Page 71 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Think rationally my friend. She's been brainwashed since she was a child. She gave herself to you, body and soul. In her own way, she did trust you, until, in her mind, you broke that trust."

Shaking my head, I stare off in front of me. "I can't trust her ever again."

Lucius reaches over and slaps my shoulder. "Then you're a bigger idiot than I ever imagined."

"What's that supposed to me?"

"It means you're letting your happiness slip out of both hands because you're putting your love of honor and duty above your heart. I'm not saying trust her implicitly but talk to her. Give her a chance to repent. Given what you've told me of her, she would love nothing more than to wipe the slate clean. It will take time on both ends of this, but if you don't try, you'll always be wondering."

I sit there, watching him walk over to Selene. The love between them fairly crackles in the air every time they're together. I thought I had that with Evangeline. Could I still? If Lucius is willing to let her back, why can't I?

He is right about one thing—my pride and honor took a big hit. Is she worth giving it another chance? My gut clenches in response. My days have been empty since she's left. Even Marion has been offering to stay later just so I am not alone. The time for moping ends now.

Resolved, I check my phone. Based on her current coordinates, I have just enough time to get to her location before sunrise. By tomorrow night, she will be back in my grasp. Catching Lucius' eye, I nod slightly and head out. I almost miss the knowing smirk on his face before I leave.

If I left sooner, I might have her back tonight, but as it is, I don't want to be caught helpless during sunup without having a frank discussion with her first. I'm willing to rebuild the trust, but I need to know exactly where she stands. The hotel she's staying at is dingy and rundown, but it's not like she can afford anything else.

Another stab of guilt hits me. I've basically taken away every avenue known to her with nowhere to go and no way of taking care of herself. What she did was criminal, but she didn't know any better. What I was doing was way worse. I knew how badly this hurt her, but I did it anyway.

I still have a few hours until sunrise, luckily, this hotel does have a closet. Grabbing the bed, I put it up at an angle against the frame and hang sheets over and around it. Unless someone comes in and dismantles it, it should keep the sun from reaching me. Just in case, I put out the do not disturb sign, so that no one interrupts me while I'm indisposed. I slip into my enclosure and close my eyes, thinking of Evangeline as the sun drifts up.

* * *

The moment sunset hits, my eyes fly open. Thankfully, everything seems to be as I left it. Pushing the mattress away, I take a quick shower and get dressed. Whipping my phone out, I check the locator and see that she's still within the city limits. Heading out to the car, I drive off to a bar just a few miles down the road.

The smell of unwashed bodies hits me as I make my way inside. Thumping music and humping bodies swirl around me and overwhelm my senses. But then, I catch a whiff of her scent. It's fresh and clean, calling me to her side. Making my way to the bar, I see her cleaning out some glasses. Her frame is a little more slender than when I saw her a few days ago, and the dark circles under her eyes definitely weren't there before. My heart thumps hard against my chest as I inch ever closer to her.

It's not until I'm directly in front of her that she even notices that I'm here. Her gasp of surprise stirs my cock, making it uncomfortable as I sit down. "I'll have what's on tap."

She nods and sets about gathering my drink. As she's pouring, I catch her casting furtive glances my way. I can’t tell if she's happy to see me or apprehensive. The glass trembles a bit as she brings it over to me and sets it down.

"Anything else I can get for you. Sir?" She breathes, looking up into my eyes with such need that it takes my breath away.

I was certainly an idiot for letting her walk out of my life. Just looking at her, my need matches hers. Every inch of my body, including my insistent cock, wants to slam her down to the grown and mark her as mine forever.

"You can come home with me," I whisper, trying to keep our conversation private. "If that is what you want to do."

Her eyes glisten for a moment, and she nods frantically. "Yes please. I would love nothing more!"

Evangeline tosses her apron down onto the counter and makes her way over to me.

"What about your boss," I chuckle, tucking an errant strand of hair behind her ears."

She rolls her eyes. "Trust me, for what they're paying me, I was actively looking for another job. Besides, he's kinda grabby."

My whole demeanor must have changed because she grabs my arm tightly.

"It's a joke. I swear. Sorry. All the girls here were joking about how handsy he is just to haze me. He's the sweetest, shyest guy I've ever met. Let me grab my car, and I'll follow you."

Evangeline walks away from me, but now that I have her, I cannot let her out of my sight for even a moment. "Leave it. I will have someone else pick it up. Better yet, I'll buy you a new one."

She tosses me a wary look. "What's really going on. Are you really taking me home, or have you finally decided to kill me and save yourself the trouble?"

Her hesitance is understandable. It's not like we actually parted on good terms. Taking her hand, I guide it to the front of my pants. My erection leaps at her touch.

"If I really wanted to kill you, I wouldn't be wanting to fuck you so badly right now."

She pulls her hand away, a light blush tinging her cheeks. God, I love it when she gets embarrassed. Nodding, she heads towards the door but stops to talk with the owner first. Her smooth lies drip off her tongue, and I'm once again reminded of her past. Good thing we have several hours before we get back home to talk everything through.