Page 42 of Addicted in Blood
When it appeared he wasn’t going to continue until she tried one, she obliged if nothing more than to quiet her hunger and move the meeting along.The sandwich was amazing, and she pulled the bread back to see what was inside.
He chuckled with delight.“I thought you might enjoy them.”
“There’s saffron in it.”
“Yes.It was your favorite spice once.”
She took another bite, refusing to look at him, not sure what to make of the fact that he’d remember something so simple from so long ago.And without wanting to, she whispered, “It still is.”
“Marvelous.I hear Trelane has one of the best chefs in the country.I’ll have mine share the recipe with him if you’d like.”When she nodded, trying to wrap her head around who this vampire was while staying on point with Boris, he thankfully switched back to business.“I don’t know about Boris, but it wouldn’t be unusual for a fixer to take on a long-term contract.”
“Do you know who he works for now?”
“Only rumors, but I don’t think I have to give you a name you already know.”
She nodded.“And only rumors they will most likely remain.”
“I will give you one bit of advice where Boris is concerned.”He held her gaze, and that golden glow she remembered so well lit his eyes.If nothing else, she knew he never lied when he allowed the beast to rise.“Some vampires can’t change, and I would say he is one of those.”
“In what way?”
“Boris isn’t someone to take lightly.He’s deadly, shrewd, and sometimes nothing more than a ghost.But like many of his ilk, he likes souvenirs.”
That was something she could work with.If they could find where Boris was staying, they might find the evidence they’d need for the Sentinels.Before she could ask where he could be found, the penthouse door flew open.
“Gaius, where are you?”
For the briefest of moments, a flash of irritation sparked his gaze, and he gave Simone a look of apology before he stood and faced the angry woman.A raven-haired beauty swept her heavy mane behind her as she took in the scene.Her ample breasts were on full display as she heaved, apparently having run full tilt from across the hall.
“What’s going on?I thought you were in some kid of trouble.”Her tone started out as fear but ended on an angry note when she took in the table, the coffee service, and finally, Simone.
“I told you I had a business meeting and wasn’t to be interrupted.”His own tone held a bit of anger, but not like she remembered it.Whether it was because he was speaking to his mistress or he’d actually toned down over the centuries, she couldn’t tell.
“What else could it have been after my door was broken to bits?”
He heaved a sigh and shook his head, tossing the napkin he’d been holding, now twisted into a ball, onto the table.“The only thing wrong with your door is a tweaked frame, and if you were concerned for my safety, at least you had the presence of mind to fix your hair and put makeup on before coming to my rescue.”
He turned his back on her and smiled down at Simone.“Apologies.She’s a bit much this early in the day.”
The woman heard him and did nothing more than huff as she trounced down the hall, most likely heading for his bedroom.
“Just the early hours?”Simone’s question held a bit of teasing, and his warm smile made her question all over again who this vampire was.
“Some things never change.”
She laid down her napkin, stood, and pressed the wrinkles out of her caftan.“Perhaps you should rethink your taste in women.”
“Perhaps so.”
He walked her to the door.“I apologize for the interruption.”
“As I said earlier, I have a time issue.”
“Then maybe this will help.”He handed her a slip of paper.When their fingers touched, she felt a spark that she hoped he hadn’t felt, but a quick glance told her otherwise.
She focused on the note, which she quickly scanned.It was an address.
“Thank you.”She tucked the note into a small pocket in her one-piece suit.“You said vampires can’t change.I’d say that’s because most of us aren’t built for that.”
