Page 32 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

I edged closer, forcing him to back up, his spine pressing against the counter. “So?”

He gave me an annoyed look, his eyes darting around the room. “Stay away from me.”

I grinned, a predatory gleam in my eyes. “Jaxon, Jaxon, Jaxon. I’m going to count to three, then you’re a mop. One...”

His eyes widened, and he glanced around nervously, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Two.” I took another step, my body now mere inches from his.

He shrank further into the counter, his hands gripping the edge so tightly his knuckles turned white. “Dimitri, stop.”

“Three.” My voice was a barely a whisper, but the threat hung heavy in the air.

His words came out in a frantic rush, his voice trembling slightly. “The Dawnbringer Talisman…it’s infused with the energy of the rising sun. It can counter her dark magic.”

I stared at him, watching as sweat rolled down his temples, his chest heaving with each ragged breath.

“And Angelo Santi—the vampire king—has a ring called the Solarite Ring. Supposedly, if the bearer wears it at dawn and says the proper spell, the magic in it can destroy a Malefic Puppet.”

Sonofabitch. Fear gripped me, old and familiar, but I’d bedamned if I’d let it show on my face. Two objects to steal from the vampire mafia king? Why not just ask me to juggle grenades while tap-dancing on a minefield?

I forced a smirk, even as my mind raced through the implications. If Angelo caught me, I’d be taking an all-expenses-paid trip to his secret room at Crimson Stakes. And let me tell you, it’s not exactly a five-star resort. More like a one-way ticket to Painville, population: me.

Anyone who checked into Angelo’s little chamber of horrors checked out in pieces—very small, very messy pieces. The guy had a real flair for turning torture into an art form. Prolonged agony was his specialty, and I wasn’t exactly eager to be his next masterpiece.

I swore underneath my breath and sighed miserably. Well, isn’t this just delightful? And here I thought my dance card was already full with narrowly escaping death and pissing off homicidal maniacs. Guess I’ll have to pencil in suicide mission somewhere between lunch and my afternoon nap.

I invaded Jaxon’s personal space, my nose nearly touching his. “Tell me this. Why would your boss want to work with a lowlife like my father? What’s in it for her?”

“I don’t know. She’s never told me.” He held up his hands, his forehead glistening with sweat. “I swear. But I think it might have something to do with letting mixed bloodlines into this school. She’s not a fan. Maybe your dad said he could help her get back to the good old days when witches had to have pure bloodlines?”

His fear was so thick, I could almost taste it. But hey, at least he was spilling his guts.

I smirked, cocking my head to the side. “I believe you,” I drawled in a honeyed voice. “But if you tell anybody?—”

“I know. I know. I’m a fucking mop. You’ve made your point.” Jaxon’s voice wavered, his hands shaking like leaves.

I let out a humorless laugh as I patted his cheek. “Just making sure you’re paying attention, sweetheart.”

I turned my back on him, my mind spinning with possibilities. If I snagged the ring, Gianna could wear it for protection in New Orleans, but that would leave Valentin stuck here like a sitting duck. And that meant I had to get him back to the Big Easy as well before dear old dad decided to play puppet master with his life.

Chapter Twenty

Gianna

Louise’s birthday party was tonight, and I wanted to look good for myself. After being attacked, I hadn’t wanted anyone to notice me. I thought it made me a target, especially in New Orleans.

But tonight, something stirred within me, a long-dormant spark flickering to life. I wanted to feel beautiful, to reclaim a piece of my old self. As I stood before the mirror, my fingers traced the silky fabric of my dress, a shiver of anticipation slipped down my spine.

My thoughts drifted to Dimitri, and my heart quickened its pace. Would he be there tonight? The mere possibility sent a flush of warmth creeping up my neck. I smoothed my hands down my sides, suddenly hyperaware of every curve and contour.

Dimitri definitely intrigued me. There was something about him, an electric undercurrent that drew me in despite my better judgment. My skin tingled at the memory of his intense gaze, those eyes that seemed to see right through me. A mix of excitement and trepidation swirled in my stomach like butterflies taking flight.

I bit my lower lip, tasting the sweetness of my lipstick. The temptation Dimitri represented was palpable, a dangerous allure that both thrilled and terrified me. My breath caught in my throat as I imagined his reaction to seeing me tonight. Would his eyes darken with appreciation? Would I feel the heat of his gaze like a physical caress?

Shaking my head to clear these thoughts, I took a deep breath, inhaling the delicate scent of my perfume. It was about more than just looking beautiful tonight; it was about feeling alive again, about embracing the parts of myself I’d kept hidden for so long. And if Dimitri happened to notice...well, that would just be a bonus.

Tonight, I wore my dark hair up high, exposing the elegant slope of my neck. The long, dangly ruby earrings that my brother had given me for my birthday caught the light, glittering like drops of blood against my pale skin.

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