Page 23 of Viktor

“My pilots are the very best. No need to worry about anything up here.”

“You’d think I’d be used to it by now.” At the sight of dark clouds in the distance, Waverly took a gulp of her champagne. “Is that a storm?”

“The pilot will fly around them. Would you like something to eat?” Viktor asked.

As if on cue, the perky brunette flight attendant appeared. “Would you like lunch, mademoiselle? We have croissant sandwiches, charcuterie, homemade pastries, chocolates.”

“A sandwich would be lovely.” Waverly recalled their conversation about food and wondered if he’d drank blood yet today.

Rafe pulled out a pair of headphones from his backpack. “Noise cancelling. I’m gonna get in a nap.”

Viktor smiled, silent as the flight attendant set out a china platter topped with petite sandwiches. She unfolded a napkin, draping it over Waverly’s lap and set a bottle of Perrier onto the side table.

Waverly reached for a croissant and attempted to bite down as gracefully as she could. Tiny pieces of bread flaked everywhere. A delightful, flavorful bite of turkey and spiced mayo danced over her tongue. “Mmm…this is delicious.”

“Good,” Viktor responded.

Waverly’s eyes narrowed in on his strong fingers as he tipped his glass and sipped.

“How is it you don’t eat food but drink champagne?”

Viktor gave a secretive smile. “Long story.”

“Long flight. What gives? Is it a requirement for vampires to look debonair and drink expensive wines?”

“I enjoy champagne every now and then,” Viktor commented blithely. “In truth, it’s linked to a memory, a brief encounter with an Englishman. While it was the monks who are often credited with the creation of champagne, he was the one who really discovered it.”

“A monk?”

“Oui. Dom Pérignon. He was a Benedictine monk. But it was my lad, Christopher Merrett who discovered the bubbly one fine eve. And what a lovely eve it was.”

His story reminded Waverly that he wasn’t just another human. He’d been walking the earth for many years. He spoke as if he’d known so many who lived long ago, because he’d experienced it himself.

“Please don’t take this the wrong way. But exactly how old are you?” She gave him a tight smile as if bracing for bad news.

“I’m as old as the night and day.” Viktor gave a small laugh. “Over a thousand years I’ve walked this big, blue, space rock.”

“Thousand?” A knot formed in her throat.

“Yes, pet. Don’t look so shocked.”

“There’s no way that’s possible. Look at you. You’re so young. So fit. So…” Handsome. Ripped. Ridiculously fucking sexy. Her eyes drifted to his chest and snapped back up to meet his gaze. “Well, I just meant you don’t look—”

“Immortal? I’ve seen lifetimes of joy. And of death.” Viktor sighed. “But all you need to know at this moment is that I find you quite fascinating. Intriguing, indeed.”

“I’m not that exciting.” Waverly smiled, warmth in her expression. She wished she could tell him she wasn’t interested in him, but she’d be lying. This dangerous vampire attracted her like no other man…but he wasn’t just a man. With a deep cleansing breath, she willed away the feelings that curled in her chest. No dating vampires.

“Why are you doing this? Any of this? Taking care of me. Following me,” she pressed.

“You really want the truth?” He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Yes, but you shouldn’t get involved anymore. I have this feeling something very bad is going to happen. Something worse is going to happen.” Waverly contemplated revealing her visions but decided otherwise. While some people might consider her ability a gift, she thought it a curse.

“After you left, I talked to the maître d’, and he kindly offered me your information.”

“Did he?”

“Perhaps he had a little persuasion.” He grinned. “The reality is that ladies who go to blood clubs are there to be bitten. You clearly weren’t interested. Regardless of why you were there, I don’t like bullies. I suppose the second I decided to intervene, to kill that vampire…you’re my responsibility now.”