Page 125 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

Tears spill out over her cheeks. “I don’tcare, Crimson. If I’m going to die, I want tolivefirst. I want to be with you, I want to know that you feel the same way…”

I close my eyes, listening to the music of her quickly-beating heart. A sweet scent radiates from her pores, the tantalizing aroma of her blood, like a signature.

The floral, fragrant scent of roses.

It’s her.

It’s always been her.

She’s the one that I’m destined to lose.

And yet…I can’t do it.

I’ve been strong my whole existence. It’s the only way I’ve been able to survive.

But I’m not strong enough to lose her.

I can’t bear that pain. Not for the rest of eternity.

My eyes open, blazing blood-red.

“You’ll stay in this room,” I command. “I won’t hear another word, Paige.”

“Crimson…” she begs, shaking her head.

But before I can respond, there’s a pounding on the door.

“Whatnow?” I hiss, quickly crossing toward it. Paige moves out of the way, shakily.

I open the door, surprised to find Alin standing there. His eyes are wide and red-rimmed, fangs dropped with fear.

“Crimson, you have to come right now!” he says. “The hotel is under attack.”

CHAPTER 44: TOWELS AND WARM WATER

Paige

“What?” I gasp, staring at the younger vampire who stands in the door.

I expect Crimson to go with him, or at least to clarify more details. Instead, she pulls out her phone from the pocket of her dress pants and puts it to her ear.

“Renata,” she snaps. “What’s the most secure location in this hotel for a living human?”

There’s a pause, then Crimson nods her head.

“Thank you,” she says, then she quickly hangs up the phone. “Alin, take Paige to the holding floor immediately. Ensure that she is safe, then watch the elevators for any intruders. Do not leave her foranyreason, do you understand?”

“Yes, my king,” he replies.

She moves to leave, but I quickly push myself between her and the door.

“Noway!” I shout. “Crimson, I’m not leaving you! If the hotel is being attacked…”

She puts her hand on my shoulder, her eyes fierce and determined.

“Paige,” she hisses. “I can’t fight the intruders unless Iknowyou’re safe. Do you understand?”

My heart aches. I hate the thought of leaving her, but…the way she’s looking at me right now, the intensity of her gaze…