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“Yes, yes. Thank you. I’m from the local water conservation agency. I’m doing surveys about the various wineries and was wondering if you could answer a few questions about your neighbors.”
Huh. That’s odd. How does he know I live across the road? And all of the wineries are strictly regulated in the valley in terms of water usage. The county monitors compliance to usage limits and conservation law; for example, we’re only allowed to water our plants at certain times of the day. Once a year, an inspector comes out to make sure all our sprinklers and irrigation systems are functioning properly. But that’s usually in the early spring. “I’m sorry, but who did you say you work for again?”
He pushes his thick glasses up his nose. “The water conservation agency. We’re a private group. We monitor the wetlands. You know, for bird and animal migration. I’m in charge of tracking nocturnal species. Have you noticed any unusual wildlife activity at night? Animals being eaten? How about bats? Have you seen bats on your neighbor’s property?”
Okay. This dude is cuckoo. We have no wetland in this area, and I don’t like his beady eyes. “I’m sorry. I really couldn’t say. You’ll have to ask them.” I turn and continue on my way, walking even faster toward the front door.
“How about bloodsucking bats?” he calls out.
Ohmygod. I shake my head and keep walking.
The front door of the castle jerks open. Neli’s about to greet me but notices the man. Her eyes go wide, like she’s surprised, and then they narrow into tight little slits.
Does she know this creep? I look over my shoulder, and the guy turns and walks quickly to his black truck, where one man is waiting behind the wheel and another is seated on the passenger side.
“What did they want?” Neli asks when I get to the door.
“That man was asking about your vineyard. They’re some looney bat activists or something. I don’t know.”
She nods slowly, looking irritated.
“Everything okay?” I say.
“Oh. Yeah. Great. Come on in. Boz is waiting for you down in the cellar. You know the way.”
“Aren’t you joining us?” The last thing I need is to be left alone with him.
She reaches out, fixes a stray lock from my hair, and then pinches my cheeks.
“Ow. Hey!” I push her hands away.
“Sorry. You had a bug on your face.”
On both cheeks? And why’s she fixing my hair?
“I’ll be along shortly. Now run along.” She practically pushes me toward the staircase that leads down into the cellar.
What the hell is with people tonight? I shrug and take a big breath, knowing what awaits me down in the dark, intimate space. Be strong, Stella. Be strong…
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Boz
I have Neli answer the door so I can limit the time I spend alone with Stella. I hear them approaching the cellar now, where I wait. Perhaps I will let Neli take charge and merely watch the proceedings so that I may keep Stella at a safe distance. It is the only way to resist her.
I lean against a nearby column, arms crossed. A single look will convey to Neli what I need from her—she has to be the one to offer the blends for Stella to enjoy. I don’t want Stella to take offense at my subtle request not to be too near her.
“Hello?” a soft feminine voice calls. Stella. Has Neli left her alone?
I stay where I am, considering if I should step farther into the room or wait. Maybe Stella will think no one is here and go back upstairs for Neli. But then she steps close enough for me to catch her intoxicating rose scent, the scent of purity.
Mmmm…delicious. Her virgin blood tempts me fiercely.
She steps farther into the space, peering into the dark shadows at our various rooms and rubbing her arms as though she’s chilled. With the movement, light reflects off the gold bracelet I gave her, and a deep sense of satisfaction fills me. I like seeing her wear my gift. It means she likes it, and pleasing her pleases me. Then my gaze catches on the long line of her neck exposed with her hair up, and hunger takes over, clawing at me. I must remember how special she is, a rare gem that is going to require all of my willpower to resist tonight. My honor demands it.
I straighten away from the column and remove my black blazer. “You seem chilled.”
She yelps and slaps a hand over her mouth, her brown eyes wide. “Oh God. It’s you.” She drops her hand and sighs with relief.
“Forgive me for scaring you. I merely wanted to offer my jacket.” I approach her slowly and offer my blazer, not trusting myself to wrap it around her.
She beams up at me. “I’m okay, thanks. I was just a little spooked by the shadows. Silly imagination.”
