Sweet Revenge With My Billionaire Vampire

As Vincent lowered his head after finishing his words, he felt a sudden, crushing grip on his chin. The force made him wince, and he felt his body dragged forward as Damien pulled him close. His face was just inches away from the king and he could feel his hot breath hitting his face.

"Since when do you care about a simple human life, Vincent?"

Vincent’s eyes snapped shut, and his breathing quickened, panic taking hold of him. He wanted to look away from Damien’s oppressive presence, but the grip on his chin held him firm. Still, he forced himself to speak. "My lord... I only meant... that we should be sure before taking such action. Perhaps Master Enzo should be given... a warning."

Damien lifted Vincent higher, almost to his own height, until his tiptoes barely scraped the ground.

Vincent’s hands instinctively gripped Damien’s wrist, but he didn’t dare push against him. He grunted, his face flushing red as the pressure on his chin grew unbearable.

The suffocating heat of Damien’s breath washed over his face, making him feel as though he were standing in the middle of a blazing fire.

"Are you telling me what to do?" Damien asked.

"N-no, my lord!" Vincent choked out, shaking his head frantically. "I--I would never dream of such a thing! Ever since I’ve been watching him, he’s been happy. Happier than I’ve ever seen him before. As long as the girl is around."

Slowly, Damien’s grip loosened, and he lowered Vincent back down, allowing him to catch his breath. Vincent stumbled slightly, swallowing hard as he rubbed his aching jaw.

He folded his arms across his chest, his eyes narrowing as he mulled over Vincent’s words. "Enzo? Happy because of someone? This just means she’s the reason he won’t come back."

Vincent nodded quickly, wiping the sweat from his brow. "If that’s true, my lord, then Master Enzo must value her greatly. Killing her outright would provoke him. You know what he’s like when he’s angry."

"If he values her so much that he’s willing to forsake his duty, then killing her without warning could backfire. He might lash out in ways we would’ve never imagined. He could even destroy the very throne you want him to return to instead of claiming it."

Damien’s jaw clenched slightly, and Vincent felt a cold sweat trickle down his neck as he realized the king was waiting for him to get to the point.

He raised a finger in suggestion. "Again, my lord, I suggest you give him a warning. A countdown, if you will. Tell him to return. Let him know what’s at stake if he doesn’t. If he refuses to come back, then you can do whatever you see fit. But at least he’ll know what’s coming."

Damien huffed. As much as it annoyed him to admit it, Vincent’s words made sense. He had always known Enzo was difficult to handle, especially when angered. He had never seen Enzo attached to anyone. The uncertainty of how he might react to losing her made him pause.

Finally, he nodded, his decision made. "Very well. You’ll deliver this message yourself. Tell him he has three months. If he values the girl’s life, he’ll come back. But, you will still keep an eye on both of them for me. I’m starting to suspect something."

Vincent’s legs almost buckled in relief, but he managed to keep himself upright. "Yes, my lord. I will deliver your message at once." Bowing deeply, he turned and left.

—---

Adeline opened her bedroom door, ready to step into the hallway, but as soon as she did, a tall figure loomed over her. She jumped back with a startled scream, clutching her chest as her heart pounded in her ears. Her wide blue eyes darted upward, locking onto the pale, expressionless face of Andrei standing silently outside her door.

"Andrei! What the hell are you doing here? You scared me half to death!"

The man tilted his head forward, bowing as if nothing unusual had happened. His tone was calm, monotone, as always. "My apologies, Miss Adeline. I didn’t mean to startle you."

Adeline leaned back against her door for a moment, steadying herself before letting out an exasperated sigh. "What are you even doing here? Shouldn’t you be with Enzo or something?"

Andrei nodded, his hands moving to fold neatly behind his back. "Boss has gone out. He ordered me to stay close to you and ensure your safety."

"Gone out? What do you mean, gone out? Where did he go without telling me?" She paused, realizing how she sounded. The words left her mouth before she could stop herself, and she immediately frowned, shaking her head.

"Why would he tell me?" she chided herself inwardly. "It’s not like we’re a couple or anything."

She let out an irritated exhale and flicked her hand dismissively, brushing away the thought. "Never mind. Where did he say he was going?"

"He said he was attending a meeting." Andrei replied.

"A meeting? At his company or what?" she wondered but decided not to pry further. She shrugged and stepped past Andrei. "I see..."

As she walked down the hallway, she could feel Andrei’s presence trailing behind her. His soundless footsteps and towering shadow that swallowed her petite frame entirely. It all sent a chill up her spine. She sneaked a glance over her shoulder, only to find him staring straight ahead.

She stopped abruptly, and so did Andrei. Turning around, she reached out hesitantly and gave his arm a small pat. "Look, Andrei. I’m in my own home. I don’t need you following me around like some sort of... overprotective watchdog. Go take a break or something." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Andrei shook his head. "I’m afraid I can’t do that, Miss Adeline. Boss was very clear. I am to stay close to you at all times, except when you’re in your room."

Adeline sighed, rubbing her temple. "Of course." She took a small step forward, gently pushing at his chest, and it felt like shoving a brick wall. "I’ll be fine. Go do... whatever it is you do when you’re not being a bodyguard."