Page 14 of Death Deals

Alone in the plushy car with Andre was uncomfortable for a different reason. Being this close to him in an enclosed space was making my legs bounce. Since the cab was separated from the driver by a tinted two-way glass, we had complete privacy in the backseat. My body trembled as my thoughts raced away from me. His blood was like liquid fire in my veins, making me sweat. Fighting the unnatural attraction was even more exhausting, but I refused to give in. I pressed my body against the door and leaned my head against the cold window, using the chill to keep me grounded.

If we stayed quiet the whole ride, or maybe if I managed to drift to sleep, I could make it to the plane with my clothes on.

“Everything alright?” Andre’s smooth voice ran along my skin, caressing me and causing goosebumps to rise.

I wanted to tell him to fuck off. Leave me alone. It was his fault this was happening to me. But at the same time, it beat being dead, I guess, as much as I hated it.

Swallowing hard, I sat up in the seat and crossed my legs to stop them from fidgeting. I still didn’t dare look at him. “Yeah, great.”

“You’re really fighting it,” he pointed out, amused. “The call of my blood inside you.”

“And you’re loving every minute of it, huh?”

His lips twitched. “Maybe.”

So, yes.

“What I don’t understand is why,” he said. “I’m sure resisting me is exhausting for you. And we could have a lot of fun…”

My pulse sped up automatically, and for a brief second, I considered his proposal. How bad would it really be if I gave in? Straddled his lap right here in the backseat and let all my inhibitions go? Let him bite me…

Oh no. Absolutely not.

I couldn’t let that happen because it wasn’tme.It wasn’t really my choice. It was Andre’s blood poisoning me, and I couldn’t lose myself like that. With so much danger around me, I had to keep control of myself.

Besides, I didn’t trust him either.

I shook my head frantically, forcing all those wicked images out of my head.

Crossing my arms about my chest, I drew in a deep breath to regain my composure again. “No thank you,” I said. “I’m good.”

“I have to admit, I’m a bit impressed by your tenacity.”

“That’s a nice way to say stubborn.”

He laughed. “Yes, I suppose it is.”

I shifted in my seat. Maybe if I kept him talking, it would be enough to distract me from my raging hormones.

“So,” I began, unsure what to even bring up. Probably should find out more about his plans with the Omaris and the letter. “Where are we going exactly? You mentioned a plane…”

“Yes. We are traveling to Michigan. The heart of Omari territory, where their queen resides,” he replied.

“I know a bit about that. The Omaris control the north and part of the east mostly, right? The DeMontes, the south, and the Perezes, the west, right?”

He nodded. “Correct.”

“See, I know a little.” I rubbed my arms, making sure to keep my gaze fixed anywhere but on him. “And where does Fairport fall on that map?”

“Ah, you see that’s where conflict arises,” he said. “Just like in the Civil War, Virginia has always been a point of contention. My king and Queen Imani both claim it as theirs, and each side refuses to consent and withdraw.”

“Oh.”

“According to them, my club in Fairport is encroachment and an attempt to expand the DeMonte territory,” he explained.

“Well, is it?”

“That was not my intention, but I’m starting to believe that was part of the reason my king charged me with overseeing the state and opening other clubs in Virginia.”

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