Page 90 of Blood Match

I want to reach out to her, but this isn’t the time or place. I have to keep my guard up. But damn, it’s hard when she’s sitting right there, so close yet completely out of reach.

“Well, now, I think we have a lot to think about.” Arabella is standing, and I realize that the meeting is about to come to a close.

“I trust that we will see some improvement in our circumstances,” Seraphina says firmly. There is a ripple of murmurs around the table before everyone begins to stand, and the two groups start to filter out of the room.

Outside the meeting room, the vampires cluster together, whispering among themselves, while the witches make their way out of the building.

My eyes never leave Rowan as she moves toward the exit.

I have to talk to her.

I need to explain. This whole situation is a mess, and I can’t let her leave thinking I truly meant those harsh words.

I follow Rowan cautiously, keeping my distance as she heads for the entrance hall, her grandmother striding ahead to a small blue sedan parked out front in the parking bays. My eyes dart around, making sure no one’s watching before I make my move. When the coast is clear, I reach out and grasp her arm, pulling her to a halt.

“Rowan, wait,” I mutter urgently. “I need to explain.”

She whirls on me. “Explain what? How you humiliated me in front of everyone?”

I heave an exasperated breath. “I was trying to protect you. You don’t understand how dangerous this situation is.”

“Protect me?” she hisses, yanking her arm from my grip. “By treating me like a child? By insulting me in front of the entire council?”

“You don’t get it,” I growl, keeping my voice low. “If certain people in that room knew about our connection, you’d be in serious danger. I had to distance myself from you.”

Rowan’s jaw clenches, her eyes narrowing. “Oh, I get it perfectly. You wish we weren’t stuck with each other. Well, guess what? The feeling’s mutual.”

Her words sting more than I care to admit. “That’s not it at all. I’m trying to keep you safe.”

“Save it,” she snaps, backing away. “I don’t need your protection. Just get lost, Darick.”

Before I can say another word, she turns and storms off, leaving me standing there like an idiot. I watch her go, frustration and something dangerously close to hurt churning in my gut.

Fuck.

I close my eyes for a moment. This whole situation is spiraling out of control. A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be chasing after a witch, trying to explain myself, I’d have laughed in their face. Now look at me.

I’m so lost in my thoughts that I don’t hear Lucien approach until his silky voice cuts through my thoughts.

“Trouble in paradise, Darick?”

I whirl around, cursing myself for letting my guard down. Lucien stands there, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. My skin crawls at the sight of him.

“What do you want, Lucien?” I growl, not bothering to hide my irritation.

He chuckles, a sound that sets my teeth on edge. “Oh, nothing much. Just couldn’t help but notice your…interest in our witch visitors. Particularly the spicy one.”

I feel my muscles tense, but I force myself to remain outwardly calm. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Come now, Darick,” Lucien purrs, his eyes calculating. “There’s no need to be coy. I can see you’ve developed quite a taste for witches. And who could blame you when they look like that?”

I clench my fists, wishing I could wipe that smug look off his face. “You’re imagining things.”

Lucien’s voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper. “You know, I could help you with that. Provide a steady supply, so to speak. I scratch your itch…you help me with mine…”

The implication behind his words makes my stomach turn. I take a step back, disgust written all over my face.

“I’m not interested in anything you have to offer, Lucien,” I snarl.

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