Page 52 of Shadow Hunter

She focused on the friction of the button strapped to the top of her thigh.

It was a kind of weapon in its own right. All she had to do was remember that.

The host led her to a secluded room and ushered her inside.

“Someone will be right with you,” he said, before closing the door behind her.

Tiffany’s eyes locked with Caius’s, and a wide devious grin spread across his face. He was waiting for her at a table set for two in the middle of the room, the only table theirs though clearly the space was intended to host multiple diners, maybe even large private parties. A pure white cloth was draped across the table, and the lights from a tiered crystal chandelier reflected off the marble flooring.

She was a not-so-hopeless romantic, but even if she’d been here with someone she wanted to be with—a certain ice-eyed hunter immediately came to mind—this was a little over the top for her tastes. Then again, Caius came from an era of overindulgence.

“Tiffany.” He stood and gestured her forward. “You look lovely this evening. Won’t you join me?”

Her gut clenched. She hated the way her name rolled off his tongue with the slightest trace of an accent from thousands of years ago.

She could do this. She had dozens of times before.

It didn’t matter that things were different now. That she wanted to certain to see another day. A certain dark-haired hunter had gone and changed that.

She forced a grin across her face. “Gladly.”

Crossing the room, she allowed Caius to pull her chair out for her. She slid onto the comfortable chair cushion, far from relaxed as he squeezed her shoulder and leaned in to speak. His hot breath brushed against her ear, causing goose bumps to cover her whole body, and the small hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end.

“You look good enough to eat,” he purred, his words echoing Damon’s earlier compliment, before he returned to his side of the table.

Only from Caius, the true meaning sent a chill through her.

“Thank you,” she smiled tersely. How sweet: a bloodsucker who enjoyed toying with his food.

As if I try to marinate myself to an edible state each day.

The battle between the words that came from her mouth versus what she really thought commenced.

She batted her eyelashes. “I’m glad you’re pleased, but it’s nothing compared to how you look. Dashing and handsome,” she said, trying to appease his ego.

More like disgusting and vomit worthy.

“As always.”

Caius soaked the words up as if it were the heat of the sun, something she had no doubt he hadn’t felt in a very long time. “I’m pleased you recognize that.”

God, could one really be so conceited?

She continued smiling.

A moment of silence passed between them, an unreadable expression crossing Caius’s face. “Let’s eat. Shall we?”

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door, and on Caius’s command a waiter entered with two prefixed menus in hand. He approached their table with a smile. “Good evening. My name is Joshua, and I’ll be taking care of you tonight. May I interest youin something to drink? Perhaps a bottle from our wine list?” He glanced toward Tiffany.

Ladies first.

“I’ll just have some wat—”

Caius interjected. “If you could bring two wine glasses and a bottle of Pe´trus, it would be greatly appreciated.”

The waiter nodded. “I’ll return in a moment to take your ord—”

Eyes locked on Tiffany, Caius held up his hand. “I think we’re ready to order now.”

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