Page 114 of Vampire so Virtuous

“I don’twrithe,” she ground out through clenched teeth.Have I been writhing?

“Of course not. Wriggle, then. Hmm. No, squirm.” He furrowed his brow. “That doesn’t work either. Are you sure you don’t ‘writhe’?”

Cally pushed herself out of the chair and marched to the far door, her cheeks flushed with humiliation and her irritation flaring—both at herself and at him.

“I thought I’d visit that club tonight,” he said from behind her, his tone light. “See if I can ascertain what might have provoked your vision.”

She paused, turning to him. “I thought you didn’t believe my vision.” Her anger flavored her tone, the words coming out sharper than she’d intended.

He was watching her. “I never said that, Cally.”

“The room is beneath the club. You think they’ll let you just waltz on down?”

“If there’s something there, I should be able to sense it from anywhere within.”

“Fine. Then I’m coming with you.”Why the hell did I say that?

An eyebrow went up. “You’re coming with me?”

It was too late to back out now, but the more she thought about it, the more sense it made. “Yes. If you walk in alone, you’ll stand out a mile.”

“You mean, go as a couple?”

“It’s just a cover,” she said, jaw tight with annoyance. “Nothing more.”

He nodded sagely. “That might be useful—in case I get hungry.”

“Dofeel free to snack on me right in the middle of the dance floor,” she said scathingly. “I’m sure no one will notice.”

“They might, when you writhe,” he pointed out thoughtfully. Then he saw her glare and his eyes sparkled with amusement. “I was teasing,ma chérie. I fed from you last night. It will be several days before I need to feed again.” He sobered. “Going to this club may be dangerous.”

“I can look after myself.”

“I know you are a warrior. I was merely pointing out the risks.”

A warrior?That was oddly flattering.

“Besides,” he continued, “I will be with you, and won’t let anything happen to you.”

That was less flattering, but oddly comforting.

“Fine. I’ll see you there tonight, then.”

He shook his head. “No, we’ll travel down together. You should stay here today, where it’s safer.”

“No, thank you. I’m going home. I’ll meet you there.”

“I think you should stay.”

“Your opinion has been noted,” she said dryly. “But I’m leaving now.”

He changed tack smoothly. “I would prefer if you stayed. There will be upheaval among the vampires for the next few weeks. I would prefer you to be where I can… where I know you’re safe.”

“Safe? Suddenly you care?” She gave a bitter laugh. “Oh, of course—it would be soinconvenientfor you to find another snack. Or is it more than that? Would it beembarrassingif something happened to yourmarked chattel?” She glared at him. “That’s what I am, isn’t it? Don’t try to deny it. I looked the word up. Property. Particularlypeopletreated as property. Is that what I am to you, Antoine? Aslave, like one of your thralls?”

A frown marred his smooth brow, and he turned his attention back to hisbook. “I will go by myself tonight.”

Cally folded her arms. “You don’t get to dismiss me just because I’m aninconvenience. It was my vision, damn it, and myfriendwas lured there. I’m coming.” Even as she spoke, she felt the words ring true. She wanted answers—there was too much she didn’t understand—and this was an opportunity to get them. “Besides, you don’t know which club it was. You need me.”