CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

A ri leaned against the side of his Audi Q7. Men in off-the-shelf suits walked past and gave him sideways glances. Maybe it was the casual jeans and black leather jacket— Prada assholes —or his enormous muscular body that was making him stand out?

Or it could be the Tom Ford shades he wore, even though it was dusk. But the sun had not yet fully set. And yeah, he was pushing it. While vampires could be outside at dusk, the lowering sun still drained energy and fucking hurt the eyeballs. It wasn’t something a vampire could do regularly, but he was desperate to see Sage.

His windows had a special coating which protected him while driving, so he’d waited until the last minute to exit the vehicle.

He wanted to see her face.

He wanted to hold her in his arms.

He wanted to take her back to the mansion and make her his for eternity.

Ari slipped his hands into his pockets and watched the entrance into BioZen like his life depended on it.

It just might.

Two minutes later, Sage stepped out of the building and began walking toward where he was parked.

Illegally.

Sage’s wild auburn hair flew out behind her. Black knee-high boots ended just shy of the top of her skirt, which was held down by the weight of her coat.

She spotted him and her eyes lit up. Ari’s heart thumped and he forced himself to let her walk to him.

God she’s beautiful.

When she was a dozen steps away, he couldn’t wait any longer. Ari began to walk toward her until they he was right in front of her. He saw the strain in her eyes and before she could speak his mouth captured hers. She fell into his body, and he wrapped his arms around her. In hours she might no longer be his, but right now she was, and he was taking all he could get.

“Hi,” Sage said, and he wanted to take away all her pain.

“Hello, gorgeous.” Ari rubbed a thumb over her cheekbone, then led her to his car and opened the passenger door. He slid into the driver’s seat and pulled the car away from the curb.

He reached over and took her hand. “How was your day, darling?”

“It was fine, thank you, sweetheart. How was yours?” She laughed, and it was like music to his ears. He loved being able to bring her some joy right now.

This could be their last night together and he was going to do as he’d promised; play out one of his life fantasies. He knew it would surprise her.

“Well,” he said, putting both hands on the wheel and acting all serious. “It was okay. I had a lot of paperwork to do, then I had some HR stuff to deal with. But now I get to spend the evening with you, so life is good.”

Sage was staring at him funny. He could see the underlying tension on her face, but there was time for that later.

“What shall we have for dinner tonight?” he asked.

“Err,” Sage said.

“Let’s get a takeout. Chinese? Thai? Mexican?”

“Wha—”

“Do you have Netflix?” Ari asked.

Sage’s mouth clamped shut. Ari indicated and turned the corner, focusing on the traffic. Then glanced back at her when they stopped at the next red light.

“Honey?” he asked.

“Who are you and what have you done with bad, sexy Ari?” Sage asked, her brows bunched.

He grinned.

“This is my fantasy,” Ari replied. “So, play along.”

Sage’s eyes flew wide. “Netflix and takeout are your fantasy? Are you kidding me?”

“Well, part of it. I’ve never done those things before. I thought I’d try it.” Ari lifted her hand to his mouth. “Don’t worry, stellina mia , I will ensure you enjoy yourself.”

They decided on Mexican. Ari carried the Mexican takeout inside Sage’s house and watched as she hung up her coat and handbag, then began to pull dishes and utensils out of the drawers.

He removed his jacket and boots, then wandered over to steal another kiss. Sage continued to give him curious glances, which just made him smile.

“Shall we eat at the table or sofa?” she asked.

“What would you normally do? To Netflix and chill ?” he asked.

Sage laughed and pointed to the sofa.

“Where are your roommates?”

Sage directed the remote at the TV and the screen lit up. Next minute Netflix appeared, and she began scrolling. He’d watched the network many times before, but playing house with a woman he liked? Never.

Rarely did he resent being turned vampire, expect when it came to a couple of really mundane things. Ari had spent his life alone, which is probably why the everyday habits of those returning from their day at the office and enjoying their spouse was something he craved.

It was the intimacy of it all. The feeling of belonging.

He had his routine, but they included his employees and assassins. Not someone who loved him.

So, this was his fantasy.

And there was only one female he’d ever wanted to do it with.

Sage.

“He’s at his girlfriend’s. This morning he gave me notice. He’s moving out.” she said, throwing the remote on the sofa.

“This is good, right?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “Especially as I got the promotion today, so I don’t need his rent money.”

Ari stilled.

“Congratulations.” he said, keeping his face devoid of emotion.

“Thanks,” Sage replied, and disappeared into her room. It was clear she wasn’t bursting with happiness and part of him felt there was hope. She exited a few minutes later wearing a pair of navy trackpants and a tank top. She sat on the couch next to him, crossed her legs under her, then reached for one of the plates.

“Welcome to Netflix and chill,” she declared.

“It’s less sexy than I imagined,” Ari said, with a raised brow, then smirked, and got an elbow in the side for it. He twisted her face and pressed his lips against hers for a long moment before they continued on with their meals.

They ended up watching a show, something about a female called Emily in Paris who seemed to have boring sex with a lot of French men.

“Why doesn’t she just tell the man she likes him?” he asked after the second episode.

“She does.” Sage nodded profusely, as if this was important.

“She does? You’ve watched this already?” Ari asked.

“Mmm hmm.” Sage nodded again.

“Why watch it again? That seems like a waste of time.” Ari may have lived a long life, but watching the same show over and over seemed completely pointless. There was an abundance of everything in life—there was no need to do anything on repeat.

“If you like something, that’s what you do.” Sage shrugged. “Like drinking your favorite whiskey or, I don’t know, hanging out with someone you like multiple times.”

Ari stared at her.

“Is spending time with me a waste of time? You’ve done it more than once,” Sage said.

No.

Ari moved fast, pulling her under him, and enjoyed the surprised little squeak she let out. Her cheeks flushed and big eyes stared back at him.

“Does it look like it? I have a million things I should be doing, and yet I’m here with you,” Ari replied as he gazed down into her beautiful, big eyes. “The question is, why?”

Her tongue swept across her lips. “Why then, Ari?”

“I find you irresistible and enjoyable to be with.”

“What are we doing?” Sage whispered.

“Netflix and chill, baby.”

Sage closed her eyes briefly, then she smiled sadly at him. “I’m sorry. I just had a bad day.”

Yet another opening for the conversation he needed to have with her. He let it pass. He just wanted five more minutes with her before everything turned to shit. His forehead landed on hers and Ari drew in a deep breath.

Sage wriggled underneath him. He let her sit up and watched as she ran a nervous hand through her hair.

“I’m sorry, Ari. I’m tired and need to process some stuff from today. Do you mind if I have an early night?”

“Sage,” Ari said.

“I’m sorry.”

“No, sweetheart. I am.” Ari knew he was about to change both their lives. “We need to talk.”

Her brows bunched in confusion. “About what?”

About how you’ve unwittingly gotten mixed up in dangerous things. About how I am about to tell you something that could lead to you losing your life or offer the chance for you to start a whole new one.

The choice was hers, but Ari knew he had to tell her everything.

“Vampires.”