Page 40 of Hot Blooded
His gaze is suddenly pulled by a flash of movement in the distance. From our spot at the back edge of my property, we can see the dirt road that leads down the mountain. There’s a glimpse of color as a girl with a pink ponytail goes jogging by.
“Why, hello there,” Alastair murmurs under his breath.
It’s Tressa’s friend, Lena. She’d been working at the gala last night, I’d seen Tressa speak with her.
I open my mouth to warn him, to plead with him to practice some restraint, but then decide against it. I’m tired ofbabysitting him. And since I myself can’t seem to locate the control needed not to suck Tressa dry, I’m not exactly in the position to be doling out advice, now, am I? I rub one hand over the back of my neck.
“Maybe I’ll take up jogging,” Alastair says with a mischievous smirk.
I tip my chin toward the girl. “She lives next door.”
“Yes, I know. Well, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go meet the neighbor.”
“Stay out of trouble, Alastair.”
The look on his face is slightly bemused. “The hell, I will.”
I can only shake my head and watch as Alastair deposits all the rackets and balls on a nearby picnic table and jogs after her.
As annoyed as I am by our conversation about my future with Tressa, the truth to my brother’s words are what really sting. He’s right. Any romantic entanglements I may have been imagining can never, never work. Last night proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. So why am I so eager to get inside and check on Tressa?
Chapter 21
Tressa
Reign had insisted that I take the day off today, and since I’ve been working so much, I didn’t protest. I wasn’t sure what to do with myself, but then I saw it. I don’t know how I forgot it, honestly. The diary somehow got lost in the stack ofto be readbooks pile.
I pull it out and open it up to the page I’ve marked with a scrap of ribbon.
August 2, 1902
Dear Diary,
Sorry it’s been a few days since I’ve written. With schoolwork and my job at the library, I’ve been swamped. Well, that and… you know, what I’ve been up to with him. Those blue eyes that sear me, that make me offer myself to him. He went too far last night though, and I’m scared. He was right. He’s dangerous. He could kill me.
Still though, the pleasure it gave me, sailing to the edge like that. It was incredible. Purely sinful. My mother would disown me if she knew. The world would crucify me. I’ve heard rumblings that there are groups who advocate for equal rights for vampires, but there is no way I’ll ask around about it. He’s warned me that can end badly for both of us. I want nothing more than to protect him from what can happen if they find out.
But that pleasure… I’m still shaking with the memory. I can’t wait to try it again. He’s being stubborn, but he’s hungry.He tells me it’s not easy to find willing participants who taste as good as me. I want to believe that’s true, because if I’m being honest, Diary, it makes me feel special.
If I’m being even more honest, I may admit that I want him to turn me, so I can spend forever with him. But I’m not sure how he will react. Wish me luck!
Until next time,
Daniella
The words of the mystery woman send my mind racing. Does she ever convince her man to go through with it? Is that something I’d want too?
Guilt pangs through me. Poor Libby would be horrified by the risks I’ve been taking with Reign. I need to keep myself safe, because I really am the only person she has to rely on in this world. Yet, I keep throwing caution to the wind when it comes to Reign.
I startle when Mrs. Potts knocks on my door.
I call for her to come in, tucking the diary away under my pillow like it contains some kind of hidden secret.
She sets a tray containing a teapot, mug, and saucer onto the nightstand beside my bed. I’d risen a little while ago and showered. I’m dressed in my pajamas and cashmere robe reading, sprawled across my bed.
“Good morning,” Mrs. Potts says, cheerfully, flashing me the trademark grin I’ve come to know and love from her. Her gray bun is efficiently held with an entire army of pins as she moves about my room, drawing open the shades and folding the throw blanket I’ve left strewn across the chair. “Reign asked meto check on you.” Her eyes narrow as she glances over at me. “Says you may not be feeling well.”
I wave one hand dismissively. “I’m feeling fine.”Reign’s just a worry-wart…
