Page 53 of Connected

“Yes, I have a son, and it seems I too must leave. Nice meeting you, Katrina. I hope I’ll see you again soon.”

“Is there a problem here?” Darius towers over her, placing his hands protectively on her shoulders.

“No,” the stranger smiles, “no, there is no problem. You know she really is quite exquisite. You should take exceptionally good care of her.”

“C’mon Kat, let’s go. Ignore the wildlife.”

Kat takes a breath as they step into the darkness of the corridor. The relief of leaving Noir’s can be heard in her sigh. “So, who the fuck was that guy? And how the hell did he know my name?”

“I have no idea, I’ve never seen him before. But maybe he overheard your name in the club—you’re kinda big news around here, right now.”

Darius smiles as he turns Kat around to face him. The intensity of his purple eyes deepens as they glow against the red gloom of the hallway.

Kat can’t resist him and wrapping her fingers in his hair, she reaches up and kisses him in a passionate frenzy. As with their past encounters, her body becomes a blaze of lustful feelings and she gasps, panting, “This is so crazy. Darius, I don’t know how we make this work but you’re right, I want you—I want you so much.”

“Then I promise, we’ll find a way and we’ll make it work.”

***

“Michael…” the charmingly smooth vampire voice calls to him from across the club. “I have to go. My son is waiting.”

“Yeah, about that… There was an incident with him earlier. He and the boss’s brother got into something—he ruffled a few feathers. And I can’t have that happen in the club again. You told me you’d keep this low-key. That until the time was right, that no one would know why you were here. Your boy shoutin’ his mouth off, talkin’ about taking the club over—it’s not helpful. You know Rhys is gonna look at the guest list and see I signed him in.”

“And you will think of something to tell him—won’t you? After all, that is why I’m paying you—to make my problems go away.”

“Yeah, I guess, but… well I didn’t know he was going to be carryin’. Rhys is really not gonna be happy about that.”

“No, but again you will clear up any misunderstanding. Oh, and you won’t say anything about my connection here. You are clear on that?”

“Yeah, of course. I won’t mention you. But you’re still gonna take the club over, right? Only I have so many ideas for this place and… well, when you put me in charge then—”

“Shhh… patience, Michael. All good things come in time. But for now, remember your place. Everything will happen when it happens—after all, I have eternity.”

“I am still gonna be the manager? I mean, that’s what you told me.”

“Did I? Oh sorry, I forget now. I promise so many things to so many people over the years that it all blurs into one. But if that’s what I told you, then I always honor my word. Though there may have to be some adjustments—temporarily—you understand. I’m sure my son will continue to let you manage this place, maybe even expand it. I mean, more vampires would be a good thing if you can handle it? I just think my son wants to play nightclub owner for a while. No Micheal,” he smiles touching the shifter’s cheek, soothing and calming his apprehensive tension. “Uh-uh… Shh… I can see your concern, but believe me, my son gets bored very quickly. Don’t worry, new toys don’t interest him for long. Plus… if everything goes to plan, then he will have another shiny new plaything to keep him entertained and we will be gone for a while. You just concentrate on keeping Rhys happy for now. I need my plans to work and that won’t happen if he gets suspicious now, will it? There’s a good boy.”

“Yeah well, your son kicking off and flashing hardware around doesn’t help me. You know, I wonder if I did the right thing lettin’ him in. Rhys is gonna be hellishly mad when he finds out I went behind his back.”

“Then don’t let him—find out. I will deal with my son’s petulance because I won’t have it cost me what I want. I trust your fee covers any inconvenience?”

“Yeah… yeah, it’s all good. You know, you have my total loyalty.”

“I doubt that. After all, we all know shifter’s loyalty can be bought for the right price or a simple threat to their lives,” he smiles. “Don’t get greedy, Michael. Enough people have already sacrificed themselves because they demanded too much or couldn’t follow my instructions. Don’t let fate come for you in the same way—fight temptation of your own agenda.”

“I won’t. I don’t… I just, no everything’s fine. Oh, and don’t worry, I’ll deal with Rhys. I promise no one will know anything.”

“Good, because I’ve found exactly what I’ve been looking for in this place and I’d hate to lose it.”

Chapter 16

Kat cocks an eyebrow, looking at the empty seats in the booth. Turning around, she notices Digby’s now sitting at the bar talking to Hudson. “So, where the hell is everyone?”

“Oh, hey, I sent them home—figured we’d had enough excitement for one night. Hey…” Digby gestures a nod to Darius as he follows Kat to the bar. “How’re you doin’?”

“I’m fine. Oh, that—back there—it was nothing. I just had one of those moments; you know how it is.” Darius replies with an apprehensive smile as he and Digby stare at each other.

Their awkward tension between them is obvious to Kat, and she exchanges a glance with them both. “So, I’m just gonna use the ladies’ room, and then maybe we should go home? Digby, do you wanna organize a cab?”

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