Page 62 of Her Vampire, His Ruin

“Edie,” I start, this strange feeling of warmth spreading through my chest. I don’t recognise it, and I sure as fuck don’t understand why my skin feels so tight and prickles of pain erupt beneath it.

What the fuck is that?

Before I can even figure out what’s happening, a cheer erupts from the next room, distracting me.

“I should go before they realise I’m missing,” Edie says.

“Your number. Give it to me.”

“Are you going to sext me?” she asks, reeling it off quickly.

“Perhaps.” I flash a wicked grin, fingers curling around the back of her neck as I kiss her with hungry urgency. Then I take her hand, guide her to the door, and unlock it. A thin ribbon of muted light slices through the darkness from the other room. “Go. I’ll reach out to you soon.”

She nods once, slipping through the door.

As soon as she’s gone, I shut the door quietly, leaning against it.

“Fuck,” I hiss, darkness tearing through my control as my fangs descend, snuffing out the fleeting warmth that had dared to spark inside me.

I need to feed.

If I don’t leave now, I might just chase Edie into the other room and let my monster gorge on her blood.

Chapter 15

Edie

“A glass of champagne, please, Dominic.” I settle onto the barstool, unfastening my blazer and letting it slide from my shoulders, folding it over the seat beside me. Tonight, I keep my shoes on, hooking my heels over the stool’s rung and letting my hands linger on the polished wood. The waistband of my skinny jeans digs into my belly, and a flash of heat rises up my chest and neck at the memory of Dorian palming my flesh there. I’ve never felt more seductive or more womanly than I did at that moment.

Nodding, Dominic reaches for a glass hanging from the rack above him. “Nice to see you again…” His voice trails off as he waits patiently, though I can’t help but notice how his gaze travels over my bare shoulders, my strappy silk top revealing more skin than I’m used to showing.

“Edie,” I offer this time, smiling a little as I remember our last conversation.

He grins, uncorking a fresh bottle of champagne. Pouring me a glass, he slides it across the counter towards me. “Are you here celebrating another special occasion, or are you meeting someone?”

“I’m hoping to surprise a friend.”

“Mr Crow, I take it?” he asks.

“That obvious?” I throw back.

Dominic’s smile spreads into a wide grin. “Mr Crow cleared the bar the last time you were here to be alone with you. I guessed as much.”

“Do you happen to know if Dorian is home tonight?” I ask, taking a sip of champagne.

I would’ve texted him first, but despite taking my number, he hasn’t reached out to me, and I guess I decided to take a leaf out of his book and do a little stalking of my own.

“I don’t, but I’m sure Viktor will.”

I twist in my seat, smiling as Viktor approaches. We didn’t get much chance to get to know each other during dinner, and whilst my sister took an instant dislike to him, I rather liked his warm countenance. He seemed to take her constant digs in his stride and wasn’t at all offended by her caustic behaviour. That earns him several gold stars in my book. He’s also incredibly beautiful to look at, with a swathe of rebellious blonde hair, and intense grey eyes. Yet despite his intimidating size, he oozes calm authority and, surprisingly, kindness.

“Good evening, Edie,” he says, pulling out a stool and taking a seat. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“Are you?” I ask, cocking my head as he taps the bar. Moments later, a crystal glass appears, the scent of scotch lifting in the air as Dominic pours him a double. He nods his thanks, and Dominic quietly slips away, serving a couple at the far end of the bar.

“After dinner, I wasn’t certain we’d be seeing you again.”

“It was uncomfortable,” I admit. “Sybil was…”