Read Online Romeo & Juliet & Vampires by William Shakespeare - Free Book Online Page A

After a short pause, he looked Juliet in the eyes, his smoldering gaze sending chills throughout her body.
    â€œI was going to say something about your stunningbeauty, my lady. But you appear far too intelligent to fall for flattery.”
    Juliet put her hand over her heart in hopes that she could slow it down. “That’s probably the nicest compliment I have ever received.”
    â€œSo have you ever been to a place with more nefarious creatures?” he said, peering around the room.
    Juliet nearly laughed at the unintended irony of his question. “I suppose you are referring to the vampires.”
    â€œNot necessarily,” he replied. Then he leaned in close and whispered into Juliet’s ear. “I have a funny feeling that a lot of the humans here are lawmakers and politicians.”
    Juliet laughed. “You are probably right, sir. What, may I ask, is your profession?”
    â€œWould you like to take a guess?”
    Juliet tried to prevent herself from revealing her attraction to him, but she couldn’t help herself. She was smiling too much, staring too long.
    But then again, so was he.
    â€œWell, you are not a vampire, so that is one point in your favor,” she said.
    â€œAnd thankfully neither are you,” he said cheerily.
    Juliet started wringing her hands and biting her lower lip, two detestable habits that both her nurse and mother chided her for. Obviously he hadn’t noticed her paling skin, or that she wasn’t wearing a cross pendantlike all the other humans here. What would he think when he found out the truth? He would certainly forsake her—any human would do the same.
    â€œHowever, I am not a prince, so I suppose that is one point against me,” he joked.
    â€œTwo points, actually. You also smell like garlic,” Juliet quipped, but instantly regretted her words. He must think she was the rudest woman on the face of the earth!
    However, the gentleman who stood before her did not seem to care. “That’s what I get for keeping cloves of it in my pocket.”
    Juliet could not recall when she last felt this alive. Was it months ago? Or never?
    â€œTo be honest, I’m working for my father. Temporarily, that is,” he continued.
    â€œWhy is that? Do you not like the work?” she inquired.
    The gentleman looked down at his feet and nervously rubbed the back of his neck. “No, I don’t.”
    Juliet sensed that she had brought up a delicate subject, but for some odd reason, she felt very comfortable asking him to say more. “Is it because the two of you don’t get along?”
    â€œNot really. My parents have been out of the country since the peace treaty was passed,” he explained. “They are taking a much-needed vacation in Serbia.”
    Juliet let out a light laugh. “I couldn’t be more jealous.”
    â€œBecause of their vacation?” he asked brightly.
    â€œNo, because you are free of your parents for a while.”
    The gentleman’s lips curled up into a dashing smile. “I have to admit, it is quite liberating being without them.”
    â€œOr their rules,” Juliet added, her eyes beaming.
    He nodded in agreement. “Or their criticisms and unrealistic expectations.”
    â€œOr the plans they make for you without your consent, or the way they patronize you when you talk, or…” Juliet trailed off, realizing a little too late how bitter she must have sounded.
    So much for her nurse’s lessons in flirtation.
    Thankfully, the gentleman was not turned off by her complaining at all. He just gave her a reassuring grin and said, “It seems to me that your parents do not know how lucky they are.”
    Her cheeks flushed several shades of pink. “Perhaps.”
    Suddenly their eyes locked and they were silent for a moment. Juliet could feel her body temperature rising as she gazed at him—she had the strangest feeling that she’d known him