Why not? Is it because he got held up at work, or because he’s no longer Jaxson’s plus-one?
Vane glances at the space I’ve put between us, his eyes narrowing. I smile awkwardly.
“Ah, look, there’s Vyvyan,” I say to divert Vane’s attention until I realize Vyvyan is glaring at Jax, who is back to scowling at Vane. Good heavens. If she stirs up drama, I’ll have to leave my brother’s party. I’d rather chew off my own foot.
“Vyvyan, I can see your boobs,” I practically shout, and as intended, everyone’s attention shifts to her chest. “That dress is so sheer. You might as well be naked.”
Vyvyan grins, soaking up the attention. Vyvyan and I have a history. She once tried to kill me when she was the vampire queen, worried I’d threaten her partnership with Vane. We’ve gotten past that, and now both of us carry the Bathory royal name. But she’s still fiercely protective of him. She tolerates me, and I do the same for her.
“It’s as if you’ve never seen a woman’s body before, Desiree. I thought you were some kind of healer?” Vyvyan deadpans, nottaking her eyes off Jax, who has his arms crossed and is staring at his feet.
Vane follows her gaze. My unease intensifies.
Vane can sense emotions and thoughts, sometimes even glimpses of the future. He’s definitely reading all of Jaxson’s thoughts right now. His eyes are unblinking and focused, as if he’s dissecting each of Jax’s secrets with a surgeon’s skill.
Jax glares at him. Vane grins back—that knowing grin that says,I know all your dirty secrets.
Jax’s fists clench.
The air between them crackles with years of unresolved issues, mostly involving me. Vane Turned me, Jaxson wanted me to take the cure and be with him. Again, I thought we had moved past this. Vane’s grin widens, challenging him. Jax’s shoulders bunch up, muscles tensing like a hungry animal ready to pounce. He’s moments away from swinging his fist at Vane’s pretty face.
My heart pounds against my ribs. A few guests have started to notice, their conversations faltering as they sense the shift in the formerly jovial atmosphere.
Dammit. They can’t do this. Not here. Not now. This is supposed to be a party, not their battlefield. I know Jax is hurting—the breakup, if that’s the reason behind his sour mood, must’ve destroyed him—but he needs to back the hell off.
Vane’s not the one who broke his heart.
Anselm is, and Jax is seeking comfort with me because I am familiar and safe.
Vyvyan bares her fangs. “Do you have a problem, Jaxson?”
“Not with you,” Jax says tightly to the tiny vampire.
“Then you should stop staring at Vane like he’s cheated you at cards if you don’t want to have a problem with me.” Her nails look poised to strike his face.
“Vyvyan,” I warn with forced lightness. This is all a misunderstanding. “I’m sure he wasn’t.”
Ry flashes me a sympathetic look, then quickly moves toward Pallas across the room, leaving me with this hostile mess. I consider begging him to stay. I’m not trying to get between Vane and Jaxson. Choosing sides between my husband and best friend would create a bigger rift between them, but if Jaxson is upset because of me, then I need to try to diffuse the situation. I want us all to get along.
“I beg to differ,” Vyvyan snaps at me. “My eyes are sharper than a tack. He was staring like he was plotting to gut Vane, then toss you over his shoulder and make a run for it.”
“He was not.”
“I’m just enjoying the party,” Jax replies calmly, but the turbulent look in his eyes betrays his calm façade. “But, Desi, could we?—”
“I don’t blame you, Jaxson. Desiree does look delicious tonight.” Vane reaches for me with a predatory smile. He tugs me closer, lips grazing my ear as he whispers, “Shetastesdelicious, too.”
Every muscle in Jaxson’s body goes rigid. I’m too stunned to speak.
“We’ll talk later, Desi,” he snaps before storming off.
Fuck. I need to fix this. I don’t want Jax mad at me. Vane didn’t need to say what he did.
“Congratulations,” I hiss at Vane. “You won Jerk-Off of the Night.” I’m not embarrassed by Vane’s comment; I’m open about our relationship. I hate having to remind Jax that I’m married to someone who can read his mind and use it against him. Jax is upset about something, and I want to find out what it is. If it’s about me, I’ll remind him why we don’t work, and he will realize he was having a lapse in judgment.
I follow Jax. Vane sighs behind me.
“Don’t walk away from your king,” Vyvyan snarls.
