Part 31 (1/2)

”Wait,” Tatiana said. Marcello watched her carefully. The servitor turned at the sound of her voice, his eyebrows furrowing, worried. She looked at Marcello. Softly, she said, ”You should tell him where he is at and give him some money so he can get home.”

Marcello quietly relayed her words. Cesare frowned but nodded. Marcello turned to the wardrobe and grabbed a little bag of coins. He tossed them to the man and waved him away.

”Grazie, Conte, grazie!”

”Tatiana?” Marcello asked hesitant. Her face was turned, but he could see she cried.

”He didn't know me,” she whispered. ”You were right.”

Marcello frowned. Anger and jealousy curled inside of him. He slipped out of his robe and dressed with much haste. When he was finished, she hadn't moved. ”Stay here tonight,bella . I go to hire servants and arrange a dinner. Tomorrow, we will entertain my guests.”

Tatiana gasped, turning to look at him. By the time she found the door, he was already gone. She began to cry. Marcello freed Cesare like she asked and, though she was happy for the man, she couldn't help her tears. The honorable vampire had settled his debt. Marcello had paid his wh.o.r.e. She was nothing else to him.

Marcello didn't come home until early morning. He barely said two words to her as he climbed into bed. She wore only a silk robe. Marcello slept in the nude. He did not move to touch her, though she waited.

The next evening when they awoke at dusk, Marcello slid silently out of bed. He crossed naked and unashamed to the wardrobe and, without making a sound, began laying out a dress for her to wear. Tatiana watched him in silence, yawning, still a little fuzzy from sleep. She rubbed her eyes, blinking wearily as she stared at the gown.

”Get dressed,” Marcello said. His eyes studied her briefly before turning to the wardrobe. ”We must greet our guests.”

Marcello stretched his naked arms over his head. His dark hair spilled gorgeously over his shoulders. Tatiana's heart fluttered in her chest and she forced her eyes away.

”They are your guests, my lord,” she answered quietly, though she did stand to do as he ordered.

”And you are my....” Marcello hesitated, not sure how to finish. He stopped moving, his hand stayed on a linen s.h.i.+rt in the wardrobe.

”I am your wh.o.r.e,” she flatly stated for him.

Marcello closed his eyes, but did not correct her.

The gown he laid out for her was a dark green satin, much like the red, only more ornate with wrap over panels on the narrow skirt. The skirt flared lightly at the hem and hugged tight along her waist. There was one thick strap going over her shoulders and two smaller ones falling over her arms beneath it. Long white gloves reached past her elbows. Tatiana sighed, going to look at herself in the mirror.

Marcello stepped up behind her. He was fully dressed. His green and gold waistcoat matched the shade of her gown, giving him a hint of color beneath his jacket. His breeches and jacket were black. His hands lifted to her hair, as if he would style it.

She shook him off.

”I can do it,” she stated simply. Tatiana thought to see disappointment in his gaze, but he bowed and stepped away. She grabbed a brush and hairpins from the wardrobe and made quick work of her black locks. When she was done, her hair was tight to her head and adorned with green silk flowers flecked with gold.

”Here,” Marcello said, his voice soft. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a heavy emerald necklace. She s.h.i.+vered as he slid the cold stones around her throat. The beautiful necklace hugged tight to her neck.

Tatiana wanted to cry, but instead lifted her chin. ”Another payment, my lord?”

Marcello tensed and she instantly saw her mistake. His nostrils flared, his hands fell stiffly to his sides as if he would like nothing more than to strike. A low growl escaped him and he did not touch her.

”I expect you to be on your best behavior tonight. These guests will not put up with your rash tongue as I have. Insult them,bella mia , and they will rip your head off,” Marcello's narrow gaze glared out at her.

Tatiana nodded. Breathless, she whispered, ”I understand.”

”Good.” Marcello turned from her and left her alone in the room.

Tatiana sat at the head of the formal dining table. Marcello was at the other side. Only if she leaned over could she see him around the large vase of blood red roses in the middle and the dancing flames of candles. To her left were the humans. To her right were the vampires.