Page 32 of Tempting the Dhampir

“You saying you like my face, sparkles?” I tease her.

“You know what you look like.” She shifts in her seat and moves her gaze to the window again. “Now, keep your eyes on the road while I study the view.”

I decide not to rile her further and keep silent as I watch her eyes bounce from building to building, seemingly trying to catch every detail and commit it to memory. She’s mesmerizing to watch, but I try to stay focused on the road.

All too soon, we’re pulling up to the Auvere’s entrance.

“Stay right there,” I tell Sadie as she unbuckles her belt.

I walk around the car and throw greetings back to the guys on duty, deterring them from getting Sadie’s door for her. I want to do that.

I open the door and give her my hand. She doesn’t even hesitate to place hers in mine. The feeling of her placing her trust in me so easily has my stomach doing some weird somersaults and my heart beating in a staccato rhythm at what this could mean for the future.

Trying to distract myself from the feelings she’s inciting in me, I pull her up and forward until she’s flush with my body. Allowing my free hand to rest on her waist, I hold her in place as I put my mouth right next to her ear.

“Welcome to your new home, sparkles.”

I can physically feel a tremble rolling down from her shoulders to her feet.

Before she can come up with a snarky retort, I take a step back. Keeping a firm grip on her hand, I lead her through the opulent lobby.

The lobby’s design is modern monochrome, with golden accents and lush greenery. Comfortable white couches are interspersed with classic, high-backed armchairs in black and gold. Low tables decorated with fresh blooms complement the indoor plants placed strategically around the high-ceilinged room. A massive chandelier, descending in a spiral of ginkgo leaves made from bone china, is the focal point of the lobby, with many people stopping to take pictures in front of it.

Sadie’s feet drag as she tries to slow me down. Her eyes can’t stop roaming, but I can see how she’s fighting to look unaffected and keep her poise. I’m enjoying seeing her warring with herself like this.

Thoroughly distracted, I don’t notice Alexandra until she steps directly into our path. The shit-eating grin she’s sporting has my guts tightening.

“Welcome back, Everett,” she drawls, her voice raking down my spine with its creepy claws.

“Alexandra.” My tone is flat, making it clear I’m not in the mood for her crap.

Her eyes land on Sadie. With her lip curling back, Alexandra says, “Is this your new plaything?”

Before I can formulate a response, Sadie speaks up.

“This plaything has a name, I’m Sadie.” She gives Alexandra a saccharine smile that’s fooling no one.

Sadie impresses me with how quickly she’s playing the game, probably smelling Alexandra for the rat she is.

“A woman who knows her place. Delighted.” Alexandra lets her eyes roam down Sadie’s body, irking me to a whole new level.

“You’ll watch yourself when speaking to her. Better yet, don’t speak to her at all. What the fuck are you doing here anyway?” My tone is harsh. I’m confused as to why she’s even in my hotel.

“Just passing through,” she says innocently.

Sadie watches this exchange quietly, making me want to remove her from this woman’s presence before Alexandra can inflict verbal damage.

“I think you better leave right now, or I’ll have you escorted out,” I say sternly, making a show of looking for my security.

Alexandra takes a step toward the exit. “See you around, Everett. Sadie.”

Clasping Sadie’s hand tighter in my now-sweaty palm, I start pulling her toward the private elevator.

“You know, your father would want to know you have someone staying with you. Indefinitely.” Alexandra’s parting words hit me like a backhand to the face and stop me dead in my tracks.

How could she possibly know about Sadie’s arrival today, let alone her existence? Unless her little spies have been whispering things to her. I’ve tried to keep Sadie’s stay not exactly a secret, but there are only a certain number of people who know I’m moving into a suite with a guest for an undetermined period of time.

I turn around slowly and narrow my eyes at her. “Don’t threaten me in my own hotel. I don’t know or care how you found out about her, but you’ll keep your mouth shut. Sadie has nothing to do with my father,” I grit out, my jaw aching with how hard I’m clenching it.

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