“Who told you to organize this party?”
“A member of the board, although technically it was her son who encouraged it. For as demanding as the pharmaceutical business is, our family falls low on the rungs of power in Wolf Hollow. When a demand comes from a higher position, we tend to bow as gracefully as possible.”
It made sense, given the sorry state of the castle’s exterior.
“And you jumped to the conclusion I was here to steal the diamond?”
“Wouldn’t be a stretch, considering your portfolio.” Evie lets out a quiet laugh, “But no. The Dragon’s daughter passed along the information. Her name is-
“Calista Drache.” I close my eyes with a sigh, “I am familiar with the she-devil in town.”
“Would you like a canister of poisonous gas? I can’t guarantee survival but it might buy you some time.”
“Thanks for the offer, but I’ve got this one.”
I’m lying through my teeth but God knows I don’t want to kill the woman.
I want to do a lot of things to her but kill isn’t one of them.
Chapter 16
CALISTA
There is nothing as thrilling as the chase.
The pursuit. The seduction. The conquest.
It’s an artform most women master at an early age. The misconception is that men hold the power with their strength and confidence, but at the end of the day, a woman will always hold the winning hand.
Knowing when to tease. Knowing how to seduce.
Two things not many can refuse.
“I-It’s just through here.”
There’s a stutter to the maid’s voice, a nervous lilt that’s only gotten worse the farther we get from the party. She’s a jittery little thing, constantly looking over her shoulder as if one of the White siblings are going to pop out at any moment.
I run a fingernail down her back, enjoying the way she shivers against my touch. It is just another thing I love about women –they are so sensitive to the slightest sensation, it makes it easy to ensure their satisfaction.
“Do you come here often?”
A blush creeps up her neck, a delicate rosé that pairs perfectly with this evening.
“The staff are not allowed in this part of the castle.” Her eyes dart back towards me, “But most of us have made a trip to see the Queen herself.”
“Mm, the Evil Queen was quite the woman.”
“It is said she could kill ten men with just one potion. Can you imagine?” A hand jumps up to cover her mouth, “My apologies, I should not speak ill of the dead. Please forgive me.”
Taking the hand from her mouth, I bring it up to mine. She watches me kiss it with an awestruck expression, the cool press of my fingers and the teasing nip of my teeth making that blush increase by a tenfold.
“The dead ought to be remembered how they were, not how they were perceived to be.” Squeezing her fingers, I kiss them again, “Do not waste your apologies on people who do not deserve them.”
“That is kind of you to say, but-
“But nothing.” Dropping her hand, I look her dead in the eye, “This world will take until you can give no more. Learn to withstand the judgement of others and maybe one day you will wind up with more than what you started with.”
Her mouth opens and closes.
