Page 6 of An Acquired Taste

But I barely notice the sting or the fascinating sight of my puncture wounds closing within a couple of seconds. I’m too busy trying—and failing—to read Benjamin’s expression. “What?” I burst out. “Is something wrong?”

“No, no.” He swipes his tongue over his teeth, which are smooth again, his fangs retracted into his gums. “It’s just that your taste is very… distinct.”

I let out an uncomfortable giggle. “Gee, you really know how to butter a lady up.”

“It’s… hm,” he says. “Certainly unique.” He pulls a black handkerchief from his pocket and dabs at his lips. “I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.”

“In a good way?” I ask, my voice creeping higher along with my nerves.

“There is no good or bad when it comes to taste. It is all a matter of preference.”

“That’s a bullshit line if I’ve ever heard one,” I say. Doubly so when I notice he leans over to take another sip of his tea and swirls it around his mouth, as if to wash the taste of me from his tongue. Panic flares in my chest and erupts in more nervous words. “Is there something wrong with me? Am I… diseased?”

“No.” When he says it this time, it feels far more honest. “I didn’t taste anything medically wrong with you.”

“So I’ve just got bad blood? Am I all rotten inside?”

He sets his tea aside, folds his hands in his lap, and scrutinizes me. I squirm and bite back another retort as he considers for a few long seconds.

“Your taste is… different,” he says. “I cannot deny that it may be a challenge to find a match for you. I can think of one or two patrons to whose palates youmayappeal, as a novelty, but…” He shrugs. “I will not lie. I am not sure if the life of a professional valentine is in your future.”

My heart sinks. Despite my nerves, I wasn’t ready for him to sayno. I thought there would be more steps to the interview, at the very least. I thought I was doing well, passing his tests. Ilikedbeing bitten. How is it possible that I could taste so bad that it wouldn’t even matter?

This was my last, desperate attempt at salvaging my life. That thin thread of hope has just been snipped. So what am I supposed to do now?

Yet, just as I feel a surge of heat behind my eyes that promises an embarrassing rush of tears on its way, Benjamin continues. “However, I think your blood is distinct enough that many would like to sample it. So, if it is acceptable for you… I would be interested in sponsoring you for attendance at this year’s Valentine’s Day Ball.”

I suck in a breath, heart soaring, but he holds up a finger. “As I said, I can’t promise a long-term position. This would be a contract for one night only.”

My teeth worry at my lower lip. One night? It’s far from the luxurious life as a pampered valentine; this feels more like being a cheap hooker. Speaking of cheap… “How much would that pay?”

He purses his lips, face creased with thought. “One week of crash-course training, and working a Valentine’s Day Ball… hm.” He taps a finger to his chin and then looks me in the eyes and says, “I’m prepared to offer five thousand dollars.”

I blink at him. Blink again. “Say what?”

“I’m not interested in negotiating. You’re a unique case, and that’s what I’m willing to pay, so—”

“Yes,” I say, before my common sense can make me second-guess myself. “I’ll do it.”

Five thousand dollars for one night… I’d be willing to do just about anything for that price, let alone something I’ve just learned that I very muchenjoy. But even as I break into a grin, there’s a voice in the back of my head whispering that I should’ve anticipated this.Of course they only want you for one night, it says.Declan didn’t want you, and the vampires don’t either. You’re a short-term thing. A fling,and nothing more.

But… five thousand dollars is better than nothing. It’s more than enough for a rent payment for me and my sister while I figure something else out. I’ll tell work I’m sick for the week or something.

When Benjamin offers his hand, I take it.

Chapter Four

“There will be thousands of people applying to be potential valentines this year. Perhaps fifty will be chosen to attend the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

I nod and sip my tea like my life depends on it. Benjamin decided to launch into my training as soon as I signed the contract. There’s no time like the present, he said, especially because I only have a week to train and adjust my sleep schedule to stay up all night. I sometimes work night shifts, so I have a bit of an advantage… except that I worked this morning at the diner.

“How many people are you sponsoring?” I ask, trying to stay focused.

He pauses. “Just you.”

Nowthatjolts me awake. “What? Why?”

He shrugs. “I told you I was particular,” he says. “Most potential valentines went with the larger agencies, I suspect. And out of the few who applied, I found none suitable except you.”

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