BLOODSUCKER

Chapter One — Lily's POV “Ohhh, Lorenzo…” I clutch the white sheets as though I’m holding on to life itself. That man knows exactly how to make me forget everything. Maybe it’s shameless of me to admit it, but I prefer him when I’m beneath him—when his cold expression disappears and he whispers sweet words against my skin. You’re mine. Those words always make my heart flutter. For a moment, everything feels perfect. But now, standing in front of the mirror, I wonder how long that feeling is supposed to last. I look at my reflection. I still look the same, right? My blonde hair still falls around my shoulders. My blue eyes are still the same. There are no wrinkles on my face. And, after eight years, I’m still with him. But something inside me feels empty. Lonely, almost. My phone, sitting on the vanity table, suddenly rings. My lips curve into a smile before I even look at the screen. Lorenzo. Maybe we really will stay together forever. I answer. “Hello.” I can hear the smile in my own voice. “Good morning. I’m sorry I had to leave early.” His voice is still cold and indifferent, completely contrasting with his words. Yet somehow, he still manages to make my heart race. “It’s fine. You have work, so I understand. It’s okay.” I smile at myself in the mirror. “So, what are you busy with over there?” he asks. He sounds interested. “Well… I’m curling my hair.” I roll my eyes playfully at my reflection. The mirror seems to mimic me, almost as if it’s mocking me. “Hmm. Are we going somewhere today?” His voice sounds curious. “Well… I was thinking of going to the mall.” There’s silence on the other end. “I don't remember you telling me you were going to the mall.” His voice has changed. The warmth—or whatever little warmth there was—is gone. “I didn’t see the need to tell you, Lorenzo.” I try to laugh it off. He doesn't. “Excuse me?” A loud bang echoes through the phone. My smile disappears. I can imagine his hand hitting the desk. “I—I didn’t see the…” He cuts me off. “Since when do you go somewhere without telling me, Lily?” Here we go again. “I…” The words refuse to leave my mouth. “You are going nowhere without me or my permission. Understand?” My fingers tighten around the phone. He sighs. “Lily, the outside world isn't for a good person like you. I don't want anything—or anyone—to hurt you.” His voice sounds almost sad. And I hate making him sad. He is the only person I have. He always tells me that. “Okay, okay. I won't go then.” I smile, trying to reassure him. Maybe I really am one of the lucky girls. How did I get such a great husband? He isn't perfect, but he loves me. “I'll stay home and wait for you. We can have dinner together.” “That’s my girl.” His voice softens. “I’ll come home as early as I can. So, what did you want from the mall? I’ll ask Liam to get it for you.” Liam is his driver. He has been with Lorenzo since the beginning of his business. He's kind. Quiet, too. Unlike most of the people Lorenzo hires. “Nothing much,” I say, dismissing the question. He hates when I do that. “Lily.” His voice carries a warning. I swallow. “I wanted to buy some undergarments.” He clears his throat. “Oh. I see.” There's an awkward pause. “Next week, I'll make time for your shopping.” I open my mouth to answer. “Lorenzo, I was—” “Lily, I have to go. The meeting is about to start. Take care.” The call ends. I stare at my phone. Then I look at myself in the mirror. “Take care,” I repeat quietly. At least he said something. I place the phone down. Then I pick it up again. This time, I call my friend. “Hi, honey.” “What's up?” “I don't think I'm going to make it there today.” I sigh. “Did that control freak say no to you?” Her voice immediately becomes angry. “No.” I lie. I hate making Lorenzo look like a bad person. He is good to me. At least, I know he is. “Don't cover for him. Don't you dare.” I can practically hear her gritting her teeth. “Cil—” “I'm coming there. I'm fetching you myself.” The call ends. I stare at my phone. There's no point trying to persuade her. Cil is stubborn as hell. I begin pacing around the room. The red carpet beneath my feet feels strangely heavy, almost as if it's pulling me down toward the large crimson bed. Minutes pass. Then— BANG! BANG! BANG! I freeze. “Open the f*****g door, Lily!” It's her. Cil. Should I ignore her? “I’m going to break this bloody door!” Definitely her. I hurry downstairs and open the door. “No need.” The moment I see her, a smile spreads across my face. She looks at me with bored blue eyes and sighs. “Can I come in, Lily?” She brushes her well-manicured fingers through her brunette hair. “Oh. Sorry.” I step aside. She walks in. Then she looks me up and down. “What are you wearing? Jeez.” I stare at myself, confused. “A robe.” She rolls her eyes. She's wearing a red gown made from smooth, satin-like fabric. The halter neckline frames her figure, while the open back and sides give it a dramatic look. The dress hugs her curves perfectly, catching the light whenever she moves. “You need to look the part.” Before I can ask what she means, she grabs my arm and pushes me toward the staircase. “Cil—” “Nope.” She marches me upstairs, across the hallway, and straight into the master bedroom. The moment she enters, her expression changes. “Gosh, I hate this room.” She looks around at the dark walls and crimson decorations. “We like it.” I smile as my fingers brush over the red linen. She frowns. “You mean we?” Her tone is sarcastic. Then she smirks. “Okay, Lily.” She heads toward the closet. “Hmm… what to wear, what to wear…” She begins going through the dresses. “I don't like this one.” She tosses it aside. “He won't like it either.” Cil stops. She slowly turns toward me. “He said I should stay…” “Shh.” Her eyes narrow. “Don't start with me.” I sigh. “Okay, okay. Fine. I'll go.” I smile. “That’s my girl.” She pulls me into a hug. Then her eyes suddenly land on something. A red dress. Her smile widens. “This one.” She grabs it and throws it at me. “Go change.” I do as she says. When I return, she gets to work. She applies my makeup, curls my blonde hair, and carefully fixes every little detail. When she's finished, I stare at myself in the mirror. I look like a porcelain doll. And I hate it. “I hate makeup.” I pout. “You look like this even without makeup, duh.” She rolls her eyes as she applies the final touch of red lipstick. “There.” I stare at my reflection again. I barely recognize myself. We eventually leave the bedroom and head downstairs. The dress feels strange against my skin. It's a deep-red, floor-length gown with a dramatic draped neckline and a figure-hugging silhouette. I tug at the fabric nervously. “I feel like I'm naked.” Cil laughs. “No. It's called body freedom.” She shakes her head at me. We get into the car. She starts the engine. As we drive away from the estate, I stare through the window. The enormous gates slowly disappear behind us. My stomach twists. For the first time in eight years, I'm leaving without Lorenzo knowing. My hands grow cold. My heart begins to pound. Because deep down, I already know— Lorenzo is not going to let this slide.