“You live well at the Rubicon.” I remark, and he nods.
“I told you, we are paid well for our services, and money is never a consideration.”
I shiver. Blood money, I’m guessing, but I can’t complain about that.
I wander around smiling to myself because this room is all Blade. The walls are painted a deep charcoal, the couch is the same color, and there are no feminine touches at all. A huge painting of a Harley Davidson takes pride of place on the wall opposite the screen, and there are no photographs. The kitchenette is sparse, with nothing decorating the countertop and only one bar stool propped up against it.
“You don’t entertain?” I ask, and he shrugs.
“No. This is my personal space. If I want company, I go to the bar or–”
His voice trails off, and I take a deep breath.
“Not here?”
He knows what I’m referring to and shakes his head. “No.”
He offers no further explanation, but for some reason, I’m touched that he suggested we come here tonight. Perhaps I am the first, and I’m honored.
Not that I’m here for, well, anything other than sleep, so maybe that doesn’t count.
He drops onto the couch and leans forward, the muscles rippling in his arms as he leans on his thighs.
“What do you think of the place?”
“What, the Rubicon, or your condo?”
“Everything.”
I’m surprised that he asks, and I smile. “I love it here. What’s not to.”
I detect a hint of relief in his expression, but I may just be kidding myself. It’s important to me what Blade thinks, and I’m hoping for some reason that he wants me to stay.
He nods toward the other door.
“My bedroom is through there. It’s up to you if you want to stay tonight and if you do, well, I can take the couch.”
I’m not sure why I’m so disappointed at that and wonder if he’s letting me down gently. I mean, those women; they are gorgeous, every single one of them, and my heart sinks.
He doesn’t want me.
“I couldn’t take your bed; perhaps I should, well, grow some balls as they say and brave it out alone in my room.”
He raises his eyes.
“Is that what you want?”
NO!
I want to scream it, but I don’t want him to offer me a room out of obligation.
“Perhaps it’s for the best.”
He nods, no expression on his unreadable face.
“That’s your choice, darlin’.”
I hate how this conversation turned out. I don’t want to sleep without Blade. I’ve gotten used to him being beside me, and this place may be welcoming, but it’s still quite terrifying.
