Page 131 of Vampire so Virtuous

“My best friend is a woman,” Cally said, trying not to cringe away. “And she’s not helpless. She threatened to pour kerosene on Antoine and light him up if he hurt me.”And I love her for it.

Belle laughed, and when she spoke, there was genuine amusement in her words, without the usual sadistic undertones. “How delightful! What’s her name? I’d like to meet her.”

Cally shook her head, her hair pulling as Belle tightened her grip. “No, I don’t think so.”

Belle leaned in closer, her body pressing firmly into Cally’s back. “I could make you tell me,” she whispered. “I could make you enjoy it. Wouldn’t that be easier?”

Cally couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had led to this, and that thought made her stomach twist. All of her choices, all the little decisions she’d made, had somehow brought her here. Was this the price she paid for her own miscalculations?

“I wouldn’t tell you, whatever you did to me.” Her defiance came easily; there was no way she would throw Eve into Belle’s path.

“You think you can resist?” Belle’s voice held amusement. “You fight so hard, so independent, so brave. But deep down, I know you quail. I can smell your fear,ma fillette. It is intoxicating.”

That’s because you’re a deranged bitch, and only someone insane wouldn’t fear you.

“Has Antoine claimed your friend?” Belle asked lightly, but the interest in her tone was more terrifying than anything she’d yet done.

Cally said nothing, pressing her lips together. She’d only mentioned Eve to deflect, and the kerosene comment was meant to show some spirit—which Belle had liked. Maybe more spirit was what was needed?

“Oh, now I get it.” She threw it out with deliberate insolence.

“Hmm?” Belle ran her palm over Cally’s breast, then pinched her nipple through the fabric.

Cally winced but plowed on. “You said you liked breaking Antoine’s toys. That’s why you took me. But don’t you think that’s a little”—she let the word linger, then finished with deliberate disdain—“childish?”

Belle yanked her head back with a savage tug. “You dare? I am older than—” She cut off, then gave a forced laugh, her grip easing. “You mean to provoke me. Why,ma fillette? Who are you protecting?”

The speed at which she saw through Cally’s ploy was frightening, but Cally had to keep going—and hope the promise of no harm held.

“Protecting? Does Antoine need protection from you?” She steered the conversation hard away from Eve, hoping Belle wouldn’t notice, then played her last card. “You know, being here with you now, your interest becomes clear.”

“Meaning?” Belle said, feigning disinterest as she resumed toying with Cally’s breast.

“You’re his sire, I’m his chattel. You’re practically my mother-in-law.”

Belle went unnaturally still, the kind of stillness only a vampire could manage. “Why would you say such a thing to me when you know I will hurt you for it?”

Cally’s chest tightened, but hurt wasn’t harm, and she’d heal, thanks to Antoine’s mark. Better her than Eve. “I thought you were obsessed with him when I saw you together earlier, but it is nothing more than a mother’s love. Perfectly…natural.”

The world tilted. She crashed into the sofa a dozen feet away, falling stunned to the floor.

Belle was on her in an instant, fingers locking around her jaw and throat as she hauled her upright. “You are not stupid,ma fillette,” she cooed in her ear. “So you’re doing this deliberately. What do you hope to gain? You have Antoine already, so… Ah. A distraction. I see now: it isn’t Antoine but yourfriendyou protect.”

Fuck.

“Now I am even more intrigued,” Belle said, almost affectionately. “Picture me playing with your friend while you watch. It would be so much fun, don’t you think?”

Her words painted vivid imagery, and Cally’s breath hitched, her throat tightening under Belle’s constricting hand.

“You have me,” she gasped. “You don’t need her.”

“But now Iwanther,” Belle purred. “Oh, to have you both together! Why don’t you tell me her name?”

“I don’t think so,mother.”Heh. Not just vampires that can do pet names.

“I love your resistance,ma fillette, but it will come to naught. All I need do is bite you, and you will give me whatever I wish.”

“You agreed no blood. Antoine said no blood.”