Page 82 of The Biting Bargain

"You, improbable, lovely, delicious Pollyanna, will be my escort toSocieta Vergiliias my companion." Stellan discreetly licks the blood from his upper lip and sets the glass down. "You'll wear my collar, you'll look like a delicious dessert in Dior. And you will be mine, for everyone to see."

I stare at him, lost for words.

From the counter, I peripherally notice Marigold and Grace staring over, but they can't hear us from there.

It takes a while for my overwhelmed brain to form a coherent response. "What makes you think I'm going to do that?"

Stellan grins, even more deadly snow leopard than he already is.

"Simple. You'll be my companion, and I won't tell anything about Vincent Renard's furry little secret."

He might as well have emptied a bag of armadillos on the table, I would have stared at him no less aghast.

"What are you talking about?" I whisper.

Stellan leans forward, his smile becoming even more predatory.

"Vincent Renard is cursed. I know he was bitten by a werewolf. I know he's keeping it a secret."

Coldness spreads through my chest.

"I have no idea how you're involved, little Polly, but I'm not blind. I've seen the sparks fly between you two lovebirds. And I know you're smitten enough to keep Monsieur Renard's reputation from being ruined for good in the vampire community, now that he's finally made it back to the top."

My mouth goes dry. My brain is at a standstill.

Awesome. Balzar's mob is no longer after me, but the next blackmailer is already at my door. In a previous life, I probably pissed off some deity responsible for personal misfortune or something.

But my shocked brain still puts the pieces of the puzzle together. Stellan knows, heck knows how, but an overpowered vampire like him probably has his spies everywhere. The realization sinks in like a dumbbell into custard: he knows about Vincent's secret. He knows he’s a werewolf. And he's going to spill it.

If I don't do what he says.

I rearrange my expression.

"I'll do it on one condition."

Stellan smirks. "You really think you can negotiate?"

"I'll be your companion. For this one event."

Stellan raises an eyebrow, but listens.

"You get your retribution," I say, because that's what it's all about, ultimately. This boils down to a simple pissing contest. Apparently, vampires are no different than regular guys. Stellan is all about showing Vincent that he can have anything he wants, after all.

Charming fella.

"You give me your word that you'll leave him alone."

Stellan smirks again, and I add, "You’re a vampire. I know how important giving your word is. The honorable thing and all."

"You're not as simple as you look, Polly Bukowski." He swirls the blood in his wine glass. "Why should I give you my word?"

"Why should I go along with your blackmail if you're still going to spill Vincent's secret afterwards?"

Vincent clicks his tongue. "Blackmailing is such an ugly word." He grins. "I prefer business agreement."

"Yeah, about that." I spin the water in my glass, trying to ignore the racing pulse in my ears.

Why am I doing this? Vincent cast me out and will never think of me again. Why the hell do I care that his nemesis is trying to ruin his reputation? I could just give that cocky jerk the finger and send him to hell.

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