“I will have to be … different.”
He had a role to play and I had mine. “I know.”
“Do not hate me.”
I blinked in surprise. In those four words—in his eyes—was a pleading. Christ, what would I see? It was a vampire dinner with vampires almost as ancient as he was.
I took his warm hand and squeezed. “Never. I better finish getting ready.” I scampered off to the bathroom before he could say any more.
My body quivered with nerves as I applied makeup. I made it heavier than usual; I used deep-brown eyeshadows and dark kohl eyeliner. Probably it was stupid, but if I had to be strong tonight, I wanted to look like I was strong, as if what I wore and how I looked could enhance the strength inside somehow.
When I moved back into the room, lying on the bed was a sleek long black gown. On it was a note written in black calligraphy-style writing that put my messy scrawl to shame and read,You should wear this. K xxx
Wear that! To dinner at home with vampires showing my neck, shoulders and décolletage. It was an evening gown, something you would wear to elegant parties. It was fitted and the fabric wasn’t stretchy, so I could barely breathe in it, let alone fight. “Wear what makes you comfortable,” he said, “don’t act, just be yourself.”
I sighed and got dressed.
Chapter 41
Dinner With Vampires
The dining table had been placed in the middle of the foyer—perhaps Karson was concerned about having vampires in an enclosed space with Georgie and me?
It was set with candles glittering against dim lighting for its entire length. Vases of white flowers dotted the mid-section. The rest was perfectly laid with white dinner plates, glasses, and silver goblets. The air smelled of vanilla and caramel with a hint of cinnamon. Soft music floated from the entertainment room.
The vampires, sitting at the table and chatting, were dressed in attire I’d expect at a wedding.
They turned to look as I walked along the hallway, and suddenly I wanted to run back to the bedroom and get changed.
Karson stood up, running his eyes over my body, the light dancing in them as he smiled.
Rodney stood as well. “Amelia, you look,” he paused, “lovely.”
I barely gave him a nod as I walked down the stairs.
“I see you didn’t wear what I laid out for you,” Karson said, still smiling.
I rolled up the long sleeves of the gray V-neck jumper—his jumper, which hung like a sack on me—which I’d paired with my black leather pants.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I thought that was a night gown for later and you told me to wear what I was comfortable in.” I smiled up at him as he kissed my cheek.
“Oh, good lord, there is simply no hope for some people,” Monique quipped. Her black hair was up in a loose bun, wispy strands framing her petite face. Her dark eyes were highlighted with soft gold eyeshadow and dark eyeliner. She wore a low-cut, long-sleeved ivory silk dress. She looked stunning.
Karson pulled out a chair for me between him and Michael. Seated next to Michael was Georgie, then Monique, and Josh. Opposite me was Janice. Great, I would be pulling knives out of my face all night. Better than my back, I supposed, at least I could see them coming. Kenneth and Rodney were seated at the other end of the table, with Eric a chair away from them.
“What a stunning necklace.” Rodney’s eyes homed in on the jewel as he sat back down.
I forced a smile. “Thank you.”
“You have impeccable taste, Karson, as always, my friend.”
How did he know Karson bought it for me? Karson nodded his thanks, pouring a glass of red and handing it to me.
I took a sip of wine. Eric moved his gaze between Georgie and me. Georgie caught his gaze and smiled shyly at him.
“Tell me, Amy, where did you and Karson meet?” Rodney asked.
“In a bar,” I answered smoothly, putting my glass down.
