Page 33 of Obsessed in Blood
The heat that suffused my body quickly dissipated when he left the room. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that his last words were not said in a teasing tone but one that implied there would be ramifications if I stepped outside the lines that had been so rigidly drawn.
I trailedbehind Mrs. Newbridge as she went through the house inventory. First, it was the kitchen pantry, then the linen closet, then the incidentals they kept on hand if the House was ever under siege. I was surprised when she confided that such a thing would be improbable with the entire estate being an island.
The statement triggered a mental discourse on what it would take to defend an island as well as attack one. Why my head went there instead of more domestic thoughts, I couldn’t say. But I didn’t fight it as I meandered behind her, asking a question here and there so she thought I was paying attention.
At this point, with my inane questions and random thoughts, she probably assumed I was a bit dim-witted, and that suited me fine. I continued to update my knowledge of the floor plan, picking up new information in changes to delivery schedules and staff rotations. The snooping seemed to come naturally, as did the ability to retain the information. But I pilfered another notepad and pen, and when someone stopped to talk with Mrs. Newbridge, I stepped aside to jot down quick notes.
Fortunately, Asshole hadn’t come with us. On occasion I’d spot him somewhere, usually attending to other duties, but other times, I sensed his gaze on me—watching. I ignored him.
We had just finished lunch with the kitchen staff when Mrs. Newbridge sat back and gave me an evil eye. “The master said I had to take you on a garden stroll as if I’m your servant.” She tossed her napkin on the table. “As if I have time for such pleasantries.”
I lowered my head, playing the submissive mistress. “Sorry, I don’t mean to be a burden. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been outside.”
She tsked, then seemed to brighten. I inwardly cringed, not wanting to know what made this woman smile. Her focus had turned to the door, and I closed my eyes. Please don’t let it be Asshole. He was the last person I wanted to follow me around outside.
When I turned, ready to accept who was coming, I was surprised to see a gorgeous redhead walking our way. This wasn’t someone from the staff. Her abundant attributes were accentuated by a flower-print sundress and three-inch heels. She swayed toward us with the air of someone who was not only comfortable with herself but with her position within the Family. There wasn’t any familial likeness to Lorenzo, so probably wasn’t a sister. Maybe some other relation.
“Roberta, who do we have here?” The woman’s voice was sultry, and her eyes pinned me like a butterfly for closer inspection. Warning bells sounded. This was not a woman to take lightly. And she was on a first-name basis with Mrs. Newbridge. Another sign to tread carefully.
“Miss Brigette, I heard you’d returned.” She frowned at me before turning back to the stunning woman, who now stared down at me. “This is Cressa.”
“Ah. Lorenzo’s latest acquisition.” Her full-on smile didn’t quite reach her eyes.
And two things hit me immediately. She all but purred Lorenzo’s name, which declared she was no relative because she’d slept with him—and probably still was. Second, and the thought made my blood run cold, was the term acquisition. Was I just another female to add to his harem?
“Hello.” I would have rolled my eyes at the inane response, but when the woman’s smile warmed, it dawned on me to play the same dimwit I portrayed with Mrs. Newbridge. If I gave this woman, who was most likely Lorenzo’s current mistress, her due respect, she could be more useful than making an enemy of her, which was probably what she currently considered me.
She held her smile as she confirmed my suspicion. “I’m Lorenzo’s mistress. I’d heard Lorenzo picked up a new Blood Ward. A damsel in distress from another House I believe.”
If she’d been away and just returned, either Lorenzo kept her updated on his affairs or this island had a strong gossip mill. From what I’d learned about Lorenzo, I assumed the latter.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“I assume you’re being instructed on the rules of the House and the duties required to keep it running smoothly. Lorenzo is an exacting vampire and expects the highest performance and loyalty.” She studied me and my clothing. “It looks like he has Millie picking out your wardrobe. Not one for fashion, are you?”
Her question wasn’t meant for a response, but I shook my head, tired of hearing how exacting Lorenzo was.
“The master has asked me to take her on a tour of the garden.” Mrs. Newbridge’s frown returned. “Sometimes I don’t think he appreciates the amount of work required to keep the staff in line and up to snuff.”
“That’s because you do a marvelous job.” Brigette touched the woman’s shoulder. “He has much respect for you.”
I wasn’t sure if Mrs. Newbridge beamed at the compliment or the touch. Most likely both. Then it hit me. Something I’d missed in my curiosity of the woman’s position in the manor. Brigette wasn’t a vampire.
She eyed me again, and something sparked in her eyes. “I’ll tell you what. I’ve finished my unpacking, and my first appointments aren’t until tomorrow. How about if I show our young Cressa around the gardens? I so missed the island; it would be nice to take a walk and check on the rest of the staff.” Now I recognized the look in her gaze—mischief. She came home to find a new chew toy—me.
Instead of fear, a gauntlet had been thrown, and I was up for a game of who played their role better. I lowered my gaze and gave Mrs. Newbridge a submissive glance.
“Oh, Miss Brigette, I don’t want to hand you such a burden.”
I had to hold in a smile. Being called a burden wasn’t the dig the old woman thought it was. It was a call to arms I’d gladly accept.
“Not at all. I think it’s important our dear Cressa understands the role she’s expected to play as a new Blood Ward.”
Mrs. Newbridge stood, not taking a chance Brigette might change her mind. “It’s such a joy to have you back. If you don’t mind, I’d like to continue with this month’s inventory.”
“Never a problem, Roberta. You know you can come to me anytime.” Brigette strode toward the outer door and snapped her fingers. “Come along, Cressa. You’ll need to learn to keep up.”
Like the Family’s newest pet, I rushed to catch up, happy to play the submissive puppy. This bitch would learn the hard way that this puppy pissed where she wanted and hid a wicked bite.
