Page 35 of The Biting Bargain

Vincent

The estate towersin the darkness like a torchlit temple in ancient Rome. We are only a little way out of town. TheSocieta Vergiliiprefers a lesser crowd and always has its events held at varying locations in the middle of nowhere.

A liveryman appears and pulls open the door of my limousine. I get out and help my companion to exit the vehicle.

I have to pull myself together not to push her right back in, pull the door shut behind me and have my wicked way with her in the back seat. And to hell with the consequences.

Biting her was a mistake.

Technically, it was necessary. She is my companion, albeit our bargain didn’t start off in the traditional manner. It would raise suspicion if I appeared with a companion on my first visit to the Vergilii without her showing any bitemarks.

The taste of her blood didn't catch me off guard, delicious as it was. Aidan checked everything in advance. According to his research, coming into contact with Polly's blood again shouldn't trigger another transformation — which it didn't.

But it did trigger something else.

Before, I was only toying with the idea of seducing this strange little creature that has fluttered into my hands so unexpectedly.

Now I can't think of anything else.

I can't take my eyes off her.

The drive here was subtle torture. She sat across from me, slumped into the wide leather seat, bare legs crossed, looking around nervously, and damn that designer who created that devilish dress that clings to her like a second skin, hugging her curves like wet paint. I stared at my laptop, trying to focus on the numbers on my screen.

It didn't work in the slightest.

Now that she is standing next to me on the gravel of the driveway, and the cool night wind kisses goosebumps on her bare shoulders, I have to muster all my willpower not to do what the slavering shadow whispers in the far corner of my mind.

Take her.

Claim her.

Damn it, control yourself, moron!

I didn't spend seven decades working towards this moment only to be distracted by a quaint human female. She's only food. Pretty, damn tempting food. But no need to lose my countenance now, of all times.

It doesn't help at all when her eyes hit me with that emerald gaze. She's pale under her freckles. I almost have to smile again, but restrain myself just enough before I run the risk of being seen. I have a reputation to lose, after all.

It also doesn't help that the leash hanging from her collar rests loosely in my hand. Whoever came up with this tradition for companions and their masters certainly didn't intend for anyone to hold back their twisted and carnal needs.

On the contrary.

I grit my teeth.

"Let's move," I say darkly as my limo rolls away behind us, tires crunching.

She squares her shoulders, gritting out, "Showtime."

I suppress another grin, tug on her leash, gently, and she follows me, up the sweeping staircase and into the ominously lit mansion.

ChapterFifteen

Vincent

The reception isin full swing as I enter the foyer, my companion walking a few docile steps behind me, the assembled club members scanning us with unconcealed curiosity.

Isn’t that the Renard boy? Here?

In our illustrious circle?

---