Page 65 of Seduction in Blood
The safe was exactlywhat we'd expected—modern with a digital lock. Devon had considered having Sergi locate the combination. These vamps had better connections than my old pal, Harlow. But I suspected their way of retrieving information was something I didn't want to know anything about. I'd told them not to bother. Most digital safes had backup key locks. This brand was no different. And there wasn't a key lock I couldn't open in seconds, just like the fake-fridge door.
This door swung open as quickly as the first. The small safe was stuffed with various-sized envelopes, documents, and three stacks of cash. I flipped through the bundles of envelopes, finding the blue letter halfway down. I noted that each of the envelopes were either blank or labeled with handwritten names—none the same and none with the name Raul. Was he a blackmailer or an intermediary? The middleman that either passed the package on or kept it safe—all for a fee. There was nothing written on the blue envelope and it wasn't sealed.
I shoved everything back in the safe, leaving it as I'd found it, and shut both doors. It would only take a few seconds to read what was in the envelope. I was so tempted. But time ticked away, and instead, I tucked the envelope in a safe place then stowed my penlight and lock picks. I was standing up when I heard a doorknob turn. Someone was coming from the bedroom.
I glanced at the door to the hall. There was no way I'd make it before the person came in. And two seconds later, the door opened with a soft shuffle of feet.
What to do?
My gaze locked onto the bottles of liquor. I smiled. And then I swayed.
The footsteps stopped. I glanced back. The darkness revealed a tall figure, slight of build, but it hid any details. It was a man, not a woman or Simone.
"What are you doing here?" The tone wasn't aggressive, but an honest question. He was surprised to find me here but didn't consider me a threat. Poor vamp.
I turned, stumbled a bit, then giggled. "Raul?"
He left the door open, allowing a hint of ambient light to stream in from the bedroom. But it kept his face in shadow.
"No." The man took a step closer.
I giggled again. "I couldn't decide what to drink."
"I think you've had enough, human. Why are you here?" He ran a hand through his hair then turned toward the bedroom before refocusing on me.
"I'm waiting for Raul." I leaned on a bookcase but planted my feet for a strike.
"Well, it's not unheard of, but Raul usually prefers dick for dessert."
Great. Of all the luck.
"But if I had the time, I'd help you out."
I had no doubt he'd try. Where the hell was Simone?
"I think I'll wait for Raul. Or maybe just sit for a while." The man had moved closer.
If I tried to leave there was a good chance he'd follow me. No one could see me leaving this floor. I could almost reach out and touch him, but there wasn't enough light to get a good look at his face. So, he wouldn't have a clear image of mine.
When he took another step, I shook my head. He needed a lesson on appreciating one's personal space.
He was too close for a kick. I rubbed my stomach and made a show of looking around the room. "I'm not feeling well."
The man backed up two paces. I kicked out and hit him square in the chest. He flew back, and I followed him with another kick, this time connecting with his jaw. He was down but was getting up. I needed more time for an exit. I punched him in the face, then kicked him in the balls. He groaned and clutched his jewels. He wouldn't be following me now.
I grabbed the robe I'd taken from the closet and cracked open the door to the hall. No one yet. I ran for the servants' stairs, not knowing who was in the bedroom. If it was Simone, she'd be on her own. My job was to get the letter and get out.
When I reached the bottom step, I pulled the robe over me, blocking my face and as much of the dress as I could. Once past the camera, I tossed the robe behind a potted fern and walked briskly toward the open landing. The number of vamps had increased, but they ignored me, too busy with their own conversations and other people coming and going.
I slowed to a normal pace and controlled my breathing, but I felt the sweat on my temples and under my armpits. I couldn't hear a thing beyond the rushing in my ears. I had to calm down, but it wouldn't take long for the vamp to catch up with me unless Simone had taken care of him.
When I started down the stairs, I searched for Devon. Even in the milling crowd, he stood out next to a marble column on the far side of the ballroom. He was speaking with a man and woman, focused on their every word, though I knew he was aware of everything around him. His head lifted and our gazes met. My breathing calmed as I took in his features, the strength of his resolve. But my nerves wouldn't settle until we were in the limo and a mile down the road.
I was taking another step when someone yelled. Heads lifted toward the second floor. I turned with the rest of them as someone screamed again.
"Stop them."
Hell's bells. It had to be the vamp—or maybe security. I continued down, picking up my pace as others were doing. A body smacked into mine, sending me and the vamp next to me sprawling down the few remaining stairs to a narrow landing. I untangled myself from the heap and stood back, getting my bearings. No one was running anymore. A fight had broken out. An elbow caught me in the side with all the power of a hyped-up vamp, pushing me against an ornate, stained-glass window. I spread my arms and caught myself, the coolness of the glass against my back sending shivers through me.
