Page 66 of Viktor

“Yes, well. I was turned in the twenties. Met him in Vegas. I’ve done this and that over the years but somehow ended up styling for him. It’s easier when he’s actually in the city.” She buckled the last sandal and smiled. “They’re dope, yeah?”

“They’re beautiful. So sparkly. Let’s see if I can walk in them,” she said with a slight laugh. While Waverly loved a beautiful pair of heels, she spent most of her time in flip flops. She stood, finding the shoes surprisingly comfortable. “They feel really good. Thank you.”

“All right then. Go to the mirror and let me check you over,” Beverly ordered.

Waverly stared at her reflection. Her long blonde hair had been braided up the sides, wavy locks curling down her back. Blood-red lipstick stained her lips, a hint of blush on her cheekbones.

“You look gorgeous.” Beverly clapped her hands together. “Magnifique!”

“Thank you. It sounds stupid, but I’m a little nervous about tonight,” Waverly admitted, not sure why she’d shared her emotions with the stranger. “It’s just, well, you know, sometimes it helps to feel like you’re put together even if you’re about to unravel.”

“It’s going to be okay,” Beverly assured her. “You’re human but you must have great strength if Viktor is keeping you on. You’ll be all right. Trust me. Viktor won’t let any of them hurt you. It’s just a party. Walk into the room like you own that shit.”

“Fake it till you make it?” Waverly nodded.

“Don’t show fear. A human as beautiful as you, is going to tempt them. They will be drawn to you like bees to flowers.” She shrugged. “But trust me. No one’s going to touch you. You’re Viktor’s flower.”

“How can you be sure?”

“I’ve been to many a party, my dear. And I know paranormals. This party tonight is upscale. People think that money makes them safe. Don’t ever mistake wealth for safety. The rich ones are often more dangerous.”

“Okay. That’s comforting.”

“The half demon is throwing the affair but there will be paranormals from all walks of life. Vampires. Wolves. Perhaps even a witch.”

“I trust Viktor.” Waverly realized in that moment she’d meant what she said. He’d been there for her at every step of her journey. “Thank you for helping me get ready. I’m not sure what I would have done without you.”

“It’s been my pleasure. You must be pretty special for Viktor to be toting you around.” Beverly slung her oversized Louis Vuitton duffle bag over her shoulder. “I’ll be seeing you round. Have to go see to Rafe. The boy’s a hot mess.” She laughed. “Viktor’s got a girlfriend and a child. Hell must have really frozen over.

“I’m not his girlfriend,” Waverly protested.

“Aw, sugar. You don’t need to lie to me. Or yourself.”

“But I—”

“You take care tonight, you hear?” Beverly waved as she opened the door. “Speak of the devil.”

“My ears were burning,” Viktor said as he walked into the room.

“You be good tonight, sir. Take care of this pretty flower.”

Waverly’s heart pounded in her chest as her gaze locked on his. With trimmed scruff along his chiseled jawline and perfectly coifed hair, Viktor gave off an air of confidence and style. The sophisticated vampire, dressed in a dark blue tuxedo, exuded sex and power.

She blinked, briefly averting her gaze and then looked back up to him, her cheeks flushed. Waverly, stop staring at him. Jesus, he made her feel as if she was a teenager seeing her football quarterback crush.

“I, um, I hope this is okay.” She held her hands out and slowly spun in a circle. “I call this look, ‘naked but dressed’.”

“You’re stunning.” He leaned into her, his lips brushing her ear. “Irresistible.”

“Likewise,” she managed, her knees weakening. Gooseflesh broke over her skin, heat rushing between her legs.

“Looking this gorgeous, I’m tempted to peel this dress right off you. What’s underneath it is much more beautiful.”

“I suppose we can’t go nude to a party,” she teased.

“No. No we can’t. While I’ve indulged in the lifestyle, I find myself too protective of my precious curator to share you with others.”

“Hmm…maybe we can leave the party early?” she mused, afraid to imagine the sexcapades he’d engaged in over a thousand years.