Page 122 of Blood Bound (Blood Mafia 3)

With a laugh, I press the button for his floor and hop out. Just before the doors close, I say, “No, go be a creep in your apartment and watch the cameras.”

He shoves off the wall but it’s too late; the doors pinch closed at the elevator leaves the first floor. I bite my lip and watch the numbers tick higher and higher on the display screen.

I’m going to pay for that.

Worth it.

The designer clears her throat.

Wrinkling my nose, I try not to snap at her for being impatient. “Thank you for waiting.” The trick with these types of people is to not apologize to them for their own short-comings.

Hers is being impatient.

Lucky for her, I came from a Zen zone session and I don’t particularly feel like fighting.

“The decorations are here and I would like to get started, before the sun goes down.”

I try not to laugh. Despite seeing Mateo in broad daylight, she still believes she’s in more danger at night than she is during the day.

“Of course.” I turn to the truck driver waiting behind her. “The loading dock for the restaurant is around the back, we can unload there and take the staff elevator to Twisted Helix.”

“I’ll head back there now.” He nods and goes out to his semi.

I may have gone a little overboard with decorations, but I love Christmas and I wanted it to be special.

“This way,” I say to the designer and small crew of men, heading toward the restaurant.

A big grin splits my face as I navigate around the tables and through the kitchen.

Christmas is the best holiday.

* * *

“Holy shit.”X stops next to me after passing under the foliage archway. The colorful lights throughout the room reflect in her eyes, making them shine. “This is amazing.”

I glance around, taking in all of the tiny table-top trees, lights, and stopping at the nine-foot tall tree with blinking lights. “Thanks!”

She pats my arm. “Oh, I see Othelia.”

“What are you still standing here for then?” I shoo her away, smiling as she takes a seat next to her new friend. Othelia is a new vampire, and she and X have become pretty close. Nothing romantic as far as I can tell, more of a friendship forged from similar circumstances.

X’s face lights up as she and Othelia jump in to conversation.

She’s happy. That’s all that matters.

The bonds with all three vampires pull tight and I turn, watching as the impossibly gorgeous men take in what I’ve done to their once nefarious night club.

“Don’t worry, the feeders are coming too. Your vampires will still be able to feed.”

Plus, the feeders will get to enjoy the club and relax some when they’re not busy working.

Mateo’s eyes find mine first. Then Colt, and finally Grayson.

“Did you leave any lights for the humans?”

I roll my eyes at him. “Watch it, Grayson.”

He smirks. “It’s amazing, Demi.”

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