As we walked up the ramp to the rather spacious cabin, sparsely but comfortably furnished, I wanted to sit down on the small couch and rest, maybe even sleep, when I heard the vampire's icy voice over my ear.

– Were you trying to trick me? – Grayson asked in a dark tone, and I was suddenly lying on the green carpet that covered the floor. My left cheek was flaming.

He'd hit me.

I was insanely scared, and my body shook with a fine tremor.

No one had ever laid a hand on me in my life, and now this hard slap threw me into a daze and a maelstrom of fear. I didn't understand: why? Why had he slapped me? Had I not fulfilled all his demands?

Grayson towered over me like a threatening dark rock.

"He's going to kill me!" – A frantic thought raced through my brain, and I shrank back and hid my face in my hands, waiting for him to hit me again.

The vampire set me roughly on my feet and pulled my palms away from my face. The expression on his face was terribly stern.

– Did you think you'd tricked me? – he said quietly and began stroking my hair.

I was trembling. I felt completely defenceless against this monster in human form.

– I didn't mean to hit you. Besides, it wasn't a punch, it was punishment for trying to trick me, because I hate being lied to. Don't do it again. Do you understand me? – The vampire said in a smooth tone, and I nodded back. – You're my guest, and I don't want to hurt you. I need you safe and sound. Or rather, I need your blood healthy. – He sat me down on the couch. – Sit down, and don't let me hear you," Grayson said grimly, and walked into the cockpit.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I looked around for a way to escape, but I realised with despair that the doors to the plane were already locked. I had no hope of escape, and at that thought I lay down on the sofa, curled up and sobbed silently, my body shaking like a death convulsion. Soon everything disappeared, and I fell into a deep sleep.

***

– I'm sorry, I was wrong," I said to Markus, alone with him, and added with just my lips. – She called. It's okay.

– Is that why you ran out of the castle like a madman? – grinned his brother. – Is she there yet?

– Yeah. She's probably on her way to the hotel now, but I'll call her back tonight.

– Well, I'm glad you're not going crazy now.

– I'm sorry, I'm so embarrassed I almost broke you and Grayson up. Has he called back yet?

– Not yet, but I think he's been in England for a while, and he's not interested in me right now. Said he'd call me later. Damn it, Cedric! I can't believe I'm getting married!

– You're a lucky man," I smiled at that. – You've earned it, Markus.

– How about we drink a bottle from the dungeon? – my brother suggested with a mischievous grin. – I heard rumours that fresh blood was brought in last night!

– How could I refuse such a gallant offer? – I laughed.

I was in a marvellous mood.

***

I was awakened by an icy touch on my cheek. I didn't want to get up, but just snuggled into my blanket.

– I had a nightmare… As real as the one I had seen on the way to Brno. Do you remember? – I mumbled without opening my eyes.

– Poor sheep. Did an evil vampire scare you? – There was a creeping voice. And it wasn't Cedric's voice.

I opened my eyes sharply and saw Grayson sitting in the chair at my feet, staring at me.

– No, you're just a horrible dream! – I whispered in desperation, tucking my head under the blanket.

– Even if I do this? – The vampire abruptly pulled the life-saving blanket off me and set me on my feet. – What were you dreaming about?

– How you kidnapped me! But, alas, it wasn't a dream! – I replied with emotion.

– Ungrateful girl! You should be grateful that your kidnapper was kind enough to find you a pillow and a blanket! – Grayson laughed.

He was right: there was a small white pillow and a wide white blanket on the couch, which I'd used to cover myself all through the cold night.

– Are we in England yet? – I asked quietly, not intending to thank him for the favour.

– Yes, and from now on you'll enjoy nothing but my company. – Grayson smiled a beautiful, wide smile, but then his face grew serious. – Now wash up and clean yourself up. Don't forget to brush your teeth: you'll find toothpaste and a guest brush in the loo. Go! – He pushed me roughly, and I obediently went into the small toilet. When I looked in the mirror, I didn't recognise myself: crying, sleepy, with dishevelled hair. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I managed to comb my hair with my fingers.

– You're taking too long. Come on," the vampire said in a disgruntled tone as I reappeared in the salon. He picked up his black umbrella that was leaning against the wall, opened it, and dragged me behind him.

When we got off the plane, it was as if I'd gone blind: the sun was shining so brightly that my eyes hurt from the sudden change of shadow and light. And squinting, I saw a black car with tinted windows standing outside the plane, very expensive looking.

There was another vampire standing by the car – it was obvious: he, too, was hiding from the sun under a large black umbrella.