We sipped on our drinks and then I said, “I mean, what the hellwasthat?”
Joseph grimaced. “I have no idea. But it was?—”
“Bad. So bad.” I shook my head. “So, where does that leave us?”
“Where do you want it to leave us?” he asked.
“This is weird, because I don’t really know you, but I feel like we have a connection.”
“Same.”
“I like you.”
“Like as a friend?”
“Yes. So, maybe we can be friends. If it’s allowed?”
His brow crinkled. “Why wouldn’t it be allowed?”
“Because of the VGO. My blood bargain with you guys, I mean.”
“You aren’t planning on skipping town, are you? Reneging on our bargain?”
“No, not at all,” I said solemnly, so there was no room for interpretation on his part. “I made a deal, and I’m a woman of my word.”
“Good,” he said offhandedly, as if he wasn’t bothered about my blood either way. “So, there should be no problem.”
“I just didn’t know if you’d get into trouble for being buddy-buddy with me, because of who you are. Being so high up.”
He seemed amused. “It’s decent of you to be concerned about my welfare after everything we’ve put you through, Olivia. I know the VGO’s treatment of you has been harsh.”
He could say that again.
“But as you’ve pointed out, I do have some pull within the organization.”
“Right.”
He chuckled. “Wait. You don’t seriously believe the VGO sent me here on orders, do you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Didn’t you find it strange that I came to take your blood and not a lab tech?”
“Funny you say that, because I thought that when I saw you. I almost passed out when I opened the door to find you standing there.”
He smirked. “I do have quite the effect on ladies, don’t I?”
I rolled my eyes.
“I wanted to see you. I fancied you when we first met.”
“Duh.” I smirked. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out better.”
“Don’t be. I have few genuine female friends that I can talk with so openly. Vampires are very sexual beings, if you didn’t know.”
Oh, yeah, I knew. I’d spent enough time with Robert to knowthat.
Joseph sat back on the sofa. “I’m glad I came, and that we’ve become friends. I had fun with you tonight.”
