Page 12 of Benicio

There was no response. Benicio could hear the sound of muted music coming from inside the apartment, but otherwise, it was quiet.

He tried the doorknob, but it was locked. With a growl of frustration, he kicked the door in, which he quickly regretted when pain shot up his leg, nearly crippling him.

The apartment was small and cluttered. Papers and books were strewn everywhere, and an old couch was covered in a faded blanket. The muted music was coming from a small radio on a shelf.

As Benicio turned off the radio, he could smell David’s scent, but it was faint and stale. He had been gone for a while. He probably hadn’t been back since Matteo brought him to the mansion.

Benicio searched the apartment for any clues as to where David might have gone, but he came up empty-handed. Finally, he sank down on the couch in defeat.

What was he doing here? Why did he care so much about finding David?

As he sat there in the silence of the apartment, he realized something. He wasn’t just angry that David had disappeared. He was angry because David hadn’t even said goodbye. He’s walked out as if their encounter had meant nothing to him.

Benicio was also worried about David.

Unsure what to do, Benicio walked out, making sure to close David’s door behind him. When he was back on the street, Benicio was shocked to see David coming out of a makeshift tent in the alley. What on earth? Had the vampire lied to him and was homeless?

David froze when his gaze landed on Benicio. Then David stormed toward him. “Are you following me?”

“What are you doing in that alley?” Benicio demanded.

“That would be none of your business,” David shot back. “Now if you don’t mind, I have something pressing I need to take care of.”

“I offered you a room.”

“And I’m declining.” David turned to face Benicio but walked backward, away from him. “There are more important things in life than luxury, Benicio.”

Benicio took a step forward then two steps back. He didn’t chase anyone. He was doing a lot of things out of his usual norm. Since when did he give a rat’s ass about some street rat? Since when did he go chasing after one?

“Shall I tackle him for you?” Matteo asked from behind him.

Benicio scowled. “And why would I have you do that?”

“Because,” Matteo said as he leaned in close, “me thinks you have a crush on him.”

He glared at his assistant.

Matteo smirked.

David kept walking.

With a sigh, Benicio climbed into the back seat of the car. He wasn’t in any condition to chase after David, let alone pay Eleazar a visit. He just wanted to go back to the vivarium and sulk.

When Matteo climbed into the driver’s seat, Benicio said, “Give him my phone number.”

“David?”

“No, that random stranger lurking outside the building.” Shit, Benicio really was in a sour mood. That didn’t sit well with him. He hadn’t needed anyone since his beloved sister died, and he sure as hell didn’t need a small, feisty hoodlum.

* * * *

David rolled his eyes when the black BMW pulled to the curb next to him. It was hard enough walking away from Benicio, but he didn’t want the guy chasing after him, either.

Only, it wasn’t the cranky vampire who got out.

It was Matteo.

“Now what?” David asked. “Don’t you think I’ve screwed myself over enough?”

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