“And then we come here,” Rodney tilted his head and his gaze skewered me again, “and find there’s some discord between vampires and witches, and I’m wondering what is so special about this one that you would harbor her instead of tearing her pretty head from her neck or sucking her dry?”
The threat roiled through me and my head began to pound. I wanted to respond, but I forced myself not to. I waited for Karson to react, but he showed not a trace of concern on his features. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves casually. “You know, Rodney, everything I do is for a reason, and this particular witch is of no concern to anyone but me.”
Rodney’s eyes followed Karson’s movements warily. “Well, then, old friend.” He brightened his tone. “Perhaps we can share a drink and catch up. It’s been far too long, and from what I hear, you could do with my help.”
Karson smiled as if the notion was absurd. “We have everything well under control, but a drink with one of my dearest friends sounds like a splendid way to spend the afternoon.”
Monique smiled like her lips were pulled by a string. “A drink will remove the bitter taste in my mouth.” She staked Kennethwith her gaze before she strutted through the group toward the ballroom, her hips and ass swinging like she knew Kenneth’s eyes were hooked to them.
“Perhaps you’d like to find something else to do?” Karson said, barely throwing me a sideways glance.
His dismissal panged through me, but I kept my back straight, my expression bored. I tossed my hair over my shoulder and muttered, “Sure, I’ll just go and order some sage, shall I? I’ve heard it’s fantastic for repelling negative energies.”
Karson ignored me as if I hadn’t spoken. Instead, he slipped his palm to the middle of Rodney’s back and shepherded them all to the ballroom.
Michael tossed me an apologetic look before he followed them in. I knew they were dangerous; knew he didn’t want me anywhere near them. I could reason it all in my head, but no matter what I told myself, when I was left standing alone, rejection flayed me bare.
Chapter 29
Killer Clown
My head propped up with pillows on the bed, I checked my phone. Ethan hadn’t sent me a word today. Sighing, I grabbed the dark romance book I was reading. Even a twelve-inch cock couldn’t keep me gripped. How did a twelve-inch cock even fit? I put the book down and cupped my fingers together, trying to work out what the size would look like. A cucumber, no bigger, a candle, and not a tapered one, a large glass one but longer. It would be like giving birth every time you had sex. Surely, your flaps would end up so loose they’d be clapping every time you walked. Like your own little personal cheer squad. I chuckled at the thought. Reaching over, I opened the bedside drawer and took out my ring. The last gift my mother gave me. It was beautiful, with delicate etching on the gold, and a bright emerald stone. I twirled it in my palm. Now that I was used to the vibration of my powers, when I held the ring, I could feel them slide away, dull to nothing. I felt … empty without them.
I sat the ring on my bedside table, frustrated by being cooped up. Bored. Lonely. Annoyed I’d been sent to my room like a child. My stomach rumbled. Surely, he didn’t expect me not to eat. I climbed out of bed and headed back downstairs. Musicthumped through the ballroom doors and covered the sound of my steps. I didn’t go to the kitchen. I craved fresh air. I craved freedom. My chest churned with restlessness. Weeks of being stuck in the house had taken its toll.
I slipped out of the door and paused on top of the stairs, my eyes taking in the syrupy glow of sunset spreading across the horizon like a phoenix’s wing. It was breathtaking, but even the sunset couldn’t soothe me tonight. A walk might help; a run would be better. I slipped left, along the side of the house. Voices from around the corner halted my legs.
“Come on, old friend, now that we are alone, tell me why that witch stains your presence?” Rodney said.
My fingers curled, digging into my palms. I held my breath and waited for Karson to growl and put him back in the box he’d crawled from.
“I have told you,” Karson responded, hardly a growl, not even a trace of annoyance in his tone. “She is my business.”
I knew I shouldn’t eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help myself. They were talking about me, after all. It would be naive not to. I pressed against the wall and listened.
“Do you forget witches are our enemies?”
“You were the enemy once too, if my memory serves me correctly,” Karson stated casually.
Rodney snorted. “I was never the enemy. I’ve always been loyal to you. I will always be loyal to you.”
I’m loyal too, asshole, I wanted to cry out.
There was a long moment of silence, before Rodney sneered, “You cannot possibly have her in your bed?”
“What I do with her is not up for discussion.”
“You’re fucking her?” There was disbelief in his tone. “Have you lost your mind?” There was another long pause and I waited for Karson to rip into him. He remained quiet. Why wasn’t he putting the prick back in his place? Though it was silly wantinghim to defend me—defend us. Karson was extremely private; he kept nearly everything he did to himself.
“At least tell me you’ve not fallen for her.”
Karson scoffed. “Don’t be ridiculous, as if I would ever fall for a girl like her. She’s merely a fun toy to play with.”
There was a heavy hollow bleeding in my chest.
I care because you are important to me, Karson’s words replayed in my head.
He was lying to him. He didn’t mean it I decided, of course he didn’t. He was trying to convince Rodney he didn’t care.
