Page 68 of Kiss of the Vampire

To Levka’s disappointment and relief, Caitlin had already slipped under her covers. He watched her until she fell asleep, then got a little more comfortable on the sofa. It would be a long night.

Early the next morning, still invisible, Levka napped a bit while the girls got ready to go on their island excursion. Finally, Alicia shoved her purse on her shoulder and headed for the stateroom door, her face as stormy as the weather. “I can’t believe they’d cancel the beach trips just because of a few clouds.”

Levka sighed and returned to his stateroom to shower and change with every intention of chaperoning his minx the rest of the day, but he couldn’t help worry that Vlad might try to grab her and whisk her away.

***

Back at Caitlin’s stateroom, Alicia slammed the door open and rushed off.

Caitlin hurried after her. “Maybe the cruise director is afraid the water’s too rough. You’re just lucky the Concord Falls tour isn’t already booked, and you can still go.”

“Lucky?” Alicia glowered at her. “Seeing a bunch of waterfalls isn’t what I’d call lucky.”

“Why didn’t you just go shopping then?”

“What? And buy another stupid T-shirt? Shell necklace? Spice necklace?” Alicia made a sour face. “When we get to St. Martin, that’s where I’m spending my money. Gold jewelry and tons of it.” Alicia stalked after Lynne who was headed for the off ramp, too. “Did you get booked for the waterfall excursion?”

“Are you kidding? Some of us are…” Lynne gave Caitlin a look like it was private business.

“Why don’t you go on?” Alicia said to Caitlin, her tone of voice suddenly saccharine. “I’ll catch up later.”

Caitlin smiled when she saw Levka and his friends headed for her.

“Sorry we couldn’t come to your stateroom this morning,” Levka said, showing his I.D. to a crewmember.

Caitlin showed hers, then they walked down the gangplank. “Alicia was coming, but some of the kids from my school are up to something.” She couldn’t disguise the worry in her voice.

Levka looked back at Ruric, who gave a small bow, then turned back.

Caitlin frowned. “I can’t understand how you can communicate privately with him. What did you tell him to do?”

“I asked him to see if he could find out what the kids planned to do.”

“Oh. Will he make sure Alicia doesn’t get hurt?”

“Certainly.”

When they boarded the bus, Arman and Stasio took seats near the back while Levka and Caitlin sat near the front. She kept watching for Alicia, hoping her foster sister would get smart and come on the waterfall excursion. But knowing Alicia and the way anyone could easily influence her, Caitlin didn’t figure she’d come with them.

The bus door closed. No Alicia.

Caitlin slumped back in her seat.

Patting her hand, Levka said, “Ruric will put a stop to whatever they are planning. Never fear.”

“Thanks, Levka, for everything.” She glanced out the window as the bus took off. “Looks like Vlad’s not coming.”

Levka didn’t say anything, and Caitlin glanced at him. “I’m glad, aren’t you?”

“I want you to stick close to me or to Arman or Stasio at all times.”

“He can’t do anything to me. Vlad, I mean.”

Levka’s face was so dark, Caitlin frowned. “Well, what do you think he intends to do?”

“Spirit you away from one of the islands. I’m afraid he might try to take you to an airport and leave.”

Caitlin shook her head. “I’d have to agree, and I wouldn’t.”