Chapter 45: Making a vampire happy
Rose sat inside a black limousine, swiping through her tablet, gazing at pictures of Blake for more than thirty minutes. The distance between them heightened her anxieties, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Her sister's interest and the looming presence of Damien Durello, her despicable ex, intensified the threat around Blake.
A sense of foreboding lingered as she scrolled through images, an unsettling feeling that urged her into action. Fueled by a mix of instinct and fear, she grabbed her other phone and dialed Reggie, her trusted driver.
"Yes, my lord," Reggie responded from the other end.
"Has there been any strange occurrences?" Rose inquired, getting straight to the point.
"Nothing has gone wrong, my lord," Reggie replied matter-of-factly.
"Great, make sure it stays that way. Keep your distance close to Blake at all times. If anything happens to him, I'll have you beg for death," Rose threatened, emphasizing the gravity of her concern. For Blake, she would go to any lengths. Over the months, she found herself falling endlessly for the mortal, a sentiment she couldn't explain but wholeheartedly embraced.
As the limousine came to a halt, her door opened, revealing the pale, gentle man Blake had encountered at the private hangar before.
"My lord, this is where you'll be residing tonight."
Rose stepped out into the bustling city of China, heading towards a renowned five-star hotel that stood as an epitome of luxury and opulence. The Shangri-La Hotel, perched in the heart of the city, offered panoramic views of the skyline and a seamless blend of traditional elegance with modern comfort.
Entering the grand lobby adorned with intricate Chinese artwork and sleek contemporary design, Rose felt a momentary respite from the chaos outside. The hotel's reputation for impeccable service and lavish accommodations aligned with Rose's expectations.
As she ascended to her suite, the scent of delicate orchids filled the air. The room, adorned with silk fabrics and rich mahogany, exuded sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed the city lights, casting a warm glow on the plush furnishings.
With a commanding presence, Rose surveyed the surroundings. The plush bed, adorned with the finest linens, awaited her, and a private balcony provided a serene retreat above the vibrant city. Despite the luxurious setting, her mind remained preoccupied with concerns for Blake's safety.
Rose, seated near the window, continued to contemplate the unsettling future that awaited her return. The battle for Blake's well-being had just begun, and within the luxurious confines of the Shangri-La, she strategized, knowing that even in opulence, dangers lurked in the shadows.
Tomorrow marked the D-Day, the pivotal meeting with the board of directors for Shelly Company in China. However, Rose felt compelled to engage in a different pursuit for the moment. An idea struck her, and she decided to swing into action.
Firstly, she discarded the clothes she had been wearing and entered the bath to freshen up. Emerging from the bathroom, she had transformed into a vision of allure, adorned in a luxurious nightgown that showcased her exquisite beauty.
The nightgown, a symphony of silk and lace, draped elegantly over her slender form. Its deep, midnight blue hue complemented the paleness of her skin, creating a mesmerizing contrast. The neckline dipped sensuously, offering subtle glimpses of cleavage, and the gown flowed gracefully, teasingly revealing her beautiful legs with each step.
Rose, radiating an air of effortless seduction, moved with grace and poise. The intricate lace detailing added a touch of sophistication to the ensemble, enhancing the overall allure. As she prepared for the night ahead, the nightgown became a manifestation of both elegance and allure, accentuating her timeless beauty in the luxurious surroundings of the Shangri-La Hotel.
With a tablet in hand, Rose reclined on the sumptuous bed in her nightgown, contemplating whether to initiate a video call with Blake. Her finger traced the smooth surface of the device, and she hesitated for a moment before selecting his contact—saved as "Mr. Shelton," a name she had occasionally contemplated changing.
Once, when playfully spying on Blake scrolling through his contacts, she discovered her name saved on his phone as "Loml." She remembered looking it up and found that it meant "Love of My Life." It was a term she couldn't reciprocate, and finding a fitting equivalent for what she felt for Blake proved challenging.
As the call connected, Blake's face illuminated her screen. The video call created a virtual bridge between them, spanning the distance across countries. Blake greeted her with a playful "Konnichiwa," oblivious to the linguistic mix-up.
"You know that's Japanese, right?" Rose teased, a smile gracing her face as she lounged on the bed, the tablet strategically positioned for the call.
"Hehe... I flunked language class. Anyways, how was your flight?" Blake inquired with a peculiar tone, sounding somewhat groggy.
"My flight was good... Were you sleeping?" Rose asked, picking up on Blake's grogginess.
"Yes, like every other normal human being? I mean, it's like 4 am?" Blake playfully justified.
"Okay then, we'll talk later. Goodnight," Rose stated, preparing to end the call.
"Wait... wait... wait..." Blake's sudden urgency interrupted her attempt to sign off.
"What?" Rose questioned, feigning annoyance with a pouted lip.
"I'm loving the view, don't go!" Blake exclaimed, eliciting a smirk from Rose.
"The camera isn't even panned towards the balcony. How can you see the view?" she teased, enjoying the banter.
Blake, undeterred, pointed towards the camera and clarified, "I meant, THE VIEW..." Rose followed his gesture, tracing the direction to her cleavages.
She immediately acted like she was appalled and playfully scolded him.
"Oh, Mr. Shelton, you're being positively scandalous! I can't believe you're trying to peep at the view without even asking for permission. Such audacity!" Rose exclaimed, feigning shock with an amused twinkle in her eyes.
Deep down, this interaction was all part of Rose's subtle plan. Choosing the enticing nightgown was a deliberate move, designed to elicit such reactions from Blake. She relished how he effortlessly caught the hints, finding his responses incredibly attractive.
Blake, still grinning, replied, "Well, when the view is as captivating as yours, who wouldn't risk a little audacity? But fear not, my lady, I promise to avert my eyes and behave... until you give me another reason not to."
Rose blushed, offering a shy eye roll, and responded, "Oh, please... You're incorrigible. Anyway, I just wanted to see your face before my big meeting tomorrow. You know, to calm my nerves."
As Rose brought up the upcoming board meeting, she shared her insights into the ruthlessness of the Shelly Company's board of directors. "They can be quite a challenge, you know. But I've faced worse in this business," she confidently remarked.
Blake, always ready to support and encourage her, chimed in, "Rose, you're practically a force of nature. They won't know what hit them. Just be your amazing self, and they'll have no choice but to be in awe."
Rose couldn't help but smile at Blake's words; the encouragement provided a reassuring warmth. "You always know how to boost my confidence. I'm grateful to have you by my side, even if it's through a video call."
As the conversation winded down, Blake and Rose exchanged goodnights and sweet I love yous. Just before the screen went off, Rose couldn't contain her excitement.
She wiggled her legs in the air like a schoolgirl, caught in the pure joy of the moment. However, she quickly composed herself, hiding her giddiness behind a confident smile.
Laying in bed, she stared at the ceiling, a contented smile lingering on her face. The distance seemed a little less formidable after that call.