Page 47 of Viktor

Viktor lifted her wrist to his lips and brushed a kiss to the back of her hand. “I’m sorry.”

At his touch, her body relaxed. She nodded, overwhelmed with the calming sensation. She smiled. “How are you doing that?”

“What?” He winked.

“You know.”

“Ah, at least some of my tricks seem to work with you.” Viktor opened his mouth as if to continue but abruptly switched topics. “Greyson is my brother.”

“Your brother? Wait. What is he doing here? Does he live in New Orleans?”

“So many questions, pet. To be honest, it’s been years since I’ve seen him. I wasn’t sure he’d come.”

“You invited him here?” Her mouth gaped open in shock.

“Yes, I did invite him. I wasn’t banking on him showing up but here he is. Pleasant as always.” He shook his head. “I needed to see him.”

“How did he get in your bedroom?”

“Yeah, that.” He gave a tight smile. “I’m sorry.”

Waverly flushed with the memory, still hungry for her vampire. His sultry gaze told her he was thinking the same.

He sighed. “As tempting as you are, I’d better get dressed before he grows impatient. He’s already pissed at me, and I don’t want to keep him waiting long.”

“He’s upset with you?” she asked.

“Ah, yes. Long story.”

“Why did you ask him here?” Her mind swam with questions.

“To help with the painting. He’s an expert of sorts. Once upon a time, he knew the nun’s family. He most likely can verify its authenticity. Maybe give us insight as to why this thing is after you.”

Viktor stood and crossed the room. He swung open the doors to a large black armoire and retrieved a pair of gray sweatpants, dressing as he continued. “He knows about the works that the church commissioned. Spent time at the Vatican as well.”

“You don’t look alike.” The domineering vampire’s dark curly hair was a stark contrast to Viktor’s sleek blond mane.

“We weren’t born to the same human mother, but we were sired by the same master. And we’ve spent hundreds of years together. We have saved each other more than once.”

Waverly gave him a sympathetic smile. She’d seen the visions, the beatings. She couldn’t take away his pain, only attempt to understand. I’m sorry this happened to you.

“No worries,” he replied although she’d spoken no words.

“Sorry, what?” Waverly shot him a look of surprise. Did he hear me?

“I’ve survived all these years. It’s going to be all right.” Viktor moved toward her, reaching for her hand and pulling her to her feet. “I’ll be downstairs. You can join us if you’d like. Don’t rush. I have a few things to straighten out with him.”

Waverly gave a closed smile as he brushed a kiss to her forehead. With her arms wrapped around him, safely in his embrace, she knew their time was fleeting.

7

Viktor steeled himself as he strode into the kitchen, avoiding the conversation that was hundreds of years overdue. Determined not to take the bait, he’d focus on the current issue at hand.

“Jesus, Vik. Don’t you ever eat normal food?” Greyson commented, his back to Viktor as he rummaged through his refrigerator.

“You’re a vampire. Blood is normal food,” Viktor replied.

“Blah. There’s nothing better than homemade Sarmale and Țuică.” He slapped his hand on the outside of the appliance.