Page 119 of Blood Bound (Blood Mafia 3)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Demi

“Are you sure this will work?” I ask Lacey, glancing around the restaurant and looking for Lexi.

Lacey places her hand over mine. “I promise it’ll work. We have two hours before my magic wears off on the guys.”

Colt sips his blood cocktail. “The compulsion on her will add an extra layer of protection as well.” Our bond ripples with calming vibes.

Grayson and Mateo don’t offer reassuring words, they’re as unsure as I am. Grayson placed the compulsion on Lexi, but the bond between us is ripe with worry. If we’re wrong, and Lacey’s spell to conceal the vampires’ powers fails, we run the risk of breaking Lexi’s compulsion. If that happens, she’ll remember everything and revert to her blood junkie ways.

I really don’t want that to happen.

It’s only because Lacey swore on her coven that her magic would hold that I agreed to it. I haven’t seen Lexi since my birthday party, and the few phone calls we’ve shared aren’t enough for me. Tonight is a test to see if I can keep my friend in my life or if I’ll have to become a distant memory.

Aside from my guys, Lacey is the only other person with us. I didn’t want to overwhelm Lexi with my parents or my new friends.

“She’s here,” I say when I see her heading our way.

Lexi’s honey blonde hair is curled and she’s wearing a cute, blue crop top, black skinny jeans, and navy high-heel boots.

“You failed to mention you’re friends with a goddess.” Lexi shoots me a warm smile. “She’s so pretty.”

“I know, she’s such a bitch.”

Raising an eyebrow at me, Lexi places her hands on the back of her chair. “Who are you calling bitch, bitch?”

Lacey gasps and covers her mouth. I can’t help but giggle.

“Give me a hug.” I stand up and hold my arms out.

Lexi rushes around the table and squeezes me tight. “Where have you been, Demi? I missed you so much!”

Patting her back, I sigh. “It’s a long story. We should order drinks.”

She steps back and looks at the men, pressing her lips together and shooting me a curious look.

“I’ll explain everything, I promise. Let’s order first.”

She clicks her tongue and wags her finger at me. “You’ve been holding out on me, girl.”

The waitress comes over and takes our orders—a glass of Malbec for me and a margarita for Lexi—and heads to the bar to deliver it to the bartender.

“So, who are your friends?” Lexi unrolls her silverware and drops the cloth napkin in her lap.

Taking a deep breath, I get ready for all the questions. “This is Mateo, Colt, and Grayson.” I point each one out. “They’re my… boyfriends?”

May as well bite the bullet and throw it out there.

Lexi’s face lights up. Her eyes widen and her mouth pops open. She stares at the men, then looks at me before swinging her gaze to Lacey. “Did I hear that right?”

The witch laughs. “Yeah, she said boyfriends, as in plural. Welcome to Club Envy, I’m Lacey, brand new friend to Demi.” She holds her hand out.

“Lexi, curious as fuck best friend.” Taking Lacey’s hand in hers, she shakes it a few times before pulling Lacey closer. “So they’re like, fucking, right? Likeallof them?”

Lacey covers her mouth. Her eyes crinkle at the edges and she nods. “Iknow, right?”

“They’re right here,” I say, narrowing my eyes at Lexi.

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