“When someone loves you, the way they talk about you is different. You feel safe and comfortable.” —Jess C. Scott

Jane

I was on a soft comfortable cloud sighing contently I snuggled in deeper as I enjoyed the sensation of my head being rubbed gently it was soothing I tried to open my eyes but it was to much effort I let sleep carry me away like a leaf in the wind. The urging of my bladder woke me the next time that’s what happens when you help drink a pitcher of margarita opening my eyes I glanced at the clock it was three am getting up I went to the bathroom to pee and brush my teeth when I was done I went to search for Antonio I found him sitting on the couch holding a picture frame in his hand his head was bowed as looked it he reverently touched the picture with the tips of his fingers his aura was a combination of melancholy and love. I came over to his side and sat down.

“hey what’s up?” I asked he didn’t speak for a moment he set the picture frame on the table in front of us it was a photo of a beautiful women, two twin boys and a man who looked exactly like Lorenzo with his arm around Antonio’s shoulders.

“I was thinking of my family it’s my brothers birthday today” he announced “so I was missing them” I knew his family had died but he never talked about them and I had never seen this photo.

He saw me stating at the picture he picked it up and handed it to me.

“That’s my dad Alessandro he and my uncle were twins my mom’s name was Julia and my little brothers “ he paused his voice filled with sadness and loss

“My little brothers names were Luca and Dante”

“Those are all beautiful names and your family was beautiful will you tell me what happened, you never speak of them” I looked at the photo of everyone they looked so happy you could see the love that surrounded them and in there eyes for one another tears flowed from my eyes onto the picture the feelings of loss from Antonio and just to see such a beautiful family gone hurt me he gently wiped the tears from my eyes.

“I’m sorry” I murmured he gave me a kiss on the cheek

“Don’t be my love your crying for me I treasure these tears thank you”

He took the picture and set it back on the table in front of us I could tell he was trying to find the words which made me a little scared of what he was about to say he took a deep breath even though he didn’t need to breath.

“They were murdered” he finally said startled by his omission I turned wide eyes on him who would do such a thing and why to such loving people. But there were wicked people in this world who didn’t care who they hurt or why.

“It was the night Lorenzo changed me, my family was very wealthy generations of wealth some men who knew of my family grew jealous and wanted our riches so one night while we were all asleep they broke into our home brought us all to the living room and shot us all” I gasped my hand flying to my mouth I couldn’t help but look at the two little boys who couldn’t have been more then seven or eight years old.

“”They left us all for dead as they took whatever valuables they could find and when they left they set our home on fire to cover up what they had done” I clenched my hands into fists on my lap my nails dug into my skin I was angry such cruelty I wanted those men dead I was startled by my thoughts.

“My uncle would check in us periodically and this was one of those times I hadn’t died but I was close my father, mother and brothers had already died he grabbed me and changed me he saved my life” I could here the reverent tone in his voice when he spoke of his uncle I glanced back at the photo his dad and uncle were exact copies the only difference was his dad wore his hair short while his uncles wore his longer it had to hurt to see him and see his father’s face.

“Did you get the men who did this?” I asked he didn’t speak he nodded I knew it was more to it I waited I could tell he didn’t want to tell me what he did.

“Yes, I hunted them all down once I was done with my change I gathered them all together in a room and I shot them exactly how they shot me and my family but I made sure not to hit a vital spot then I set the place on fire and left them all to burn” he said grim satisfaction in his voice a dark part of I didn’t know existed was happy they got exactly what they deserved it filled me grim satisfaction as well I would have to examine this feeling later right now it was about Antonio.

“Good they got what they deserved” I said I could tell he was startled by my words just as I was he took my hand in his we sat in silence for a little while.

“Come on let’s lay back down for a little bit you have to work later” he stood pulling me to my feet with him

“Okay thank you for telling me I know it wasn’t easy” he nodded we headed back into the bedroom and crawled back under the covers together he pulled me against his chest and held me.

“ I hope one day you will open up to me as well” he finally said I instantly felt guilt and shame I closed my eyes and burrowed in deeper holding him tightly one day I would tell him the burdens on my heart and mind just not today I decided drifting back off to sleep.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” —1 Corinthians 13

Antonio

I dropped Jane off an hour ago at work I was back at home pouring over some emails but all I could think of was how I told her about my family and what I had done to the ones who killed them I expected her to react differently than she had she cried for us, she hurt for us and didn’t bat an eye when I told her what I’d done to them there was nothing but grim satisfaction on her face which I didn’t think Jane was capable of there had been no judgment no demand she simply let him decide if he wanted to share or not and he had and it felt good to tell her everything and he hoped it would also help her open up to him in the future as well.

