Charlotte's palm went to the doorknob, and as she wrapped her fingers around the silver handle, she pushed the door open to a vacant bedroom except for the flowing white curtains from the open French doors. Her room was not vacant after all since Vincent pushed up from his position on the balcony with his back resting against the columns and swiftly walked over to her.
He didn't say anything as he approached until they were face to face, only a few inches apart, almost touching if she breathed hard enough. Her eyes ran up his body, and her lips flattened in her harsh line. She wasn't one to hold grudges, but he was in the wrong, and she was going to make him see that it was so.
She didn't need to tell him though since he also knew. His fingers ran down the length of her hair and brought it up to his lips. "You're beautiful. The brown suits you."
Charlotte smirked. "Thanks. Did you choose the brown?"
"Yes. I thought you would be fine with any color."
"You're right. I do like it. I'll be sure to thank Katerina when I see her once more."
"Please do."
She pulled back from his warmth and tucked her hands behind her back. "What is it?"
Vincent ran a hand through his hair in response. "What do you mean?"
"I can tell you have something to say."
Charlotte didn't want to beat around the bush, and she tried to push for what she wanted without being too blatant about it. Although, her trying to gauge Vincent's reaction was enough for him to pick up the vibe of the atmosphere.
"You'd be right," Vincent said.
Charlotte sighed. "Why are you stalling?"
"Because I was in the wrong."
"Damn right."
Vincent laughed. "I do sincerely apologize." He quickly wiped the humor off his face before continuing. "I didn't mean to grab you that hard."
"But you did hurt me."
Charlotte lifted her hands and pulled the sleeves back to uncover her wrists. The tender skin around her wrists was purple and the swelling was eminent. It wasn't painful, but a light ache that was bothering her when she was still and wasn't doing anything. It would likely go away in a few days.
Vincent grimaced. "Not my brightest moment. I'm here to keep you safe, not put your safety in jeopardy. I'll bring some pain relief patches to you later. I didn't think that I would ever get entangled with a human, and this whole situation showed how naive I was."
"What do you mean by that?"
He glanced down at her lips that she was nervously rubbing together, and she tilted her head to the side. "I didn't find myself around the company of humans often. I didn't expect to become a contractor with one."
"Contractor? Why hasn't this come to my attention?"
"It is when a vampire is bound by their word to whoever is their contractor."
"That is what vigilantes are using against the young vampires correct?"
"Yes."
Charlotte hung her head lower, but Vincent lifted her chin to meet his eyes. She smiled softly despite her gears working hard trying to put all the pieces together. "You aren't a young vampire anymore, Vincent."
Vincent's finger's trailed down her jawline. "That is true. However, I didn't want you to die for no reason. That is one cardinal goal that I had. I hated to see vampires use humans at their own expense. Too much blood was spilled that it has left a dirty aftertaste."
"I remember you said something similar."
His forehead touched hers, and Charlotte closed her eyes. Peace settled in her heart, and she decided that it was enough. He pulled back and sighed. "I hope you accept it."
Charlotte smiled. "I already did accept your apology. My only request is to tell me anything that pertains to me or my family."
"Will do."
There was a crisp knock on the door, and they both pivoted their bodies to see who it was. Sebastian stuck his head through the wooden posts and slightly waved the sturdy-heeled boots in his hands. "Here you are."
Charlotte didn't have time to say thank you when he quickly backed out of the doorway. Vincent moved over to pick up the boots and motioned for her to sit on the bed. She took a few steps backward until the back of her knees collided with the soft mattress, and she sat down.
He bent down on his knee and pulled one of her legs out, and Charlotte clamored to try and push him away.
"It's okay. I can do it myself."
Vincent ignored her, as he slipped on the socks before zipping up the black knee-high boots completing her ensemble. Her cloak was still tucked underneath her arm, and Vincent straightened, gently taking her hand and pulling her up to her feet as well.