Page 61 of Conquer

“Yes.” I nod. “And, it’s especially easy to when you have a diversion. Let’s take advantage of the absence of little ears and paint the town red.”

I feel so smug with my offer, but Vadim’s lips don’t even twitch in the hint of a smile.

“Red with Irina’s blood?” he wonders in a tone that makes me suck in a breath.

“N-Not quite. More like…dinner and wine?”

He sighs but starts driving, presumably toward a restaurant here in the city. After settling Hiram’s estate on the floor of the car—and conveniently out of sight—I lean against him, slipping my hand in his.

He doesn’t pull away at least, but by no means is he content with any of the events today has brought his way. Were I not here, I think he’d go off on his own and brood. Maybe spiral into one of the dark moods I’ve briefly witnessed, and that Ena has warned me about.

And I make a promise to myself to do everything within my power to prevent that from happening.

No matter the cost.