Page 42 of House of Crimson Kisses
“I need you. I am placing my trust in you, and I… I don’t think I can do this without you. And honestly, that is terrifying for me, and I don’t know how to process it but… This is me asking you to please help me.”
Red’s mouth falls open, her face softens, and I swear I want to leap across the room and shred her clothes from her. But she’s still furious with me, and I can’t keep fucking her under tables for my own pleasure. She’s right. We do have to sort things between us.
Amelia lowers herself to one knee. “I pledge myself to House Beaumont.”
“Wow, Tave. You’re really growing,” Xavier says.
“Go fuck yourself, Xavier,” I say, rolling my eyes.
But to my surprise, he also lowers himself to his knee, and it takes my breath away. He picks my hand up and kisses my knuckles.
“I love you, and we both know I’m not responsible enough to run this city. And honestly? I think you will make a fine leader. I pledge myself to House Beaumont.”
I rub my throat, feeling… I’m not sure how to describe the swirling in my stomach. It’s a new sensation. My eyes sting. I feel rather out of sorts.
Xavier continues. “I’ll make you a deal. I’ll bow out of the competition in all but name. Mother would slaughter me for actually giving up. But you can count on me as part of your team. I’ve no doubt Dahlia and Gabe are making a similar deal, anyway.”
Red’s mouth hangs lower, Amelia smiles from her position on the floor. I can’t breathe. I’m not sure I’ve ever had anyone swear fealty like this. Certainly not an offer of unconditional support like this. It makes me believe for the first time that I can run this city. If I can get two people to pledge their allegiance, perhaps I can convince the city, too. My eyes sting. I think… if I’m not very much mistaken, that this might well be the first time I’ve ever truly felt… accepted. For me. As me.
But I also know Xavier. “Alright, but what will it cost me?” I say, my voice barely above a whisper as I try to suppress the tremble.
“So crass, Tave. Straight for the balls, as always,” Xavier says.
“Am I wrong?”
He sniffs. “No.”
That, at least, reassures me a little that even though he’s on his knee, I’m not having a complete mental breakdown. This is actually happening.
“The cost?”
“A position of power without too much responsibility. One I can come and go from. Publicly seen powerful; privately, I’ll handle some of the finer negotiations for you. Consider me your right-hand man, and we’ll call my life, loyalty, and love yours.”
I meet Red’s eyes from across the room, and even though the fury still bubbles under her skin, she’s smiling at me, like she too is proud.
“You have your deal, Xavier St Clair.”
He kisses my knuckles, sealing his pledge with a kiss, and I pull him up off the floor.
“Now. Come. We have business to attend to. Amelia. You know what you need to do.”
Red’s expression turns thunderous. But I don’t have time to argue, and I am in no position to convince her that if she doesn’t drink human blood, she’s going to die, and all this will be for nothing.
For the first time in my life, I’m relying on someone else to do that, and it’s fucking terrifying.
Chapter13
You’re all pathetic.
You think you’re winning and getting closer to the dhampir.
But I know who actually put that drop of blood in the amulet.
There’s so much betrayal in this ballroom and none of you can see it.
Backstabbing. Lies. There’s a traitor right under your noses and you’re too busy in-fighting to see.
Well, don’t worry.
