Page 46 of Vampire so Virtuous (Boston Vampires #1)
“A fact that disappoints me daily, more than you’ll ever know,” she said.
“You left just when you were becoming interesting.” She ran a fingernail over his ear, and he jerked away.
“But we were talking about the now, not about then.” She pushed her hand into his hair and gripped tightly, shaking his head with every word she uttered.
“Did you bite the disgusting spawn of Roberto?”
Antoine had tensed initially, but as she finished her question, his eyes blinked several times. “Roberto is Minh’s sire?”
“Oh! How foolish of me!” Belle cried theatrically, releasing him as she stepped around to his side, her hand held to her mouth.
“How careless. I’ve told you something I shouldn’t have.
” She offered a Gallic shrug. “You don’t need to answer; I can tell you did.
I am surprised that one so weak could grant you so much power, but mixing bloodlines is unpredictable, n’est-ce pas ?
“Feeding on another vampire,” she breathed the words, clasping her hands before her, twisting back and forth, the epitome of innocent playfulness. “So dangerous. So reckless. So…” She gave a mock shiver, like it thrilled her. “… Bold.”
She turned away from him, her attention shifting to Cally, who swallowed nervously.
“And now the Curia has relaxed the rules,” she said, still addressing Antoine though her eyes were locked on Cally—like a cat watching a mouse.
“You’ll need allies and friends, will you not?
” She waved dismissively, then spoke to Cally conspiratorially.
“He has never been very good at making friends, you know. So much the loner, all the time. He never cares, you see?”
“You’re wrong,” Cally said, damned if she was going to play the mouse any longer. “If you believe that, you don’t know him at all.”
Belle stopped, cocking her head to one side and studying Cally as if seeing her for the first time. “My gift, Antoine,” she said, her voice low and velvety. “I won’t take much. This girl will do.”
Cally couldn’t help the alarm that swelled inside her, her eyes darting straight to Antoine’s.
“She’s marked,” he said sharply.
“Of course she is,” Belle replied, crossing the room toward Cally, each step deliberate.
“Thank you for your interest,” Cally said, forcing as polite a tone as she could, “but I’d prefer to stay here.”
Belle laughed again. “She’s so delightful, mon amour. Wherever did you find her?”
“Any gift is mine to choose,” Antoine said.
“But I have chosen already.” Belle wasn’t to be gainsaid. “How do you expect to have the allies you need if I’m not given the gift I want?”
“I have not asked for your help,” he replied, an edge of urgency in his tone.
She turned, wagging a finger at him. “You think you can take on a Curia member without my help? When his spawn has allies, and you don’t?” She tutted. “Without me, you will be destroyed.”
Cally hadn’t followed the whole conversation, but this part was clear enough.
She glanced from Belle to Antoine, noting the recognition of Belle’s truth in his eyes.
Cally had had enough of being a piece on someone else’s chessboard, of her life being dictated by others.
If she was going to make a stand, was this the time?
Her mouth tightened, a brief stillness before she spoke. “Will she hurt me if I go with her?”
He looked at her, his jaw clenching.
“Ah! Jeune amour ,” Belle said. “Do not fret, beautiful girl, I won’t damage his property.” She paused as if contemplating. “Well… not permanently, anyway.”
“No,” Antoine said, and deliberately shook his head.
“I think it is her choice, hmm?” Belle turned expectantly to Cally.
Cally swallowed, steeling herself. “I’ll go with her, Antoine.”
Belle clapped her hands in delight. “What a lovely gift!”
“One night,” Antoine ground out.
“Three,” Belle said immediately.
“ One night,” he said again. “I will come for her at dawn.”
“Ah, such ardor. Very well, one night. ”
“And no blood.”
She walked a few steps across the room, as if considering, then spun to face them. “I’ll try, but she is so delicious.”
“No. Blood.” He bit off each word.
Belle pouted. “You spoil all my fun.”
“What gift you have is my choice.”
“What help you have is mine!” she snapped, her mood changing abruptly, eyes flashing red.
Cally hesitated, then took a small step forward. “I’ll come with you, if you promise not to harm me, and… and that you’ll help Antoine.”
“No,” Antoine said urgently.
“ J’accepte, ” Belle replied, her lips curling in triumph.
“No,” Antoine said again, this time to Belle.
“Too late.” Belle waved a hand. “She made her own offer.”
She looked too smug, and Cally couldn’t help wondering what she’d done. She looked at Antoine, but his face was a mask once more.
I should’ve stayed upstairs.
“What a delightful evening,” Belle cooed, turning with a flourish of her dress. “Come, chattel, the night is slipping away.”
“My name is Cally,” she snarled. “Don’t use that word.”
Belle merely laughed, walking to the far door, opening it, and looking back expectantly.
Cally followed with heavy steps, her mind racing with what she’d just agreed to. She glanced at Antoine as she passed him. She’d done it partly for him, for his alliance—though she didn’t even understand what that truly meant. Impulsive. Foolish.
He swallowed hard, his expression impassive, but his eyes were intense, too much emotion to read.
Belle’s gaze lingered as Cally headed into the hallway, where there was no sign of Marcel.
“ Au revoir , mon amour .” Belle closed the door behind them and gave a happy little sigh. “So much fun,” she whispered to Cally, her eyes sparkling. She linked her arm with hers as if they were two friends out for a shopping trip. “Come. I intend to enjoy you while I have you.”