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Eve’s eyes went wide. She’d never left The Erotic Passage longer than two days, not in all the decades her club had been open.
Marius pointed an accusing finger at her. “See, you’re addicted to your work so much that even the thought of taking a week off leaves you gasping for air.”
Eve lifted her chin, but brought the end of her ponytail around and flipped it a few times. “Fine. You’re on. But this is one bet I’ll win.” She let her ponytail drop. “And now, to change the subject. Do you know what she needs help with? Why she wanted
someone to talk to besides you, I mean?”
“I don’t know except that her visions are really bugging her. I know she wants to do better at it, but I have no idea how to help her.”
“Well, after dinner I’ll have a talk with her. Maybe I can gain some insight.”
* * *
After the communal meal, Shayna walked with Marius and Eve back to the villa. The structure was made of cream-colored, unpolished marble, a really beautiful look, but different from the ones down by the river. The village homes had the look of the surrounding stone, but the villa was all Rumy, a reflection of his love of all things Italian.
Rumy had returned to The Erotic Passage with the hope that he could eventually report back on Daniel’s movements.
The villa structure included a large inviting foyer and a curved staircase leading to a second story. The front of the villa faced the river.
As Shayna walked up the steps, she turned back and saw that on the other side of the river, Rumy had planted a whole bunch of trees. “How does everything grow so well underground, without sunlight?” The commune had an enormous vegetable garden as well that served the entire community.
“A special system of grow-lights,” Eve responded. “I’ve seen them and they’re amazing. The whole community is asleep during the hours the lights are on, otherwise it would be intolerable for vampires.”
Shayna waved a hand. “But this level of light is acceptable to you?” She glanced at Eve.
“Sure. We can adjust to most artificial light really well, but the ones used for growing plants are industrial-strength and mimic sunlight, which we can’t handle except during altered flight.”
“Absolutely fascinating.”
She turned toward Marius and Eve and saw that they were watching her, both smiling in an indulgent way. “I’ve been asking too many questions again, haven’t I?”
“Not at all.”
“No, I’ve been insufferable. Admit it.”
Marius slid his arm around her waist. “You’re being yourself.”
She held his gaze. “Tedious, would you say?”
He shook his head.
She winced. “Aggravating?”
“You do realize you’re asking questions about how annoying the asking-of-your-questions has become?”
She groaned. “I’m ridiculous, but I really am fascinated.”
Eve murmured. “I’m going to win that bet. I just know it.”
“What bet?”
Marius glared at Eve, who in turn laughed. The vampires had something private going on between them and though her usual curiosity had her dying to know why, Shayna held back the probing questions that sprang to her lips.
Eve cocked her head and caught Shayna’s gaze. “Ready to talk?”
“I am.”
“Do you want Marius with us, or not?”
