Fear

Who’s standing there?

William watched the door for a few seconds after he thought he had heard something. He walked to it, opened it, and looked around. He was sure it creaked, but the bedroom door was closed.

He turned and walked back to the kitchen after almost a minute of standing at the bedroom door.

She isn’t awake, is she?

The faucet turned on over his knife, blood washing away. He splashed his face and arms with some water, too.

Picking up an empty blood bag from the counter, he put it in a black plastic bag and tossed it in the trash. He wiped the counter and floor before returning to the couch, plopping down on it.

Maybe I should make scrambled eggs for her tomorrow? Or we could eat somewhere before we go to the office?

He grabbed his phone to text Finn, but instead went on the internet, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.

I’ll make scrambled eggs.

…..

The sun shone into the room through the beige curtains, painting the room in its colours. William abruptly sat up straight, disrupting the quiet room. He was in the kitchen within minutes after washing up.

He brought out the pan and eggs he’d seen the night before and turned on the stove. His phone was propped up on the counter; following a lady's instructions in a video, he moved slowly and carefully.

The smell of cooked eggs enveloped the kitchen minutes later. He made a plate of two slices of toast next to the seasoned scrambled eggs before carefully finishing off with a butter slice.

Placing his hands on his hips, he admired his work when he heard the bedroom door open. His heart drummed against his chest when he saw her approach the kitchen.

He pulled in a deep breath. “Good morning. I made breakfast.”

“Good morning. Thank you.” Her eyes looked around the table for a moment before looking up at him. “Where’s the other plate?”

He had assumed that she had rested well from her dishevelled hair, but she had black circles under her eyes that he hadn’t seen before.

He pushed the plate to her and sat. “I ate a while ago. Are you okay?”

She sat before him, maintaining eye contact. “Did you hear or see anything last night?”

His eyes widened slightly, but he calmed himself down. Even if she did see him, she couldn’t have known that it was him, right? “No, not really. What happened?”

Erena took a bite out of the toast, looking behind him at the sink. “Nothing. I might have been too tired.”

His eyes fell on her index finger. The side of her finger was red and looked like it could bleed if touched. He couldn’t help but stare, his mouth salivating.

He snapped out of it when she slid her hand under the desk. He caught a glimpse of her face, and she had an expression he hadn’t seen in a while, one he didn’t want to see on someone’s face again, one that haunted him for as long as he could remember.

It was fear.

The chair scraped back against the floor as he stood up. “I… Finn will be here at any minute.” He blurted out before walking to the second room, closing the door behind him. He rested his head on the door, his heart pounding so loudly he couldn’t hear anything else.

He had scared her. He scared the one person he didn’t want to scare.

“What am I going to do now…?”

His phone buzzed with a text from Finn.

“I’m here. Come out.”

William watched the phone’s screen turn dark before he got ready. The merger was starting today whether he wanted it to or not.

Erena was wearing a pair of boots at the door when he left the room. His eyes instinctively moved to her hands, which were now in black gloves. Their eyes met for a moment, but she turned.

He quickly put on his shoes, and they exited the apartment, locking it. They boarded the elevator, got off and found Finn's car, all while neither of them spoke.

“Good morning, folks!” Finn turned around with a grin when they got in the car. They both replied quietly. Finn hummed to himself before turning back and starting the engine.

William caught Finn’s gaze in the rearview mirror, and Finn gestured towards Erena with his eyes before raising an eyebrow. William shook his head in response.

They arrived at a tall, modern building, and Finn stopped the car. “I’ll see you guys later.”

William nodded, got out, and waited for Erena until she stood beside him. They walked into the building and took the elevator, reaching the 7th floor. “This is the merger’s office.” William walked in before turning to her. She nodded, avoiding his gaze.

He stood there for a moment before he continued walking through the open office before standing before two doors. Each had a clear acrylic nameplate with their names and positions.

William Ainsley| COO

Erena Ainsley| CFO

“Don’t hesitate to ask if you need help.” He forced a smile one last time before heading into his office. He didn’t think she’d take him up on the offer; she was a skilled mathematician, but mostly because of that morning.

…

Time passed by pretty fast…

William left his office for lunch and noticed Erena’s office door was ajar. Multiple people could be heard inside. A lady sat on top of the desk, and Erena sat at it, happily conversing with her and someone else he couldn’t see well.

He stood at the door, contemplating whether to enter or not when her face flashed in his memories. She wouldn’t appreciate him entering, would she?

He walked away when he heard someone calling out to him.

I should keep my distance.

…..

The car ride back was as tense as the one before it. William glanced at her from the corner of his eye, only to see her thumb scratching at her index finger beneath the glove. Was that what had been irritating it?

The car came to a stop in front of the apartment building.

Erena jumped off. “Goodnight.”

William watched her enter the apartment when Finn fully turned to him. “What did you do?”

“I think she knows…” William couldn’t look up at Finn.

“And what if she knows you’re a vampire?”

William snapped his head up. “What do you mean?”

Finn turned back, leaning his head back on the seat. “She’s your wife. Shouldn’t she know at some point? It’s not like you go around sucking people dry.” He joked.

“But… she’s scared of me now…” William clasped his hands together, his grip on them tightening.

“All the more reason for her to know. Do you want her to keep living in fear?”

William stayed put without a reply for a few moments before opening the car door. “I’ll talk to her.” He turned back to Finn with a smile. “Thank you.”

Finn watched William disappear into the building before leaving.

William took the elevator and walked to the apartment, letting himself in. He stood at her door, taking a deep breath before knocking. “Can I come in?”

There was no response for a few seconds. William was about to turn back when she spoke. “Come in.”

She sat on the bed with a blank expression. “You were the one in the kitchen last night, weren’t you?”

William stood at the door a second before closing it. “It was me. I didn’t want to scare you by telling you.”

She wouldn’t look at him. “What blood was it?”

“Cow blood.”

“And the knife?”

“I pierced the blood bag with it.” William walked closer to her. “I’m sorry I lied.” He crouched down. “I didn’t want to scare you.”

Erena lifted an eyebrow at that. William caught the expression, looking down at his shoes.  

“I understand if you want a divorce or won’t talk to me.” He looked up at her, gently reached over and took her hand. “I’m really sorry.”

“I don’t want a divorce.” Erena met his gaze. “I don’t think what you are changes who you are. But how would I know if you’re hiding something else?”

He looked down at their hands, a lump creeping up his throat. “I’m really sorry…”

Erena lifted his face to meet her eyes. “I’m saying I forgive you.” She smiled.

William couldn’t help but smile at that. “Thank you–”

“But I wouldn’t hesitate to leave if you are hiding something else.” She interrupted with a smirk.

His heart rate picked up. “I-I understand.”

"I will trust that you won't hide things from now on then."

“Thank you.” William brought her hand closer to his mouth when he noticed her index, going for a kiss on it. “I wish you wouldn’t hurt yourself like this," he mumbled.

Erena didn’t respond, watching him with a stunned expression.

He smiled at her.

Erena retracted her hand abruptly, her face red.

William laughed for a moment, then stood up. “I’ll get the first aid kit.”

“Wait!” Erena grabbed the sleeve of his coat, pulling him down until he was crouching again.

Her face was inches away from him. A drop of sweat ran down the side of his face at the sight of her red face. “Ye—”

She pulled him by the collar, pressing her lips against his for a bit before letting go, leaning her forehead against his. “That’s what you get for being so bold.”

He let out a breathy laugh at that. “I’d like to retaliate then…” He leaned in once more, capturing her lips in a kiss.