Chapter9 What are expensive things to do in Manhattan?

Vesper's POV

Rhydian's lips trailed down my neck, finding the spot where Slade's mark still burned. I tensed, bracing for pain, but instead I felt only the gentle press of his mouth against my skin—a slow, warm kiss that sent shivers racing down my spine.

"Wait," I breathed, confused. "Aren't you going to bite me?"

He pulled back slightly, his ice-blue eyes meeting mine. "Not yet. Your body isn't ready for a full mark—it would be too much, too soon."

His thumb stroked the sensitive skin of my throat. "First, you need to get used to my scent, to having me close. We'll take it slowly."

"But how—"

He silenced me with another kiss, deeper this time, his hand cradling the back of my head. His scent surrounded me. I felt dizzy with it, my thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.

"Like this," he murmured against my lips. "Let your body learn mine."

He kissed me until I couldn't think, couldn't breathe, couldn't remember why I'd been afraid. His hands stayed gentle even as the kiss turned demanding, claiming. When he finally pulled away, I was trembling, my heart racing, my mind pleasantly blank.

I barely remembered him pulling the covers over us, his arm wrapping around my waist. The last thing I felt before sleep claimed me was his lips pressing softly against my temple.

---

I woke to sunlight streaming through unfamiliar windows and the warm weight of Rhydian's body curved around mine from behind.

For a moment I just lay there, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back, his arm draped possessively across my waist.

My lips felt swollen, tender from last night's kisses. Heat crept into my cheeks at the memory—the way he'd kissed me senseless, the gentle scrape of his teeth that had made me shiver instead of flinch.

I tried to slip out of bed without waking him, but his arm tightened around me.

"Stay," he mumbled against my hair, his voice rough with sleep. "It's still early."

"But—"

"Just a few more minutes." His nose nuzzled into my neck, and I felt him inhale deeply. The gesture was so primal, so possessive, yet somehow it made me feel cherished rather than trapped.

After what felt like both an eternity and no time at all, he pressed a kiss to my shoulder and slid out of bed. "I need to work out. I'll be back soon."

I watched him leave, then touched my lips, smiling like an idiot at the ceiling. Then I remembered the new phone Rhydian had left on the nightstand last night. We'd been so caught up in... other things... that I hadn't even looked at it properly.

I picked it up, marveling at how sleek and light it felt. Nessa had one like this. The screen lit up at my touch, and I spent the next hour exploring it, discovering the voice assistant that could read things aloud and search for information when I asked.

It was so much easier than trying to puzzle out written words. I could just ask questions and it would answer.

Remembering the third requirement, I whispered to the phone: "What are expensive things to do in Manhattan?"

The voice assistant began listing options, and I listened intently, my eyes widening at the prices. Hair salons, spas, personal shopping services, restaurants where a single meal cost thousands of dollars. It all seemed impossible, absurd.

When I finally made my way downstairs, Rhydian was already at the dining table, his hair still damp from the shower, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit. He looked up from his coffee as I entered, and something warm flickered in his eyes.

"Good morning," he said, pulling out the chair beside him. "Did you sleep well?"

Heat crept into my cheeks as memories of last night flooded back. "Yes. Very well."

A knowing smile tugged at his lips. He waited until I'd settled into my chair and had taken a few sips of orange juice before speaking again. "So, have you given any thought to how you'll spend your day?"

"Actually, yes." I pulled out the phone, feeling a small spark of pride at having prepared. "I was looking online this morning—the voice assistant is really helpful, by the way. It told me about expensive salons and spas. For hair care and things like that."

"Good." His approval was evident in his tone. He set down his fork, giving me his full attention. "What did you find?"

"I found a place," I said, my fingers hovering over the phone, "Éclat de Lune. The voice thing said it's the most expensive salon in the city. Their treatments start at five thousand dollars."

Rhydian's eyebrows rose slightly, and I caught what looked like approval in his eyes. "You've been doing your research."

"But they require appointments weeks in advance," I added, my excitement deflating. "So maybe I should find somewhere else—"

"No need." He pulled out his own phone. "I'll have Callum arrange it. Given our... connections, I'm sure they can accommodate us today." He glanced at his watch. "I have meetings all afternoon, so Callum will escort you. Is that acceptable?"

I nodded quickly, relief washing over me. The thought of navigating this expensive, unfamiliar world alone had been terrifying. "Yes. Thank you."

An hour later, I stood in the massive walk-in closet with Callum, overwhelmed by racks of designer clothes in every color imaginable. Everything looked so expensive, so delicate. I was afraid to even touch them.

"For a salon visit, I would suggest something elegant but comfortable," Callum said, gesturing to the racks. "Perhaps you could choose something you feel drawn to?"

I moved slowly through the options, my fingers hesitating over the fabrics. Finally, I spotted a dress in deep emerald green that reminded me of the forest back home—but the good parts, the peaceful parts. Not the dark corners where I'd hidden from Slade.

"This one?" I asked uncertainly.

"Excellent choice. The color will complement your hair beautifully."

I nodded, then quickly scanned the shelves until I spotted a wide-brimmed hat. "Can I wear this too?"

"Of course."

I took the hat and moved to the mirror, gathering my silver hair and pinning it up in a messy bun before settling the hat over it. The brim cast a shadow over my face, hiding the telltale shimmer of my hair.

Relief flooded through me. This way, no one would stare. No one would ask questions about why my hair was this color.

The salon was even more intimidating than I'd imagined—white marble, gold accents, staff in sleek black uniforms moving with practiced grace. The receptionist's smile was professionally warm as Callum gave my name.

"Your appointment is at two o'clock. Since you're early, please wait in our lounge. Can I get you anything?"

"Oh, no, I'm fine. Thank you." I shook my head quickly, not wanting to be any trouble.

Callum had already excused himself to wait in the car, giving me a reassuring nod before he left. I was on my own.

The lounge was all plush velvet and soft music, the kind of place where even the air felt expensive. I perched on the edge of a cream-colored sofa, my hat still firmly in place, and accepted the crystal glass of cucumber-mint water from a staff member.

I sipped it carefully, trying not to think about how much even this single glass of fancy water would probably cost anywhere else.

I was lost in thought when a familiar voice drifted from the reception area.

"—yes, I know I don't have an appointment, but surely you can squeeze me in? I've been coming here for months."

My blood turned to ice.

Nessa.

I pressed deeper into my chair, pulling my hat lower, my heart hammering. What was she doing here?

"I'm sorry, miss," the receptionist said, "but we're completely booked today. However, we have an opening next week—"

"Next week?" Nessa's voice rose before she caught herself. "I can't wait that long. I have a date tonight—I need to look perfect. Isn't there anything you can do?"

I kept my head down, barely breathing, praying she wouldn't look into the lounge. From the corner of my eye, I saw her—designer dress, perfect hair, expensive bag dangling from her arm.

"Miss Hayes?" The receptionist's voice cut through my panic. "Your stylist is ready for you now. I'll show you to the fifth floor."

I stood slowly, keeping my face angled away from the reception area, my hands gripping the brim of my hat like a lifeline. The staff member gestured toward the elevator with a bright smile.

I felt Nessa's attention snap toward me at the sound of my name.

I walked toward the elevator on shaking legs, every muscle tense. The doors began to close, and just before they shut completely, I made the mistake of glancing back.

She'd seen me.