And it’s not like you’re…exclusive to Ziros or something.
Heck, heleft. He left you with no way to contact him, no way to know if he ever plans to come back.
Jerk.
It feels petty, but maybe a small part of you actuallylikesthe idea of making him jealous
You smile to yourself at that idea as you cook dinner, then take a shower and dress.
All the while, feeling a little crazy.
Is this a terrible, bad, awful idea?
Maybe.
Probably.
Definitely.
Yet as you pull on a little red dress that will match The Crimson Palace’s aesthetic perfectly, you can’t help but smile softly to yourself.
Malcolm is going to help you find Ziros.
All you have to do is let someone drink a little of your blood.
No big deal.
At precisely midnight, you arrive back at The Crimson Palace.
You try not to think too hard about what you’re doing as you step inside, greeted this time by the sultry tunes of low jazz music.
The club is busy now, with couples seated in booths throughout the room, drinking sparkling beverages from champagne glasses.
At least…someof them are drinking champagne.
You blush, feeling like you’re witnessing something private as you try not to look at the couple in the nearest booth, one moaning as the other drinks.
Notchampagne.
“Welcome back,” Malcolm says, appearing at your side as you walk in. “Please, right this way.”
He’s just as well-dressed as yesterday.
Before you can change your mind and turn back, he leads you toward the door at the back labeledVIP.
Not to one of the public booths or tables?
Somehow that might have felt…safer, though you imagine it also would have left you feeling a bit watched.
Through the VIP door is a long hallway of numbered doors, and Malcolm opens the farthest one, gesturing you through.
To your relief yet also apprehension, there’s no one inside.
Yet.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Malcolm says as he shuts you in. “Your client will be along shortly.”
As the door clicks shut, you gulp, swallowing hard.
