Page 83 of The Biting Bargain

But the memory of that strange vulnerability in Vincent's eyes completely shatters that thought.

I have no choice.

I'm going to go through with it. Just for one night. And only on a business level.

"Since it's a business agreement, of course it's"Bite Only,"I say in the steadiest tone of voice I can manage.

Stellan raises his glass and mockingly clinks it against mine.

"That remains to be seen," he says, sliding his gaze over me so unmistakably it makes my skin crawl. He leans forward and whispers:

"As soon as I sink my teeth into your sweet neck, little Polly, you'll be begging me not to stop at biting."

He rises so quickly and elegantly that I flinch, and turns to leave.

"I'll send you the details. Be on time."

And with that, he swaggers off.

* * *

"Don't do it!"

I keep walking as Marigold keeps pace beside me, wrapping her coat around her and glaring at me.

"I don't have a choice," I mutter, digging in my coat pocket for the front door key.

"Sure you have a choice," Marigold says sharply. I stop at our front door and, in the flickering light of the neon light, try to find the keyhole.

"Talk to me, Polly! You let a vampire take you away just to protect another vampire? That's just bonkers."

"Didn't you just tell me in the bar to stand by my feelings?" I return, finally hitting the keyhole. Furious, I unlock the door and open it a little too swingingly. The crash of the door hitting the wall echoes in the hallway.

"I did," Marigold hisses, following me inside. "But when it comes to getting blackmailed, I'm right there with Grace — this guy isn't worth it!"

I stop on the landing, staring into the darkness with burning eyes.

She's right. It's stupid and absurd, and there's no way Vincent would do the same for me. It’s not worth it. I'm handing myself, my body and, if I'm unlucky, my soul over to a predatory vampire to protect another vampire’s precious reputation.

No, not just his reputation. The thought of protectinghimovershadows everything else. I’m doing this just for Vincent. Because I fell for him. Because I’m stupid.

"I can't help it," I grit out, and then I head up the stairs.

Marigold stomps after me.

"Will you at least tell him that you intend to throw yourself on the sword?"

I grit my teeth and keep walking.

"So that’s your plan? You won't tell him how you feel about him, and you won't tell him you're selling yourself to another vampire?"

"I know he won't care." I stop on the landing and glare at Marigold, who is a few steps below me. "I know all that. I know he doesn't feel the same way about me. But still..."

I have to protect him. I can't help it. It's who I am. I take a running start and fall hopelessly in love with the most unhealthy guy I come across. Marigold's expression darkens nonetheless.

"Don't do it, Pol," she implores.

I shake my head, then storm up the stairs and into my apartment.

---