Page 77 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

Petar’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. “Thewitch.... I was looking for any clues and I found some kind of doll. It blew up in my face.”

“What kind of doll?” Angelo’s voice could’ve frozen hell over.

“It looked like a voodoo doll and resembled you.” Petar’s voice was small, like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

I cocked my eyebrow, biting back a laugh. Way to throw the high priestess under the bus. But when did Petar ever show loyalty except to his own precious ass?

“Get ready, Dimitri,” Angelo barked, his eyes never leaving Petar. “We’re going to Simon’s now.”

As I moved to leave, I couldn’t resist one parting shot. “You might want to hit the showers, Petar. That waxy look is so last season.”

I sauntered out, feeling like the cat that got the cream, ate the canary, and framed the dog for it all. Sometimes, being the bad guy’s not so bad after all.

Gianna came racing up to me, her eyes wide with concern. “Dimitri, is everything all right?” Her voice was tight with worry, making my undead heart do a little flip.

I cupped her soft cheek, my thumb tracing her cheekbone. “Everything’s peachy keen, jellybean,” I drawled, leaning in to capture her lips in a kiss. I savored her sweet taste, like the finest vintage blood with a hint of danger.

As I pulled back, I couldn’t help but smirk, a wave of triumph washing over me. She was safe. Valentin was safe. My secret mission had paid off, and they’d never know the danger they’d been in. The thought made me want todo a victory dance right there in the hallway, but I restrained myself.

“Living the dream as always in the vampire mansion,” I said instead, keeping my tone light. “You know how your brother loves his dawn raids.”

I winked at her, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. I’ve got everything under control...mostly.” I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, my touch lingering. “Although, fair warning: Petar’s had a bit of a...messy morning. Might want to avoid him until he’s had a chance to shower.”

As Angelo’s impatient voice echoed from downstairs, I sighed dramatically. “Duty calls. The chauffeur never rests, apparently. Try not to miss me too much while I’m gone.”

With one last quick peck on her lips, I turned to leave, throwing a final smirk over my shoulder. “Hold down the fort, sweetheart. I’ve got some witch hunting to do with your brother. Ain't life grand in our little slice of heaven?”

As I walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a spring in my step. Mission accomplished, loved ones safe, and the bad guys taken down a peg. Not bad for a morning’s work, if I do say so myself.

Chapter Forty

Gianna

I sat at the kitchen island, my fingers drumming an anxious rhythm on the marble countertop. The aroma of sweet tea mingled with the metallic scent of Chosen Blood as Elena bustled around, her movements graceful and practiced. Sweet tea tasted so much better with Chosen Blood added.

“Don’t worry,mon chère,” Elena said, her voice soft and soothing as she placed a glass in front of me. The condensation immediately beaded on the outside, a few droplets racing down to pool on the counter. “Your mate is fine. It was extremely foolish for Simon to have his witch steal from Angelo. Very foolish indeed. He’ll regret that decision.”

I wrapped my hands around the cool glass, the chill a stark contrast to the warmth of worry in my chest. I took a sip, the sweet tea dancing on my tongue, the hint of bloodadding a familiar comfort. But even the refreshing drink couldn’t distract me from thoughts of Dimitri.

“Maybe,” I murmured, my gaze fixed on the swirling liquid in my glass. “I just hope Dimitri will be okay. He had just woken up...” I snapped my fingers, the sharp sound echoing in the kitchen. “And just like that, Angelo is ordering him to be his chauffeur.”

Elena’s lips curved into a patient smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Gianna, Dimitri is Angelo’s chauffeur,” she reminded me gently, reaching out to pat my hand.

I felt my fangs press against my gums, a physical manifestation of my frustration. “That’s so ridiculous,” I huffed, my grip tightening on the glass. “He’s treating him like a servant.”

Elena winced, her shoulders tensing slightly. Guilt washed over me, and I quickly reached out, grasping her hand. Her skin was cool against mine, a reminder of our shared vampiric nature. “You’re family, Elena, and you know it,” I assured her, my voice softening.

“Dimitri will be too,” Elena replied, her thumb rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand. “Just give Angelo time.”

I nodded, trying to take comfort in her words. But as I took another sip of tea, I couldn’t shake the knot of worry in my stomach. The sweet taste now seemed to mock the bitterness of my concern for Dimitri.

“I know,” Elena murmured, her voice warm with understanding. She moved behind me, her cool hands findingmy tense shoulders. As her fingers worked the knots in my muscles, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief.

“Why don’t you go to Mardi Gras tonight?” she suggested, her fingers still working their magic. “It’s the night of the parade and you always enjoy it.”

The mention of Mardi Gras sent a conflicting rush of excitement and anxiety through me. Images of colorful floats and vibrant masks and Dimitri’s teasing smile flashed in my mind, quickly followed by darker thoughts of the mirror and the warehouse. My muscles tensed again under Elena’s hands.

“Do you really think I don’t have a contract on my head anymore?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I turned slightly, catching Elena’s eye over my shoulder.

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