Page 7 of Viktor

“Thank you for such a warm welcome. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to my private tour with your curator.” Viktor looked to Waverly, his eyes locked on hers.

“See you soon.” Dr. Williams gave a wave and promptly exited the exhibit.

Waverly glared at Viktor, waiting several seconds after her boss left before speaking. “What are you doing here?”

“I thought we established why I’m here. This is my painting.” Viktor glanced at a bench. “Nice touch with the original seating. I do love Paris.”

“But why did you come here? How did you find me? This is where I work.” Panic laced her voice.

“Indeed, you do.” He scanned the exhibit hall. “I do believe you owe me a tour. As the director pointed out, I am a generous donor.”

“Do you think this is funny?” she asked. “That night in Miami…” Her voice dropped to a whisper. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

“I promise you, Waverly, there is nothing more I’d like to discuss, but let’s enjoy the night, shall we? There will be plenty of time to talk about Miami.”

“You can’t be here.” She shook her head in disbelief.

“Ah, but I am here. And so are you. So much more civilized than Miami, wouldn’t you agree?” Viktor closed the distance between them.

Waverly stood perfectly still, refusing to show fear as he approached. Terror lingered in her memories. Yet with a refined confidence, the debonair vampire concealed his lethal nature.

She studied the face of the clean-shaven, handsome as sin, well-dressed gentleman standing before her. A hint of his woodsy cologne teased her senses, but the flicker of danger in his eyes reminded her of the moment she’d met him in Miami. She took a deep breath as she recalled the sight of his fangs and the blood in her vision. He could kill her in an instant, but reasoning told her she’d be safe within the confines of the museum.

“Doctor?” His smooth voice broke her contemplation.

“What would you like to see first?” she asked, changing the subject as she turned toward his painting. “We don’t have a lot of time. Where did this artwork really come from? Why did you wait to let the world know of its existence?”

“I’d be happy to meet with you privately to discuss this specific piece,” he offered.

“I don’t know if…” Her words trailed away as her internal voice of reason overruled her racing thoughts. I need to know where he got the painting and look at it closer. “I actually would very much appreciate it. I would love the opportunity to study it if you’d allow me.”

“Of course. I suspect we shall be spending quite a bit of time together,” he mused as he sidled up next to her.

Waverly’s heart pounded in her chest as the soft fabric of his jacket briefly brushed her bare arm. “I didn’t mean to imply we’d do it together.”

“I anticipate we’ll be doing many things together.”

Waverly opened her mouth but quickly reined in her pithy response. No, this can’t be happening, she thought to herself. She’d watched him murder another vampire. All the blood she’d seen in her vision. This was who he was.

“I will tell you one thing today that should not be a surprise to you,” Viktor continued.

“And what would that be, Mr. Christianson?”

“I’ve been around a very long time. I’ve always been an avid art collector. Play your cards right, I may have another rare painting to show you as well.”

“I’m afraid I’m not very good at cards,” she lied.

“I suspect you’d do quite well at poker.”

“We all have our secrets, don’t we?” she replied, her eyes on his.

“That we do. And I’m looking forward to learning more of yours.” He winked at her. “I do think I will enjoy it.”

“I…I…” she stuttered, her face flushed. Waverly struggled to think clearly as her body reacted in a way that didn’t mesh with the fear in her mind. Reverting to what she knew best, she put distance between them and relaxed into her profession. “As curator, I’ve hosted several exhibits over the years. With active fundraising, we’ve been able to participate in larger collections and do structural improvements to the showing space. The domed ceiling was an addition that will enhance future events. It has retracting panels that reveal the sky should we need to.”

“Nice. Very impressive.” Viktor nodded.

“I’m afraid I don’t have time to go through all the individual paintings, but I’ll do my best. I have to get downstairs before the auction begins.” Waverly began to walk away from him, attempting to appear unfazed. But as they made their way through the exhibit, he kept close. She attempted to tamp down her nerves, sensing his energy. Please God, no more visions. “We have a self-guided audio tour as well. I’d be happy to get you a headset if you’d prefer to peruse by yourself.”