"Annabelle?"
I looked up from my work already knowing who it was. My father stood in front of my desk with a soft smile dressed to the tee as always. He wanted something. I could tell instantly by the use of my full name.
"Yesssss?"
I drew the word out mainly to sound cute so that maybe he would drop this idea.
"I think it's time you help me on a business deal alone. You're nearly twenty. I'm not going to last forever you know."
I sighed. I didn't want to deal with this right now. Especially accompanying one of his I'm not going to live forever rants. You see I'm a single child. My father is a sixty year old man named Charles Williamson. He is the owner of a currently thriving investment company in New York City. That company I am to inherit once he passes. I really have no interest in it but I do my desk job well and try and keep him happy.
"If I must."
I mustered my best smile in an attempt to look sincerely happy to go but it wasn't very convincing.
"Oh come on Bell. I think you might like it if you would loosen up a bit. Besides everything is already set up."
He paused for a second and looked away. Even he knew this was probably a lost cause.
"The car leaves the house by eight tonight. You can clock out early today to get ready. They are a very prestigious client so I want you in a new dress. "
I narrowed my eyes at him as he slid a credit card my way. Absolutely no way.
"If this is one of your ploys just to get me in a dress it's not gonna happen."
I was never one to dress very feminine and a dress was such a rare occasion I could count the times I wore one on one hand.
"Bell I am serious."
With that he walked away. I sighed deeply this time. Great now I have to wear a dress. This day just gets better. Looking back at the computer screen I was no longer interested in doing my work. Despite trying for hours it seemed like I got nowhere and before I knew it the time had slipped by without me noticing. Looking at the clock I was shocked to see it read seven o'clock.
"Shit!"
Gathering my things I shuffled to the car nearly running over one of the accountants in my way. Once I got to my car I simply threw my purse into the passenger seat and had the key in the ignition before my door was even closed. The dress store was only a short drive away and before I even knew it I found myself in the dressing room struggling to zip up a short green dress. Frustrated I swallowed my humility I poked my head out the curtain.
"Excuse me? Can I get some help?"
A small thin woman appeared from out of nowhere and assisted me. I felt like dying when I stepped out of the room to look in a mirror. This was not going to happen. The neck line plunged way too far nearly showing my nipples and it didn't look nearly this short on the rack. Good god my ass was nearly hanging out! I looked like a tramp. Horrified I quickly changed into a strapless grey cocktail dress. It fit much better hugging all the right areas and not showing nearly as much cleavage. Hanging just at my knees it was the perfect length too. Despite feeling entirely naked in this type of clothing it would have to do. Before paying I grabbed a pair of black lace up wedges and walked to the pay desk.
"Do you mind if I change into these before I leave? I'm already running late."
The blond haired clerk eyed me a bit funny but agreed after I swiped my father's card.
"Thank you so much."
I ran to the changing room and switched into the new dress and shoes as fast as I could. Checking my phone for the time as I rushed out the door and into my car with a gasp.
"That leaves me five minutes to clean up if the traffic will hold off."
I drove as fast as the traffic would allow. By the time I got to the house I hardly even had time to apply some makeup, shove in some black jeweled dangling earrings, and attempt to tame the frizz in my curly brown hair before my alarm clock reminded me I had better be in that limo asap. I applied some lip gloss for the finishing touch and ran to the door. I nearly ran into my father at the door and as I looked up I noticed my father staring at me.
"What?"
"You look very nice. Thank you for listening."
I looked past him to the limo blushing nearly too embarrassed to say anything. I wasn't one to take complements.
"Thanks. I guess I'll see you later then."
I waved at him as I got into the car. The drive felt like it took forever but that might just be because of the traffic. I spent the time staring out the window.
"We're here."
The driver announced as the car eased into a full stop and someone opened the door. I stepped out of the car and smoothed down my dress as I got out before looking up. What stood in front of me took my breath away. It looked like a castle it was so huge. I had never been anywhere so granjour.
"Madam. This way please."
I was led to into the castle or house which ever you prefer by a very crisp looking butler into a formal dining room. I wasn't sure what to think. This place was not only huge but absolutely gorgeous. Some things looked like antiques but others looked modern however somehow they all blended seamlessly. Someone had some nice decorating taste.
"You may sit here mam."
I simply smiled at the man and sat where I was told. This type of formalness was making me nerves. Even though my family was rich we were never much for things like this. I felt out of place. Being by myself didn't help the situation.
"Ahh you have arrived. Missis Williamson we have much to discuss so please do enjoy your meal beforehand."
The man who had entered was probably in his early fifty's but looked extremely well aged. His hair was pitch black and his eyes while brown were very bright and lively, full of fire. Everything about him was clean cut from his freshly shaven jaw to his polished shoes. His wife behind him was just as well aged. Her long blond hair looked like the sun itself and her blue eyes like the sky itself. She was wearing a lovely white evening dress. I suddenly felt very under dressed. I also instantly knew they were Vampires. My father had told me he worked with them but never did I think I would meet them. They normally keep to themselves or at least that's what my father had told me. The man turned toward me and took one of my hands into his before kissing it.
"I have heard about you from your father. He seems very fond of you."
I wasn't sure what to say and blushed lightly while trying to find words. It seems I wouldn't have to as he walked away to his seat at the head of the table before I had time to answer. The food was served as soon as he sat down. I don't even know what it was but it was delicious and I can admit without shame I would have taken seconds if they were offered.
"May we retire to the Library Miss Williamson?"
"Yes we may Sir. Lambrick."
I followed the man to the Library sitting room. The conversation started with small talk but quickly went into business as it should. Thankfully I knew enough to answer all his questions thus far without hesitation. During the conversation I was also investigating the three story room with books covering three of the walls. It was amazing.
"Father. You didn't inform me we would have guests tonight."
The new voice shot me out of my thoughts and stopped Lambrick mid-sentence. I turned my head toward where I had heard it. I was pretty sure my mouth dropped open. Coming toward the seating area in a confident long strided walk was hands down the most attractive man I had ever seen in my life. His deep blue eyes, dark hair and sharp futures were a perfect mixture of both his mother and father. He looked to stand at about six one probably an inch or two below his father. Everything was well proportioned as well. He was in no ways a reedy looking man. Not a day over twenty three. A heat suddenly settled between my legs making me instantly uncomfortable. Crossing my legs tighter just made it worse.
"Dante. You have met Charles Williamson this is Annabelle Williamson his daughter."
The older man gestured to me with an open palm. Dante reached out and shook my hand looking me in the eyes like he knew something and gave me a wink. I blushed furiously.
"Pleasure to meet you Miss Annabelle."
While I was fumbling for words in my head likely making a fool of myself by staring at him like a dork Dante looked at his father.
"Would you mind if I steal her for a while. I highly doubt she is enjoying this conversation over politics. Besides you already know enough about W&C."
I suddenly stopped thinking and just stared at Dante. Could he what? Is this a dream?