The evening was a quiet one. No one really felt like going out to hunt that night. Edie was tucked away in her room; I could hear the metal blaring from her headphones all the way down in the living room. I sat on the couch next to Sylvie, both of us quietly reading to ourselves. She was half reclined with her feet in my lap and I would take a few minutes to give her small foot massages every now and then. As I became engrossed in a certain passage, I heard her giggle quietly. I looked up from my book to see Sylvie studying me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"What's got you so tickled, metuka sheli?"
"The Roarin' 20s?" Sylvie ventured.
I rolled my eyes with a chuckle. "Mik been telling stories again?"
"Not quite." Sylvie slid her bookmark into a page and placed the book on the floor beside her. "Apparently, you two were quite the kings of your castles back then."
"Something like that." I admitted sheepishly. "I was younger and dumber then, that's for sure."
"He also mentioned a certain someone special of his."
"Flora." I nodded sadly. "Mik was over the moon for that woman. Such a pure and beautiful soul, too. It's a damn shame."
"What happened to her?" Sylvie sounded almost afraid to ask.
"There was...an accident." I replied hesitantly. "Mik was never the same after that. My friend will go to his grave in love with that woman."
"That's so terrible." I felt her shiver slightly next to me. "Is that why his tastes have become so-"
"Decadent?" I nodded. "Trying to fill that void that he swore would never be filled."
"Almost makes me sorry for the poor man." Sylvie smirked.
"Is that because he's so nice to you?" I frowned.
"Hopefully, a wandering eye is all I have to worry about."
"I'm sure my friend isn't that crazy." I reassured Sylvie, giving her a few loving pats on her leg. "Mikhail is crazy, but he isn't stupid. He knows better."
"I should hope so." Sylvie retorted quietly, looking deep in thought. "So, tell me." She finally piped up.
"Tell you what?" I arched a brow at her.
"About back then." She quickly sat up on her knees, looking at me like an excited child. "The parties, the nightlife, being a vampire back in those days. What was it like? I want to know it all!"
"All of it?" I arched a brow at her.
"All of it." She challenged with a smirk.
I stared at my love for a moment. Her excitement about my past was almost adorable. I marked the page in my own book, setting it on the table next to the couch. I took a deep breath or two before turning back to Sylvie.
"Before I start this story, you have to know something. I was a very different man...er, vampire back then. I was about as decadent with my daily operations as Mikhail is now."
"We all have our young and stupid moments, baby." Sylvie giggled. "So, spill already! Let me live vicariously through you and experience the 20s!"
"Alright, alright." I laughed. "Calm down, kitten."
December 1, 1924
The winter air was crisp, but the sounds of jazz and laughter floated through the night. I wore a long black wool coat, with gloves to match. This was mainly for show because the cold didn't affect me in the slightest. I strolled leisurely down the sidewalk, past various restaurants and citizens of every background. After a few moments, I reached my destination.
I walked inside the unassuming little restaurant, past a number of tables with guests who recognized me almost instantly.
"Mr. Baratz." An elderly gent greeted me at a rear door, helping me out of my coat.
"How's the festivities tonight, Sam?"
"Only you two could pull off this kind of party on a Tuesday." The old man let out a wheezing laugh.
"That's what I like to hear." I gave him a wink as he opened the door for me.
I walked down the dimly lit stairway, the sound of the band growing louder and louder. I took a detour off to the left, reaching my favorite entrance. I gave a couple knocks then opened it with my eyes covered.
"Are my girls presentable?"
An excited squeal answered me.
"Danny!" Myra removed my hand from my eyes before throwing her arms around me. "Girls! Danny came to visit!"
A chorus of excited giggles hit me as the rest of the girls came rushing toward me, some of them dressed for their performances, some not so dressed.
"At least you still love us, Danny." Myra pouted up to me.
I looked this little darling in her beautiful blue eyes, tipping her chin gently with my finger. "How could I not love my girls?"
"You're the only one!" Another girl, Sadie, chimed in. "Mik doesn't visit anymore."
The rest of the girls let out disappointed whines of agreement. I just chuckled at them.
"I'm sure Mik loves you, dolls." I reassured them, slowly making my way through them. "You know he gets a little distracted sometimes."
"Tell him we miss him, won't you, Danny?" Myra pouted, before donning a mischievous smile. "A few of the girls and I have a surprise for him if he does."
The girls all let out excited giggles and I just gave them a smile. "Will do, girls! Break a leg tonight!"
"Bye, Danny!" They called in unison as I left the dressing room.
I gave them a wave before traveling through the curtain and onto the main floor of the club. Sam was right, we were packed! My smile grew as I walked past all the patrons, who greeted me like I was an old friend. The gambling tables were packed and there were guests tearing up the dance floor to the big band. Looking around this room, my heart swelled with pride and happiness. I wasn't doing too bad for some nobody Jewish kid with a few dollars and a dream.
My moment of pride was interrupted by realizing that I didn't see my partner in crime. I stopped one of the cigarette girls, Donna, as she made her rounds through the crowds.
"You seen Mik, doll?"
"Last I saw, he and Flora were off to the Purple Lounge." Donna shrugged. "You tell him he better not make a mess in there or I'll give him such a pinch!"
It took everything I had to take this little thing seriously. Somehow, I kept it together and gave her a firm nod. "You got it, doll. Keep up the good work."
Donna's smile returned and off she sauntered. I allowed a small snort to escape when I was sure she was out of earshot. I turned on my heels, returning to my venture through the crowds. I finally came to the less crowded hallway, passing by a few couples, enjoying the dark privacy away from much of the noise.
I made it to the entrance of the Purple Lounge, noticing the door was slightly ajar. I peeked in and saw a sight that warmed my heart. Mikhail was slow dancing to a record with Flora. The couple looked at each other as if there was nothing and no one else in the world but them. He stopped their dancing to place a kiss on her forehead as he reached into his suit pocket.
