The Duke's Passion

"Are you not ashamed? That girl is doing this to keep you alive from that psycho. Her situation is your fault because you can't protect her. I don't like the likes of you."

"Sam…" I called out under my breath. However, Sam had a point — a strong one, at that.

If he was a vampire, shouldn't he supposed to be strong? How come he was bullied to this degree? There might be a reason. Perhaps the red-haired man was just stronger than him?

Instinctively, I shifted my gaze to the red-haired man. He seemed pleased at Sam's refusal.

"See? You should be like this lad! Smart and wise!" The red-haired man complimented Sam for the reason I couldn't comprehend.

Smart and wise? For refusing to help? Don't make me laugh. 

Deep down, I felt this fury slowly building up inside me.

Not towards the red-haired man. But a fury at how this society was the same everywhere. 

The strong bully the weak just because they're strong. It had become a norm that one should look away so not to get involved.

I learned that hard lesson in the past. Regardless, I hated the fact that I'm… weak. I couldn't do anything and could only look away as well. 

How am I different from everyone in here? What right do I have to get disappointed at Sam?

"Your sin is being stupid. Even if you're against a powerful opponent and were certain you can't beat that whiner over there, make sure she fled to safety, at least!" Sam spoke again. His attention fixed on the man, sighing in disappointment.

Was this a time for a lecture? A fellow vampire is dying right in front of him!

"Whiner?" Sam's snide comment didn't go unnoticed as the red-haired man scoffed. 

In a blink of an eye, the red-haired man approached Sam. It happened too quick my eyes barely followed.

However, before the red-haired man could grab Sam, the latter grabbed him by the wrist. Gasp from everyone resonated in the air.

Although I didn't see what happened in that short time frame, Sam blocked the attack without looking away from the vampire on the floor. I heaved a sigh of relief. Goodness.

"Tsk. I've never been so disappointed in my life… oh, I was disappointed that my wife refuses to smooch smooch for information. But I mean — "

"Sam!" As Sam continued his chat with the other man, I yelled.

The red-haired man was trying to launch another attack. However, before his blow could land on Sam's neck, he stopped on his own when Sam turned his head towards him.

"How come you're so rude?" Sam inquired, tilting his head to the side. "Can't you see I'm still talking to him?"

For reasons unknown, despite Sam's unchanging, laid-back tone, the red-haired man's hand trembled. He had frozen and couldn't move.

What…?

Sam clicked his tongue, raising his brow as he stared at the red-haired man.

"Do you really want my attention so bad?" Sam asked, genuinely intrigued by the answer. 

When the red-haired man didn't answer, Sam nodded in satisfaction. "Give me a moment."

With that being said, Sam returned his attention to the vampire on the floor. He laid his palm towards him — not to help him up, but as if asking for him to hand over something.

"You need to pay me for lecturing you. I heard money is everything in Whistlebird. So, I'm charging you for my wisdom." His fingers wriggled. Waiting for money?!

I covered my lips with my palm, stumbling back. My groom… is the most ridiculous man ever! How could he exploit someone in a brink of death?

I just wanted to weep in the corner. How did I fall in love with him?

"Hah…" Finally, the man whom Sam was talking to scoffed in disbelief as well. This level of ridiculousness would probably kill him first.

My apologies.

"This restaurant… I'll give it to you." To my dismay, the vampire agreed!

Oh, good lord.

"Sweet!" Sam grinned brightly as he sprung up to his feet. "Did you hear him? I'm the new owner of this restaurant! So, give me and my wife the best spot; I want everything special for our dinner!"

He announced, rendering everyone dumbfounded. From the beginning until now, Sam never lost his sight of his priorities.

I didn't know whether to cry or feel moved. I didn't even know whether to commend him for gaining a restaurant or condemn him for taking advantage of the situation.

I'm at… lost.

When Sam turned and faced in my direction, he smiled proudly. Just as he took a step towards me, he halted upon hearing the red-haired man's voice.

"You… who are you?" He asked, almost stammering.

The red-haired man had been arrogant all this time. However, he changed after looking at Sam closely. What happened?

"Oh, right? The whiner." Sam snapped as he cocked his head towards the red-haired man.

Slowly, Sam trudged towards the red-haired man. Each step thud loudly in my ear as the air suddenly grew thicker.

Sam…?

The red-haired man slumped on the floor. Slowly looking up to Sam, who stood before him. Sam was already intimidating vampire in his best days. But now, he's... displeased?

"Is that a question?" Sam inquired. His tone was firm, level, and low. A shiver run down my spine upon hearing him.

"Or a confirmation?"

Sam added, raising his leg and placed it on the red-haired man's shoulder. Slowly, Sam pressed his foot, that caused the man to slowly bow.

As he did, Sam spoke in the same tone. "Either way, how dare you look at what's mine with those covetous eyes?"

The red-haired man struggled, but he ended up crashing his forehead on the floor. Sam didn't seem he was exerting effort, but he forced the red-haired man to bow before him with only his foot.

Although I couldn't see Sam's eyes, I never felt this relief of not seeing them. Just his tone sent a shiver down my spine.

"I don't care about the Remington clan's petty means of enjoyment. However, the second you look at my wife again, that's the last time you'll ever see; I assure you." Sam stated.

It was neither a threat nor an order. It was simply a statement which Sam made it sound so dangerous.

Everyone, including me, was rendered speechless at the sight before us. The red-haired man cowered, just like that. It was a turn of events I've never expected to unfold.

"Also, apologize to everyone for causing a scene and delaying our supper. Don't go ruining people's meal. Have some manners, will you?" Sam clicked his tongue as he retrieved his foot back.

When he looked at me, it was as if nothing happened as a bright smile turned up on his lips.

"Oh, my Lilove, is probably starving! Forgive your husband for being friendly…" Sam exclaimed, rushing to me as if he realized he did something wrong.

Being friendly…? Was that how he befriend people? I'm probably not the only one who asked the same thing in my head.