“No, neither of them are.”
A bell chimed, signaling that intermission was drawing to a close. “Come on. Let’s return to our table.” They went back to their seats, chatting quietly as the wait staff began circulating with trays of dessert and wine. A server arrived at their table, presenting each of them with a peach pastry drenched in a whiskey sauce and topped with whipped cream, along with glasses of a crisp Riesling wine.
Just before the lights went down, Raul caught a glimpse of Ji-Su a few tables over. He was smiling his thanks at the server who’d set a dessert plate in front of him. Once the actors retook the stage, Raul made an attempt to put Ji-Su from his mind and focus on the show. But he couldn’t stop thinking about that soft, happy laugh and those sparkling dark eyes for the rest of the night.
A FEW HOURS LATER,their trio returned to the ranch. The tall black entrance gates slid smoothly open to allow the limo toenter the property. After the driver let them out at the front of the mansion, Raul thanked him and said goodnight.
“Goodnight, Mr. Raul.”
The limo pulled away, and Raul went up the wide front steps accompanied by Linda and Alan. The three of them walked inside and were greeted by the doorman in the softly lit foyer. Linda handed the servant the white swing coat she’d worn over her pink dress.
“Raul, my love. I think our time here is over,” she said as she slipped out of her heels.
That statement had Raul raising his eyebrows in surprise. Linda and Alana weren’t on an official blood pet contract with him. They were there because the three of them were in a casual relationship. He drank their blood and in exchange he showered them with money and gifts. It was a mutually beneficial relationship but it wasn’t facilitated by one of the agencies that set up humans and vampires.
This was the pairs third time staying with him over the past few years. He’d met them long ago at one of Everett’s costume balls. They came at his invitation and left when they chose. But they hadn’t mentioned anything about wanting to leave before now.
“That’s news to me. Is something wrong?”
“Of course not, sweetie. We always have the best time when we’re here. But...”
“But?” He prompted her when she didn’t finish.
Linda folded her hands together in front of her, an almost mischievous smile on her fuchsia-tinted lips. “Your mind is about to be preoccupied with someone else.”
“He is really cute,” Alan added. “I don’t mind leaving so you can focus on him.”
Raul shook his head when he realized who they were referring to. “You’re both being silly. I talked to Ji-Su for lessthan five minutes. And he already belongs to someone else. Our paths probably won’t cross again anytime soon if ever.”
Linda walked up to him. She put a hand on his cheek and looked into his eyes. Raul met her gaze without flinching, letting her find whatever she was looking for. After several moments she patted him lightly on the cheek before she dropped her hand.
“I know what I saw. And I never doubt what I see is coming.”
“I won’t deny my attraction to him. But that is no reason for either of you to leave. I listen to you two rave over the vampires you’re attracted to all the time and it’s never been a problem.”
Linda pursed her lips, thinking. Finally, she nodded and stepped back.
“All right. We’ll stay. For now.”
“Good.”
“Would you like to feed tonight?” she asked in an abrupt change of subject.
Raul dropped his gaze to her throat. She’d worn her hair up, exposing smooth, honey brown skin. Normally he’d be tempted by the sight. Tonight, his fangs didn’t so much as tingle. He shook his head. “No, I don’t need to.”
Alan stepped behind Linda and slid his arms around her waist in a tight hug.
“How about sex with one or both of us?” he asked with a grin.
“Not tonight.”
“No appetite for that either?” Linda asked with a dark brow raised. She looked over her shoulder at Alan. “What a surprise,” she said in an exaggerated tone.
“A truly shocking surprise,” Alan teased back.
Raul barked a laugh. “You two are ridiculous. It has nothing to do with that little human. I’m simply not hungry and not in the mood for sex.”
“If you say so. Come on, Alan. Those heels made my feet ache and I could use a foot rub.”