Page 168 of Vampire so Virtuous
“Good. I onlyborrowedyour Lamborghini, and most of it’s still where I left it. The people who blew it up owe you a new one.”
“On that point, please let me know in advance when you next plan to trespass in another vampire’s territory. For now, it would be better if youstayed where you are. You are safe there.”
Safe?“You’re not coming?”
“I will, as soon it grows dark. The sun is bright today, and I have not slept much.” He did sound tired.
“So I just wait here?”Alone. In this opulent bachelor’s den with a half-dressed vampire.
“Oui. Can you manage that for me?”
“I’m not making any promises.” She watched the other vampire who pointedly had his back to her, even as he heard every word.
“Why am I not surprised? Look after her please, Gabe. I will see you later.” His voice didn’t rise, confirming how acute vampire hearing was.
“Sure thing, Antoine. She’s in good hands,” Gabe said from across the room, carefully holding a record by its edges.
Cally ended the call as Gabe placed the record on a modern turntable. The lever clicked into place, lowering the needle with a gentle hiss. The lyrical notes of classical music drifted through the room.
Not only did this vampire wink, but he listened to Mozart.
“What about you?” Cally asked, her voice sharp. “You ever been to Milton?”
He turned to her, drawing himself up. “I am delighted to say I have not, and I pity the vampire who has incurred your wrath.”
“Damn right,” Cally said, though she suspected Gabe was teasing her. “You all have territories, right? Whose territory is Milton?”
Gabe cocked his head, watching her with amusement. “Why do I get the sense that if you were to discover, you’d be driving straight back over there?”
Cally tightened her jaw. “Not right now.”Maybe tomorrow morning, when it’s nice and bright.
Gabe spread his hands. “Forgive me, I hate to be a poor host, but such information you will need to seek from Antoine.”
He seemed genuinely apologetic, and had no obligation to answer her. She gestured toward the wall of records, trying to change the subject. “Is your whole collection classical?”
“Oh no,” he said, coming over to retrieve his phone from her. “I like to think I have a little of everything. Do you like Chopin?”
Oh. Chopin, not Mozart.“Can’t say I’ve listened to it much, but this is fine.”
“Good.” He tightened the sash of his silk robe. “Well, we’ve got some time to kill. Let’s get you sorted first.”
Cally tensed. His tone was light, but the double meaning made her uneasy.
Gabe stopped in surprise and held up his hands. “So sorry. I don’t entertain marked chattel very often. Terrible choice of words, wasn’t it?”
Cally grimaced. “As Antoine would say, why am I not surprised?”
“Nevertheless, I see you’ve been injured.” He gestured to her shoulder. “And please forgive another terribly inappropriate admission, but I can smell that you’re bleeding.”
Cally stepped back reflexively—like it would make any difference. “Do you need to feed?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Shall I stand in the corner until you feel safer?”
She stared at him, startled, then her cheeks flushed. “Um, sorry. It’s just…”
“—That you’ve been exposed to vampires, and some of us can be ratheruncouth.”
She blinked. “Antoine isn’t like that.”
