Page 30 of Blood Ties
Grayson found me a short while later still standing there raging war on my internal dilemma.
“Still nothing?” his mouth quirked in amusement.
I bowed my head in frustration. “God, Grayson, I have no idea. I need something club worthy that also would be okay for a business meeting. I wish Shawn was here.” I turned staring at him wearing dark jeans and a black button down. “Is that what you’re wearing?” I questioned.
“Is there something wrong with it?” He ran his hand down his chest smoothing out the fabric. It was a nervous gesture.
“No. Absolutely not. You look fantastic. God!” I groaned. “Why is it so much easier for men.”
Grayson grunted in amusement as he approached me. “Gaby, it’s not difficult to pick something out. You’d look incredible in whatever you choose.”
“Easy for you to say,” I mumbled.
Rolling his eyes he spoke. “You want me to pick out what I think you should wear?”
“Please?” I didn’t one hundred percent trust Grayson’s female fashion sense. He was no Shawn, but I had been staring at my closet for over an hour and hadn’t removed one piece of clothing. Nothing had seemed worthy to even look at.
Reaching in, he quickly grabbed a hanger. I quirked my eyebrow thinking he couldn’t have possible picked anything worthwhile.
“Here,” he handed it to me.
I let my eyes rack over it. Grayson had handed me a black dress that would come to rest mid-thigh. The back was open half way and the front was complete covered. It would be appropriate for a business meeting, but wouldn’t get me judgmental stares at a club either.
“Okay, how the hell did you do that?”
Grayson chuckled. It vibrated through me doing treacherous things to my body, but I tried not to think about that. We needed to go.
“I’m guessing I did well?”
“You did great.” I grabbed his shirt pulling him down to my level until his lips brushed mine.
“Good, then get dressed so we can leave soon.” He kissed me quickly then swatted my ass before leaving me alone once again.
When we arrived at Cave Lamia, Grayson led me to the man with the clip board standing on the other side of the rope. As we approached, something rippled across my skin. It was an eerie feeling. I looked around to see what could have caused it. I noticed the doorman was watching me with a questionable look, like he was seeing something no one else saw when he looked at me. My eyes were locked with his trying to figure out if he was the cause of what I was sensing when a headlight streaked across his face making his chocolate brown eyes reflect the light much like that of an animal. I hissed a breath when I realized what it was I was feeling. The man was a supernatural, but not just any. He was a vampire.
I did my best not to let my distress show as Grayson pulled me to a stop in front of the unknown vampire.
“Mr. Alexander, Miss Carmichael,” he spoke our names with a nod to each of us. “Welcome to Cave Lamia. Mr. Malach has been notified of your arrival and asks that you wait at the bar. He will be along shortly.” The vampire held the rope up for us so we could pass which was met with a loud chorus of groans from the dozens of people waiting in line. My eyes stayed locked on the vampire until I would have to break my neck to continue watching him.
Grayson and I did as we were instructed and took a seat at the bar. It was strange seeing a vampire working at a human establishment. Even nomads who choose not to be a part of a nest didn’t do common mundane jobs. As bad as it sounds, most vampires didn’t work. The older ones, who’d made their fortune years or centuries ago, invested. The newbies, once they’re able to, would normally influence people to give them things: money, cars, and houses. It was the reason most newbies served the nest for some time before they were released. The older masters didn’t approve of the methods the newer vampires were using. Perhaps this vampire wanted to earn his money the legitimate way. Maybe it was the ripple of power across my skin or the way he knew exactly what I was when we approached. Whatever it was, something inside me told me he was no newbie.
Pushing the thought aside, I tried to mentally prepare for this strange meeting. After waiting for twenty minutes, I decided to order a drink.
“Gaby, this is a business meeting, for us both.”
“I know that, Grayson, but this man has kept us waiting and it’s not like one drink will do anything for me.”
Forty minutes and two drinks later, I was done with the idea of a business meeting.
“Come dance with me, baby,” I begged Grayson as I slid off the stool.
“Gaby…” he sighed. “How about you dance right here for me?”
I smiled and stepped between his knees. “I can do that.” I wiggled my body back and forth with the sway of my hips. My arms slid up around the back of Grayson’s neck allowing me to thread my fingers in his hair. After a moment had passed, I felt Grayson’s hands find their way to my hips following me as I moved.
“Do you know what you’re doing to me right now?” He hissed against my ear. The strain in his voice forced my lower muscles to clench and I let out a soft moan. “Jesus Gabriella! I’m about to say to hell with this meeting and take you home.” I felt his fingers trail down my thigh until they found the hem of my dress. Gently, they eased under it. Shrieks from the dance floor brought me back to reality. I realized what I was doing to Grayson and what I was about to allow him to do to me. I grabbed his hand, stopping his assent. I could feel him grinning against my neck.
“Later?” He challenged. I nodded my head tentatively. “Alright then. Let me go see if I can find out what’s taking Mr. Malach so long and see if perhaps he wants to reschedule.” He tapped me lightly on my hip silently asking me to let him up. Stepping aside, I watched as he moved gracefully around the bar until he disappeared in the crowd.
