Page 59 of Sinner's Salvation

She wanted to talk to him, gauge his reactions to all this, but she needed to stay where she was, between their guests and the vulnerable human members of their party.

They climbed floor after floor, and she heard Brian and Nika’s breathing become labored. Evan’s breathing was deeper than before, but steady, and his footsteps never faltered.

Normally, with people she didn’t know well behind her, she wouldn’t have been comfortable, but Evan was behind her too, and he...gave her peace of mind.

Which, if thinking about it logically, was stupid. He was a US Army Intelligence officer. A spy, assassin, and interrogator all rolled into one. He could be pretending to be on her side to obtain more information.

But his grandfather had been a steadfast, loyal friend, and Baz had fought with him. He’d done things he didn’t have to, put his life in danger, to help her and Brian.

She needed to keep reminding herself that he could be a threat. She needed to keep an eye on him. She needed...him.

The memory of drinking from him flooded her mind. The flavor of his blood blossomed on her tongue. So rich and smooth. Delicious, and he gave it freely, turning the act of feeding into one of sensual pleasure.

By the time Baz stopped and opened another door, they were only a few floors from the top. He paused to look at everyone below him on the stairs.

“This is our guest suite for visiting families,” Baz said. “There are cameras, but no recording. He nodded at the Chinese. “Do you or any of your people need burner phones?”

“Yes,” the vampire she didn’t know said.

“How many?” Baz asked.

“One for everyone.”

“Okay, we’ll add them as a gift during thewhat to do in New Yorktalk.” He opened the door, which was narrower than standard, and stepped through it.

They were in a small hallway with two doors opposite them.

Baz opened the door on the left. Everyone followed him inside. It was a luxurious suite, with a small kitchen in one corner, a sitting area, and two bedrooms. The furniture was all a rich white leather with chrome fixtures and red accents.

“There is no public access to this suite,” Baz said. “If you want to meet with any of your people who will be coming into the hotel, we’ll have to make arrangements for you to do that in a different part of the building or outside the hotel.”

“We understand.”

“Give us a couple of hours to determine the situation here with law enforcement, police, military, and Italians.” Baz rubbed the back of his neck. “There are a lot of moving parts to this situation.”

Jie bowed and gestured toward the vampire Baz had collared earlier. “Ho is young and is skilled with computers. Please allow him to assist you. We do not wish to be a burden.”

Anna had to hold herself back from refusing the offer.

They’d stated that because of Baz’s strength, this is where they came for help. Baz was dealing with them and doing well. If they didn’t follow his orders, they certainly weren’t going to follow hers.

Next to her, Evan shifted his weight slightly. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see he’d put his hand on his sidearm. Getting ready to fight.

“Thank you, but until we check out your story, I will ask all of you to remain here.”

They didn’t look happy to hear that.

“What would you do if our positions are reversed?” Baz asked. He let them think about it.

“You are correct.” Jie bowed, and the others followed her lead.

“If you need anything, call the front desk and ask for the concierge. This suite includes that as a service.”

“Thank you.” More bows. Then finally they went into the secret staircase and went up another floor.

Yvgeny’s suite was on the other side of the building and took up almost all of that floor. Once they were all inside, Baz gave her his full attention.

“You need to shower and change clothes.”

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