No denying the admiration in Cillian’s eyes. “You look good enough to eat,” he purred.
So did he. Just ask my pussy, seeing as how I creamed my panties at the sight of Cillian in a tux that only enhanced his good looks.
“Thanks.” I discovered in that moment that vampires could hotly blush. “It’s not too short or flashy?” I had to remind myself to not bite my lower lip in trepidation, lest I ruin the lipstick.
“It’s perfect. Shall we?” he asked, sweeping his hand to indicate the door.
He draped me in a cloak-like jacket before we emerged into the crisp night. The luxury sedan sat in the driveway, warm and waiting. Randy had the driver seat, Gwen the passenger, which put me in the back with Cillian.
A more confidant and suave woman would have known how to make small talk, maybe find a reason to sit close. Me? I huddled against the door and stared outside, suddenly tongue-tied.
Such a goober. I finally had a chance to question Cillian and couldn’t muster up the breath to open my mouth.
To my surprise, he reached over to grab my hand and squeezed it. “No need to be nervous. I’ll keep you safe.”
“Is this Christmas party we’re attending dangerous?”
“Our very existence means we are always in peril,” his ominous reply.
We drove for forty-five minutes, going through the city and then past it, winding up on a road flanked by snow-laden trees until we reached a massive mansion made of notched timber.
“Wow,” I exclaimed. “It’s big as a hotel.”
“It used to be one,” Cillian remarked. “The lodge was bought out by an acquaintance a decade ago and retrofitted to be a home.”
“Rich friend,” I murmured. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
“Those of us who live a long time learn to be wise with our investments.” A reply that subtly let me know the owner was a vampire like him.
“Who’s throwing the party?”
“Sophia Barony. You’ll want to be careful around her. She’ll speak sweetly to befriend, but don’t let that fool you. She is quite ruthless.”
“Anyone else I should avoid?”
“Pretty much every guest you meet will be dangerous.”
“How reassuring,” my dry reply.
He cast me a grin. “You might be new, but don’t forget, you’re dangerous too.”
The statement did actually help.
A line of dark sedans stretched ahead of us, a few limos as well. Vehicles inched forward as guests exited their rides and went inside. I couldn’t help but peek out my window and ogle the men in tuxes and women in fancy dresses, some more demure than mine, others leaving little to the imagination. Some wore jackets or cloaks, but a few must be freezing as they emerged in their finery with no outwear.
“Is this a yearly party?” I asked as we drew closer.
“Yes, although it’s been a while since I’ve attended.” Our car pulled up to the front and before I could snag the handle on my door, Gwen was there opening it. I stuck one leg out and would have grabbed the door frame to heave myself only Cillian suddenly stood there and held out his hand. He must have moved at the speed of lightning to get there so quick.
I grasped his fingers, enjoying the thrill that jolted through me. He kept hold of my hand as I stood by him and stared at the stairs leading into the great big house. I shivered, not from cold, but anticipation.
“Nothing to fear,” Cillian reminded, sliding an arm around me and tucking me close as we walked for the entrance. Each step made me more and more nervous.
“Relax,” Cillian murmured.
“I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“It’s too late to turn around now.”
