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“I don’t care. I’m not marrying that bitch. I just want you.”
“Then take me.”
“Harder.”
It felt like a porn video but also felt like the most intimate moment between two people in love. The awkwardness had her backing away inch by inch, still aware that any sudden movement would alert them of an intruder—and honestly, it became more of her not wanting to interrupt an intimate moment rather than her trying not to get killed. At the first corner, she took off her shoes and ran as fast as her feet could carry her. Winter didn’t stop until she reached familiar halls, only letting her breath go there.
“Why, hello there.”
Awareness snapped. Her focus zoned in on the figure in front of her, wondering if he had snuck up on her or if she just hadn’t noticed his presence. The paleness came into view, but it was the outfit of flowers printed on a formal silk suit that had her inwardly groaning.
“Hello,” she greeted back. “Were you following me by any chance?”
The bold question had him giving her an appreciative look. “Were you running by any chance?”
She held out her heels when he glanced at them. “I tried. It’s difficult to run in these. And I needed to hurry because the party was not over. I was just about to grab something from House Hendricks.”
The emphasis didn’t faze the man, who nodded. “I was beginning to wonder why my cousin’s mistress would just disappear like that.”
“Cousin?”
“Yes.” There was a brilliant smile minus fangs. “Nilo. Would you like me to accompany you to my house?”
The rejection was at the tip of her tongue, but she blinked when he took her hand and tugged her to walk. The coldness was brief as he let her go easily, putting a good enough distance between them that she began to relax. There had been no warning about anyone in House Hendricks other than Nicholas, and this man’s vibes were friendly.
“Sure,” she said belatedly, then couldn’t help sneaking more glances at him. “I didn’t see you earlier.”
“I just arrived. I’m a traveler, and the ship was late coming back to Ostrov Krov. I was just mingling at the party for a few minutes. Imagine my surprise when the gossip circulated about you.”
“It’s not gossip,” she said firmly, then braced herself for the questions. But there was none. “Your cousin is a good man.”
There was a mysterious smile. “Hmm. Powerful, too. Not like his brother, but there’s enough pull there. I heard it’s an irresistible pull.”
That had her frowning, but she decided to let it go as they neared the place that she was familiar with. When he stopped, so did she, the thank you and polite goodbye ready on her lips.
“Come with me to my house.”
Dark eyes met hers, the same color as Nicholas's. They flared a pretty gold, light but so mesmerizing. The voice slithered in her senses and entangled until it was all she could hear. Then it sank in her bones and tugged her body until she was walking again…and leaving her destination.
“I have to go home.”
“My house can be your home,” he hummed. “I will take very good care of you there.”
Each word washed over her like a balm, telling her how good of an idea it was. But something nagged: the knowledge that it was wrong and that she shouldn’t be this eager to be with him. Then realization jolted her stomach hard and made her understand what was at play here.
Some vampires compel and some don’t. It’s a skill and not everyone has it, just as how not everyone can play the piano or fly. The only way to get rid of it is to wound yourself before you succumb to its call.
The melodic voice in her head became her anchor, so she held on to it.
“You compelled me.”
“You can tell?”
“Remove it,” she said forcefully, but it sounded weak. Heady.
Nilo stared, slowing down. “What sorcery did he work on you?”
“Stay away from me.”
