AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Of course not. That’s for humans without your gift. No, you’ve shown initiative, intelligence. You’ve even developed some rudimentary fighting skills. Not many humans could’ve gotten past Martin’s guard. Most importantly, you’ve attracted the interest of the crown prince. That makes you very valuable in my world. Do you know that ever since you, Gabriel will only drink from dark-haired, dark-eyed women?”
My stomach twisted. I hated to think of Gabriel with any woman but me.
“Who the fuck are you?” I demanded. “And I don’t mean Andre, or whatever you’re calling yourself this decade. Are you from a rival syndicate? Because if you are, you might as well kill me now. I won’t be used to hurt him.”
I’d left as much for his sake as for mine. I’d be damned if I’d be dragged back and used against him.
For a man, Andre’s lips were full, sensual. They turned up in a small smile. “You know I can compel you.”
My lungs compressed. “You can try. But I also know it takes a helluva lot of energy to compel a human for more than an hour or so, especially when she resists with everything she has. And Iwillresist you.”
“Ah.” He nodded. “But there are other, just as effective methods to gain cooperation.” His gaze flicked to the PC.
My fingernails dug into my bare thighs. An icy sweat prickled my nape. But I made myself stare back coolly.
“However,” he continued, “I prefer my humans happy.”
“I’m notyourhuman.”
A shrug. “Your degree is in agriculture. After you left Maryland, you apprenticed at an organic farm, and since then, you’ve worked at farms whenever you can. Tell me, Camila, what could you do with a million dollars?”
My jaw dropped. My secret dream was to open a sustainably managed flower farm. A million dollars would go a long way toward making that dream a reality.
But not at the cost of Gabriel’s life—and how the hell did this vampire know so much about me, anyway?
I leaned forward, speaking slowly and distinctly. “I won’t hurt him. Not for any amount of money.”
“You don’t have to hurt him, darlin’. Just distract him. That should be easy enough.” He looked me up and down. “He craves you, and I think you aren’t unwilling.”
My lip curled. “So you can do what?”
“That’s not important.” Wolf-gold eyes burned into mine. “Think about it. No more running, and maybe you could convince Gabriel to make it permanent. If not, by this time next month, you’ll be a rich woman.”
I hesitated. I’m not ashamed to say I was tempted. Not by the money—if I’d asked, Gabriel would’ve bought me a farm. Back when we were together, he was always trying to give me expensive jewelry and clothes.
But I was tired of running. Tired of always looking over my shoulder, wondering if this would be the day the Syndicate would finally catch me.
And I’d have Gabriel. A deep ache squeezed my chest.
It was too good to be true, like a fairy godmother had snatched me up and granted my every wish.
Which is why I shook my head. I might have left Gabriel, but I’d never stopped loving him. I was damned if I’d let this devil in a sleek gray suit tempt me into betraying him.
“No.” My nails dug deeper into my skin. I knew that I wouldn’t leave here alive. Andre couldn’t risk me going to Gabriel and telling him something was up.
Andre eyed the tiny red crescents on my thighs. His nostrils flared and a vivid, electric blue shimmered around the edges of his irises. The look he turned on me was pure predator.
Too late, I recalled you never let a vampire see blood, even a tiny amount.
“Are you sure?” he murmured.
My throat had closed up. Somehow I pushed the word out of my mouth. “Yes.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He rose and opened the door.
A terrible premonition slithered down my spine. I jumped to my feet.
“Mila!” It was Joey, face ashen beneath his tan.
