When I looked back at Danni, her wide, shocked eyes were on me. “Wow. Study art at all?”
“A little.” Actually, a lot. Anton had been adamant about me being knowledgeable in certain areas. Art had been one of them, and I’d enjoyed the days when I sat and admired the brilliance of many artists’ work.
“You’re hired,” Danni announced.
“Excuse me?”
“I need someone to watch the gallery a few days a week so I can work in my studio at home. Balen had it built for me over the garage with skylights and, well, he outdid himself. So, I need someone to work here. Show people around, give your opinion when asked, and, hopefully, sell my work. Can you start tomorrow?”
“I don’t think—”
Danni tossed her brush in the glass of water and reached for me, her hand slipping in mine. “I pay well. I mean, I’ve never hired anyone before, but I will pay well.”
I did need a job and I had skills, but no experience, and I wasn’t eager to walk the streets looking for something. It was hard enough walking to my therapist’s office. Being interviewed by a bunch of strangers knowing they were scrutinizing me was definitely on my list of things not to do. But I did need a job.
And I wanted a job. This is what I wanted. It was the first time I’d felt the bubbling in my chest—excitement. This was something I could do myself, not because I was forced to, but because it gave me a purpose.
“Umm, yeah. Okay.”
“Great,” Danni said. “It’s pretty boring most of the time, but you can read or even paint if you want. I know you have therapy every morning until eleven, but I’ll be here to open up so you can work from whenever you get back until we close. What about Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays?”
I nodded. “Okay.”
Danni beamed. “Great. Here, I’ll show you my work. They’re done in series. Oh, and that painting is not for sale, no matter what anyone offers to pay.” Danni pointed to the oversized canvas portrait of Balen. “And you will be hounded to sell it. There’s one lady who comes in at least twice a month and offers to buy it. Every time her price goes up. Just tell her no, it’s not for sale.”
Danni took me on a tour of her paintings and we talked about each one, and for a while, I felt connected to something and forgot about my battle, and there was peace.
THE MOMENT I WALKED into Liam’s club, my heartbeat quickened and saliva pooled in my mouth. The scent of blood pumping through everyone’s veins was so overwhelming I staggered and turned to dart back out the door.
I had my palm on it when I stopped. If I left, Liam would come after me. This was the plan. I had to stick with the plan.
I’d been locked in a hotel room for five days, and I hadn’t realized how powerful the cravings were until tonight. The need to taste blood disgusted me, and yet, as I weaved my way through the crowd, I licked my lips and my eyes lingered on patrons’ throats.
How was I going to make it through tonight?
But I had to. Jedrik promised once I met with Liam and convinced him I had no blood craving, so he thought the drop of blood had no effect, then Jedrik would get me out of here. Ten minutes. I could do this.
My eyes landed on Liam. Shit. Maybe I couldn’t. There was a strange draw toward him, as if my body was on a string attached to him and he was slowly reeling me in.
I would not become his puppet. Fuck that.
I raised my chin, took a deep breath, and smiled.
The crowd parted like the Red Sea as he made his way toward me with long, confident strides. He had a captivating allure about him, handsome face with a strong, carved jaw, and high cheek bones. When he smiled, as he did now, it was like drawing a kid to candy, irresistible.
Liam stopped in front of me and kissed both my cheeks. “There she is. My witch.” His palm firm on the small of my back, he tugged me toward him. “It’s been too long, my love. Where have you been hiding?” He leaned in to me, lips grazing my ear as he whispered, “Mmmm, you thirst my blood, don’t you?”
I did, but he couldn’t know that. “No. I’m fine actually.” He scowled, but didn’t say anything. “And I wasn’t hiding.” A lie, of course, and I thanked God vampires couldn’t read witches’ minds. “I had a few things to look after.” I half-smiled, looking up at him.
Jedrik told me to play it cool, but all I wanted to do was get as far away from Liam as I could. I had to get through tonight, make Liam believe everything was okay.
“Come to my table. I’m finishing off some business.” He tilted his head, tongue sliding across the hollow of my throat. Tingling erupted, but it wasn’t good tingles; this was warning tingles as my thirst for blood intensified. “Easy, love. You will taste me soon enough.”