Page 14 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

She made a choking noise as anger washed over her face. “How dare⁠—?!”

“Come,” he said, cutting her off. “I tire of your presence.”

She threw him a withering glare. He ignored it, leading her to the suite beside his. He opened the door and all but pushed her in.

“I’ll have Zola check in on you to ensure you have all you need.” He glanced around the room. It was a comfortable space, with a bed, sitting area, and small dining table. He spotted the tea tray and small sandwiches. Vittorio was nothing if not thoughtful. Even for a vampire.

A door opposite them led to an en suite bathroom, and another was locked, leading to his own rooms. Lily seemed to take everything in quickly, eyes darting over her surroundings, lingering on the windows.

He breathed in her scent, holding himself still to keep from moving closer.

“Is there anything else you might need?” he asked, surprising himself. She whirled toward him, her expression disgusted—answer enough, he supposed. “Very well, Miss Shaw. Good night.”

She didn’t respond, instead walking across the room to look out the windows. He backed into the hallway, closing the door behind him.

He stood motionless for a moment, listening to her heartbeat through the door. The sound called to something primal in him—something he couldn’t afford to indulge. He forced himself to walk away, each step deliberate. There were other matters that required his attention, matters interrupted by her arrival.

Marco was already waiting in his study.

“Everything’s taken care of?” he asked, eyeing his second.

Marco hummed, setting Laurent’s fountain pen back on his desk. “Extra patrols are in position. Six in total, staggered about the property. If anyone discovers she’s here, there will be attempts.” Laurent grunted in agreement. “I cleared out the youngest from the house. Sent them to stay with some of your older children in the city. Only myself, Astrid, Demetrius, Kian, Lixin, Vittorio, and Zola remain. For now.”

Laurent’s most trusted family.

He rounded the desk and sank into his chair. They stared at each other for long moments before he let his head fall back, closing his eyes.

“Did all of that really happen?” Marco asked.

“Yes.”

“Thought so.” Marco hesitated. “Think she’ll stay put?”

“No.” He opened his eyes, pinning Marco with his gaze. “In fact, I’d be surprised if she didn’t try to flee at least once. It might get her killed, but then, that would save me the trouble.”

He said the words, even if he didn’t mean them—but not because he cared for her life.

He was calculative. He’d spent centuries protecting his house, making sacrifices to ensure it thrived. Power, ultimately, kept them alive.

“And if she remains problematic?”

“Then I’ll kill her myself.”

“Perhaps it is still better to kill her now.”

Laurent scrubbed a hand over his face, desperate to change the subject. “I tracked the dealer to the Yoshiki mansion. Naturally, I didn’t get further than that, considering…”

“Naturally.”

“I was close—would have had him until I smelled her.”

“I would’ve made the same call.” Marco’s head tilted, eyes narrowing. “What happened when you found her?”

“Lost my fucking mind. But just for a moment.”

“And now?”

“I’m fine. I can control myself.” He’d always had a weakness for amplifiers. His second knew it. “And you, Marco?”