Page 113 of Blood and Buttercups

He angles away, not letting me take it. “I’m asking where he wants to meet.”

“I am more than capable of sending a text.”

“I’m aware.”

Cassian barely hits send before there’s a reply.

“What did he say?” I demand, trying to snatch my phone again, irritated he won’t give it to me and that he’s so annoyingly tall.

The vampire scans it, and then he finally hands me the cell. “He wants to meet you at his restaurant—and he’s requested you come alone.” Crossing his arms, he leans against the counter, reminding me of a human version of a panther. “Rather cliché of him, if you ask me.”

“I’ll go.”

“And what will you do once you’re in there?” He waits for me to give him an answer, looking a lot like a smug teacher who called on a clueless student in class and is amused by her stammering.

“I…don’t know.” I huff out a breath that ruffles my bangs. “Stake him, I guess?”

He laughs at the idea.

“I stabbed him with a pencil the night he infected me,” I argue.

“A pencil and a stake are two very different things.”

“Fine, what would you do?”

“You wouldn’t like my methods.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“I’d set fire to his building and smoke him out.”

“That’sarson.”

He shrugs. “I said you wouldn’t like it.”

“You can’t just go starting fires in the middle of town! Besides, the restaurant was part of a larger building. You’d put countless lives at risk.”

“I doubt he’ll bring Olivia to the restaurant anyway. I wish we knew his home address.” He pauses, thinking. “I have an idea. Go ahead and meet him. Max and I will follow you when you leave the restaurant and take care of the rest.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Save your friend, ensure Ethan gets the punishment he deserves, and maybe even return Noah to his job.” He raises his eyebrows, awfully proud of himself, especially considering he hasn’t done anything yet.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re a bit cocky?”

He laughs. “It’s come up once or twice.”

“You really think this will work?”

“I’m positive.”

“What about Noah?”

“I’ll call him as I’m tailing you. Don’t worry. The plan is solid—indestructible even.”

“That’s what they said about the Titanic, and that didn’t go so well.”

His face becomes solemn, and he stares into space. “I was on the Titanic…”

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