I’m literally humming as I take my shower. Shaving is always interesting, since I can’t see my reflection, but electric razors make that chore much easier.
There’s an inner light growing within me. Even if tonight’s meeting ends with no deal being struck, I’ll be happy just to have spent it with Eilidh.
I’m hoping she’ll want to return here after the meeting to at least talk some more.
Yes, I know exactly when John and Mark escort her to my suite, and it takes every ounce of self-control I have not to dash out there wet and butt-naked to greet her.
Smooth, Van Sussex. Very smooth.
I down another bag of blood, cold, as I decide what to wear. Three-piece suit tonight, no tie. I finally settle on a charcoal blazer, slacks, and vest, with a midnight blue shirt, open at the collar.
I don’t care what the werewolves think of my appearance. I know they belittle Lucius’ men and think them too “perfect,” too “fake.” Too “pretty.” It’s a common complaint shifters make about vampires.
Shifters have all these blessings of power, combined with the best of humanity in their veins, the ability to run in the sun and havechildren, yet they can’t get past petty jealousy.
I’m aware of her out there, sitting in the living room and awaiting me. They’ll have dinner up for us shortly.
I’m actually hoping I can talk her into ice cream or coffee after the meeting. Doing something…mundane.
Once I’ve dressed and realize I am only stalling because I’m nervous, I finally nudge the doorstop out of the way and open the bedroom door.
Her scent hits me first—light, sweet, with a hint of apricot spice. She stands and…
My cock immediately hardens. Without thinking, I reach down and adjust myself because I just cannoteven…
She’s gorgeous. Black hair flowing loose just past her shoulders, the barest hints of makeup, and a simple but elegant knee-length black dress with a black embroidered wrap over her bare shoulders…
Oh, fates help me, the three-inch black pumps expose her calves and make me drool.
“Well? How do I look?” she finally asks, and I realize how nervous she feels.
Even more than me.
“Breathtaking. Simply…perfect.” I force myself across the room and hold out my hand to her. “May I?”
She nods and places her hand in mine.
With my gaze on hers, I brush my lips over the back of her hand, lingering there, deeply inhaling her scent. “You look amazing.”
Her mouth quirks in a lopsided smile. “Thanks. I didn’t think you could look hotter, but you do.”
“Thank you.” I open my arms to her and she steps in, tense at first, but then relaxes against me. I bury my face inherhair and inhale again. No wig this time. “Your hair is beautiful. Thank you for not wearing a wig tonight.”
“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” she mutters against me.
“What?” I look down at her. “Why?”
She sighs. “It’s a…story. Part of my story. The bitch of it is, I don’tknowwhy, but it is why I wear wigs to work.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Yeah, well, neither do I.”
There’s a knock on the door, and I know it’s Mark. I release Eilidh and answer it, and he rolls in the cart with our dinner. I escort Eilidh over to the table, holding her chair for her and then help Mark set everything out. Once we’re alone again, I take my seat.
“I hope this is all right?” I opted for lasagna as our main course because Selene told me it was one of Eilidh’s favorites.
“It’s wonderful, thank you.”
