I smiled. "That's really nice of you, Malachi. I don't know many brothers who'd let their sister run a club like this in their own house."
He sounded amused. "I've grown used to her antics over the years. At this point, I'm not surprised by anything she does. Come through this door, please."
I wanted to ask him more about himself and his family, but as I stepped past the door, I was distracted by the ornate hallway surrounding us. The wallpaper was old but beautiful, like something out of a movie set. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, flickering with diamonds. The atmosphere felt rich and luxurious. It wasn't something I expected in a club. Then again, Malachi did say this was his home. And it didn't seem like this was an area that just anybody was allowed into—it felt intimate, off-limits to most patrons.
So why had he brought me here?
"Sorry for the long journey," Malachi said. "We're almost there."
"Oh, it's okay. I just like hanging out with you."
When he glanced at me over his shoulder, the corner of his mouth was curved into a smile that sent butterflies swarming through my chest.
Finally Malachi stopped in front of another ornate door. When it open, it revealed a dark but inviting bedroom. A huge fourposter bed was surrounded by black velvet drapes. Sweetly scented candles glowed by the bedside table. Behind them was a wide mirror that echoed their reflection, making the already large room appear bigger than it was.
"Sorry for the mess," Malachi murmured, pinching one of the drapes and flattening a slight crease in the fabric.
I burst out into a laugh. "You think this is messy? You should see my apartment."
His rose quartz eyes sparkled. "I would love to."
His response to my self-deprecating joke surprised me. Heat flooded into my cheeks. Why would he want to see my crappy place?
"There's nothing special about it at all, not like this," I said, gesturing to the beautiful room.
"But you live there."
I looked over to Malachi. He gazed at me with an intensity that pleasantly twisted my stomach. I wasn't used to anybody staring at me like that.
It struck me suddenly that we were completely alone. But it was a different sensation than when I was alone with Carnassial. With him, I felt uneasy and nervous. With Malachi, I felt safe and at peace, even with my racing heartbeat.
I swallowed, trying not to notice how loud it seemed. "So… Is there something you wanted to show me?"
My mind was so fuzzy, I barely remembered why Malachi had led me away from the rest of the people in the first place. All I knew was that I wanted to follow him. My time here was worth it if it was spent with him.
Malachi cleared his throat. "Right." He turned his gaze towards the opposite wall, like he'd just remembered it was rude to stare. Not that I minded. "Scotty, about that waiver… It highlighted some key points that were incredibly important when it comes to consent in this club."
I winced, still feeling guilty about that. My first time at one of these places and I'd royally screwed it up. "Sorry. If it's okay with you, could you maybe go over them with me now? I want to act the right way here."
"This isn't about the club. This is about you and your safety."
His sharp eyes focused on me again, making the butterflies flap their wings harder. A tingly sensation crawled over my skin, pleasant and warm.
"Okay," I said, nodding. "I'm listening. Please teach me."
For some reason, Malachi almost looked nervous. I didn't think it was possible for a cool, composed man like him to feel anxious.
"I'm just going to say it. I'll respect whatever decision you make, even if you choose to leave."
What was he talking about? I furled my brows. "I don't want to leave."
He didn't look convinced. "You might after I tell you what was truly in the waiver."
"Malachi, just tell me. Please."
"Fine." He took a second to compose himself and said, "I'm a vampire."
6
