So I acted like I gave a damn what he had to say.
Holstering the gun, I shrugged. “They thought it was a show. They’re all drunk and horny anyway. What do they care as long as they get laid and get more of the punch?”
“You should be more concerned about the vampires who just saw you behead an old vampire and her companion—possibly friends of theirs.”
“Then they chose the wrong friends.”
“Don’t be fucking flippant!” He jerked a finger at the room. “Those vampires are going to want retribution.”
I stared him dead in the eye. “Thatwasretribution. They fed me and who knows how many other vampires poisoned blood. Blood, dying blood from laudanum. If the corrupted blood doesn’t get them, the poison will.”
He paused. “Fuck. Why didn’t you lead with that?”
“Because I’m positive Lord Otto and Lord Cato knew what was happening. I didn’t need to tell anyone. They already knew and wanted to see how I would handle it. And, besides, everyone in that room is blood drunk and screwing whatever they could grab!” I tore my arm out of his grip. “I should have done the same. I should have had a nice dick in there, got drunk off the blood, and had a good night instead of trying to keep myself sober and rational for my Challenge tomorrow.”
My feet pounded hard against the rock floor as I turned to march away from him.
Growling, he caught up with me. “Regardless, you caused a scene in there that didn’t need to happen. If the overlords knew, then you should have let them handle it. So what the hell is your problem?”
I glanced at him. “Back there? Hortensia. Now? You.”
“What kind of bullshit answer is that?”
“There’s nothing bullshit about it.”
“Are you drunk? Or just this childish?”
I ground my teeth together, a fleeting embarrassing flush staining my cheeks. “I was surrounded by two thousand willing humans! You think I didn’t partake?”
“Didn’t anyone—”
“For shit’s sake, Master Niallan—”
“Call me Nial.”
“Whatever. As you wish. But, like I was saying, I’m not childish like you said. I just didn’t expect to have an attempt on my life during the Blood Rite. So, yes, I enjoyed myself.” I growled under my breath, conceding one issue. “Maybe a little too much.”
“You’re a stupid girl, you know that?”
“And you’re an asshole. And now, I’m probably not even going to find a couch arm to rub off on thanks to this mess.”
“Why the hell would you rub off on a couch arm?” His anger was gone, replaced with confusion.
“Because I’m a candidate, and I’m not just going to sit and spin on any old unknown dick that points my way, no matter how blood drunk and horny I am!”
“Are you horny?”
“Oh for—” I started to walk away and then trudged right back. “I had one guy come while I was drinking, and I helped another come while my best friend rode him. Do you think I’m horny?”
“You really want to take a ride on a dick, don’t you?”
I muttered, “Go away.”
Lifting an eyebrow slowly, he considered me. “I wouldn’t mind getting laid.”
I tripped over my own feet, barely catching myself from taking a header into the floor. With my arms braced out away from my body, steadying myself, I cast a glance at him from the corner of my eye.
Oh. My.
