AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It was like a lover’s caress. A gentle, feather-light touch.
I still got goosebumps.
And don’t get me started on vamp sex.
I stepped into a pair of black satin Jimmy Choos, grabbed my invitation and clutch, and headed out.
I didn’t have a moment to spare. Leaving now would get me to the royal compound just before the gates closed.
And once those gates closed, there was no other chance to get in. Believe me, I’d surveilled the building enough to know the only way in tonight was through those gates.
I couldn’t be late.
I reached for the door, and before my fingertips grasped the knob, it swung open toward me.
Shit.
I froze in place, cursing my stupid “friendly come over any time” rep until my muscles unlocked. That was also a vamp thing—preternatural stillness when threatened. It only lasted a fraction of a second, so I wasn’t going to out my blood drinking status to any human that startled me, not that they would think that anyway. Humans were kinda dumb when it came to vampires.
But locking up, however briefly, was still uncomfortable.
“Hey, Eden, I thought you were home. Damn, girl, you’re looking extra-scrumptious tonight!”
My best friend’s warm, woodsy scent smacked me right in the face. He was handsome in a way that immediately signaled I was not his type. Amber eyes, straight nose, and a jawline that looked like it might hurt someone.
Today he sported a chin-length pink bob à la Nicki Minaj from her “Super Bass” days. “Oh, hey, Jaxson. Yeah, I’m headed to a fancy party. I’m actually running—”
“Well, do you need a man to accompany you to this fancy party?” He puffed out his chest and looked me up and down, nodding with mock appreciation.
Jaxson liked to pretend to be straight, and I, of course, pretended to be interested. It was a whole thing we did, but tonight I did not have time to play. “Sorry. Next time I’m invited to a fancy party I’ll see if I can get a plus-one invite. Now I really have to—”
“So, what are we stealing tonight, hmmm? Hearts only, I hope.”
My skin went cold and tingly, features smoothing to neutral. “Uh…what?”
“Oh, shit, I was just playing. But that poker face of yours tells me you are stealing something.”
I crossed my arms. “Jaxson, I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to be late.”
I could have made him move. I could have picked him up and deposited him at his own door, or compelled him to come back tomorrow.
I didn’t, because I refused to betray anyone’s mind or trust, even if I could make it so they wouldn’t remember I’d done it.
I’d made an exception for the Chad at the bar, but this was a line I had to draw.
“Mmhmm. You don’t know what I’m talking about like I’m Mary fucking Magdalene. Come on, spill it, what’s going down tonight?”
“Jaxson, I really can’t do this right now, I have to go.”
“Fine. But I came over for a reason. The landlord sent notices. He’s raising rent again.”
I glanced at the ground, spying the folded sheet of paper just beyond the threshold I’d assumed was a takeout menu. I snatched it up and read aloud. “‘Dear blah blah blah. This letter is to inform you that as of the next rent cycle, tenant rates will be increased by fifteen percent…’”
What in the fascist, slum-lord bullshit was this? “Fifteen percent! he can’t do that! That’s gotta be extortion or something.”
It was higher than any other rental on this side of the cove. I’d sooner take Miss Brunette up on tonight’s offer than pay fifteen percent more for peeling paint, drafty windows and a shit view of a brick wall.
Not only was the place so not worth a ridiculous increase, but I was pretty sure it was illegal to raise rent by more than the standard cost-of-living percent or two.
