Page 39 of Blood and Bonbons

If I’d thought fae dangerously tempting, the man standing in Vena’s mom’s office proved I knew nothing. The lamp on the desk ignited the red hue in the shoulder-length russet hair he’d tied back at the base of his neck. His strong jawline and perfect skin were illuminated in the light. Warm, light-brown, almost amber eyes stared directly at us.

I swallowed hard at how his gaze dismissively flicked over Vena before settling on me. He looked curious and slightly amused as he studied me with his mesmerizing eyes.

“Now what, pray, can you offer as recompense?” he asked.

“How does a serving of silver in the jugular sound?” Vena asked, widening her stance in front of me and lifting the knife she held.

“Decidedly uncomfortable,” he said blandly. “Though I would expect no less than a coarsely worded offer from women of ill repute, I had hoped for a modicum of reason.”

“Ill repute?” Vena echoed, sounding more confused than offended. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“I believe he thinks we’re loose women because we’re wearing pants. Look at how he’s dressed, Vena. He’s old. He doesn’t know.”

He smiled slightly, the barest tilt of the corner of his mouth, and brushed his thumb over his bottom lip. My stomach fluttered in response. I was so distracted by his perfect mouth that I barely noticed the glint of ruby decorating his finger.

“An astute observation.” He inhaled deeply, and his gaze swept over my face as his teeth lengthened noticeably. It didn’t detract from his beautifully shaped lips. “It would seem you are the reasonable one of the pair, so let me speak plainly.

“It will take far more to make amends for your wrongdoing than the tantalizing samples you’ve provided. Although, I do appreciate the effort you put into the confectionery.”

“Samples?” Vena questioned without taking her eyes off him. “What’s he talking about, Everly?”

“I cut myself while making the apology bonbons,” I said without clarifying that it had been an accident. “We truly are sorry about the misunderstanding. I’m sure you saw how the ceiling was caved in when you woke. We fell into it while hiking. Our intention was never to rob you.”

His gaze swept over my face again.

“Apology not accepted. We both know my ring did not slip into your hands of its own accord. No matter the changes the world has undergone, honor is not dead. And thievery holds no honor.”

He turned to the side, giving us a view of his chiseled jawline as he looked at the books on the desk then at the computer.

“However, I am not heartless. I will allow you to repay me.”

“You’re not getting more of our blood,” Vena said.

His gaze flicked at her with annoyance before clearing and settling on me. “While feedings will help me acquire the knowledge I need, it will not be enough to ease my transition into this new world. I require a liaison.”

“Not happening!” Vena snapped.

“Vena,” I harshly whispered as I pulled at her arm. “Stop provoking and listen.”

As far as I could tell, the vampire was merely asking for help. As long as it wasn’t of the chomping-into-arteries type of help, I’d take being a liaison over being an unwilling donor any day. Besides, we had stolen his ring and woke him. Considering Miles’ and Spawn’s reactions to the news, I thought the vampire would have already killed us, not asked for aid.

The vampire nodded at me as if thanking me for continuing to be reasonable.

“Help me acclimate to this new world, and I will consider your honor debt repaid in full,” the vampire said before Vena could say anything else.

“You’ll forgive us if we don’t trust you since vampires are not known to becreaturesof their word,” Vena said.

A slight narrowing of his eyes was the only indication he didn’t appreciate her emphasis on how she viewed him.

In a blur of motion, he switched spots with Vena. Her mouth dropped open when she realized she stood by the desk and he now stood in front of me.

He angled himself to keep watch on her. “I know quite well the reputation of my kind, but this offer does not concern you.”

Vena looked from her empty hand to him. He arched a brow at her and glanced at the knife now embedded in the wood trim above the door. I hadn’t even seen him throw it.

“This offer is for Everly only, and she has my word. I will not harm her in exchange for her assistance.”

He glanced at me, and I swallowed hard, feeling way over my head. Dwarves? No problem. Fae? They were a little tricky, but I could still deal well with them. A vampire, though?

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