Page 133 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“I believe we found him.”

Laurent froze against me. “Where?”

“Exactly where we thought. The night market.”

“Good.”

“Who?” I blurted.

Laurent pulled away, framing my face with his hands. His palms were cool against my skin. “Drazgus.”

“The demon prince?” My brows knitted together.

“He’s not a prince—it’s just a nickname. And yes.” Laurent turned toward Marco. “Assemble a small team and we’ll pay him a visit. I’ll join you once Lily is settled⁠—“

“I’m going with you.”

A laugh burst from Marco’s lips. Laurent glared at his second and barked, “Now, Marco.”

“Yes, sire.” Marco was gone in a blink.

“Little flower⁠—“

“Don’t ‘little flower’ me, Laurie. That demon ordered my capture. This is my business as much as it is yours, and I’m not staying behind while you handle it without me. Besides, you said you’d keep me close.” I gave him a challenging stare. “Was that just a lie? Now you’re racing off to meet with him and leaving me here? How do you know someone won’t come and take me while you’re gone?”

Laurent pinched the bridge of his nose, looking up at the coffered ceiling. “Gods grant me patience,” he murmured. I crossed my arms, unwilling to concede. “When I said I’d keep you close, I meant for general society events, meetings, things like that. Not when I’m confronting the demon who tried to steal you from me.” His voice dropped to a growl on the last words.

“You’ll be there with me,” I argued. “Besides, I’ve been working with Hassan in case anything happens.”

“Two days of training is hardly enough⁠—“

“I’m going.”

Laurent’s expression darkened. He wasn’t used to being challenged. I waited for him to argue further. His next words surprised me. “Fine. Go and get changed. Dark clothing you can easily move in.”

A thrill skittered down my spine. I pressed my lips together to keep from smiling triumphantly. Even still, I was certain Laurent smelled the change in my scent, the eagerness pouring off me.

“Should… Should we share blood before we go? So you’re at your strongest?”

He frowned, then shook his head. “It’s a public place. I highly doubt he’d challenge me.”

“Okay.”

“Besides—“ He licked his lips and I couldn’t help but watch his tongue. “There isn’t time for what I wish to do to you—with you. It will have to be later.”

Ten minutes later, I joined the small group of vampires waiting in the hall. Catina stood in the shadows, her arms crossed with a disapproving expression forcing her lips into a thin line as she watched the others. I’d chosen a pair of black leggings and top, braided my hair tightly to my scalp, and donned a comfortable pair of tennis shoes. Laurent looked me over and nodded. We piled into an SUV. Vittorio drove, with Marco in the front beside him. Laurent sat beside me, his hand splayed possessively over my thigh. Zola and Hassan sat in the back seat.

Laurent kept his voice low as he told me about the night market and Drazgus. “You’ll stay close to Zola and myself. You must not allow yourself to get distracted. It’s easy to wander off in a place like this.”

When we emerged from the SUV, Hassan was at my side. He spared Laurent a glance, handing over a belted dagger. Laurent crouched to attach it to my thigh, his fingers lingering.

I was too distracted by my surroundings, searching for signs of the market. We’d parked along the street near the middle of the city. A glance revealed an intersection and beyond that, a massive cathedral. A shiver raced down my spine. Something about it wasn’t quite…right.

“Is that it?” I whispered.

My question went unanswered.

“Remember everything I taught you, Lily,” Hassan instructed, pulling my gaze to him. “If anything happens, use every tool available to you, yes? Your body as well as your voice. Stay close to us, as Laurent instructed.”