Chapter 24 - Run!

Irene brought Brent to the area where the farm has started to take shape.

The people there were busy cleaning the area, while the others were preparing long rows of plots ready for planting.

"What are you going to plant in this area?" Brent inquired.

"Green leafy vegetables that are easy to plant, that grow fast and can be harvested in just two months. I only want to cultivate crops that don't require much fertilizer and space, for a quick return of investment," she explained.

Brent smiled. "You are a smart businesswoman!" he said, pinching her nose playfully.

Irene rolled her eyes, not impressed with his flattery.

"What else do you have in mind? I mean, what are the other projects you are planning for this area?" he asked, curiously.

"I'm also planning to start a small fishpond for food consumption and then raise chicken for poultry and sell the eggs to the market," she elaborated further. Her eyes shone animatedly while discussing her farm project with him.

"Nice plans you have!" Brent said, loving the way Irene's eyes sparkled while discussing her plans with him. "I'm looking forward to grilling fresh fish with you by my side when your fish pond project is already completed," he said.

"Sure!" Irene replied with a smile.

Brent looked at her with love and pride shimmering in his eyes. It's refreshing to see this friendly side of her, not the bitchy one. He hoped that she would continue warming up to him and eventually learned to accept him for who he is in the long run.

"Let's sit on the wooden bench," Irene said.

They lowered themselves to the bench located under the shade of the mango tree.

The shade was perfect in sheltering them from the sweltering heat of the sun.

Irene looked heavenward and glanced at the sun for a moment then she looked at her companion. A question was formed in her mind, she looked around the area. Good, no one is around to hear what she was about to say. "Why is your skin not burning while you're under the sun?" she asked in a low voice.

Brent looked at her. "Because I'm part human, at least my body is. The one thing that I inherited from my father is my power and my fangs," he whispered his answer in her ear, brushing her skin with his lips.

She was frozen for a moment as the fire of desire suddenly spread into her body the moment his lips brushed her ears.

Brent looked at the north side and saw several workers getting water from the deep well. "Is that your source of water here?" he asked, pointing at the deep well.

Irene blinked her eyes for a few seconds. "Yeah... I'm planning to buy a pump and hose to quicken the process of getting water from the well," she explained. "We need to water the plants during the hot season," she added.

"Okay. You like farming do you?" he asked.

"Yeah, I like seeing plants and trees growing around me. The best thing about this village is the fresh air due to the abundance of trees and plants, while the air in the city is polluted already," she answered.

"You are right," Brent agreed.

The couple enjoyed watching the workers performing their tasks in the pleasant weather.

Brent cleared his throat. "I want to bring you to my house. Our house," he said.

Irene looked at him with a raised brow. "What-?"

"Yeah, aren't you curious to know where I'm living?" he said.

"Where do you live?" she finally asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

"My mansion is situated in the outskirts of Evergreen City," Brent answered.

"Okay, some other time perhaps," Irene murmured indifferently, not interested to see his mansion, fearing that if she went there she could no longer return home.

"If you are ready to see my house, just inform me. I can bring you there anytime," he said.

"OK," she mumbled.

"Don't worry, I won't imprison you in my house," Brent said reassuringly as if he was able to read her thoughts.

Irene looked at him for a few seconds, stupefied, wondering why he was able to guess what she was thinking in her mind. "Can you read my mind?" she asked.

Brent shook his head. "Not really, I just took a wild guess about what comes to your mind when I invited you to visit my house," he answered.

"Ah, okay," Irene said.

"Sweetie, please don't be afraid of me. Trust me, I only have good intentions towards you," he said, trying to convince her that his feelings for her are honorable and true.

Irene took a deep breath and shrugged.

"Why? You don't believe me?" Brent asked.

Irene looked at him, shaking her head. "I can't understand why you can't find another woman? Why stick with me? I can't even offer you anything valuable except my body..." she said.

"I like you the first time I see you. You are more than enough for me, I'm satisfied with you even though most of the time you don't want to see me. Honestly, I'm happy just being around you," he said softly. The sincerity of his intention towards her shone brightly in his eyes.

Irene was amazed by Brent's adoration towards her. "How could you like me so easily? We just only meet?"

"Sweetie, don't ask me why. The moment I saw your face, my heart was already beating wildly for you. That's all I know," he said, pinching her nose playfully.

Irene kept her mouth shut.

One hour later.

Aunt Zell arrived to serve the couple a delicious snack: a mixture of bananas and sweet potatoes cooked with coconut milk.

"Let's eat!" Irene said.

Brent smiled, he picked up the bowl and ate the delicious snack with Irene.

Done eating their snack, they resumed discussing Irene's farm project.

Brent was content just listening to Irene's ramblings and occasionally commenting on her statement.

A few minutes later.

"Thank you for listening to my endless blabbering," Irene finally said.

Brent smiled brightly. "No need to thank me, sweetie, the pleasure is mine. I can listen to your voice all day long and I won't get bored. Your voice is like music to my ears," he said.

Irene giggled, rolling her eyes. "You are good at flattery!"

Brent caressed her hand. "I'm telling you the truth!" he insisted, his eyes gleaming.

"Whatever..." Irene shrugged. "Let's explore the area," she said.

Brent rose to his feet and followed Irene around the farmland.

A few hours later.

The couple returned to the house.

The workers finally went home to rest for the night.

"They're gone," Irene told her companion.

"Good!" Brent smirked. "Time for us to do hanky panky," he said, grinning mischievously.

"No way!" Irene said, laughing hard. She dashed to the staircase, going to her room to escape the naughty vampire.

Brent followed Irene upstairs in a flash.

When Irene reached her room, she quickly closed the door and locked it inside.