Page 34 of Bloody Temptations

Nikki shakes his head, moving into a new pose. “Let me guess, Finn messaged.”

There is a definite tone to my friend's words. I don’t like it. “What’s your problem with Finn?”

“I don’t have a problem with Finn. I have a problem withthis. He’s tying you up in all kinds of knots. I can’t tell if he’s being willfully ignorant or if he’s just enjoying the attention. But I don’t like seeing you like this.”

I can’t do anything but blink at Nikolo. Where has this come from? I mean, obviously he has the wrong end of the stick. For a second I think maybe he’s jealous, not because he wants me like that, but because I’ve been kind of preoccupied with Finn lately. While Nikolo has had partners before, it’s not been my thing. Maybe he’s not used to me having someone else in my life?

But that doesn’t feel like Nikki. He’s not that kind of guy. And this is not the first time he’s made a comment like that, about Finn enjoying the attention. I don’t think that’s what’s going on here. I mean, Finn wouldn’t string me along like that, would he? He doesn’t seem like the type. Not that I have heaps of experience of being interested enough to be strung along in the first place.

With no real way to defend myself, I resort to childishness instead. “You have no idea what you're talking about. You don’t know him.”

Nikki twists himself into a pose that allows him to roll his eyes so I can see. He’s lucky he doesn’t strain his eyeballs with how hard he rolls them.

“Yeah, I said that. Look, you’re my friend. I’m just looking out for you.”

I’m almost too scared to ask. “What do you mean by that?”

“I don’t know. There is just a vibe.” See-sawing his head, Nikki sinks deeper into the pose. “Okay, you guys apparently go at it like horny teenagers whenever you are behind closed doors at the club, but otherwise? He just shrinks back. He couldn’t even say goodbyeproperly to you at work the other day. I don’t know. Maybe it’s because I see you tripping all over yourself to chase him. I guess I’m not getting the same energy from him. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

Well, now I really feel like a dick. Because as much as I don’t like it, there is a teeny, tiny little voice deep in my head that has been saying something dangerously similar to Nikki’s warning. It’s been quiet, but it’s been there. I’ve been putting it down to insecurities I didn’t know I even had—this whole thing seems to have awakened them in me.

Rubbing at my sternum, I push down the uncomfortable feeling. I just have to have faith, I remind myself. I know how things are with Finn, and how I feel when I’m with him.

“Well, thanks. I guess. And I’m sorry. But there is nothing to worry about with Finn. He’s a great guy, seriously.” Nikki nods in acknowledgement of my grumbling apology. “He’s, uh, asking about Hearts Gate, though. Maybe we could all go together?”

Nikki hums, his interest obviously piqued. “I could probably be persuaded for a visit.”

I smirk at his back, the muscles rippling with his fluid movements. No shit, he could be persuaded to go. “Sick. Maybe he can invite his friends or something. They seem keen on the whole vamp thing.”

Nikki hums, not really caring either way about the additions to the group. Either way, I have his agreement, so I jump into the messages and start replying.

“Actually, that reminds me. One of his friends apparently knows you from when you were kids or something?”

That stops Nikki in his tracks. He stands to face me, one hip popped, arms crossed over his chest. “What do you mean?”

Looking up, I see the look on his face. It’s not exactly worried, but it is concerned. “Uh, yeah. I mean, he came in with Finn a little bit ago.I meant to tell you, but he didn’t seem like a freak and I spaced. He’s a mage. I forget his name. It’s like Will something.”

Nikki’s brows knit together with his frown, and if he weren’t a vamp, I’d swear his skin would have lost all its colour.

“Willan?”

“Yeah. Is that a problem? I can not invite them or whatever if it is?”

Trying to read Nikki’s expression is impossible. He completely shutters away whatever is going on, blanking his features entirely. He shakes his head, faking casual coolness while he resumes the last of his stretches.

“Not a problem at all. Should be a good night. Just let me know when.”

Not entirely convinced, I finish my reply to Finn.

Yeah, I’ve been. Why?

I just saw a post about it on Crumbles. I thought it might be fun to go?

We not enough for you at Bloody Temptations anymore? You lookin to get wild?

What? No! No. I just…

Never mind.

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