"I have a surprise for you." He smiled.
"For lil' ol' me?" Flora had a smile that lit up the room.
"For the one and only woman who was ever able to steal my heart." I watched as Mikhail dropped to one knee, holding out a sparkling diamond ring. "Will you make me the happiest man alive and be my wife?"
Flora looked like she was in shock as tears rolled down her cheeks. "But...but we...Can we?" She stammered. "There are laws and-"
"To hell with the laws!" Mikhail laughed, taking her trembling hand. "A love like ours only comes once in a lifetime. The law can't stop what we have. No one can." I saw my friend kiss the back of his love's hand. "I swear to you, I will protect you from all of it. You won't ever have to be afraid of anything or anyone ever again."
Flora looked at Mikhail before a smile sprouted on her face again. "Alright. Yes, Mikhail. I'll marry you!"
Mikhail's smile broadened as he placed the ring on her finger and shot to his feet, lifting Flora in to a hug. "Danny! Get your ass in here!"
I should've known he knew I was there. I pushed the door open, holding my arms out to the happy couple. Flora bounded across the room to me, hugging me tightly.
"Oh, Danny!" She cried, showing off the ring. "Isn't it gorgeous?"
"Top notch." I agreed.
"Debbie! Sadie! Bring some drinks in here!" Mikhail called out in to the hall. "We need to celebrate!"
"I'll let you two celebrate." I looked to Mikhail. "I'm feeling a little peckish. A rain check, though?"
Mikhail nodded knowingly, wrapping an arm around the waist of his new bride. I tipped my hat to the newly engaged couple and left the room, making my way further down the hall. I came to another door that was tucked away behind a curtain. I pressed my ear to the wood, the sounds of excited breathing coming from the other side.
"Looks like the party started without me." I smirked as I pushed the door open.
The Red Lounge was a special room that Mikhail and I had thought up when this place opened. It still shocked me how many people were more than willing to help our kind. I had no idea where Damien and Nadine found these people, but at the time, I didn't care.
A scantily clad woman came sauntering up to me, seduction practically dripping from her. Her hand toyed with my ponytail as her body pressed against mine.
"Is this the one, Damien?" She purred, her eyes surveying my face.
"You got it, doll." I could hear the complete relaxation in his voice. "You be sweet to him and he'll show you the time of your life."
"I can't wait." She took my hand and led me over to a couch on the far end of the room.
Her small hands pushed me lightly and I took the cue to flop back in my seat. She settled herself into my lap, peppering kisses all along my jawline and down to my throat. Her teeth gave my skin small bites as one of her hands snaked its way down my body. She lifted her head from my neck, satisfied at the few excited breaths she got from me. She pushed her shoulder length hair to one side and presented her throat to me. A growl rumbled in my chest as I felt my fangs extending. I gripped the nape of her neck gently and drew her closer to me. My fangs sank into her skin just as her hands found the waist of my pants. Her excited gasps and moans only spurred me on, as one of her hands slid inside the front of my pants. My hips rose slightly from the couch as her hand worked my shaft faster and faster. I had no idea who this woman was, but I was in absolute heaven because of her.
Her hand pushed the waist of my pants down, exposing me to the room. Without even making me take my fangs from her skin, she straddled me, and I felt myself sliding slowly inside her. I let out a groan as my head began to spin. Our hips were grinding and gyrating against one another and soon I felt that familiar tingle travel up my spine. I didn't even try to contain myself as I tore my fangs from her throat, my head falling back as I moaned my release over and over. In my daze, I roughly pulled her back to me, sinking my teeth back into her skin.
I continued to drink from this beauty, barely even noticing her movements were slowing and her breathing was labored. Her hands pressed against my chest, trying to push me away. I held on tighter, listening to the slowing of her heartbeat until there was nothing. I finally pulled away from her, her head lolling back lifelessly as I lowered her onto the couch. I looked over at Damien, whose head was laying in Nadine's lap. He looked to me with a proud smile.
"That's my boy." He smiled up to Nadine, who simply nodded her approval. "Go get yourself cleaned up, Danny Boy. I'll get this taken care of."
I gave him a nod, refastened my pants, straightened my suit, and walked out of the room. As I came up on the Purple Lounge, I did my best to make sure there were no traces of blood that would scare poor Flora half to death. I walked through the door to see her in Mikhail's lap, humming along to the jazz that was playing.
"Look at you two lovebirds." I proclaimed. "Maybe I should give you two some privacy."
"Uh-uh!" Flora fussed, her words slurring a tad. "You get in here and celebrate with us!"
"We'll keep the celebration going, love," Mikhail spoke up, giving her a kiss on the cheek, "but maybe slow down on the booze."
"Oh, I'm fine, baby!" Flora whined, before a hiccup made her jump slightly. A hand flew up to her mouth before she let out a giggle.
"You're precious." Mikhail just looked at her and I could see he sincerely meant what he said.
As I watched my friend and his betrothed continue to act like they were the only people in the world, I felt a little weird. Mikhail had been a vampire since the 1600s. He had seen things in the world that I had only read about in books. He had women fawning over him everywhere he went, single, married, mortal, immortal; they didn't give a damn. He didn't have to tie himself down to just one woman, let alone a human woman, but here he was, this man who I would have bet every cent I had that he wouldn't settle down, ready to take the biggest leap and give his heart to this woman.
As for me, I loved the attention too much. I was going to live forever, after all. Why did I have to settle for one when I could have them all. I thought Mikhail was insane, but I wouldn't rag on my friend and ruin his happiness. I took myself out of my thoughts and raised a glass to the happy couple. I decided to contemplate my existence at a later date.