51

Rodrigo had demanded that Dona call him every evening to give him an accounting of her day, and she had complied, never missing a single night. He was glad to have implemented this little bit of control and took pleasure in knowing she followed his commands. He wasn’t unaware of the Medici’s daughter on the Council, who was working to change the power base between men and women in their culture, but Dona was old school, and he felt sure he could keep her under his thumb. Tonight, he’d decided he’d surprise her, and drop in for an unplanned visit. He liked keeping her off-balance, unable to predict when he might appear.

Her home had been renovated for some time now, and her wardrobe replaced. Rodrigo would occasionally send some of his own staff to help with the house and gardens and, of course, to report back to him on Dona. It hadn’t taken long for her to quickly become accustomed to her old life of luxury, where whatever she desired was at her fingertips, and she was waited on hand and foot.

Dressing in his finery, with a lace collar and cuffs peeking out from his heavy velvet jacket, he added many jeweled rings to his fingers and teleported out into the night, landing gracefully at her doorstep. Rodrigo preferred the fashion of his youth and enjoyed the pure foppery of it. His wardrobe created a certain shock value among both mortals and vampires, which he also enjoyed. He acknowledged he was vain and loved the attention. Let the other vampires blend in with the mortals. What was the point of being a rare and beautiful creature if he couldn’t draw the stares of everyone he passed?

He rang the newly installed doorbell, waiting for a servant to answer. He always enjoyed the momentary sense of panic his unexpected visits caused, and how frantically Dona worked to pull herself together. She’d need to get used to that.

Mario scrambled to answer the door, aware that Master Rodrigo had arrived, once again unannounced. Dona's head might still be in the clouds, but Mario had no illusions about who was calling the shots around here now. Opening the door, he bowed his head slightly. "Master Rodrigo. We were not expecting you. Please, come in, and I will notify my lady that you are here. May I bring you a Midnight? Or do you prefer Red Moon?" Mario led him to the newly furnished parlor, now splendidly decorated.

Rodrigo strolled past him as if he already owned the place. He was already suspect of Mario. He’d served Dona a very long time, and no doubt was loyal to her. That could be a problem. Mario may have been here too long to be trusted. Rodrigo would have to get rid of him, and Marie, but there was still time. He’d make sure all of her servants were from the Borgia household.

He walked around the new parlor, nodding with approval. "Midnight will be fine. Is my pet upstairs?"

"Yes, master." Mario poured the wine into a crystal glass, careful not to spill a drop. He could feel the tension in the air and didn’t wish to anger Rodrigo. "She is in her bedroom, putting away the many dresses you sent over earlier. I will let her know you have arrived. I'm sure she will be eager to thank you for your continued generosity."

Rodrigo looked down his nose at him, as he prepared his drink. "No need. I will tell her myself. Pour two and give your mistress and me a few moments alone before you bring them upstairs."

Rodrigo strode up the stairs, his silver-tipped walking cane making a distinctive click against the stairs, as he admired the new art hanging in the staircase. He could hear the soft chatter of the two females coming from her bed chambers. Making his way to her door, he stood, silently watching them. The maid caught his eye and gasped, dropping an elegant gown to the floor. His voice boomed with authority, startling her. "You may leave us now."

Maria looked hesitantly at Donatella then scurried past him in the doorway. He walked inside the room, as Dona was gathering the gown from the floor. Opening his arms, he smiled. "Do I not get a kiss or a proper greeting from my dear pet?"

Dona felt like she’d sold her soul to the devil himself. She knew she should have stopped this madness when it first started. She should have run outside on the first day when the workers showed up to restore the gardens and called a halt to the work, but she didn't. She should have said enough when the workers showed up to restore her home to its former glory, but she didn't. And now, he replenished her closets with the latest fashions and covered her in jewels. He’d expect much from her, although he’d never expressly stated his intentions. She wasn’t stupid. She knew his actions had strings attached.

"Yes, of course, gifts as generous as these deserve a kiss." She laid the gown across her bed, straightening the skirt, but didn’t take a step toward him, but rather let him come to her. She accepted his kiss and the probing of his tongue, but it was revulsion she felt.

Rodrigo felt her reluctance, but he let that slide for now. He kissed her passionately, even though the kiss he got in return was reserved and cold. As he broke away from the kiss, his hand slid along her cheek, his eyes locked to hers. "I take it that you enjoy my gifts and appreciate my taste in the gowns. You will need the new wardrobe, for we will be attending many events and you must look worthy to be on my arm, but enough of this."

Rodrigo took a seat on the chaise lounge, stretching out his long legs, and laying his walking stick on the floor beside him. “Come closer, pet.”

She walked with some hesitancy in his direction when he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down into the space next to him.

"So, are the renovations complete?" He snuggled softly into her neck, taking in her scent.

She was taken aback by his familiarity in her private space as he stretched out on her chaise lounge, pulling her down next to him as if they were lovers. She had no doubt as to where this was leading. She could only deny him for so long. She lay next to him, uncomfortable with the closeness of his body. "Si, they are almost complete. There are a few rooms that are rarely used that were saved for last. They expect to finish up within the week."

He kissed her neck, disappointed that she showed such a lack of response. "I am very happy to hear that. I have something very important to ask you." He placed his hand on her jaw, turning her face towards his. "I would wish to ask you to move into the Borgia palazzo with me. We will keep your villa as a beautiful country retreat for us both. We will live in the city, in the heart of Italy, and come here when we need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of Rome, where I can enjoy a little peace and quiet. But you must be with me. It is most torturous not having you near." He took her hand in his and played gently with her fingers. "I will not beg, my pet. So, think carefully of your answer."

