NO. Absolutely not.Holding vampires at arms’ length has kept me alive and unblooded, even if it has also kept me perpetually frustrated and feeling more than a little envious of some of the sweetbloods.
As we cross the room, I’m well aware of the hungry stares of the vampires who watch us depart. There’s more than a little envy there because I’ve turned all of them down before—or they’ve seen me turn others down—and here’s first-timer Dexter, getting me on his arm.
Not that they realize nothing more than talking will ensue between us.
Add in the evil gazes from mostly women patrons and a few men—humans—that Dexter choseme, and I’m in a no-win situation with pretty much everyone upstairs in terms of my guts being hated.
Wonderful.
We follow Lucius downstairs. Oh, yeah,nowI remember the main reason I don’t like coming down here any more than necessary when we’re open. Because the endorphin soup smacks me in the face like a warm, soggy glove and tries to work a few fingers inside my cooter as we hit the bottom of the stairwell. I guess, in some ways, I’m an empath, and it’s always overwhelming to me. Add in the fact that no, I can’t engage in some kinky fun, andyeah…Ihateit.
Lucius snaps his fingers, and one of the household humans, a man, steps forward. “Make sure the available suite’s ready.”
“Whoa,” I say. “I told Not-Ianto here that I’d come downonlyto talk.”
The household human hesitates, looking from me to Lucius. All the human staff, except maybe Benny, are terrified of me because they’ve seen me handle myself. Even the vampire staff are impressed by my skills, between my party trick and because they know I always carry a couple of wooden pencils on me. I nearly staked a vamp on the floor one night who was getting rowdy with one of the household humans.
Lucius arches an eyebrow at me. “The alcoves only have curtains. Do youreallywish to have your private discussion where everyone else could possibly overhear? While Dexter was at our home last night, I allowed him to sample ourspecialvintage.” My stomach drops, but Lucius continues. “I personally guarantee Dexter will not doanythingbut talk with you, unless you first come out here and tell me you wish to do more with him. Otherwise, he will not leave this building alive.” He looks at Dexter. “Will you?”
Dexter’s gaze practically burns holes through me and has my clit throbbing in a way not even watching Captain Jack and Ianto making out on-screen usually causes. “I swear.”
In the red lights down here, Dexter’s blue eyes look more reddish grey, intense, but also restrained.
Yeah, I sensethat. Restraint. This isn’t some feral, newly turned schmuck without an ounce of willpower. This guy’s old, cold, and controlled.
“Okay, fine.” I point at Lucius. “Becausehevouches for you.”
The household human scurries off, and I focus on Selene.
She looks hopeful. “Your verdict?” I ask her.
Her smile is beautiful. “I really like him, Blue.” She looks at Dexter. “Be honest with her and tell her what you told us last night.”
Now they have my interest, even though that’s the last thing I want to admit.
After giving Lucius stink-eye one more time, I head toward the available rear suite as Dexter falls into step behind me.
Not everyone gets to use these. The main vampire staff, like Maximus, Tiberius, Augustus, and others. Or VIPs Lucius okays.
Like Not-Ianto.
They have en suite bathrooms and secure interior locks. Every once in a while, a vampire will stay a few days if they’re new in town and need a safe daytime sleeping spot before they acquire their own.
I stand in the doorway, waiting for the household human to finish checking everything. He pauses in the doorway, bowing his head to me. “It’s ready, ma’am.”
“Thank you.”
He offers me a nervous smile and skitters back to the main part of the dungeon. Turning to Dexter, I hold out a hand, indicating for him to go. “And here we are.”
“After you—ladies first.”
“You havenoidea how much of a lady I might or might not be.” I head inside, pausing so I can close and lock the door once he’s inside.
His chuckle tightens my traitorous nipples even more. “You’re absolutely right. I don’t. But I am a man of my word.”
There’s the bed and a comfortable lounging chair, unless I want to sit on the dresser.
Which I don’t.
