Page 135 of Mortal Sins

imagining Frankie sitting there with that brilliant smile lighting up his face. He thought about

everything Rees had said, specifically the advice to follow his heart.

Even though the road might lead to certain damnation and hellfire, he already knew where the path of

following his heart’s desires would take him.

To Frankie Temple, without question.

Chapter Thirteen

Only a few minutes passed between Rees’ departure and Snod hearing Frankie’s key turning in the

lock. He attempted to act casual, standing very purposely in front of the desk. He grinned with great

satisfaction when Frankie was obviously startled to see him home, his whole body flickering visibly

for a moment.

Snod couldn’t help but feel an inkling of pride. It wasn’t easy to surprise a vampire, after all.

“Hello,” he purred, aiming for sultry but he was far too excited to keep his voice low enough to

maintain a seductive tone. “How was your day?”

“Fine,” Frankie replied carefully. “What are you doing home? Did something happen at the bar?”

“No, not at the bar,” Snod said slowly. “Did you get the rum?”

Frankie held up a brown paper bag.

“Good. I think you might want to bring out your special reserve.”

Frankie began to walk toward him, a twinkle in his eye as he teased, “Oh? Are we celebrating

something?”

“Yes,” Snod said, slowly stepping aside to show the desk behind him.

Frankie froze on the spot.

Snod had almost forgotten how perfectly still vampires could hold themselves, unflinching like stone.

He couldn’t read Frankie’s expression, a tangle of worry knotting up in his stomach.

Had he been wrong about the gift?

Frankie began to approach, every motion slow and measured, graceful and fluid as if he were moving

underwater. His delicate fingers reached out to stroke the back of the chair, gasping. He recoiled as if

he had been burned, turning to stare at Snod in bewilderment, asking quietly, “How...?”

“I broke into the Benjamin Franklin Museum and stole it,” Snod replied honestly with a cheeky little

smile.

“You broke into thewhat?” Frankie suddenly bellowed, his rage erupting like a volcano. “What the