Page 120 of Chain Me
“Yulia,” he muttered before taking off, an apology lurking in his gaze. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
I watched him go; then I spun on my heel and tore across the manor. Past the servant’s quarters, the garage loomed empty, the old family Rolls stationed in its usual spot—newly repaired, its backseat door fully intact. Banishing all doubt, I snatched the keys from their customary hook and climbed behind the steering wheel before I could talk myself out of the insane plan forming within my brain.
Driving was a terrifying, jerking excursion following Dmitri’s scribbled directions, but eventually, I reached my destination unscathed.
A warehouse on the outskirts of the city, its brick façade containing a world of darkness within.
The entrance was unguarded, the door inexplicably unlocked. Perhaps such creatures felt no need to repel potential thieves; after all, they’d simply make for more fodder to sell.
I, for one, was through with having my soul bartered, however.
I barged into the structure with my head held high. A darkened hallway provided little by way of navigation. So I boldly marched from room to room until a furious Saskia appeared within the mouth of a doorway, dressed in a blood-red robe.
“What the hell are you—”
“Summon Raphael,” I demanded, cutting her off mid-hiss. “Now.I wish to make a bargain.”
* * *
Iwas afraid the ancient vampire would arrive far past my deadline, giving Dublin plenty of time to track me down—but a chill preceded his arrival before I could panic.
“Eleanor Gray.” He stood alone at the back of the chamber Saskia had sequestered me in. Judging from the cavernous space, it was where that impromptu showcase had taken place, though now only two chairs positioned across from each other remained.
Raphael retained his regal aura, even at what I guessed was an unwelcome hour for him. His lifeless eyes honed in on me with interest. Today, in lieu of a cape, he was wearing a simple black suit with an unbuttoned ivory shirt underneath. Visible against the pale skin of his chest hung a silver pendant in the shape of a serpent. As he approached, its red eyes studied me, flickering like hellish flames.
“I was surprised to receive your request, I must admit. To what do I owe this visit?”
“I want to bargain,” I confessed, meeting his gaze. “Via contract.”
“Oh?” A cold smile twitched over his mouth, quickly suppressed in an instant. “In exchange for Dublin’s, I suspect?” His laugh echoed, toneless and hollow. “You hope to trade your time for his. I’m sure I could find a use for you in some capacity.”
“No,” I admitted, my throat tight. “Not a trade, but a wager. The winner will take everything.”
“Everything?” His eyebrow flickered, too frozen to rise fully.
But I had something so powerful and elusive that I knew better to squander it by wasting time: his interest.
“Dublin’s time that you have in addition tomine. Every year I have left to live. That is what will be on the table.”
“Oh?” Another smile twisted his lips, but there was no amusement within the expression. Just hunger. “On what wager?”
“The amount of time doesn’t matter,” I admitted. “I want us to bet it all on one simple outcome: How will Dublin react when you tell him?”
“With relief, I suspect,” Raphael mused, clasping his fingers together. He drifted to the chair across from me and sat. I shivered, subjected to his chill despite the distance. “Pity for you, perhaps, but relief nonetheless. Do you truly think you mean that much to him?” He waited for a second and then sighed as if my silence alone contained my reply. “The man has spent years pining for his time. I am sorry, dear girl, but I believe the answer is too obvious to take advantage of your naivety.”
“Even if I claim differently?” In response to the amused tilt of his chin, I lifted a folded slip of paper, previously hidden in my jacket until now. “My guess as to his reaction is on this paper. I’m assuming you’ll think he’ll leave in gratitude, and if you are correct, then you own us both.”
He eyed me in silence. Just when I feared he may never speak, a pink tongue flitted across his lower lip. “And if you win?”
I inhaled raggedly. Even inside my head, the plot seemed insane. Madness.
Something reckless enough to befit the broken little lamb Dublin had described me as.
“If I win, then Dublin is free and you agree to never threaten me or…or our daughter.”
“And how do I know that this isn’t a planned arrangement?”
Despite everything, I had to laugh, and his eyes narrowed at the hysterical sound.