“I have found the one whom my soul loves.” —Song of Solomon 3:4

Jane

The practice was going well Elena had shown up a few minutes ago to measure the kids who sizes we hadn’t gotten yet all the kids were so excited. I sat next to Evelyn at the piano as she practiced her part for the recital she was doing really well she didn’t miss a note this time at all.

“Good job!” I praised her she looked up at me and smiled she was such a cutie with her olive skin, long thick mahogany hair and big brown eyes she looked exactly like her mom for a seven year old she was very smart and very kind she took to the piano like she had been playing it her whole life. She told me her mom recently got her a piano for her birthday so she could practice and play all the time it was clearly the perfect gift.

“Miss Jane I was thinking of entering the piano competition in January I was wondering would you help me prepare and enter?” she asked her voice was light and whimsical you couldn’t help but smile and give her whatever she wanted.

“Yes! I will absolutely help you and we have more than enough time to prepare” I held up my hand for a high five despite her dainty appearance she hit my hand hard I loved it she was one of a kind.

“Thank you, Miss Jane you’re the best” she turned her attention back to the piano humming as she played.

“Jane?” I turned around to see who had called me it was Mrs. Jones she taught violin upstairs for the older children, she was the sweetest lady you could ever meet but she didn’t take any shit she reminded me of my late grandmother. She was in her late forties she had creamy pale skin, long auburn hair she wore in a braid and light green eyes and she wore purple cat eye glasses.

“Yes, Mrs. Jones?” I got up and came over to her she smiled warmly at my approach.

“ Elena has finished measuring all the children I was coming past this way so I told her I would come fetch you” she explained she glanced past me to look at Evelyn she smiled.

“Her playing has become very good, good job Evelyn” the little girl gave her a quick smile but didn’t stop playing she was truly passionate about piano and at such a young age.

“Thank you for telling me I’ll go talk to her, Evelyn I’ll be right back” I headed out the room down the hallway to the small dressing room Elena was packing up her measuring tape and notebook when I walked in, she looked up and smiled as I approached her.

“Hey I’m all done I’m going to head out I’ll text you about colors and such as I go” she stood and shouldered her bag.

“Okay sounds good also send me an invoice and I’ll make sure you get paid today okay?”

I would definitely add some extra on top from my own personal money she really came through and I wanted to show my appreciation.

“Sounds good bye!” She gave me quick hug which I didn’t expect but was nice nonetheless I hugged her back before she headed off humming along the way she was different a good different with nice energy I didn’t come across many people like her so when I did I basked in the energy to remind myself not everyone was cruel and self serving I sighed as I thought of everything Antonio had told me last night about his family and what happened to them how could people be so cruel and greedy to have no compassion, to easily take the life of children a mother a husband and son because technically Antonio still died. I sat down I needed a moment when he told me I was heartbroken for him and so angry and when he told me how he got his revenge I didn’t bat an eye and that caught me off guard that I felt that way did that make me a bad person for being happy that the monsters who did what they did suffered and died and if I were in his shoes I would have done the same what did that say about me I thought I knew myself but this made me really sit and reflect maybe I didn’t know myself as well as I thought. My phone beeped distracting me from my thoughts I pulled my phone out of my pocket it was Evelyn’s mom she had a flat tire and was going to be late I texted her back asking if it was okay for me to drop her off at home I’d done it for her before I was sure she wouldn’t mind but I didn’t want to assume after a moment she replied yes smiling I headed off to let Evelyn know.

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“Love is something eternal, the aspect may change, but not the essence.” —Vincent Van Gogh

Antonio

I was waiting outside the center I watched as buses pulled off with kids and parents picked up the rest my eyes searching for Jane she came out the front door holding the hand of a little girl who made him think of a doll she was an adorable little thing she came over to him the little girl looked up at him and gave him a shy smile.

“Hi this is Evelyn her mom’s car has a flat so I offered to take her home” she explained he held a hand out to Evelyn who took his hand and gave him a surprisingly firm handshake for a such a delicate looking child.

“Hi Evelyn it’s nice to meet you my name is Antonio”

“ Hi what’s that accent you have”? She asked her brow furrowed in contemplation she spoke very well and clear her brown eyes spoke of Intelligence.

“Italian my native language” he explained “come on ladies” he opened the back door on the passengers side with a bow for Evelyn to climb in once she was settled and buckled in he went to the front driver side Jane went around to the passengers side and got In she told him the address and they pulled off.

They pulled up to a small white cottage style home that was well kept and maintained it even had a swing in the front yard hanging from a huge oak tree, it had a nice charm to it, he thought getting out to open Evelyn’s door she thanked him as she exited the car the front door opened a women walked out who was the spitting image of Evelyn she must be her mother the little girl took off in a burst of speed to her and tackled her as soon as she reached her, her mom lifted her off the ground and spun her in a circle making her laugh it was like wind chimes light and whimsical he couldn’t help but smile he looked over at Jane who was watching them with a gentle smile on her face.

