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He leans back as if he, too, is sitting on a chair. “Why, many things, of course, princess.”
I watch in fascination as his canines lengthen and sharpen. His left eye turns brighter and brighter, shining as bright as the fire in my fireplace.
“Does that hurt?” The question slips out of me before I can stop it and I suck in a breath. I have no idea if there is etiquette among vampires, but it does not seem like an appropriate question.
“Do you want your own? You could find out first-hand.” He raises an eyebrow and the breath catches in my throat.
Chapter Six
I shake myself and snap out of it. Once again, I glare at Raúl, not missing the barely contained laughter in his eye. “Never. Stop asking me.”
He sighs disappointedly. “It was worth a try.” His fangs slide back into his mouth, fascinating me further. Would it be rude of me to ask where they go? He smiles genuinely at me. “I noticed last time you were mending. I brought you some drawings of the new fashions.”
He places a thin stack of papers on the edge of the window, then pushes them gently toward me. I lean forward and catch them before they scatter to the floor.
The papers are small, about the size of a page in a book, but they take my breath away. Each one is a different dress, stunningly detailed, even drawn with color. I have never seen a colored picture before; all of my books are in black and white. I pause at one dress, admiring its cut. Instead of sleeves to the wrist, it stops at the edge of the shoulder. Its skirt is fluffy.
“How do they keep the dress—" I motion the bulk of the skirt with my hands.
“Poofy? I am told there is a contraption worn underneath.”
I continue to stare at the drawing. While it is beautiful, and finery no match for my patched dress, it’s too impractical. The skirt would get in the way of cleaning.
I glance up and meet Raúl’s eyes. I smile in spite of myself and gently organize the papers into a stack. Leaning forward, I place them on the windowsill. “Thank you for bringing these.”
He holds up both his hands. “No, no. They are yours.”
I blink but don’t move to take them again. He comes closer to the window but pauses and his eyebrows draw together. A slight grimace crosses my face and I wonder if he’s going to bring up the length of my hair.
“Is that the Complete History of Vampires?”
Not expecting that, it takes me a minute to respond. “Yes. It’s the only book I have on vampires.”
He scoffs. “Pure fiction. You know the author was a werewolf? Hated my kind.” He stares into my eyes. “Would you like to learn the truth about vampires?”
I nod, not blinking.
“I can return, if you’d like, next time you’re home.”
“When am I not home?“ slips out before I remember to filter my mouth.
He tilts his head in confusion. “When you leave, of course?” He draws back as if pushed. “Do you mean you never leave?”
My eyes move to the floor and I make no movement.
“Penny. You said you don’t get out much. Not never.”
“Never would be more accurate.”
A low growl comes from his throat, and he runs a finger along the scar on his forehead. “Did that witch imprison you here? Is she forcing you to serve her?”
My mouth drops open. “No, no. She’s my mother.” I pause. “She says it’s not safe for me.”
I look up and meet Raúl’s eyes. He’s studying me intently, a frown on his face, confusion marring his features. I am curious why and am about to ask when his expression completely changes. He smiles gently at me, a picture perfect gentleman. “What is your most favorite thing to do?”
Instead of answering right away, I bite my bottom lip. He nods encouragingly at me. Suddenly, I wonder why I’m worried about impressing him or saying something incorrect. Why should I care when he hasn’t once been offended by who I am? I shrug. “Reading, mostly. Baking, when I have the ingredients.”
His face brightens. “Perfect. You bake me something delicious. In exchange, I’ll tell you everything you ever wanted to know about vampires.”
