Page 69 of Blood as Sweet as Roses

But it’s better not to tempt fate. I’ve worked too hard to get to where I am.

Murad takes a look around the lounge, but there’s no Eloise there.

“Probably in the kitchen,” he says.

“I’ll come with you,” I tell him, following him down the corridor. “I wanted to ask her about the security for the breathers. If Oana can stake a vampire, she could easily get her hands on one of the donors. And I don’t need that sort of mess with the city.”

Murad raises an eyebrow. “Ah, yes,that’swhy you’re so concerned about the security of our breathers. Because it would be bad foroptics.”

I roll my eyes, but don’t respond.

Ok, yes, it’s alsobecause I want Paige to be safe. She’s gorgeous, and absolutely perfect…as a submissive blood donor, and nothing more.

It would be a hassle to find another. I’m not getting attached. I’m just…protecting my resources.

As though summoned by the thought, a glorious smell assaults my nostrils.

The sweet, rose-scent of Paige’s blood.

And the hummingbird flutter of her delicate heart.

“Hello,” she whispers. She must be coming in from the garden. There’s a beautiful bloom of goosebumps across her arms, and her cheeks are flushed pink. I always forget how the cold affects living humans.

“Good evening,” I reply, an urgent hunger stirring inside me. Does she know how she throws me off my guard? Does she know that she has this affect on me?

My eyes travel over her body. She wears a cream dress tonight, rouched over her bodice and hips. There’s a dark red tint across her lips, and her wavy black hair is pulled back to one side.

I can’t stop myself from imagining her with the collar around her neck, on her knees…

But before I can say anything further, Eloise’s voice interrupts from inside the kitchen.

“Murad, Crimson!” she calls. “What are you both doing here?”

“I hope you don’t mind, we wanted to speak with you for a moment,” Murad says. Although the look in his eye makes it very clear that he’s here to see her. Eloise gives him a long, lingering gaze. It seems the affection isn’t one-sided.

“Not at all, I was just tasting some appetizers,” Eloise replies. “Please, come in.”

Murad steps inside the kitchen.

“You should join us,” I tell Paige. “Help Eloise taste the appetizers.”

“That’s a job I’m happy to do,” she replies, following us into the kitchen. “Will you have some?”

“I can’t consume normal sustenance,” I answer, a little surprised she doesn’t know that. Most donors we hire are more familiar with the magical world, but it often seems like Paige just dropped in out of nowhere.

Still, it’s understandable. I imagine that most humans are unawareof vampire biology.

“Oh,” Paige replies, with a frown. “That’s awful, I’m sorry. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t eat ice cream anymore.”

“No need for apologies,” I reply, with a sly smile. “Ice cream could never compare to the delectable taste of your sweet blood.”

It’s so easy to make her blush. And yet it brings me such joy.

“Here, Paige, try these ones,” Eloise says, saving her from her own shyness. She hands Paige a tray of appetizers, little bundles of bread and herbs. I have no idea what it’s called, and I really don’t care. I can barely recall what food used to taste like, used to smell like. My vast range of vampiric senses have completely canceled out all of my taste memories.

But Paige seems to enjoy them. She makes a delightful sound of pleasure as she tries them. It’s very distracting…in the best possible way.

“These ones are all right, but those ones are a little overdone,” Eloise instructs one of the chefs. He nods, and brings her another plate. Eloise turns back to me. “Sorry, it’s been a busy night! What can I help you with?”