Page 74 of Princess Broken

“How so?”

“Because we work for the brothers.” She shrugs like it’s obvious. “The head honchos. Not only are we exclusive to Flame, Blade, Crusher and Phil, the brothers don’t ask much from us. And they often travel, stay at their other homes. Sometimes we travel with them, but when we don’t, we’re free to do what we choose. But we still get paid. Like I said, best job I’ve ever had. Ever will have.”

“I’m pleased to hear that.”

She smiles. “And as to your other questions, stewards are free to come and go as we please. We get unlimited vacation days—on the honor system—and have enough money to do whatever we want. Pierre and I plan to retire in ten years. By then, we’ll have enough saved to travel the world for the rest of our lives, to live like kings.”

Kings. I think of my two fathers, both monarchs. Living like kings is not always what people believe. “That sounds fabulous.”

“It is. Truly.” She slaps her thighs. “Now, if that’s all, Pierre’s probably done changing the sheets, and I should help him finish up the bathroom if he hasn’t already.”

Pushing down on the arms of her chair, she pops up to stand. “Other than your gown and that broken glass—” she glances toward my beside table “—is there anything else either of us can do for you at the moment? We’re fully at your disposal. Both of us. ”

“I can’t think of a thing.”

I rise from the chair. Freetown functions outside the authority of the vampiric council—no one knows this place exists—but I’m pleased to hear that they interact with humans in acceptable ways. Vampires are able to go through the world more easily with the cooperation of a few trusted humans. And I’m glad Pierre and Maria aren’t mistreated or forced into labor.

“Also.” She runs her hand down her throat. “Whenever you require human sustenance, Pierre or I would be very happy to serve you in that capacity too.”

I suck in a breath. “I thought you didn’t want to feed vampires?”

“I didn’t want to feed that vampire.” Her eyes narrow. “Not that night. I didn’t want to feed a vampire who was attacking me, threatening to rape me, trying to force his fangs into my throat.” Her voice fills with anger, but then she smiles. “But we happily feed the brothers on the rare occasion they make the request.”

“Oh.” Something that feels like jealousy squeezes my throat.

Her expression changes and she reaches forward. “The brothers are gentle when they feed—even Crusher—and they leave us to slumber when they’re finished. As long as you pledge to treat us with similar courtesy—”

“Of course.” I don’t plan to be down here long enough to require human blood, but I am glad to know that the opportunity is here, should I need it. And I’m thankful that the brothers don’t use Maria or Pierre for sex. Or at least that’s how it sounded. Most vampires consider sex with humans verboten, especially sex after feeding when the humans are under the influence of venom, and I hope that’s the case with these vampires holding me captive.

“If that’s all.” She bows her head slightly. “I truly am very happy to meet you, Ana. Pierre and I both look forward to serving you. Whatever you need, just ask.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

Blade

After downing what must be his tenth glass of whisky, Phil leans back in his chair. “How long until the sun sets?”

“About ten minutes sooner than the last time you asked,” Crusher says, then he cracks his knuckles. The sound reverberates through the bar.

When Crusher cracks his knuckles, the word cracks takes on a more literal meaning. Often his bones shatter under the pressure and then knit back together, before he does it again and again and again. Crusher’s impatience is showing, even if he’s annoyed at Phil’s.

After dealing with Enzo, we questioned a few other vampires, but didn’t learn much else. And by the time we were done, it was too close to dawn to leave.

So we’re stuck in this hellhole that’s actually called Hell Hole at least until dark.

Tossing my knife from my right hand to my left, I continue my game of five-finger fillet—this time with my non-dominant hand wielding the sharp point.

Over and over, I stab the knife’s tip between my splayed fingers, driving it into the table. When the Master taught me this game, I was a small boy and could only do it with the knife in my right, and often cut myself, but the Master kept pushing and pushing and pushing… And now I can play in my sleep.

“Can you give that a rest?” Phil sneers. “You’re drilling fucking holes into the table.”

Stilling my knife in the air an inch above my splayed hand, I look down for the first time in hours. Phil’s right. The table is ruined from my constant stabbing, two sets of holes outlining the shapes of my hands. But I’ve got to do something to pass the time.

I stash the knife in the sheath under my sleeve, and then stick my hand into my pocket to rub the lock of Ana’s soft hair.

Why the hell did I come with Phil and Crusher on this wild goose chase? If I’d stayed behind, maybe I’d have gotten a chance to touch her hair outside the water, to touch her.

I shake my head. I know full well why I volunteered to come on this quest. I came because I don’t trust myself around her. And I especially don’t trust myself to watch her feed, or worse, fuck another vampire. I want her for myself.

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