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I leave my hair pinned up in a claw clip and get changed into black jean shorts and an emerald silk shirt with thin straps and lace along the V-neck, then shove my feet into my trusted Docs before heading downstairs. Lex is already waiting by the door.
“Gorgeous, as always,” he says, stepping closer. He reaches for the clip in my hair, pulling it out and tossing it on the bench by the door. My dark brown waves tumble free, spilling down my chest, and smell of the rose shampoo I used earlier. “Hmm, that’s even better.”
I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
He opens the front door, sweeping his arm out for me to walk ahead. It’s dark outside and the temperature has dropped a bit, but I don’t find myself bothered by the coolness. There’s a car idling at the curb, and Lex closes the front door, sliding his fingers through mine as we walk toward the waiting vehicle. “I’m taking you to my favorite club, but we have to hurry up because this damn curfew is really putting a damper on the Washington nightlife.”
I dig my heels into the pavement. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” My chest immediately tightens at the thought of being in a room filled with humans.
He moves in front of me. “You’ll do just fine. Plus, it’s a popular place for willing feeders, so if you’re feeling peckish…” He trails off, shooting me a wink.
My skin tingles with anxiety, and I press my lips together. “I’ll only go if you promise me you won’t let me hurt anyone.”
He grasps my chin with his other hand, looking into my eyes. “I’ve got you, Calla.”
If I believe nothing else, I know that to be true.
“Okay,” I finally say, and we walk the rest of the way to the car, Lex opening the door to the backseat for me to slide in. He gets in after me, closing the door, and we’re off.
Fifteen minutes later, the car drops us off outside a black brick building with a line going down several blocks and music blasting from inside.
I start toward the end of the line, and Lex catches my elbow, guiding me to the front. “Lex—”
“Good evening, Mr. Bishop,” the thick-armed bouncer says to Lex. He smells of drug store cologne and also a little like pizza. His sandy blond hair is cropped close and he has the brightest blue eyes.They’re contacts, I realize after extended inspection. Evidently, he’s a vampire who got the memo to hide his silver eyes.
“How’s it going, Ethan?” His hand falls away from my elbow and rests against the small of my back.
“Very well, sir.”
Sir?
Lex nods. “Glad to hear it.” He tips his head toward me. “This is Calla. She’s with me.”
Ethan nods, offering me a smile. “Nice to meet you, Calla.”
“Likewise,” I say automatically.
“My guys will take care of you inside,” he assures me. “Have a great night, you two.”
I smile at Ethan, and Lex says, “Oh, we very much plan to.”
Lex ushers me inside, and I’m instantly transported to this whole other world of music, flashing lights, and moving bodies—both human and vampire. The smells I’m expecting—booze, perfume and cologne, pot, and body odor—are stronger than I’m used to. I wrinkle my nose as we move through the crowded room toward the circular bar in the middle. Heads turn our way as we pass, and I move closer to Lex.
“You own this place, don’t you?” I don’t shout over the music, knowing he’ll hear me.
He shoots me a wink as we approach the bar, where he motions for the bartender. I recognize her immediately as the woman who tattooed Lex a couple of months ago.
“Scarlett’s a bartender too?”
“She works here one or two nights a week. And she prefers the title mixologist,” he says in an amused tone, turning his attention toward her. “Hey, Scar.”
“Long time no see,” she says in greeting. “What are you guys having tonight?”
“Whiskey sour, please,” I tell her.
Lex shrugs. “Same for me. Thanks.”
Scarlett nods and turns away to make our drinks, while Lex slides his arm around my waist and tugs me against his side, pressing a kiss to the side of my head.