She was caught off-guard by his request. Leave her villa? She’d come to accept that she might have to occasionally allow him into her bed in exchange for his generosity, but leaving her home? "Oh, Rodrigo...that is most generous. But this is my home. I was born here. This is all I have left from my father's legacy, this house, this territory. You know you are welcome here anytime. Come and go freely, no invitation required, of course. Besides, what would I do in your palazzo in Rome? I don't know anyone in Rome, and I am not familiar with the city. I have spent my entire life in the countryside."

Rodrigo knew she’d balk at the request, but he wouldn’t give up easily. Mario entered the room, carrying a tray of two crystal wine glasses filled with Midnight. He approached them both as Rodrigo accepted a glass. Donatella dislodged herself from his embrace and stood, straightening her skirt before taking the glass of Midnight. She stepped away from him, sipping at the wine, her back to him. He watched her closely. She wasn’t going to give in easily. He threw his legs over each side of the chaise as he straddled it and sipped the Midnight.

"Dona, I have lived alone for so long, without the comfort of a female. Being here with you, this is what I miss; watching you move about the room gracefully, your perfume hanging in the air, the soft rustle of your garments, the sound of a woman’s voice."

He stood up and strolled around the room. "My dear, I am not asking you to leave permanently. This is your legacy. I will, of course, protect the territory. You will find plenty to do in Rome. Come now, you will be with me, and we can do whatever you wish. I will show you the city and all it has to offer."

He stepped up behind her, his hand clinching her waist. "I know you have spent your life here, perhaps you need a change. Just come stay with me for a while. We have many engagements coming up that I wish for you to attend with me. Do you not agree it is much easier to be in Rome than travel back and forth for such occasions? Come, my pet, do not be so difficult. It is a simple request."

Dona felt trapped. She knew he’d extract payment in some form, and she’d prepared herself for the day when she’d lay on her back beneath him and wait for him to spill his seed inside her, and drink from her throat. But she assumed it would be here, in her home, and he’d leave when he was finished. She figured he’d toy with her until he was bored and move on to someone else. She hadn’t expected this. "Well, I suppose I could come for a visit. Maybe stay for a short while, and then return to my home?"

He heard the hesitancy in her voice, and his anger rose. After all he’d done for her, his request seemed like such a simple one. She clutched the wine glass in one hand, so he took her free hand and led her to the window, the moon shining down on the now thriving gardens. He stood behind her, his arm tightly around her waist, his lips close to her ear. "What is it that holds you here, my pet? Tell me. You have no coven, no warriors to lead. Other females would die to have the slightest bit of attention from me. I have given you so much, and I ask so little. I wish to be with you, enjoy time with you. I can give you the world, Donatella, but you seem to hold back."

He quickly spun her around and kissed her hard on the lips. He heard her wine glass hit the floor. He roughly cupped her ass and moaned with unbridled lust into her mouth. He let the kiss go on for some time, leaving her breathless for air. When he broke away, he laid his forehead against hers. "I expect you to make arrangements for a visit, but I know, once you are there, you will not want to return to this loneliness you live."

She fought back the tears. She had no excuse to give him, other than she didn’t enjoy his company, and she recoiled at his touch. "Of course, Rodrigo. I'm sure you are right. Give me time to close up the house, and I will come for a long visit in Rome."

He smiled then. He didn’t like to lose. Stepping back, he retrieved his glass of Midnight and emptied it of its contents. "I am most fond of you, Donatella. I truly am. You are always on my mind. I will expect you on Friday evening. I will send a car for you, bring as much as you wish. I will expect you to stay for some time and join me for some entertaining evenings. Do not fret, if there is anything you need, I will provide it." He looked at her then. "I will send my warriors to protect your borders while you are with me in Rome."

Dona was processing his demands, and make no mistake, they were demands coated in courtesy. "Protect my borders?" She looked confused. She hadn’t had warriors in more than a century, and the Medici had withdrawn their protection. No one had bothered her. They treated her as if she didn't exist. "I doubt I require it, Rodrigo, but do whatever you see fit."

Rodrigo nodded. “It is necessary, my pet, and I’ll take care of it. Now, your servants stay behind, you will be attended to by the Borgia staff." He beckoned to her. "I must return to Rome, come, give me a proper goodbye, Dona."

She composed her face going to him, knowing in her heart she was defeated. She had no real power against the Borgia. "Yes, of course." She went to him as he commanded and reluctantly slid her arms around his waist. She couldn’t bring herself to initiate a kiss, but he took what he wanted, and she passively complied.

He liked the feel of her body against his. She would be a pleasurable fuck. He extended his fangs and slid them across her neck. He dare not break her skin, for he’d take her then and there, and that would destroy his plan. He knew he’d made his intentions clear. Retracting his fangs, he kissed her gently this time, without force. Hugging her, he reluctantly let go, grabbed up his walking stick, and headed for the door, pausing before he exited. Keeping his back to her, his voice was stern. "A piece of advice, Donatella, when you come to the palazzo, I expect you to appear happy at all times. Look at me as if you want to be with me. It is the least you can do for this master who has given you much. I suggest you learn to pretend to enjoy it. See you on Friday."

He walked out of her room and down the stairs, past Mario who stood, awaiting orders. Turning to the butler, he looked down his nose. "Assist your mistress. It seems she has had an accident with her Midnight." Without another word, he walked out the front door and teleported into the night.

Dona stood alone in her room, looking at the puddle of Midnight on the new rug, as the tears flowed down her cheeks. Act happy? He expects me to act happy to be in his presence? How did my life come to this? She turned to look out the window as Mario entered the room and rushed to clean up the mess. She stared out in the direction of Tuscany and wondered if there was any appeal she could make of the Medici that could save her from this nightmare, but she knew those bridges had been burned a long time ago. She was on her own.