Take Me Once, I'll Bleed You Twice novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

“Oh.” What was she supposed to say now? The whole topic had gotten depressing when that hadn’t been her intention. “Wait. You have to actually make it grow? It doesn’t just happen on its own, like mine?”

“Correct.”

“…how? I mean, that’s super useful. I’d never need another hair cut or whatever, and save so much money, but… how does that even work? How do you control it?”

He shifted a little, as if her question made him physically uncomfortable.

“You don’t have to answer,” she assured him as she placed her fingers tips on his head and tilted it to one side to better see what she was doing. “I’m just being nosey.”

“It is… taboo… to speak of these things.”

“Ah.” Well, that sucked. “Never mind then. I’ll just make up my own explanation and go with it.”

“What might this explanation be?” Was he actually curious to know what she would come up with or was he being polite?

“Haven’t made one up yet but, when I do, you’ll be the first person I tell,” she promised him. “Alright, I think I’m all done. Just give me one second.” Beatrice began going through more drawers until she found a dish towel, which she then used to brush as many of the bits of hair from Riaghaire’s neck and shoulders as she could.

“I am allowed to move now?”

“Yes,” she replied with a nod. Once he was on his feet again, she took his arm and led him to the bathroom. “Okay, so Mom’s shower is pretty basic,” she began after letting go of his arm to pull back the shower curtain, revealing the tub. “You’ve got the hot and cold knobs, and when the temperature is good, just pull the tab up and it’ll switch to shower.”

Riaghaire watched from over her shoulder as she pointed to the knobs and tab, nodding slowly.

“We also have the usual,” she continued, now pointing to the shelf that ran along the side of the tub. “Shampoo and conditioner, body wash and a bar of soap whichever you prefer is fine. Oh, right…” she trailed off, turning to open the cupboard under the sink “Towel and wash cloth.” As she said each item she placed them on the counter. “And for your nails, we have nail clippers, a file, and. I’m not sure what this is, actually.” Beatrice frowned at the oddly shaped metal implement with what looked like a tiny shovel at the end. “Anyway, if you need anything else, feel free to snoop.”

“Are you certain this is… permitted?” He ventured, eyes still watching her as she moved around the room.

“It’s fine. Mom might be hard to get along with but she’s never turned me away. If anyone gets in trouble it’ll be me, and it won’t be the first or last time. So don’t worry about it too much I’ll see if I can find you some clean clothes, ones that fit a bit better.”

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18:53 Tue, Jun 16

Chapter 40

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Riaghaire glanced down at his pants and makeshift belt, then back up at Beatrice, the beginning of a crooked smile on his lips. “Yes,

that… would be nice.”

54

Beatrice left him to it, closing the bathroom door on her way out. Now that she was alone, she let out a slow breath. Keeping a vampire close, treating him like any other friend… that was the right thing to do, right? He’d saved her, after all, so he couldn’t be all bad. And he had yet to hurt her other than the whole choking thing, but he’d only done that to manipulate Tweedledick. That’s what she was telling herself, anyway. He’d also chosen to hunt for blood instead of drinking hers – she still wasn’t sure how that made her feel.

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