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The vampire’s eyes have a hold on me from across the room. I’m not sure what to do, or what to say to the man standing next to me who just got me off, and as I’m frozen in indecision, Autumn appears.
“There you are!” she says brightly. “I wondered where you went.” Apparently unaware that I was with the mad scientist and seeming not to notice him at all, she takes my hand and leads me back toward our table.
When I turn to give the scientist an apologetic look, he nods once, still grinning.
I’m in a daze, barely able to register what Autumn’s saying. Then I remember that my boss is around here somewhere, and I go into a panic. Sure, this is after hours and shouldn’t affect my job, but what if Garrett saw what I’ve been doing? What would he think of me?
“Has Garrett come back in?” I ask.
I’m flooded with relief when she shakes her head. “They’re all still outside talking. I was just out there with them. They told me they’ll come inside soon, but I don’t believe them.”
“I’m sorry I left you alone for so long,” I tell her.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m glad you’re having fun. How was the caveman? And did I see you dancing with a skeleton too?”
“I danced with a couple of guys.” It’s been so much more than dancing, but I keep that thought to myself.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself,” she says, in what she doesn’t know is a big understatement.
As we’re crossing the room, the crowd’s cheers get louder, alerting me to the fact that a winner is being chosen on the stage. It’s the vampire.
My cheeks heat, and in my mind, I can still feel his fangs pressing into my skin.
“Ooh, check this one out,” Autumn says, nudging my side with her elbow. I expect her to gesture to the costume contest winner, but instead she directs my attention to a tall, dark figure that’s headed straight toward us.
He looks like a man on a mission—or rather a demon on a mission, because the figure has a face painted red with dark shadows, and there are sinister-looking twisted horns protruding from his head. If I’m not mistaken, he was on stage just a few minutes ago.
I move aside to let him pass, but he comes straight for me, stopping only inches away. He’s so close, the heat of his body instantly warms the skin on my chest.
Without a word, he bends and picks me up, one of his strong arms under my thighs, the other wrapped around my back.
CHAPTERNINE
My instinct is to struggle, even though being in his arms is exciting. “What are you doing?” I demand, kicking my legs.
Nearby, Autumn is squealing. “He’s going to take you on stage!”
Is that a thing tonight? Are they doing that? Aside from the costume contest and the opening performance, there hasn’t been much activity on the stage. Not that I’ve noticed, anyway, but I guess I have been preoccupied.
Tonight’s been one thrill right after another with barely time to catch my breath, and now I’m in the arms of a devilish demon who’s refusing to answer any of my questions.
I mentally prepare myself to be on display, but when it comes time to turn toward the stage, the demon makes a hard left and carries me straight out of the showroom’s entrance.
Confusion and panic cut into my excitement. “What’s going on? Where are you going?”
My tone is much more demanding now, and a bit frantic, but still the demon remains silent. We’re headed toward the lobby, but he makes another turn just before we get there, down another hallway, then immediately through a door, and into a dark room.
“My hat!” My witch’s hat is knocked off of my head as we pass through the doorway, and I struggle again, wanting to retrieve it, but the demon doesn’t care.
While the door is still open, light from the hallway shows me that we’re in what looks to be a breakroom. There are a few round tables and chairs, and a countertop with a coffeemaker and other related items.
Also, we’re completely alone.
And when the door closes behind us, everything goes dark.
With my sight restricted, other senses come alive, and I notice that the demon, who’s still holding me in his arms, has a familiar scent that’s almost comforting.
I inhale a large dose. The demon wears the same cologne as my housemate Damien. But this isn’t Damien. I don’t know this man, and I shouldn’t be getting comfortable just because he smells good.
