Page 60 of Of Mercury and Mist

Matthew stood up and held out his hand. I didn’t take it. “One more thing,” I told him, passing him a file folder. “Guidance for Ashley.”

He took the papers from me and paged through, wrinkling his brow. Wisely, he didn’t offer any opinion on the contents. “This is unusual. I will have to insist that your first meeting be here.”

The man was nothing if not protective. I had to give him that even if I didn’t appreciate him slowing me down. “I trust you’ll facilitate the needed privacy?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yes, I can do that. We have a room farther down the hall that lends itself a higher degree of seclusion. There’s a bar and private rooms surrounding a communal center. Our security will be watching and will not interfere unless Ashley requests them to.”

Simply put, I would be expected to be on my best behavior. That would not be a problem. Once I had them convinced, she’d be all mine. Mine to hurt, mine to torture, mine to love, and mine to bleed by my side.

“I will have to verify the information you’ve given me about your properties and finances; I’m sure you understand,” he stated. It was obvious he didn’t care whether I understood or not, but he’d only see what I wanted him to see. He would believe he controlled the situation.

If it came down to it, I would just take her—Josiah and Matthew be damned.

“Of course,” I said. “I would expect nothing less.”

Matthew rustled through the papers. “We’ll acquire these items and begin preparing her right away. You’re asking for tomorrow night? You’re not giving us much time.” He shook his head. “Excellence takes some prep work.”

I gave him a pointed glance.

He let out a deep sigh. “We will do our best to have the woman ready for you.”

“Thank you,” I said, leaving the room.

Unable to contain my curiosity, I wandered the establishment searching for her. It wasn’t smart of me. If I found her in a compromising position, I’d have to let it go or I risked my tenuous, burgeoning agreement with Matthew.

Perusing the dancers behind the hallway’s panels didn’t reveal her and then I found myself back in the large room where she’d been entertaining the fucking demon the other day.

My steps took me straight to the wall and I checked every single monitor for her. She was nowhere to be found. Next, I wandered by the booths, but each one was devoid of any guests.

A lone bartender eyed me from across the room, polishing glasses and mugs with a pristine, white towel. I nodded to him and left, not wanting to draw any more attention.

Back to the main room, I went, pausing to watch an angel fuck a human girl doggie style on the stage. The establishment was an absolute feast for a man like me; waves of delectable lust wafting through the air.

A table full of demons was close to the show and they too, fed, as evidenced by the slight parting of their lips, the shuttering eyes. Matthew was an absolute genius, creating a place like this. Really, it was a gift to our community.

When I turned around and faced the other tables and booths, I skimmed the faces of everyone in attendance. An impressive assortment of monied vampires and demons, with a few angels scattered about made up the elite crowd. Fragrances of heady wines and whiskeys, expensive colognes and perfumes, drifted around me mingling with a dark rainbow of auras. There was only one, unique scent I sought. One scarred and yet perfect aura.

Slowly, I wound my way through the tables, searching out of the corner of my eye. Finally, I found my mark and my heart came to a shuddering stop. Ashley was there, off in a corner, entertaining another vampire. Gritting my teeth, I crossed the floor to a nearby booth, forcing myself not to rip her from the leather seat.

After I settled in, having seated myself, do I could watch her out of the corner of my eye, I ordered a glass of pure blood from an attentive waitress. The mood I was in, I didn’t need the alcohol clouding my senses.

“Would you like any extra services?” She asked, leaning forward to showcase her plump chest.

“No thank you, just the beverage,” I answered. The glamour I used was inspired by a popular male model, so it was no wonder all female eyes were on me. Vain creature that I was, there was no way I’d allow my appearance to be ordinary, or a turn off.

I shut out the sounds around me to focus on Ashley’s voice. She seemed to be enjoying herself.

“I’m just saying that I prefer summer over winter; I’d much rather be warm,” she told her companion.

“I can keep you warm. Would you like that?” The vampire asked.

The stem of my glass broke in my hand, cutting the skin of my palm. The contents of my glass spilled across the surface of the table, and I lifted the linen napkin and wrapped my hand. I could’ve healed myself but being in disguise, I didn’t want to advertise my species or station. Not every vampire or demon could heal themselves, only the highest classes of creatures were gifted the ability.

Ashley giggled like a little girl, the sound very much unlike her. She was putting on a show for her patron. “Oh, that’s okay. But thank you, you’re too kind to offer. Would you like me to fetch you another drink?”

“Thank you, gorgeous girl. That would be great.”

The sound of her skirt dragging against the bench had me waiting for her to pass my table.

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