Page 32 of Sweeter than Honey

“OfcourseI’m on edge,” I reply. “I’m trying to hold this place together all by myself! Do you have any idea how much work it is to manage a hotel empire? I’ve got the Respite hotel, and our international chains, and now I have to deal with the casino and club because Celine is off chasing Xavian and Lavinia!”

“But maybe,” Amara says, her voice frustratingly gentle. “Maybe you don’t have to do it all yourself, Renata. I know Amrita was a little hasty in her plan for a summer internship program, but perhaps you could train those students to take some of the burden off…”

“Do you think that motley collection of unmotivated university students is going to be able to do whatIdo?” I huff in response, tossing my hair back at the ridiculousness of her suggestion. “I operate at a very high level!”

“I’m sure you do, Renata, but the reality is, you’renevergoing to think anyone else is as competent as you,” Amara says. “But if you don’t let other people help you anyway, you’re going to work yourself into the ground. You’ve got to let go a little bit. Give Lexi some more responsibility. Let some things go. Do you really need to host so many weddings and conferences? You’ve got so much money…”

“You don’tunderstand…”

“What I understand is that people need balance, Renata. Even vampires. I see you every day. You get out of your coffin and immediately come into this office, then you work until sunrise and you go back to ground. Youneverleave the office, or the hotel. No wonder you’re so stressed!”

“I’m avampire,” I snap. “I don’t have a functioning nervous system like you do, Amara! I can’t get stressed.”

She shakes her head. “I’m just saying, Renata,you’reimportant. More important than this hotel, or Tudor’s business. Don’t work yourself to death…or I guess, don’t work yourself until you’re dust…”

Her words pierce my heart like a dagger. I steel myself against the pain in my chest, and respond through gritted teeth. My voice is low, but my tone is biting. “This isn’t some tiny bakery in a backwoods tourist town, Amara. This is a multi-billion-dollar hotel empire. Vampires aren’t like good witches. And I never asked you for a motivational speech. If I wanted that, I would attend Amrita’s keynote address.”

I sit back down at my desk and pull my laptop out. Amara swallows, a pained expression in her eyes.

“Now if youdon’tmind,” I tell her sharply. “I have work to do. The sun rises in a few hours.”

She nods, and without another word, leaves my office.

But the ache in my chest remains.

Chapter 12: Pink peonies

Lily

I climb into bed with a sigh. Eli fell asleep surprisingly fast tonight. He’s been in such a good mood lately. With a pang of guilt, I realize that it’s probably because I’ve been home for the past week, spending all of my time with him. I’m not sure if my mom is really the best caretaker. She came by tonight because the cable at the senior’s residence was down and she wanted to watchDivorce Court(which she loves, despite how much she’s railing againstmydivorce). Eli barely even looked at her when she came in.

It’s been nice to get to spend so much time with Eli. Renata made me take a week off after I was attacked by those intruders on the holding floor. I insisted that I was perfectly fine, which I am. Actually, I’mmorethan fine. In the week since consuming Renata’s blood, I’ve felt healthier than I have in my entire life. I took Eli to Serenity Park, and the zoo, and I actually did a whole YouTube yoga class, instead of getting bored like I usually do and switching to videos about rescue puppies.

Anyway, it’s been a good week, but I’m looking forward to going back into the office in a few days. I can’t help dwelling on what Renata said about how drinking my blood would make me feel “strange” around her. Even before the incident between us, I’ve been having strong feelings about her. I guess part of me knew it was more than admiration, but I never wanted to admit it to myself. It’s complicated having a crush on your boss, but it’s a hundred timesmorecomplicated when your boss is a super-powerful vampire CEO who saved your life by giving you her delicious, magical healing blood.

There’s a warm ache in my stomach as I think about it. She seemed so worried about me. When she looked down at me, I wondered if there was something more for her, too. I wonder what she was going to ask me before she stopped herself…I’ve turned the moment over a thousand times in my mind this past week. Part of me keeps telling myself that it was all totally professional. That she was concerned about an injured employee, nothing more. But another part of me can’t stop thinking about how she gave me her handkerchief, how angry she was when she thought I might die…

I glance over at my bedroom door. The lock’s broken, but it’s shut tight. I can hear the faint sound ofDivorce Courtfrom the living room.

My mom won’t come to bed for another hour or so, probably.

Taking a deep breath, I reach down under the covers, under the worn T-shirt I love to wear to bed. My fingers find my nipples, erect and sensitive. I close my eyes and gently play with them, imagining what it might be like to feel her touch. It’s just a harmless fantasy…what could it hurt to indulge in it?

Her fingers were cold, thrilling…what would they be like over my body? Dylan was always so rough, so impatient…but I think she would be different. Her movements smooth. Her fingers controlled and capable.

I reach down under my light blue panties, and find my clit already swollen and slick. I sigh pleasurably as I tease it, allowing myself to fully enjoy this peaceful moment of alone time. It’s been so long since I let myself have this sort of release…

And usually it takes me a bit longer, but there’s a sort of dirty pleasure in thinking about someone I’m not supposed to. I imagine her standing over me, her assertive gaze exploring my body boldly. I bet she would know exactly how to do it. I bet she would teach me…

Wonderful tension builds up inside of me and a throaty moan escapes my lips. My fingers move more quickly, apply more pressure as I start to peak…

I know it’s wrong, but it feelssogood…

Then the door to my bedroom opens with a slam.

“Lily,” says my mother sternly.

My face flushesbright red and I pull my hands away from myself, sitting up in bed.