Free The Love of Vincenzo: Paranormal Erotic Romance (Anam Céile Chronicles) by Rosalind Scarlett Page B

wondered whether I should tell him what happened.  While Niccolò
seemed like such a fine gentleman, I had to remind myself that he was still a Vampire.  His reaction to hearing that I had slain one of his own kind
may be too unpredictable.  I could not take my chances.
    “Well, after some heartfelt consideration, I decided I could
not pass up your gracious offer,” I answered simply.  “That is, if it still
stands?”
    A great smile broke across his face as he clasped his hands
together with glee.  “But of course, Vincenzo!  Nothing would delight me more!” 
Then I watched his face alter to one of concern, his infectious smile fading away
as he enquired, “If I may ask, I am dying to know what happened with your
ladylove?”
    The mere mention of her revived my carefully placed
glorious image of the woman I could not be with to the surface of my fragile mind
where it merged with the ever present throbbing ache and flared, making it
impossible to maintain my already faltering pretense any longer.
    Swallowing back the emotion already brimming to my throat, I
answered him cautiously, “Things were just not meant to be between us, that is
all.”  I wanted to be sure to terminate this conversation before it could go
any further, or there was no guarantee I could remain composed as I had somehow
managed up to this point.  I could not talk about Giuliana, to Niccolò or
anyone else.  It was much too painful.  I had to keep her locked safely in the
depths of my memory if I was to get through this and go on with my life.
    Seeming to comprehend what I was endeavouring to do, he
merely smiled at me sadly.  “Well, I am sorry to hear that, Vincenzo.”  His
smile turning exultant once more, he added, “Nonetheless, I am overjoyed to
have you here!”
    Returning his smile, I responded, “As am I, Niccolò, thank
you for having me.”
    I was a bit surprised that someone as distinguished and
seemingly kind as Niccolò still remained without a devoted servant of his own. 
But then I realised that due to that very fact, he must be rather discerning
with his offers.  That knowledge should be very flattering to me, and I suppose
it still was.  Just not as much as it would have been several weeks ago.  Now
my mind was clouded with just one thought.
    Giuliana.
    Stop it, Vincenzo!  You must not dwell upon her!
    As I had now committed myself to being the sole lover and
blood servant of a male Vampire, I vowed never to be with another woman again, waiting
until fate would reunite me with my Giuliana.
    “Vincenzo,” Niccolò said cheerily, interrupting my self-torturous
musings.  “Please, if you will allow me to show you to your personal
bedchamber.”
    “Certainly, Niccolò.  Grazie.”
     He led me up the grand staircase, overlaid with an
intricately patterned exotic carpet.  The upstairs corridor was flanked with a
seemingly endless line of tall doors.  I had to wonder how many rooms his house
must have.  At last Niccolò stopped in front of a door.  When he opened it to
show me in, I was astonished.
    And I thought my chamber at Sanguelascivia was
elegant!  That was no comparison to this!
    At least twice as large as my chamber at Sanguelascivia had been, the room showcased a majestic hand carved four poster bed in the
centre, swathed with down filled embroidered bedclothes in imported ivory silk. 
Every angle of the room was trimmed in elabourately carved woodwork.  The
walls, which were ensconced in a luxurious gold jacquard fabric, presented yet
more fine paintings, most of them featuring dashing young gentlemen.
     “Will this be sufficiently adequate for you, Vincenzo?” Niccolò
enquired kindly.
    Adequate , he asks?  
    I had to laugh to myself.  It was a chamber fit for royalty!
    I was nearly speechless.  How in the world had I gotten so
fortunate?  God knows I did not deserve such good fortune, especially after
what I had done to Giuliana.  
    She should be here with me!  Not still at