“Hi Mimi!” Jane gave her a small wave she walked over to the pair he followed close behind.

“Gracias Jane for bringing Evelyn home I appreciate it” she gave Jane a hug beside turning to him.

I’m Antonio Jane’s boyfriend, you have a lovely daughter and home” he held his hand out to him she eyed him for a moment before smiling and taking his hand in his.

“It’s nice to officially meet you” she had a look in her eyes that he couldn’t quite decipher and was gone before he could really try.

Jane held up a pink shopping bag that he hadn’t noticed.

“Here Mimi this is for you for tomorrow night, your still coming right?” Jane asked giving her a cute puppy dog look that made Mimi and Evelyn laugh.

“Si I promised” her eyes cut to him she emphasized the word “promised” ah that’s what that look was for earlier she knew all about him and she clearly cared for Jane she was giving off a big sister vibe that reminded him of Annie he gave a small nod of acknowledgement.

“Great! wear this you’ll love it I promise” Jane handed her the bag she got from the boutique the other day.

“Well we’re off” she bent down to give Evelyn a hug then Mimi before they headed back to the car.

Once they were buckled in and driving away he asked her about her friend Mimi.

“She’s five years older than me, she’s a PRN nurse and an awesome cook” Jane gushed she clearly cared for Mimi as much as she seemed to care for her

“She’s definitely someone you want to have in your corner she very nurturing but also tough as nails we became close over the summer I’ve even babysat Evelyn when she had to work late shifts but I don’t mind she’s a sweet heart” he definitely agreed with her on that one only having met her once she just radiated kindness the same way Jane did.

“They both seem lovely I’m glad I got to meet your friends” he meant it was Jane letting him back into her world which meant they were making progress.

“What promise were you referring to?” he asked once they pulled up to the apartment complex.

“She’s coming to Aiden's club with us tomorrow to watch me perform she never goes out and she promised me she would come to my next performance” she explained getting out the car they headed hand and hand Inside and to the elevator.

“Ah I see” at the mention of Aiden’s name he couldn’t help the surge of irrational jealousy and possessiveness towards Jane, which of course she picked up on she came and wrapped her arms around his neck standing on the tips of her toes she gave him a deep kiss that he Instantly returned she sighed contently into his mouth the dinging of the elevator made them stop and pull apart to head out and Inside the apartment.

“Are you hungry” he asked slipping his shoes off at the front door as Jane did the same. She nodded

“I’m famished” she declared dramatically putting a hand on her stomach he loved how she always made him laugh or could pull him out of a mood.

“What would my lovely Jane like?” he asked pulling out his phone to order she tapped her chin thoughtfully for a moment as if she were deep in thought but he was sure she already knew.

“Alfredo, garlic bread and a antipasto salad please and thank you” he nodded as placed her order it would take about thirty minutes to arrive.

“ I’m going to go change I’ll be right back” she called heading down the hallway to the bedroom a little skip in her step. He watched her until she disappeared into the room he had it bad that women owned him body and soul and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” —Audrey Hepburn

Jane

Instead of wearing one of my new nightgowns I decided to wear one of Antonio’s t-shirt which pretty much swallowed me and stopped a few inches above my knees, I slipped on a pair of pink fuzzy socks and pulled my hair into a bun on top of my head before heading back out into the living room Antonio sat on the couch legs spread as he scrolled through the TV channels for something to watch I went and sat on the floor in between his legs after a moment he leaned forward and kissed me softly on the side of my neck and Inhaled deeply.

“You smell lovely” he murmured in my ear making me blush and my heart speed up.

“Thank you” I wasn’t sure if he was referring to my natural scent, my blood or both but I enjoyed the compliment nonetheless. I could feel the love and desire for me pouring off him in waves wrapping around me caressing me making me feel tingly all over and lower parts of me start to clench like a fist opening and closing making me feel conflicted I knew he said we could take it slow but when I felt how much he wanted me and how much I wanted him it wrecked havoc on me, but I could compromise I could give him some of me another way.

“Have you fed today?” I asked fidgeting with the hem of his t-shirt I felt his sudden craving hit me it was more than just his base need for blood it was the desire for mines.

“No I was going to have a blood bag when your meal arrived” he tone rich with desire I swallowed and took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

“Would you like to drink from me?” I tilted my head back so I could look up at him to see his expression his eyes looked even brighter, his pupils dilated and his fangs peeked out from his mouth.

