Page 11 of Kiss of Blood and Sin

Dimitri

Dinner and stilted, polite conversation with Louise and Augustus were no longer on the agenda.

I drummed my fingers on the tablecloth, eyeing the others with thinly veiled boredom. Just as I contemplated some convenient excuse to abandon this dreadful affair, Louise leaned in close, her eyes wide with urgency.

“Dimitri,” she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “Please, I’m begging you. Don’t try to seduce Gianna at my birthday party.”

I turned to her, arching an eyebrow. “Why, Louise, you wound me. Can’t a man simply enjoy a party without ulterior motives?”

Her face fell, a mix of desperation and exasperationetched in her features. “I mean it, Dimitri. This is important. Promise me you’ll behave.”

I smirked, eyeing the exit. This tedious soiree had outlived its entertainment value. But before I could make my grand escape, Louise reached out and clasped my hand.

Her hand and her lower lip were both trembling. I sighed dramatically, raising my hands in mock surrender. “Fine, fine. I’ll be on my best behavior. Scout’s honor. Why are you so protective of this spoiled princess?”

She hurriedly wiped a tear off her cheek. “Listen to me, Dimitri. You have no idea what Gianna’s been through.”

I barked out a harsh, bitter laugh and threw my head back, my eyes rolling skyward. “Oh, I’m sure it’s a beyond tragic tale. What, did she break a nail while fleeing from the big bad wolves?”

“Dimitri…” Valentin warned, his voice low and stern. I ignored him, my blood simmering. I was getting tired of this interrogation.

“No, a wolf pack attacked and almost killed her,” Augustus said from his seat next to Louise, whose lower lip was still trembling, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

A jolt of alarm rushed through me, though it was quickly masked by my trademark smirk. “Well, isn’t that just a lovely parting gift from the Big Easy?” I drawled, but my eyes narrowed slightly.

“So, big brother Angelo shipped her off to witch central for some R&R since he couldn’t protect her?” I continued, my tone deceptively light. “How considerate. Protecting hisown ass. Nothing says get well soon like a change of scenery and a few spells.”

I leaned forward, my voice lowering dangerously. “That never should have happened. What kind of idiotic wolves attack the vampire mafia princess? And where were her guards? Don’t tell me she was wandering around unprotected.”

Augustus shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “She…snuck out of her bedroom window and met her friends at a bar. Angelo believes she was attacked to get to him.” His voice was grave.

I scoffed, barely containing my anger. “Brilliant. A royal with no common sense and guards who can’t do their job. If I had been there, she wouldn’t have made it two steps without an escort. Those mutts would be decorating the bayou by now.”

Louise reached across the table, her eyes pleading. “Dimitri, Angelo practically keeps her locked up in a tower. She wanted to just a little freedom. Don’t chastise her.”

I sat back, jaw clenched. “Fine. But this conversation isn’t over. Someone’s going to answer for this stupidity.”

Augustus crossed his arms. “Dimitri, Angelo is not going to leave any stone unturned in finding who did this to his sister.”

“Oh, I don’t doubt it,” I drawled, swirling the bourbon in my glass. “But tell me, did anyone bother to teach this girl the basics? Like, oh, I don’t know, not wandering into dark alleys in a city full of werewolves?”

Valentin gave me a direct stare. “Dimitri, please don’tstart anything with Angelo Santi. You don’t want to be taken to his secret room in Crimson Stakes.”

Crimson Stakes was a casino on Bourbon Street, owned and operated by the Santi mafia. Rumor had it that Angelo had a hidden room where he took his enemies and they were never to be seen again. Well, maybe in bits and pieces, but no one came out in one piece.

I lifted an eyebrow, my lips curling into a sardonic smile. “Ah, Angelo’s charming little timeout corner. How thoughtful of him to provide free underground accommodations. I’m touched, really.”

I leaned back in my chair, offering a mock salute with my glass. “Relax, I’m not looking to become Angelo’s latest vanishing act. But don’t be surprised if I decide to give our new guest a proper welcome...and maybe a much-needed lesson in self-preservation. After all, someone needs to teach her how to navigate this shark tank of a city without big brother’s constant hovering.”

Augustus sat taller in his chair. “Angelo has asked Louise and I to protect her.”

I couldn’t help but let out a low, sardonic chuckle. “Oh, well that changes everything. I’m sure the big bad wolves will turn tail and run at the sight of you two lovebirds.”

I leaned forward, my eyes glinting with mock seriousness. “Tell me, Augustus, does your magical protection package include eyes in the back of your head? Because last I checked, Angelo’s oh-so-fearsome reputation didn’t exactly keep little sis out of harm’s way.”

Taking a sip from my glass, I continued, “But hey, whoam I to question the brilliant strategy of trading a vampire mafia king’s protection for...what exactly? A couple of witches and a hope and a prayer? I’m sure that’ll work out just fine.”

Augustus gave me an evil glare. “Angelo wouldn’t have sent her here if he didn’t think we could keep her safe. And she does have a bodyguard.”

---