Page 95 of Taste of Blood

I groan. I received my invitation but I was intending on skipping it. I hate those things, having to schmooze with a bunch of one percenters I’d as soon see dead. Granted, a lot of Clan members show up at these events to network, but I’m no more interested in seeing them than I am their human counterparts.

“What about it?”

“Well, don’t you just think someone like Thalium would put in an appearance at something like that?”

“He doesn’t strike me as the philanthropic type.”

“Criminals need tax write-offs, too. And what’s better than a charity?”

I start to protest, then reconsider. “I guess I hadn’t really thought about it that way.”

“Then it’s a good thing you have me. I can RSVP you and a plus one.”

“A plus one? And just who did you have in mind for that?”

I hope she’s not suggesting I take her, because exposing her to that crowd would not be a smart call. There will be high ranking law enforcement there, and she’s still a wanted commodity in some circles. Plus there’s the matter of her father, who, as she recently enlightened me, is a prominent businessman.

“I was thinking you could take Cord. That way he could get a look at him.”

Cord? At an event like that? He hates social situations. Plus that would mean he’d have to dress up. Does he even own a suit? And would he wear it?

“I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” I hedge.

“Why not? Are you ashamed to be seen with him?”

“No, never. I just…I don’t think he’d be interested.”

“He’s looking for the Python. Why wouldn’t he be interested in going someplace where he might show up?”

She makes a valid point, but this is Cord we’re talking about. As well as I think I know him, there are aspects to his life I’m not privy to anymore. Plus, who’s to say he’d want to go anywhere with me, especially if it involves wealthy people? Cord is kind of a reverse snob when it comes to that. Didn’t he recently lecture me on my attitude about money?

“You don’t understand Cord. This isn’t his crowd.”

“It’s not your crowd either, but you’re going.”

“Yes, but I fit in better there. Cord…well, he’s not a dress up and schmooze kind of guy.”

“Give him some credit. Maybe he is and you just don’t know it. You said it yourself, you’ve been apart for a while. A lot can change in a few years.”

“I doubt that would,” I murmur.”

“You don’t know unless you ask.”

I can see I’m not going to win this argument. Once Elaine makes up her mind she’s as stubborn as I am. And she does bring up an intriguing point.

Having Cord by my side would definitely make this event more tolerable. That is, if he would agree to go. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to ask him. What’s the worst that could happen? He says no and I go by myself.

Plus the thought of seeing Cord in a suit makes my mouth water.

“Is there any way you can get the guest list?” I ask her. “I’d like to know if it’s even worth it.”

She chuckles. “Come on, Asher, look who you’re talking to. I’ll have it for you first thing in the morning.”

31: Cord

THE SKIES OPENED up as soon as I got in my car, so now I’m sitting in the parking lot outside Dante’s warehouse staring at my phone and wondering where I’m going.

I need to talk to you about something.