“Yes” he rasped “may I?” I nodded just as eager to feel his fangs in my throat and he was to bite me and it was amplified by his desire washing over me. He grabbed me around the waist picked me up and turned me so I was straddling him I wrapped my legs around his waist I could feel his dick harden I held still as I waited for his bite. He gently pressed a kiss to my lips once twice and a third time before gently turning my head he kissed the left side of my neck I felt the tip of his fangs scrape my skin as he positioned himself then slowly he eased them in making me let out an extended moan his hand went around my waist the other held the back of my head still and he sank his fangs even deeper making me arch against him and moan again at the all consuming feel of his fangs in my throat he pressed them as deep as they could go before he latched on and began to drink the first pull of my blood from my veins and I instantly cam he moaned against my neck holding me tighter against him and I still felt as if I wasn’t close enough he gave another deep pull before he settled into a gentle rhythm as he took his time and drank from me I relaxed against him letting him take what he needed loving that I was able to give him this and enjoying it just as much I didn’t want him to stop he drank and drank when he began to pull away I grabbed him and held him at my neck not wanting to loose this feeling and this closeness to him it was another form of intimacy and I was thoroughly enjoying myself and I could feel he was aa well he gave into and continued to slowly drink when he had his fill he slowly pulled his fangs from my neck he pulled back and we both looked at each other his cheeks were flushed and a part of me loved that it was my blood that did that for him he gave me another kiss.

“Thank you il mio unico e solo” he called me his one and only making me blush and my heart sore and his words of endearment.

“You’re welcome” The sound of the doorbell made me jump and made him laugh I forgot all about the food he gently picked me up and placed me on the couch before getting up to answer the door.

“Time for you to eat now” he called over his shoulder as he headed for the door, great I really was hungry now.

“We are most alive when we’re in love.” – John Updike

Jane

I was stretched out on the couch full from my meal Antonio was stretched out behind ne his hand around my waist as we watched TV I was close to dosing off a commercial of family on a road trip appeared on the screen a mom, dad and two little girls they were all laughing and having a good time I smiled how nice it reminded me on the trips I went on with my mom and dad those were good times I cherished I suddenly felt Antonio stiffen slightly it was so subtle that if we hadn’t been pressed so closely I wouldn’t have noticed.

“Are you okay?” I asked hesitantly maybe he was thinking of his family and it brought back painful memories.

“I’m sorry?” he said his voice was barely above a whisper he’s sorry…? Okay I was confused what was going on was he about to leave and break his promise I wanted to turn around and look at his face buy I was afraid of what I would see.

“Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination.” – Voltaire

Antonio

Jane suddenly stiffened against him. “What do you mean,?” she paused taking a deep breath.

“Are you leaving me?” she asked her voice barely above a whisper what? Leave her..? Never he promised he gently buy firmly grabbed her chin and turned her head so she was facing him her head titled up but she wouldn’t meet his gaze as she nibbled nervously on her lip.

“Jane look at me” he said calmly but firmly he waited as her gaze slowly lifted her eyes glazed with unshed tears she looked so heartbreakingly sad he hadn’t given her the wrong idea he had to fix this.

“Jane baby absolutely not do you hear me I will never ever fucking leave you again I swear on the lost lives of my family on my heart and soul that have always belonged to you my one and only true love who’s very existence is the reason for mine, I will never leave your side” he promised her and he meant every single word her eyes grew so big she looked comical as she took in his words and he was sure his feelings as well as she felt the unwavering truth in his words and the love in his heart for her a single tear escaped leaning down he kissed it away.

“But then why.. why are you sorry?” She asked her face full of genuine confusion and he couldn’t blame her it was such a change in the mood of course he made her doubt him for that brief moment but no matter how brief he didn’t like it and he would make sure she never doubted again by not letting his insecurities get the best of him it wasn’t just about him it was about them.

“I once again let my insecurity take hold of me and my emotions, I saw the commercial and I remembered earlier how you watched Mimi and Evelyn and they looked so happy and then this commercial came on and it almost felt as a taunt of the one thing I will never be able to give you” she stared up at him for a long moment her face achingly soft and full of nothing but love as she gazed up him.

“Antonio when I was watching them it wasn’t longing I was feeling it was loss and love I was simply thinking of my mom and my dad and the good times we had together that’s all” she gently touched the side of his face he leaned into her touch and briefly closed his eyes as he realized he let his insecurity grab hold and take off in the wrong direction as usual but not anymore he promised.

“Besides” she continued “if we really want kids we could always adopt there are lots of children out there in the world who need love and the security of a home” he was absolutely humbled and in awe of this women she truly was beautiful inside and out she wasn’t ever thinking of what he couldn’t give her she was thinking of what she could give another someone she didn’t even know she truly had a beautiful soul and he was so in love with this women he could hardly see straight he kissed her pouring all his love and passion for her into this kiss wanting her to feel how much he needed her loved her she owned him, she moaned into his mouth for a moment before pulling back her chest rising and falling quickly.

“I love you too” she said before once again pressing her lips to his he kissed her back and spent the rest the of the night holding her kissing her all over and telling her how much he loved her.