Page 28 of Blood Owed (Blood Mafia 1)
As it turns out, I actually have my own room. I expected to be chained to another chair or tossed into the same apartment as before. Instead, I’m left in a smaller version of Grayson’s apartment. The decor is the same, all dark colors and sophisticated decorations. The kitchen is fully stocked with snacks and drinks.
I smirk when I can’t find any knives.
Pity.
Someone removed them all. Good thing Grayson let me keep the switchblade. The weapon gives me a false sense of security and control which I’m clinging to.
I’m starving, so I help myself to an apple, cheese, and some crackers. The bottled water is crisp and delicious, making me sigh in appreciation when I take a big swig.
The clock on the oven shows it’s nearly nine-thirty at night. There’s no calendar, but I’ve been here a few days, so it’s either Thursday or Friday. I grab the blade and take it with me to the bedroom.
Funny they give me such fancy accommodations when they plan on killing me with the stupid explosive chest contraption. My death threat wasn’t idle. I’ll find a way to kill all three of those vampires. If Colt hadn’t had an unbreakable hold on my wrists on the way to the apartment, I already would’ve stabbed him.
On the black comforter is a fresh pair of clothes. I glare at them, but decide I’d rather wear them than continue to freeze while mine air dry.
I toss the damp clothes over the shower curtain rod and pull on the soft black yoga pants and olive-green top. The shirt’s a little too long and baggier than what I normally wear; it feels a thousand times better than the wet shirt. I shove the covers back, place the knife beneath the pillows, and lie down to rest.
I’ve been amped up on adrenaline for so long I’m not sure I can sleep peacefully. With the blanket pulled tight in the dark room, I find myself slowly relaxing into sleep. My fingers brush against the switchblade, taking comfort in the small measure of safety.
It’s not much against vampires. I’ll take whatever I can get to gain some sort of edge. Grayson and Colt will think twice before trying to attack me or wrestling me into the vest. Especially if they want to keep their eyes.
With this slightly deranged imagery playing in my head, I fall into a much-needed deep sleep.
Two days passand I don’t see or hear from anyone. I’m nearly out of snacks and I’m running out of things to watch on the television. There are no books in this apartment, and I’m tired of watching ridiculous reality shows or telenovelas. I can’t handle the acting.
Books are so much better to lose yourself in because you get an unfiltered view into the character’s brain. Movies and television cut out so much of the best part—the inner monologue.
My inner monologue is a rambling, irate bitch who is ninety-seven percent sure she’s about to start her period in a week or so if the bloating is any indication. Which means I’ll need to ask one of the stupid vampires to get me supplies. Unless they’re cool with blood all over everything. . . which given their nature, isn’t entirely far-fetched. I on the other hand, very much mind making a complete mess of myself.
Mother Nature has a strange sense of humor if she thinks now is the time to strike.
Let’s have shark week in the vampire’s nest, that’s a grand plan.
Someone’s unlocking the front door, so I shut off the TV and snatch the knife off the table. I’ve been practicing swinging the weapon, and I’m more comfortable with it than I was two days ago.
Colt lets himself in and glances around. His gaze lands on the pillows I’ve obliterated during my practice.
“You’ve been busy.”
He’s so casual it’s annoying.
“I wanted to be prepared.”
Colt stops and rests against the counter where the barstools sit. “Who’re you planning on stabbing, Demetria?”
Uncrossing my legs, I stand and walk toward him. “Do you really need to ask?”
His entire body is preternaturally still, letting me know now isn’t the time. I’m four steps away from him when he shifts.
“Careful, Demi. I don’t want to have to hurt you.”
I laugh and trace my finger over the blade, hissing when it slices my skin and a drop of blood beads to the surface. Colt snaps his hand up, grabs and tosses the knife away before yanking on my arm and bringing me flush with his body.
He’s holding my hand between our faces and we both stare at the trickle of red running down my finger.
My heart’s thundering in my ears.
His green eyes are dark when he stares into mine. “You’ve got to be more careful, Demi. A lesser vampire wouldn’t be able to control himself.”
