Page 25 of Addicted in Blood
My cheeks felt warm from his attention, and I shook my head.“I spoke with Ginger an hour ago, so unless there’s something new, I’m already caught up.”
He studied me with the same eye as if I’d just finished a training session, assuring I was in one piece and didn’t require any medical treatment.
“I’m fine.At least for now.”
“Then let’s meet Romero.”
I’d assumed Sergi had set up a meeting with the vamp, but when we got to the tea house tastefully set along Lake Pontchartrain, we were directed to a table for two in one of back rooms with tall windows that overlooked the water.Along the opposite side of the room was a private table that sat six.Sergi gave a slight nod toward it after we sat.
“I thought you had a meeting set up with Romero.”I spread a napkin over my lap as the server placed an appetizer on the table accompanied with a tea that hinted of mint.
“We have one when he’s ready.”Sergi took a bite of crab roll.“This is the house specialty.They’re served immediately and best eaten warm.”
“I feel like we’re waiting to meet the godfather.”
He stared at me for a moment.“You’re talking about the book?”
“Or the movie.”
He shrugged.“You’re not too far off.Romero is the middle child in a small but prosperous House.There are two siblings that separate him from being the successor, so he branched out early, finding his own niche in business and special connections.He’s committed to his Father and the House, but his business dealings are his own.It’s through him that I first met Lucas.”
“I thought Lucas worked for the House Lafitte?”
Sergi nodded.“That was the first House he went to after leaving home.He met Romero during his service with the House.Romero’s family and Lafitte’s are quite close, and Lucas ended up as one of Romero’s bodyguards.”
“And then Devon snatched him up.How did that happen?”
“It’s a long story, but Romero knew Lucas wouldn’t stay long.He’s too talented to be a simple bodyguard.When Devon offered Lucas a spot in the House with the promise of one day being part of his cadre, Romero agreed to release him.”
“Please tell me there weren’t any hard feelings.”
He chuckled.“Don’t worry.Devon is still on very good terms with Romero.But I will ask, do you have your dagger?”
“You have to ask?”
He just smiled.After four more courses, I sat back with a pleasant grin.The cuisine in New Orleans was everything I’d heard about and more.We’d barely finished the dessert when Sergi stood and waited for me to rise.
I hadn’t seen the signal, but I hadn’t been looking for one.I should have known better.A couple who’d been sitting with Romero stood, bowed, then exited stage left as we approached from the right.
Romero, with creamy brown skin and eyes the color of midnight, was the epitome of a storybook vampire.Handsome, dangerous, and when he smiled the tips of his fangs showed.But rather than coldness in his coal-black eyes, they were filled with warmth and mirth.
“Sergi, I couldn’t believe it when I heard you were in town.”His voice was a rich baritone with a light French accent that could melt a woman’s panties, and if I didn’t have Devon in my life, I’d probably be drooling.
“A business trip, but how could I not take time to say hello.”The two men kissed cheeks before Romero stepped back and took in every inch of me.Slowly.He wasn’t the first man to undress me with his perusal, and I took the opportunity to give him a good once over, and his lips twitched.
“So, this is Devon’s Blood Ward I’ve heard so much about.Cressa, is it?”
I didn’t dare glance at Sergi and wondered if there was some underground vampire gossip mill.“Yes.It’s nice to meet you.”
He pulled me in and kissed both cheeks.“Only nice?”He chuckled.“I’ll let that slide since we just met, but from what Lucas tells me, you’re a force not to be taken lightly.”When I did sneak a glance at Sergi, Romero gave my hand a squeeze and pulled out a chair for me.“Lucas and I talk on a regular basis.We keep each other up to date on events.”When he sat, he shook his head, and his expression became somber.“I wish all the best for Devon and that his recovery is quick.As Sergi and Lucas both know, my Father is in support of House Trelane.”Once he made his position clear, his mood instantly changed.“Now, tell me the current news and what can I do for you.”
The two vamps spent thirty minutes getting caught up on Lyra’s temporary succession to House leader and the incident with the rogue shifters in SoCal.
“What brought you to our doorstep?”Romero poured a cup of spicy-scented tea, then sipped it.
“We’re trying to locate Philipe Renaud.”
Sergi’s statement was answered with a blank expression and long stare.I almost rolled my eyes.Sergi was a master at waiting the other person out, but I had a feeling this wasn’t the first time these two had played this game.
