“Me, too. For lying for you.”
The memory rose up like it was yesterday. We shared a laugh, giggling girlishly like the teenagers we used to be, before everything changed and our world was doused in blood. Tears flooded my eyes, and I blinked them back, fearful they would be crimson. I didn’t want Juliet to see that side of me.
“I missed you, Lexi.”
I laughed, but it was painful. “I missed you too, Jules.”
“I’m not accusing you of anything. I’d like to turn a blind eye to the whole thing. But, you work for an enemy. Be careful. I would hate to see us end up on opposing sides.” Juliet’s warning hung ominously between us.
The hits just kept coming this week. Since I was already screwed six ways from Sunday, I figured I’d ask the question dancing on the tip of my tongue. “Should I be worried?”
Juliet tapped her fingernails on the tabletop in an erratic pattern. With a stiff set to her shoulders and a bleak nod, she said, “If you killed Abigail Irving, then yes.”
Chapter Four
The band Crimson Sin was playing at The Wicked Kiss. The addition of live music had really improved the place, giving the club an edge that a DJ spinning top 40 songs couldn’t. Although, the vampire bar didn’t really need any extra edge.
Sipping a whiskey on the rocks, I watched the activity from my favorite table while pondering the events of my evening so far. The business card with Juliet’s fake name on it burned a hole in my pocket. The urge to pull it out was strong; I just couldn’t stop thinking about our reunion. It was surreal.
The dimly lit booth was positioned perfectly to allow me a clear view of the entire club as well as both entrances. It was also far enough away from the dance floor and stage to provide the illusion of a laid-back setting.
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” Jez pursed her ruby red lips and eyed the front entrance. “I’m still pissed.”
I shoved my nagging thoughts of Juliet aside and focused on the angry leopard sitting across from me. “You have every right to be pissed. But, how long do you plan to drag this out? Either forgive him or cut ties with him completely. It’s not fair to torture Kale like this.”
Jez frowned and twirled the little umbrella in her drink. Her long, golden hair fell in wild curls down her back. With piercing green eyes, she shot me a dirty look. Jez was the only naturally born Were I knew; our usual sterility made children near impossible.
“I haven’t even begun to torture Kale,” she scoffed. “It’s the least he deserves after what he did to me.”
I sighed, nodding in agreement. I understood where her anger stemmed from. Kale was one of few people Jez truly trusted, but he’d blown that trust to hell. Kale had recently returned to his old killing ways. Unable to control himself, his bloodlust had targeted Jez.
“You don’t have to do this, but you have to do something.” I glanced at the door as a trickle of anxiety crept over me. Jez wasn’t the only one nervous about Kale’s arrival.
The scowl on Jez’s pretty face looked out of place. A sultry smirk was more her style. “If he’s late, I’m out of here.”
I shook my head but didn’t bother replying. She just wanted to be snarky; we both knew damn well Kale wouldn’t be late.
Butterflies took flight in my stomach as my anxiety shifted from one thing to another. I looked back and forth between the front entry and the doorway at the rear that led into the back hall. Lined with private rooms, the back hall was where vampires took their willing victims for some fun and games.
“Why are you so nervous?” Her green eyes narrowed, and she watched me speculatively while sipping from her pink cocktail. “You know he’ll try to f**k you before he kills you. Me… I don’t stand a chance.”
Frowning, I shook my head and leaned back in my chair. “Not cool, dude.”
“Sorry.” She shrugged but offered no real sense of apology. “It’s true though. You guys have a weird relationship. So complicated.”
I clutched my glass, seeking false comfort. My original intention had been never to drink at The Wicked Kiss. So much for that.
My nerves were getting to me; I was freaked out not just by Kale’s impending arrival nor even the hit out on me. I felt Shaz here, too, yet he was nowhere to be seen. Which could only mean one thing: he was lost in the role of blood whore. Again.