Page 20 of Auctioned for Her Blood

“Oh, just water.”

He lifts his elbow for me to take again, and when I don’t, he shifts his arm forward as if he was simply gesturing for me to follow, and we head toward the bar.

“Good evening barkeep,” he says when we arrive. “We’ll take two glasses of your best champagne.”

“I’ve got a sparkling wine,” the bartender says, looking bored. “It’s got a twist off cap.”

“That will do,” Ryker answers.

“I’m not drinking—” My heart is already beating too quickly.

He holds up a finger to stop me. “Ember, as your oldest friend—”

“Oldest friend?” I laugh.

He grins. “Well, if I’m youronlyfriend, then by definition I am also your oldest—not to mention dearest.”

I smile at his logic and boldness. And I admit that the danger vibe I felt earlier has morphed into charm. But charm can be dangerous in its own right.

He leans toward me. “A little birdie told me that your organization received ahugedonation tonight. I say that’s cause for celebration, and youcannotcelebrate with water. It’s against the law.”

I laugh. “What law is that?”

“The law of celebrations,” he says. “The law of parties.”

“And I suppose you’re an expert on this particular area of the law?”

He lifts the two flutes of sparkling wine, and hands one to me. “I’m an authority.”

“I see.” I take the glass and our fingers brush on the stem. “And where did you study law?”

“Study?” He tips his flute toward me. “I am theauthorof the party laws.”

Our glasses clink together, and he moves his toward his lips, pausing before he reaches the target. “Please, Ember,” he says over the rim of his glass. “I would very much like to be friends, and friends do not let friends drink alone. Especially when celebrating.”

He winks, and the effects of his charm spread through my body, making me feel drunk, even though I have yet to taste the beverage.

“To new friends,” I say raising my glass.

“To our friendship,” he responds. “One I hope will last forever.”

I take a small sip of the wine, hiding my smile in my flute.

His words are sweet, but nothing lasts forever. If anyone knows that it’s me.

Chapter Six

Ember

“Distinguished patrons and guests,”Shana says over the sound system. “It’s time for our live auction!”

Completely engrossed in my conversation with Ryker, I snap out of my euphoric haze and turn toward the stage. My nerves are over-stimulated, my thoughts so fully immersed in his attention that I’ve completely forgotten I’m here for work.

“What is it?” Ryker asks.

My heart swells. We’ve only just met and he can tell when I’m worried.

“I should go up there,” I tell him. “I’m the accountant for Sanctuary House, so I need to make sure all the bids are properly recorded.”