this. I had been selfishly concerned about my own mixed up emotions.
"Oh, my love. Im sorry you were worried. But Im not going anywhere. Youre stuck with me whether you like it or not."
I kissed him but couldnt help a yawn from escaping.
Roberto laughed, "I better put you to bed. Youre exhausted Piccolina. We can continue this after you get some rest."
"Roberto, can we just go home?"
"Home?" he questioned.
"Yeah, home to Oswego." I hadnt even realized I had come to think of Oswego as my home now. I liked it there.
Roberto had a pleased smile on his face. "Sure Piccolina. We can go home."
It didnt take us long to get ready. It would just be Roberto, Mark and me taking the return trip home. Cristoforo was going to catch a flight out of Baltimore and
268 return to Italy. Alex had already left. I wasnt surprised. I had known he was gone. I had felt our connection fading when I was at the hospital. It hurt. But I had chosen and I loved Roberto with all of my heart.
"Tell Mama and Papa I will visit soon." I heard Roberto say to Cristoforo by the door.
Cristoforo looked over at me and said, "What should I tell them about that?"
"Hey, what the hell is wrong with you? I have never done anything to you to warrant such rude behavior!"
"Dont take it personally oh great Sensay. Its just I dont like you being with my brother. Its going to hurt a lot of people in the end."
"Cristoforo please, do not start this now. We will talk about this when I come home. Im hoping we will have some resolutions by then."
Cristoforo shook his head in what looked like disgust and walked out the door.
Roberto sighed, "Dont let him upset you Piccolina. He has always been difficult."
"What did he mean by all of that crap he said? About us hurting people? Did he mean the council and all of that because we are different?"
Roberto mumbled, "Yeah and like I said, he enjoys being difficult. Now lets get going so we can get home. Im still waiting for us to act like a normal couple. All of those positions, mmmm, I am picturing you on your hands and knees submitting to me my love."
He lifted me into his arms and carried me out to the car where he arranged me on his lap in the backseat. Mark got in the drivers seat. I dont think we were even out of the driveway when I fell asleep. I woke up when Roberto shifted to get out of the car.
"Where are we?" I asked half asleep.
"We are home, Cara."
I smiled and snuggled deeper in his arms. Home. I
269 liked that.
Two seconds later I heard Janel screeching. "What did you do to her? The poor thing. Is her arm broken? You broke her! Roberto Valente you are so going to pay for this."
Roberto just shoved past Janel and went in the house and right up the stairs.
I could still hear Janel having a hissy fit but now it was being directed at poor Mark. I was trying hard not to laugh but couldnt help the rumblings from my chest.
"Oh no, you are not laughing Cara, I thought you were asleep. How could you stand by and let that shrew tear in to me like that?"
Roberto said, but with laughter in his voice. He opened the door to our bedroom and laid me on the bed. He went to move away but with my good arm I pulled him down on top of me and kissed him. I had a tremendous need to make love to him. He tried to protest saying, "You need to rest Cara."
"I will rest after you satisfy me, my wild man." I went for the zipper on his jeans. He attempted to stop me half-heartedly but gave up when I freed his stiffening cock. "I love that you never wear underwear. It makes it so much easier to stroke you like this."
I glided my hand up and down his thick hard shaft. Roberto began to moan and I captured his sexy mouth in a kiss. Roberto rolled us over so he was on the bottom. He went to lift my t-shirt up but I stepped away from him. "I want to make love to you. I want to show you how much I love you and your delicious body."
"I am all yours Mia Cara, my body belongs to you, do as you wish."
He was looking at me intently when he said that and I swear I almost came from the hot look he was giving me.
As it was, I forgot how to breathe and had to take a deep breath. I went to pull down his pants and found that I
270 had a hard time with my left arm in a cast. He saw my predicament and with his vampire speed stood and quickly removed all of his clothing. There was nothing quite as magnificent as Roberto naked. His thighs were thick and muscular. His chest was broad with a dusting of dark hair that led down past his navel in a thin trail to narrowed hips. His thick cock stood long between his legs. I shivered remembering how it feels when he glides in and out of me.
Roberto moaned, "God woman, you are torturing me. I can smell your arousal. And you look at me as if youre going to devour me. Touch me Cara, please."
I finally raised my eyes from his manhood to his face. He saw the tears running down my face and embraced me, "Piccolina, whats wrong?"
"Im sorry. Stupid Sensay emotions. I was overcome by my feelings for you. I love you so much Roberto. And your body is so beautiful."
"Ahhhh, come here Mia Cara. Let me love you." He quickly got rid of my clothes, until I was standing naked in front of him.
"You are the beautiful one Olivia. And you have no idea what you do to men. You draw them in with your goodness and light and your sweet scent. You smell of the rich earth on a summer night. Like life itself." He drew me over to the bed and gently lowered me down. He kissed my lips, softly, reverently. He kissed a trail down the side of my neck. How I wished he would bite me. But I could wait for when the time was right. He kissed a trail down to my right breast. Using his tongue, he swirled around my nipple until I arched off the bed while with his hand he teased and rubbed my other nipple. When he gently took it in his teeth I came.
"Oh God, yes Roberto, please." He felt my need burning though my veins like bolts of lightening. He knew what I needed and positioned himself above me. He paused when the thick head of his cock was poised at my slick
271 entrance. Through gritted teeth he said, "One of these days Cara we will get to play more. But for now I must be inside you." And he plunged his throbbing cock inside me.
