Page 40 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“Be patient with her, Sarkas. Captivity isn’t easy for anyone.”

Laurent’s gaze snapped back to Hassan and his eyes narrowed. He felt the slap of his statement. But if Hassan meant to wound, it was an effort wasted. There wasn’t much that could hurt him these days. He’d learned long ago not to feel—or at least, to feel very little. The few times he’d let that lesson slip, he’d paid for it.

His mind flashed to Lio. He’d gone years without thinking of him, yet now, in the span of a single week he’d thought of him multiple times. Strange how the pain of loss could fade into the background, only to reappear as if it had happened yesterday.

He pushed thoughts of Lio down deep into the recesses of his mind. Buried it with all the other things that threatened to upend him. He couldn’t afford it. This was the only way to survive, century after century.

“Sire?”

He sighed. “I’m not torturing the girl, Hassan. Far from it.”

“Never said you were.” Hassan handed over both flutes, saying far more with his gaze.

Laurent took them and strolled across the room, eager for the excuse to approach the amplifier. “Miss Shaw,” he said, handing over her drink. “Cheers.”

She took the flute, her eyes lingering on his, widening a fraction when she noticed he held the same cocktail. Their glasses clinked. He took a sip, keeping his gaze fixed on her lips, watching the bob of her bandaged throat as she drank.

His mouth erupted with the flavors of citrus, gin, bubbly, and a hint of sugar. “Hassan has a gift with drinks, yes?”

“Yes.” She took a larger sip the second time.

“Good, then shall we make our way to the dinner table?” He held out an arm.

Her shoulders straightened like she was drawing herself up for battle before decidedly slipping her hand through his elbow. He led her to the head of the table, to the chair at his right. Her mouth opened, but she quickly snapped it closed when she saw the place setting. The name card with Lily Shaw in Vittorio’s elegant calligraphy.

He pulled her chair out, gesturing for her to sit. He pushed her in before taking his own seat. The rest of his family followed suit. He’d only invited his best behaved, not wanting to risk anything so soon after Lily’s unfortunate disaster.

Vittorio appeared in the doorway, hands behind his back as he waited.

Laurent turned to address the table. “Before we get started, I’ll say a few words. I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome our new guest, Miss Lily Shaw. As I have only just been reminded, captivity in any capacity is no easy matter.” Lily’s breath hitched. “Thus, I hope you will all make her stay here pleasant.” He turned to Lily, offering a small nod. Her lips pressed into a tight line. She didn’t give him any sort of thanks—nor did he expect it. “Well then,” he lifted his flute. “A toast—to our new guest, Miss Shaw.”

Glasses were lifted into the air. He caught sight of Lily’s flushed cheeks and was immediately intrigued. After taking a sip, he said, “Let us eat.”

Vittorio was a blur of motion. Thirty seconds later, they all had bowls of soup in front of them. A vegetable medley in a rich broth. Lily inhaled then lifted her spoon, only to be elbowed by Zola with a hissed, “Wait.” She paused, her spoon frozen. Vittorio took up a position at Laurent’s elbow, waiting.

It was an old tradition. Vampires were, after all, traditional. He took a bite. Flavor erupted on his tongue. He savored it, then nodded. Vittorio took his seat, three down on Laurent’s left, while everyone began digging in.

“The master of the house always takes the first bite,” Zola explained. “In ages past, it was to ensure the food was of adequate quality for the guests at the table. Now…it’s more just habit.”

“Oh.” Lily began eating.

It was impossible to miss the soft sigh of delight that fell from her lips. He’d requested several reports from Vittorio over the past few days. Miss Shaw hadn’t refused food. She’d cleaned every plate Vittorio had prepared. She’d gone so far as to tell Vittorio it was the best cooking she’d ever had.

Was it a lie?

He took another bite, noticing the diced carrots and celery floating in the broth. Vegetables she’d cut earlier. Another surprise. That Vittorio had allowed her in his kitchen when he didn’t allow others.

He glanced at her again, more curious than anything. He had never made attempts to get to know or even befriend past amplifiers. Not when he knew their fate. Already, he was treating Lily better than anyone who’d come before.

She should be grateful he was going so far out of his way to protect her, even if it served his interests. Her fate could be far worse than this. If his enemies got ahold of her…

Naturally, she didn’t see it that way.

The salad came next. Vittorio had their bowls cleared and a small, delicate garden salad placed before each of them. Once again, he stood at Laurent’s shoulder, waiting. Laurent paused before saying, “I believe we have Miss Shaw to thank for the beautifully prepared salad this evening.” His words made her flush. “Thank you, Miss Shaw.”

“You’re welcome.” She stared at her plate.

He lifted his fork to his lips, taking note of the vinaigrette dressing, then nodded. Once more, they all were eating. He finished half of his salad in silence before saying, “Is cooking something you enjoy, Miss Shaw?”