Page 19 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“You’ve good taste,” she pointed out. “It’s last season, sure. But it suits you.”

“Believe me, I don’t have a shred of fashion sense.”

“Oh, darling! What’s that look for? Everything will be okay. You’ll see.”

Before I realized it, tears threatened my eyes. It would not be okay, not even a little bit. That’s why I had to get out of here.

Zola’s expression turned hard, knowing. “You’re supposed to think over Laurent’s offer.”

Laurent’s offer. Cooperate or die. What was there to think about?

“A word of advice,” she said, all the softness gone from her voice. “Take what he’s offering. It’s a cruel, cruel world out there, no?”

It was. I knew that all too well. But my version of cruel was vastly different from hers.

“Laurent is a man of his word. If he says he will protect you, care for you, he will. But if you cross him…” Her warning was like ice in my veins. I only managed a nod. “Good. Then stay put. Enjoy your tea. I’ll bring some clothes by in a few minutes so you don’t have to sleep in that thing. I’m sure you’re eager to get comfortable.”

“Okay.”

One moment she was there, the next, gone. I moved over to the tea tray in a daze, wondering if I’d just imagined that entire encounter. What a strange woman. Despite everything, I think I liked her.

For just a moment, I allowed myself to picture the life I might have if I accepted Laurent’s offer. Maybe Zola and I could become friends. Maybe I could be happy here. But there was something else I needed to consider. Something far more frightening.

If I was an amplifier, the likelihood of Laurent using me for personal gain was high. Sure, he’d made a convincing declaration in the hallway. But I would be stupid to believe him.

Marco was right. If I stayed, I’d be nothing more than a lamb for slaughter.

Yeah…

I needed to get out of here.

A glance at the clock told me that dawn was still several hours away. I could wait until the sun rose, then take my chances. The door wasn’t locked, so perhaps once the vampires were sleeping, I’d just walk right out. Down the main staircase, through that grand entrance hall, and out the front door.

Then what? I’d have to figure out how to get back to the city on foot.

My heart raced at the thought—half excitement, half panic.

Willing myself to stay calm, I poured myself some tea, adding cream and sugar. There was enough caffeine to keep me awake until dawn. I took a bite of the little cucumber sandwiches and groaned. Delicious! I began shoving one after another in my mouth, not realizing how starving I was.

Zola returned to find an emptied plate. Her eyes flared with approval. “Here you are. I hope it all fits.” She set a stack of clothing on the table. “Tomorrow, you and I will do some shopping. We’ll make sure to remedy your… How did you say? Lack of fashion sense.”

“I…”

“Oh, you’ll be here. You’re too smart to try anything foolish.”

The hairs on the back of my neck prickled. It’s almost like she knew what I was planning. And while I was smart, I was also desperate. I pulled my eyes away from her, picking up my teacup and draining it. “Thanks for the clothing, Zola. I really appreciate it.”

“Ah, don’t mention it, darling. Sleep well.”

And then she was gone, and I was left to count down the hours until dawn.

6

The weight of danger hung heavy in the air. I kept each breath small and quiet, hoping my heart wouldn’t give me away. Could they hear it thundering?

Dawn light filtered through the windows, sending golden patterns across the hallway floor. My footfalls were muffled by carpeting. It caressed my feet, soft and plush. Opulent, like everything else.

I’d waited until the sun rose, sitting at the window seat in my room, watching the manor’s grounds saturate with light. I hadn’t slept for even a moment. How could I?