We both cried out as he filled me. He pumped into me over and over again while saying, "God yes, youre so wet for me. I cant get enough of you. I want to f*ck you until you beg me to stop."
"Ahhhhhh, yes, come for me Olivia, drench me with your sweetness," he yelled as his hips moved back and forth at an unnatural speed. I felt like I was going to shatter into a million pieces. I felt the beginning of my climax and screamed as it washed over and over me. I came as I felt Roberto shoot his seed deep into me. I clung to him as he thrust his hips with each spurt. When he was finished, he rolled us onto our sides and smiled at me. I smiled back and teased him, "You were holding out on me. Why didnt you show me that before?"
"I didnt want to frighten you. Vampire sex can be a little intimidating the first time you experience it."
"Vampire sex, hmmmm, is there more to it than that fast action move you just did?"
"Ohhh Piccolina, you have just seen the tip of the iceberg. Wait until I show you how we can use a special sucking action that will make you throb."
We still had a little time until dawn so I talked him into showing me his moves.
The next day when I woke up I was sore from our vigorous lovemaking. I smiled. Being sore was quite nice. I showered and dressed and headed downstairs. Janel was in the kitchen with Andy and Mark.
"Hi sweetie. Sit down and let me get you some coffee." Janel said cheerily.
When she set the coffee in front of me, she asked, "Hows the arm?"
"Its okay. Did Mark tell you what happened?"
"Yeah, I cant believe Juan fooled me like that. I
272 thought he was a nice guy." Janel said.
"Yeah me too." I said rather sadly.
Andy chimed in, "Dont feel bad. Mark and I never picked up on it either. And were professionals."
I nodded my agreement but deep down I did blame myself. Im supposed to be a Sensay for Gods sake. I should be more in tune than other people. I had been balking at having to go train with my so-called ,,clan. Now I was burning to learn how to use my abilities.
After finishing my breakfast, Janel and I went for a walk. I told her about Alex and what had happened. When I finished she said, "You had to follow your heart. Youre in love with Roberto. I know there is a connection with Alex but hopefully that will be broken and you can bond with Roberto. Then all will be right."
I hugged her. Talking with Janel always made things seem simpler.
Janel surprised me by saying, ,,Im going to take a trip with Andy. Were going to go to the Bahamas for a few weeks."
"Well, normally this would be where I would caution you and tell you that youre moving too fast. But given my actions this last week, Im not going to say anything."
Janel laughed, "Youre not going to believe this but we havent slept together. Were getting to know each other first. Its kind of nice. He is really a sweet guy."
"Im happy for you Janel. Can you believe how so much has changed in the past week?" I thought about my parents. God, how I missed them.
Janel must have known what I was thinking about because she hugged me, "We will never forget them sweetie. Knowing your parents, they are right now watching us and smiling that we both hooked up with some damn good men."
We both laughed at the truth of that as we walked
273 back to the house. Janel and Andy were leaving that afternoon, so I went to help her pack. Mark was staying here and informed me that Antonio from Robertos Atlantic City hotel would be joining him as the second day guard. I felt a little sad at her leaving but we made plans for when she returned. She was going to go with us when we went looking for my clan.
I went upstairs and undressed and climbed into bed with Roberto to wait for him to wake. I breathed deeply, now loving the scent that had once made me think of death and despair. Now it made me think of life, of living life to the fullest. I intended to do just that as I lay there thinking back to what Roberto had said about vampires liking to wake up next to a naked woman and smiled in anticipation.
274 Epilogue
I thought that I was going to die. I couldnt breathe, even though Roberto carried me the last thousand feet. I think it was the change in elevation. Algonquin Peak in the northern Adirondacks was over 5,000 feet in elevation. I kissed Robertos cheek to thank him for carrying me and asked him to put me down. I wanted to walk the last bit. Today was my birthday. I was officially thirty years old. Roberto had suggested we spend it here. It was a place my parents loved so much. I could feel them here; in the wind that blew through my hair and the in the soft rich earth beneath my feet.
We stopped and Roberto helped me take my backpack off. He took his pack off and opened it and took something out. "I have something for you Piccolina. Its your parents ashes. I know how you all loved this place and..."
I threw myself in his arms. "Its perfect, my love. How did you get the ashes?"
He smiled and like always, my heart leapt at the sight. "I know some people."
I took the urn and hugged it to my breast for a minute. Janel was right. They still walked the earth with me. I could feel them all around me.
Roberto stayed back as I walked to the edge of the rock face and opened the urn.
I had no tears, only joy in my heart as I emptied the jar into the breeze and watched as the two souls took flight over the mountains.
I turned and smiled as Roberto came up and put an arm around my shoulders. "Thank you Roberto. This was a perfect birthday. This place is so beautiful at night. Seeing the other nearby peaks jutting up is breathtaking."
Roberto looked at me quizzically, "Can you see the other peaks Cara?"
275 "Sure why?"
"Because there is no moonlight tonight and even the stars are hidden by the clouds. Im going to guess that your sense of sight just got a whole lot better," he chuckled.
I didnt know what to say, so I just said, "Well damn, I wonder if Ill have x-ray vision? That could come in handy when youre wearing too many clothes."
He wrapped his arms around me. "No need for that you just have to ask and my clothes are history."
I turned to face him. "I love you Roberto, now and always."
He cradled my face in his chest and murmured, "Now and always."
The End