Natalie liked to think she still ran things, but her “good dog” had grown above the bitch. She knew it deep down, but she reaped the benefits, and continuing to use her as the face kept me safe from idiots like Hollis, if he ever grew a brain cell.
“I like watching people convince themselves they’re important.”
She smirked and followed my gaze. “Well then. You’re in a mood.”
“I’m always in a mood,” I said casually. “A mood to fight. To fuck. To own another soul.”
She kissed my cheek and giggled excitedly.
“No, Cry Baby. Anytime that little Piggy comes around, you are in an entirely different mood.”
Her smile widened when I growled.
“I’m here for business, Melodie.”
Her smile faded, and she looked nervously around herself. Sex with our marks used to be a joint occasion, but my dark demands had gotten to be too intense for her. She couldn’t handle my need to bleed, and about a year before, she had stopped joining me altogether.
“Tonight you’re hunting? Do you need…help?”
I looked at her and shook my head.
“No. I have some new toys to try, and I wouldn’t want your pretty white dress to get too dirty, Princess.”
Melodie’s face paled, and she walked away without another word.
Good.
I don’t need anyone.
Hollis was alone now, too. His gaze drifted toward the bar, where I was seated.
I didn’t acknowledge him.
Weird.
Years before, I would’ve counted every second until he noticed me.
Now?
He wasn’t worth the effort.
I sat back in my seat, turning my body away from him to order my bourbon.
Three cubes of ice.
No lemon.
The glass landed exactly one inch from my right hand. I smiled, as Enrique was always perfectly timed.
Perfect.
I smiled at my friend, but it vanished when I heard him.
“Well, fuck.”
His voice hadn’t changed. This close, it felt strange to hear. Usually only I caught echoes of it across the room, but now he was beside me.
I didn’t bother hiding my hard-on and turned my body so he could see more clearly.
