Possessed hearts
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I wanted it so badly. To the point of a mind spasm.
– He's not as bad as he seems," Markus said in a cool tone, as if defending his best friend's honour.
– I'm not saying he's bad. I'm saying it's hard to believe this amazing event. He's fallen in love! Ha! – I parried.
But I wasn't actually amused. I was sorry.
– Okay, let's leave the poor guy alone, okay? – Markus asked in a strained tone, turning his car sharply to the right. It was only now that I noticed that we were making our way through a dense line of cars, as if frozen in a traffic jam.
– Shit… Where do all these idiots go? – Markus cursed softly as he pulled up behind a large white SUV. – Stop honking, donkeys, it won't help!
But his words were said in vain: the other drivers, the mortals, honked as often and loudly as if they hoped to clear the traffic jam with their incredible inappropriate noise. Hoping that the traffic jam would dissipate on its own if they pressed the signal button every fraction of a second.
Idiots. The most appropriate word for such mortals.
– So are we going to the airport? – I asked only now.
– Yes, to Vaclav Havel," I replied, looking in the rear-view mirror as if searching for ways to escape from the chaos surrounding us.
– And what did you forget there? – I wondered.
– Not what, but who. Brandon.
I sighed unhappily. I did not, did not want to see that vampire! Ever!
– Are you bringing him to the castle? – I asked, hoping for a no.
– No. It's just that he's gone and left his iPad at the castle.
– Are you saying we're going to Vaclav Havel just because of that little thing?
– For him, losing his iPad is not nothing.
– Oh, yeah, I forgot. He's a famous philanthropist and businessman. – I let out a chuckle.
Brandon Grayson. Philanthropist. Hypocrite.
– Exactly. There he was! – Markus nodded towards the airport exit.
Damn it! Why did I waste all that time interrogating Markus? I should have jumped out of the car and run!
– You know what, I think I'm gonna make my way to the nearest shopping centre. I just remembered I forgot to bring my favourite perfume. – And without waiting for a reply or Markus' surprised remark, I hurriedly left the car and walked away along the narrow line between the rows of colourful cars.
To buy perfume. What an abominable reason. But I couldn't think of anything else. I had to escape, and I did.
– Pick you up? – I suddenly heard Markus' voice.
– Yes, I suppose so. I'll be at the Palladium," I replied. My heels clicked against the pavement. – You'll find me there.
– Great, I hope you won't get lost in the ocean of perfume bottles… Hi, it's good to see you again," I heard my brother-in-law's voice again.
– It's good to see you again. Thanks for coming. – It was Brandon Grayson's voice. It was beautiful. Low. Sexy.
Beyond my will, I turned around. My body betrayed me.
Brandon was standing outside Markus's car, leaning slightly against the window. A smile played on his lips. A charming one. Like himself. Black suit. Black leather gloves. Black sunglasses. Elegance in the flesh.
I stared at him without breathing.
Bastard. Hypocrite. I hated him.
Turning sharply, I continued on my way, desperately hoping he wouldn't notice my unspoken presence.
He didn't.
Quite quickly I reached the shopping centre and wrapped myself in the first perfume shop, bought a bottle of my favourite perfume, found a lonely table in a small but cosy cafe, ordered a cup of expensive coffee for the sake of appearances, and sank into my thoughts. It was a miracle I'd managed to bring my purse with my credit cards.
I was woozy to the core. Why the hell had I flown here? Hadn't seen my parents, my brothers and sisters? Did I want to meet my nephew? Finally get to spend some time with Misha? What am I doing here? Sitting in this stupid cafe, hiding like a rat. From who? Who is the person I'm hiding from like a lowlife?
It's me.
I'm the one sitting here amongst the clamouring, foul-smelling, death-smelling people. This is me sitting here in my short holiday dress. This is me all alone. Without a phone. Without common sense. Me and my thoughts.
But what is this unseemly behaviour, Maria? Squaring your shoulders. It's just one day. One bloody endless day, and you'll live it like you've lived decades and centuries before. Wars. Catastrophes. One day, Maria, and you'll be free.
– I'm here.
I flinched.
Markus's voice came over the hum of thousands of voices, saving me from spiritual suicide.
– I'm coming," I said, barely audibly, and left the cafe. – Where are you?
– In the car park.
– You two had a quick chat," I said quietly, walking toward the escalator leading to the underground three-level car park.
– He was in a hurry. He had a meeting in London.
– The ever-busy benefactor. Mortals just have to kiss his shoes.
– Leave it. I don't see why you don't like him. – Markus asked with a laugh.
– Why should I like him? – I grinned in turn.
– You don't, but as far as I know, you've never liked him.
– Wrong. I'm just indifferent to the fact that he exists.
I found Markus's car and sat in the back seat.
Markus grinned and started the engine.
– Put your seatbelt on, please, I don't want to get fined," he said.
I complied silently and kept my eyes on my dark red perfume bottle all the way to the castle. I had no desire to talk.
Luckily, Markus seemed to realise this, because he didn't say a word the whole way. Maybe he'd guessed the real reason I'd run away. I was so insistent on asking him about that damn Grayson…
Where's your mind, Maria? You're acting like a crazy idiot. Don't talk. Always be quiet and be happy. The smile must never leave your lips. You're free. You are beautiful. People's lives are your domain. You are Death's reaper. You are Death's helper. And you will not stoop to what Life insists you do.