Page 143 of Black Curtain

I followed his eyes to where Nick had his arms around Dalejem.

Nick had his mate practically wedged into the furthest corner of the car, and he openly exuded protectiveness as he glared up at Brick.

That wasn’t a wound that was going away anytime soon.

If Brick wanted to be buddy-buddy with his new child, Naoko, he’d just thrown a massive, unforgivable wrench in the smooth running ofthatrelationship.

Both of them still looked extremely upset, and angry.

Dalejem looked like he was in physical pain.

Nick looked like he wanted to break Brick’s neck with his bare hands.

Looking at them, I bit my tongue until I tasted blood.

Brick’s eyes swiveled back to Black.

“Until then,” the auburn-haired vampire said, tipping an imaginary hat. “I wish you all the health and happiness in the world, Quentin and Miriam Black. And I apologize again deeply for the disruption I have caused both of your lives. I realize that apology may never be adequate…”

He raised his voice as he said that last part, looking pointedly at Nick.

Nick snarled at him, showing his fangs.

Kiko flinched back, paling, and Jax wrapped a protective arm around her.

“…But it is sincere,” Brick finished, returning his cracked-crystal eyes to Black, then to me. Glancing down my dress, he winked. “And your dress truly is stunning, Miriam. Be sure and bill me for any repairs it requires, to freshen it up after your little adventure.”

Clearing his throat delicately, he added with another wink.

“…as well as some new underwear. I was made to understand you may be down a pair?”

Black’s jaw hardened to granite.

Without another word, the vampire removed himself.

Gliding backwards with his bow, he smiled at us a last time, then walked briskly up to his boyhood home.

Within seconds, he had disappeared from the driveway altogether.

I looked at Black.

He looked at me.

“You should have punched him,” I said.

Black grunted.

He was already standing by the limousine’s open door. With a sweep of his arm, he motioned for me to get in ahead of him.

I didn’t need to be told twice.

And that, strangely enough, was the very last time we saw Brick the Vampire King.

Well, the last time for a very,verylong time.

Much longer than I would have guessed on that day.

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