Page 64 of Her Vampire, His Ruin

“No, Dorian can look after himself.”

“Why does he need protecting, then? Is this to do with the fact that he’s a gangster?”

“You think he’s a criminal?”

“Isn’t he?”

“I suppose he could be viewed that way.” Viktor pauses, as though considering his words. “There are certain aspects of Dorian’s business that toe the line of what’s socially acceptable, and over the years, he’s been forced to protect what he’s built. He’s merely protective of his businesses and the people who work for him. He has gained a reputation as a man you do not upset.”

“I see,” I say, though the truth is murkier than ever. Unless I come right out and ask if Dorian’s done anything to warrant imprisonment, I may never grasp what he’s truly capable of. Maybe I don’t want to know. Some doors are better left unopened.

“Edie, I think—” Viktor’s phone vibrates with an incoming call, cutting him off. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he pulls it free and swipes his thumb across the surface. “Apologies, I need to take this.” Moving to his feet, he strides out of the bar, lingering by the door as he converses, his voice too low for me to overhear. I take another sip of champagne, and by the time Viktor returns, my glass is empty.

“Another scotch?” Dominic asks as Viktor grabs my blazer and drapes it over his arm. “No, we’re done here for tonight.”

“We are?” I ask, flicking my gaze to Dominic, who just nods and takes my glass, swiping the counter clean.

“Dorian will be arriving in ten minutes. He wants me to escort you to another bar within the hotel. We have a pianist playing tonight, and he thought you might enjoy the performance,” Viktor says, motioning towards the exit, though I see a glimmer of concern in his gaze that pulls me up sharp.

“Do you think I should go home?”

“You have your own free will and the right to decide what you wish to do. I won’t stop you if you want to leave,” Viktor responds, waiting for me to decide.

“Will Dorian be okay with that?”

“It’s unlikely.”

“And if I leave, will you get into trouble?”

“If you mean by trouble, will I be punished? Then no. Though he might attempt to remove one of my fingers.”

“What?” I exclaim.

Viktor chuckles. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.”

“Funny,” I reply, heaving out a breath as I stand. I’m not a short woman, and in heels I’m nearing 5'11, but next to Viktor I feel incredibly short. He’s physically imposing, and yet unlike Dorian and Logan, he has an innate softness to him, a kindness that seeps through every word and action. It makes me wonder how he came to work for Dorian.

“So, what’s it to be? Are you staying or are you going?”

Chewing on my lip, I hesitate. The sensible side of me tells me to leave. I’m not in love with Dorian, but admittedly, I’m beginning to feel things that I haven’t felt in a long time, and that’s more than a little disconcerting. On the other hand, this is the first time that I’ve experienced the true depth of a man’s desire for me. It’s addictive, and I’m not sure I want to give that up just yet.

So I don’t.

“I’m staying,” I eventually say.

“Very well. Follow me.”

Viktor leads me to a dimly lit room at the back of the hotel. In the corner sits a grand piano, its sleek black surface glinting in the soft overhead light. An older man sits behind it, his fingers gliding over the keys as he plays a classical piece I can’t name, but recognise. A few small round tables are placed around the space, black velvet chairs tucked beneath them. On each table there’s a single flickering candle, and the air is scented with polish and wood smoke coming from the open fire in the corner of the room. Aside from me, Viktor and the pianist, the room is empty.

“I thought the pianist was performing tonight. Where is everyone else?”

“He is, and you and Dorian are his audience,” Viktor replies, guiding me to the table situated in the far corner of the room. He pulls out a chair, and I sit, thanking him.

“Just us?”

“For the next hour, yes. He isn’t due to play for the hotel guests until later,” he explains. “Can I get you a drink whilst you wait? He should be here shortly.”

“No, thank you.”