Page 51 of Hellfire

Steele chuckled. “Okay, okay. But seriously, you should try on this dress with it.” He held up a body hugging black dress. “It would hug your curves in all the right places.” His eyes darkened.

“Alright, I’ll give it a go.”

As I made my way to the fitting rooms, I could hear Steele’s playful banter echoing behind me.

“Remember, Katrina, confidence is key! Own those curves like it’s nobody’s business!” he called out.

I laughed again. With his silliness, I did feel more confident and more at ease.. I tried on the dress and cardigan. I couldn’t help but think how lucky I was to have a shopping buddy like Steele.

Barefoot, I exited the dressing room and saw Steele sitting in the only chair near a set of mirrors. In his hands was a simple pair of strappy heels.

“To complete the look.” His eyes trailed down my curves. “Damn, sweetheart.” His praise made my stomach tighten with anticipation.

Just then, I noticed Diamond standing in front of a full-length mirror, admiring her reflection.

She looked stunning in a black leather skirt and a midriff top that accentuated her flawless figure. My smile fell, my insecurities instantly returning. I was envious of her confidence.

“Wow, Katrina, you look gorgeous!” Diamond exclaimed.

“You too.”

She grinned, adjusting herself again before heading back into her changing room.

Steele came up behind me, and his eyes met mine in the mirror. “Everything okay, sweetheart?”

“Fine,” I answered.

Steele smiled at me warmly. “Don’t worry, Katrina. I love your curves.” He leaned in, placing his hands on my hips. “Gives me something more to squeeze.” His hands gripped me harder.

I rolled my eyes. “You always know what to say to make a girl feel better,” I teased.

Steele grinned at me. “That’s because I’m the best shopping buddy in town. And don’t you forget it!”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his teasing, feeling grateful to have him by my side.

By the end of the day, my feet ached, but I was happy with the clothes I’d gotten. I couldn’t wait to go back to the clubhouse.

“I had fun today,” said Diamond.

“Yeah, me too,” I admitted. I thought about Steele and how he was so goofy and fun. “We should head to the car, though. It’s getting late.”

Diamond nodded, and we headed toward the parking lot. I had this feeling someone was watching me.

Is it John?

My nerves had my hands shaking as I studied the mostly empty parking lot. My heart jumped into my throat as men suddenly surrounded us and blocked our path.

“What do you want?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

One of the men smirked. His eyes flicked over to me, a flash of red in their depths, before they settled on Diamond.

“We’re just here to collect,” he said in a menacing tone.

Dread pooled in my stomach as I quickly realized what was happening. They weren’t here for me, but for her. I stepped in front of Diamond, my fists clenched at my sides. All of Tank’s lessons filtered through my head.

“You’re not taking her,” I said, my voice shaking slightly as I took a fighting stance.

But the vampires were too quick. They grabbed Diamond and pulled her away from me, their claws dug into her flesh. I screamed out her name, but it was too late. They had taken her, and there was nothing I could do to stop them.

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