Page 15 of Blood Moon

That must have been why Viktor got so upset. I had no idea she’d passed away, and there I was prodding at old wounds. No wonder he got angry. I needed to compose myself and apologize.

I leaned over and smelled the flowers first, noticing the card tucked in the middle. I pulled it out and read: I believe we started off on the wrong foot. Please accept my apologies. Allow me to make it up to you over dinner this weekend. I’ll pick you up at 8. It wasn’t signed, but who else could it be from?

Viktor wanted to take me on a date to apologize for the misunderstanding. One of the most powerful men in the country was interested in me. This was exciting, and not because of his money. I couldn’t wait for a replay of our night together.

The note completely distracted me from finding him to apologize. I started cleaning and stocking the bar again, dancing around and humming like a teenager with a crush. It was ridiculous, but I was the only one here, so it didn’t matter.

A little while later, I heard a throat clear behind me. My dancing and humming stopped. I slowly turned around to find Viktor staring at me as if I’d grown a second head.

“I’m glad to see you’re feeling cheery today, Delilah, but I’m not sure those dance moves are appropriate for work.” His tone was cold and detached, as if he hadn’t sent me flowers and asked for a date. My thoughts swam around my head. Maybe he’s trying to keep it low key so no one finds out? That would be a good reason to not sign the card.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Maxwell,” I said, blushing at his comment and forcing myself to use his formal name.

“I’ve told you, please call me Viktor. I see someone has an admirer. Those are lovely flowers.” He walked over and smelled them.

“Yes, they are. Thank you. I’m looking forward to our date,” I replied.

Viktor looked at me, obviously confused. “What date?”

“Wait, you didn’t send the flowers?” I couldn’t stop myself from asking.

“Why would I send you flowers?” He seemed as confused as I felt.

“To apologize for the misunderstanding the other night, I thought.” Shit, if he didn’t send them, then who did?

“Wasn’t there a card?” He looked around in the bouquet.

“It’s right here,” I said, pulling it from my pocket and handing it to him. “I really thought they were from you. Who else would they be from?”

He took the card from me and read it silently. His face got red, as if he was getting pissed. I couldn’t imagine who would have sent me flowers to get to Viktor. It didn’t make any sense.

“I know who these are from, and you will absolutely not be going on that date,” he ordered sternly.

“Wait a minute,” I responded, “I’m a grown woman, and I can go on a date if I choose to. We aren’t together. You don’t get to decide that for me.”

“You don’t even know who sent these to you, do you?” He retorted.

“No, but you don’t either. You just think you do.” I knew I was being hateful, but I couldn’t stop myself at this point. I didn’t like being backed into a corner, and I was determined that I would go on this date, no matter who it was with, just because Viktor had told me not to.

“Strain sent them. The guy who tried to kidnap you the other night. Now he wants to take you to dinner. No doubt a ruse to get you away from me where he can kidnap you without interruption this time.” He seemed so sure of himself.

“Why wouldn’t he sign the card, then?” My voice trembled, and I couldn’t stop the shiver that ran down my spine. I didn’t want to be anywhere near the neanderthal who’d thought he could claim me because he wasn’t happy with his supply cost. It didn’t matter how gorgeous he was.

“So you’d be curious and go on the date. Once he got you away from here, you’d have been his for the taking. You’re not going. End of discussion.” Viktor turned to leave.

“You can’t tell me what to do.” I stood my ground, like a petulant child, even when he turned and walked over to me. He kept coming toward me, backing me up against the bar. I could feel my heart beating faster. I should have been scared of him, but I was excited. I desperately wanted him to show me why I shouldn’t go. I wanted him to throw me over his shoulder and take me upstairs. No matter how bad of an idea it was. I knew that I would wait as long as it took to get him into my bed.

“I just did. You will not go out with Strain. He is dangerous and cannot be trusted. I will do whatever it takes to prevent him from kidnapping you, but you have to cooperate.” He looked down at me as he placed his hands on either side of my waist, blocking me against the bar.

“Exactly what are you going to do, then?” I knew that I shouldn’t push him, but I couldn’t help myself. I bit my bottom lip as I waited for his response. For whatever reason, I trusted him. My mind knew it was a bad idea, but my heart didn’t care.

Viktor leaned down and captured my lips with his. I wasn’t ready for him to kiss me again. I gasped, then moaned and relaxed into it. His hands moved around my waist and pulled me closer as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

Maybe I wouldn’t be waiting too long for a replay of the other night after all. His tongue coaxed my lips apart and he deepened the kiss. I fisted my hand in his dark hair as I relished the feeling of his day-old beard on my skin. Just when I’d started to get used to the idea of giving him another chance, he pulled away.

“Whatever it takes,” he said, then turned and walked away.

Chapter 14

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