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I eyed the stilettos. Itching to pull one out and slit her silly throat.
“Tonight,” I said in a cold voice, “is not a good night to fuck with me.”
Lainey stared back, unconcerned. I didn’t even sense an increase in her heartbeat. And she seemed different—calmer, less empty-headed, her whole vibe more self-assured.
I straightened in the chair. “Who are you—really?”
“Lainey Q. Stylist to the stars—and a frickin’ awesome slayer, if I say so myself.”
“Why are you here in a vampire’s lair?”
“Not to stake you, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
“I didn’t think you were. Unless Karoly sent you.”
“Nope.”
My lungs compressed. “Rafe,” I breathed. “You’re here for Rafe.”
She looked back without speaking, but I knew I was right. I’d have realized it sooner, if I hadn’t been thrown off by the fact that she’d attached herself to me, not him.
My fangs pricked at my gums. I eyed the stilettos again. I was faster and stronger. I could kill Lainey before security had time to react.
But that wouldn’t save Rafe. They’d simply assign another slayer to kill him. Once Slayers, Inc. got a contract, they always followed through.
If my mother didn’t get him first.
“So you don’t work for Victorine.”
“No.” She stiffened her spine, insulted. “I work for Slayers, Inc.”
“But you were in Montreal with Victorine’s permission. And now here you are in Philippe’s lair.” The evidence was piling up. My mother was in this up to her eyeballs. “How did you know Rafe was in Paris?”
She examined her nails. “That would be telling, wouldn’t it?”
“You didn’t say anything at the Crimson Ball.”
“Rafe was at the ball? I figured he never showed up.”
I stared at her. “You knew he was in Montreal.”
She nodded.
“So a Kral is working with you and my mother. Someone high up.” I was curious if she’d verify what Jean-Michel had told me.
A mocking smile. “Very good, Princess.”
My jaw tightened. Never had I wanted to use compulsion on a human so bad. Too bad Lainey was immune.
“Tell me one thing. Did Victorine always mean to break the truce?”
She moved a shoulder. “I have no idea what she intended, but I can tell you that she only came to us last year.”
A year after that summer in Montreal. By then, it must have been clear to her that I wasn’t going to get over Rafe, especially after I’d tried to see him in New York.
“So everything Rafe told me was true. Victorine’s working with Slayers, Inc. to take out him and his brothers.”
“Did he tell you that? Guess there’s some brains to go with that smokin’ body.”
