Page 156 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“There isn’t a name,” Vittorio said, breaking the wax seal on the back.

His eyes darted over the small slip of parchment in his hands. This time, his expression was easily readable. My stomach sank. He passed the note off to Zola and she gave much the same reaction.

She lifted her head to the others. “This ends tonight. Summon our forces. Call in our allies.”

The words felt heavy.

I made a sound that caught her attention. She passed me the note and I read it. My blood ran cold.

One house, one family. But what is a great house without its sire? Decide who is more important: your household or the girl. Send her and I will return him to you.

There was an address accompanying the words. My lips parted and I tried to make sense of the writing. Enough was clear. Laurent was in danger. “What does this mean?” I asked Zola, who was in the midst of issuing orders. She was obviously the highest ranking in this situation.

She turned to me, glancing at the slip of paper. “One house, one family,” she read. “It is our house motto. It’s a threat. Our enemy wants you in exchange for Laurent.”

“How did they get him?” Vittorio demanded, looking at Zola. She held her phone in hand, typing furiously.

“It is obvious, no?” She lifted a dark brow in his direction.

“The blood ruby,” I said, drawing conclusions of my own. “Lio.”

Zola’s head whipped toward me. “What do you know of Lio?”

“Just that he’s alive. That he’s behind this.”

“That’s impossible, darling.” But she frowned.

“It’s not. We figured it out last night. That’s who touched me at the garden party, why Laurent was so angry afterward. He must have…” I shook my head. He’d been gone all day. “He must have gone looking for him. If Lio got Laurent, then he really does have the blood ruby and used it to capture him.”

The door opened and Hassan strode in, his expression hard but determined. “The others are on their way.” He stopped at the sight of me, then strolled over, planting himself before me. “Are you all right, Miss Shaw?”

I snorted. “Not even a little bit. I’m going with you—to get him back.”

“You most certainly are not,” Vittorio said at the same time Zola said, “Don’t be absurd, darling.”

I crossed my arms, facing them. Catina and Paolo had disappeared, no doubt to see to other preparations. “The note wants me for a trade. You show up without me, do you really think he’ll just hand Laurent over? He probably won’t even admit you unless you have me.”

“She does make a valid point,” Hassan mused.

“What are you saying, Hassan? You know Laurent would have our heads if we put her in danger.”

“Hassan has been training me daily.” I lifted my chin. “You all know how dangerous that ruby is. And you’re susceptible to it. I’m not. I’m not a vampire. I’m probably the safest out of all of you.”

“Safe?” Zola scoffed. “The moment that little wretch sinks his teeth into your neck, darling, you’re dead.”

“Not if I command him otherwise.” Even though my words sounded confident, I couldn’t ignore the terror clawing at my insides. I couldn’t let them know how frightened I was. They’d smell it and then I’d never be allowed to go.

Zola shared a long look with Hassan. I waited to see what she’d say. I had the address—had memorized it the moment I saw it. Regardless of what she decided, I was going with or without their permission. “Very well,” Zola conceded at last. “If we’re going to do this with her, we need a solid plan.” Hassan smiled grimly. A moment later, so did I. We were going to get Laurent back.

41

Laurent dragged his eyelids open, blearily taking in his surroundings. His fuzzy mind sharpened. “Lily,” he rasped. Her name on his lips was so faint, even his ears didn’t pick up the sound. All he knew was she wasn’t here. She was still safe.

He turned and found Marco looking far worse for wear. His eyes were closed, his body limp.

A deep silence filled the space surrounding him, punctuated by the plunk, plunk, plunk of water. He was in a basement, somewhere underground. It was below sea level, and presumably near the canals, which explained the dampness. He hadn’t been conscious once Lio had moved him here so he took a moment to analyze his setting.

Boxes were stacked along the far wall. It didn’t look to be part of a private residence. A storefront, perhaps? One quickly converted to hold him captive.