Setting the cigar in the ashtray on Beatrice’s table, he offered a grin of his own.
Taking the glass, Perfidious ensured his fingers brushed hers. Had he wanted, he could’ve used that brief touch to hold a connection to the human, allowing him to monitor her every move. And while he did that on occasion, it was rare. Most humans bored him, this one included.
What was perhaps the most interesting was when he’d done the same to Penelope … he’d been unable to make that link. Meaning she’d already been touched by an angel.
Pity.
“Thank you, Vivian,” Perfidious said, keeping his voice low and seductive. The charm wasn’t necessary, but it was fun. “Lovely name to go with such a lovely creature.”
“Thank you.”
Holding the female’s dull blue gaze, he willed her to follow him. No, she wasn’t Penelope Calazans but she would do in a pinch.
“Have a good night, Beatrice,” he told the dealer, offering her a quick wave.
Once they’d made it closer to the exit, the waitress set her tray down while Perfidious downed the watery shit they pretended was free alcohol, then discarded the glass. Once outside, he strolled toward a set of bushes used to decorate the monstrosity they called a hotel. As he studied the rather hideous arrangement of greenery, he came up with the perfect way to spruce them up.
“Come here, beautiful,” Perfidious whispered, waiting until the loose-legged female approached. “Do you know Penelope Calazans?”
She nodded, her eyes blank.
“Is she a friend of yours?”
“Co-worker.”
Not close, then. Too bad. “Vivian, I’d like to send Penelope a message.”
“I really don’t talk to her much,” she said softly.
“No worries. I won’t need you to talk to her.” He moved closer, ran his finger over her cheek.
Vivian didn’t say a word as he leaned in, let his lips brush hers. The female sighed, her eyes glazed from the trance she was in.
Aware they were in direct view of the dozens who meandered in and out of the nearby doors, Perfidious backed the female against the wall, crowded her with his much bigger body.
“I would give you an orgasm,” he informed her as he peppered kisses on her mouth. “However, I’m not in a giving mood tonight.”
So, rather than thrust his fingers between her skinny thighs, Perfidious sealed his lips to hers. As his tongue stroked into her mouth, she relaxed in his arms with a contented sigh. Figuring she deserved at least a little tease, he sucked on her tongue, allowing the kiss to warm her, to make her squirm with anticipation.
After all, it was the last thing she would ever feel.
With their tongues dancing, their lips fused together, Perfidious did what he did best. He inhaled her soul, drawing it right out of her body and into his. As he felt the life leave her, he pulled back, stared. This was the best part, when their life dissolved into nothingness. The unlucky female wouldn’t see Heaven or Hell because he’d consumed her very essence.
“Nothing to write home about,” he assured her, tossing the lump of skin and bones into the bushes.
Turning away from the garden’s new decoration, Perfidious straightened his suit jacket and sauntered out into the night.
Perhaps that would give those warrior assholes some idea that he was here, that he knew where theamsouelotwas. Admittedly, he enjoyed the games. It made his existence far more interesting.
However, the list was a long one, so he knew he couldn’t stick around indefinitely.
Which meant Penelope’s time was almost up.
“YOUKNOWWE’RENOTGONNAFINDANYaction out here,” Reidar griped as they strolled down the strip.
Obsidian felt theladeare’sdisappointment.
They passed a group of human males stumbling along, laughing when one all but face-planted on the concrete.
