Clearly, I couldn’t let Jack up here.How on Earth would I explain allthisto him?
I headed to the intercom, but before pushing the button, I called to Vol, “Get off the toaster!”
“Saving the world here, boss!”Vol shouted back, clinging to the toaster like it was a bucking bronco.
I pinched the bridge of my nose.This was not how I envisioned starting off this date.A normal woman would invite her man up, maybe offer him a drink, before heading out into the world with her arm tucked against his.Not me, though.
Before Jack thought I was ignoring him, I pressed the button and spoke into the intercom, “Be right down.”
Jack’s voice echoed back, “No problem, take your time.”
The instant I reached for my jacket, Rathiel stood.I whirled on my heel and glared at him.“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?”he replied, his gaze darkening.
“Whatever you’re thinking about doing.Don’t.I’m going on this date, and you’re staying here.”I jabbed a finger at him for emphasis.
Rathiel stole another step closer, his mouth pressing into a grim line.“Need I remind you that the fallen are hunting you?Or that less than a day ago, hellspawn vampires attacked us?”
“We haven’t seen hide nor hair of the fallen,” I reminded him.“You say they’re hunting me, but there hasn’t been any proof of that yet.As for the vampires, I’ll remindyouthat I roasted their asses.I can do so again.Irefuseto bring you on my date.”
Vol snorted, then patted the toaster and hopped off.Thank goodness.“No point arguing with her, Meat Sack.Just let her go.Besides, I got a few movies lined up for us tonight.Trust me, you’re gonna love them.We’re watchingQueen of the DamnedandNosferatu.”
My lips twitched, and it took every bit of restraint I possessed not to burst out laughing.Oh, Rathiel would justadorethose movies.
I smoothed down my jacket, then reached for my hat and mittens.“Don’t do anything crazy while I’m gone.Do not follow me.No lurking in the shadows.No vampire telepathy—if that’s a thing.”
He raised an eyebrow.“Your opinion of me is rather lacking.”
“Well, don’t forget, I’ve known you for a very long time.”
Vol waved a tiny hand.“I’ll keep vamp-boy in check.You just make sure you don’t trip and fall into Jack’s arms all swoony-like.Unless that’s the plan.”
Rathiel tensed and I sighed, shooting Vol a tight smile.“Thanks for that.”
He saluted me with a toothy grin.
As I headed out the door, the heavy weight of Rathiel’s gaze lingered on me.I just hoped he didn’t follow me.I couldn’t affordanotherof his surprise appearances while on a date with Jack.
I made my way down the stairs, each step echoing with the nagging thought that Rathiel might ignore my explicit instructions and follow me anyway.I half expected to hear the whisper of his footsteps behind me, but the only sound was that of my heels against the cement steps.I finally reached the lobby and took a deep breath, mentally shoving all thoughts of brooding vampires and chaotic imps to the back of my mind.
When I stepped outside, the cool evening air hit me, and I spotted Jack leaning against his car, a casual smile on his face.He looked effortlessly charming, dressed in a way that seemed both relaxed and thoughtfully put together—something I’d never successfully accomplished.
“Wow!”he said, straightening as I approached.“You look amazing.”
I beamed at him.He hadn’t even seen the dress yet.
“Thanks,” I replied.
As we got into the car, I cast one last glance at the building, half-expecting to find Rathiel peering down at us from the balcony, but it remained empty.Perhaps a sign that he intended to listen to me for once.I buckled in, and Jack started the engine, the low hum of the car welcoming me.
“So, La Ronde, huh?”I said, trying to focus on the evening ahead.“I’m impressed.”
Jack grinned as he navigated the city streets.“I figured I’d go all out.You deserve a night to remember.”
“Don’t I ever,” I muttered.
“What was that?”Jack asked, glancing over with a playful smile.
