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“Why not?”
“It’s an imbalance.”
“Imbalance?”
“I’m your boss, and you are under our deal. I would be taking advantage.”
“You are not my boss,” she countered, approaching him with a determined expression. Something about it got to him and had him backing away once before he realized he was running like a coward from a human. “We are in this together, exchanging needs. And I’m offering willingly.”
The words felt intimate, caressing. His mind went blank, heady with the need to just let go and accept anything she offered. His mouth itched, no longer sure if it was because of the offer of blood or those soft, parted lips. Then common sense kicked in once more and he shook his head.
“I will drink from her. I can get more information that way.”
It was a mistake to say as hurt streaked in her features before she got it under control.
“Okay. Whatever you need to do.” She shrugged. “I’m sure she will be very eager to give you whatever information you require.”
“I’m sure.”
“I’m helping out in the kitchen unless you have any other need for me.”
Stay here. Talk to me. Just…stay.
“No. I do not need you.”
There was no flicker in her expression this time despite his words sounding harsh to his ears. A second later, she was gone. Winter didn’t come to visit in the next two nights, but Maddox checked in to let him know one crucial piece of information.
“Hilda is getting her prepared. I’m told she will be late due to some hairstyling issues, but they are getting it under control.”
“I can wait.”
“I’m also told that it’s best if you are punctual as the representative of House Hendricks.”
His mouth thinned, not liking being related to that house as the days went by with utmost frustration. But Nate took it in stride, got dressed, and was already in a bigger event hall, transformed to resemble Ostrov Krov during a summer day: white sand, crystal blue waters, and the greenest trees all around. The use of the three materials on the stage was impressive, but it was the extended garden swirling around the rest of the hall and the golden and white lights resembling the sun and clouds that sealed the deal.
Among the first to join, he mingled quietly and avoided the first few women who tried to rub their oiled chests on him. Then he found a corner yet again and immediately grew bored, used to this scene that had been happening for years now. There would be more guests coming over, dressed in attires that they normally wouldn’t be able to wear because…well, they couldn’t stand the sun. There would be more preening and politicking amid a façade of gyrating bodies and heavy petting because vampires just often interpreted summer as that: quenching the heat with even more heat. He eyed the ins and outs, glimpsed someone wearing a gown, and watched a female saunter in barefoot, a gold anklet accentuating slim calves while some billowing material covered her hips. There was a necklace of flowers on her neck, dangling down her throat and—
He was on her within seconds, unbuttoning his cotton shirt. Winter shook her head.
“Don’t. It will mess up the outfit.”
“What outfit?” he growled, then blinked when she sighed. The action emphasized the necklace of flowers that didn’t move, seemingly pinned over her chest and ending in a glittery trail down her bare stomach. The side of her breasts peeked from the necklace and his mouth went dry.
“This outfit,” she said, gesturing. “It’s reminiscent of what my people wear in…oh, hello.”
Rebekah Chatterley greeted her with a kiss on the cheek and an enthusiastic light in her eyes that Nate hadn’t seen in a while. Then his focus was dragged across her back, where nothing was hidden, and every inch of tanned, smooth skin was out for everyone to see. A hand took his, and he realized it was Winter, drawing his attention to the conversation.
“That’s so nice of you, Rebekah. And you, too, Matthew. I’m sure your staff would enjoy that private summer party. Nate here thinks summer parties are strange and doesn’t get the excitement. He thinks everyone looks the same.”
“You look beautiful.”
“Oh, you are just saying that because I am your date.”
His hand clasped her waist, trying to avoid her skin. But it was impossible, and the bit he touched had his body going haywire. When he turned her around, her hand went to his chest, curling on his shirt. Surprise gleamed before she put on a smile so seductive that it shot straight down his core muscles, clenching hard.
“No, I am not.”
Matthew and Rebekah stayed a bit before moving around to talk to others. He didn’t let go, circling his thumb over her hip and feeling her body jerk.
