Page 79 of Blood Owed (Blood Mafia 1)
She cuts around a corner, and I tighten my grip on the handle, biting back a squeal. Despite being scared out of my mind, this is a hell of a lot of fun. When we’re speeding down a freeway, I turn on the satellite radio and navigate to my favorite station. My old Honda didn’t have satellite radio, but Lexi’s car did.
Evelyn hums in appreciation. “A woman of taste I see.” Then she starts singing along with Beth Gibbons.
“You like Portishead?” I ask incredulously. I pegged her for a classical music snob, only listening to piano from hundreds of years ago.
She nods. “Dummy is one of my favorite albums and this song”—she gestures to the display screen for the radio—“is one of my favorites.”
I crack a genuine smile. “This is my favorite too.”
Evelyn hits the volume button and turns upRoadsso loud it drowns out her own singing. I lean my head back and gently sing along too, staring at the city as she zips along the highway.
After all, I’m only going to have so many opportunities to sing Portishead in a Lamborghini, I need to take full advantage of this moment.
Twenty minutes later, Evelyn parks in front of a swanky store. The sprawling scripts on the signage tells me it’s way outside of my budget.
“Hey,” I say in surprise, “You didn’t take me to get my money.”
Her brown eyes are eerily similar to Mateo’s, and when she gives me a vicious look, I’m taken aback by how alike they are. “You didn’t really expect me to let you pay, did you?”
I cross my arms. “Yes, I don’t want your charity, Evelyn.”
Her side swept bangs fall into her eyes and she tosses her head to move them. “It’s not charity.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Listen, I want to do this for you. Think of it as my way of apologizing for my brother and his brutes kidnapping you and trying to blow you up.”
I don’t answer her and dig my nails into my palms.
Evelyn grasps my chin with her fingers and forces me to meet her gaze. I prepare to be compelled, bracing myself for a wash of power. If she’s as old as her brother, she’s as strong as he is.
“It’s Mateo’s money.”
Her words draw a chuckle from my lips. “Well, when you put it like that.”
She winks. “I thought that might sway you, let’s go.”
I expect her to linger or hover. Evelyn surprises me by giving me plenty of space. When we enter, I open my mouth and stare at the three stories of glorious clothing and accessories. Things I’d never be able to afford on my own. Hell, I don’t even think I can pay for one earring, let alone a set.
My initial shock wears off and I’m quickly lost in the racks of clothes. I stick to the first floor, which has more casual outfits—I mean if you consider silky tops and the softest jeans I’ve ever felt casual.
By the time Evelyn comes back around, I have a pile of clothes in my arms and she laughs.
“Mateo will pitch a fit.”
I sweep my gaze from a pretty purple top to hers, suddenly worried by the amount of clothes I’ve picked out.
She barks out a laugh. “I’m teasing you. Relax, Demi. He won’t even notice the money is gone.”
“Wow, it must be nice to be ancient and rich.”
With a slight narrowing of her eyes, Evelyn steps closer. “Are you insulting me?” Fire burns in her eyes.
“No, I was joking, Evelyn.”
She stares at me for a moment before relaxing. “You found a lot of clothes, come with me to the fitting rooms. I’ve picked out some pieces I think you’ll love.”
“Okay.” The word is meek as I try to keep up with the emotional whiplash she’s giving me. I can’t tell if she hates me or not. For a while, I thought we were enjoying each other’s company, but she’s reminded me that I’m far too comfortable in her presence.
