Page 22 of The Second Sight
“Your birthday,” he remembered. “Twenty-one. A milestone.” His smile revealed nothing of the fangs I knew lay behind it. “How does it feel to be considered a full adult?”
“Not much different than yesterday,” I answered honestly.
He chuckled, the sound surprisingly warm coming from someone like him. “Perhaps not yet. But birthdays can be transformative.” His gaze intensified. “You’ve certainly had some revelations today, haven’t you?”
I swallowed hard, aware of Brooklyn listening nearby. “I suppose I have.”
Seven seemed pleased with my cautious response. Every nerve in my body remained on high alert, tracking his slightest movement like prey watching a predator.
Brooklyn yawned suddenly, checking her phone. “Oh wow, it’s almost three! We should probably think about heading out.” She looked at me apologetically. “I’ve got work tomorrow, and so do you?”
Relief flooded through me so strongly I nearly gasped. The prospect of escape, of putting distance between myself and Seven, was a bet. I nodded too eagerly. “Yes, we should go. Thank you for your hospitality,” I added, turning to Seven and Lily with what I hoped looked like genuine gratitude.
Lily inclined her head slightly, assessing me. “It was— interesting to meet you both.” The pause before “interesting” spoke volumes about her true feelings. Clearly, she tolerated Brooklyn but didn’t mess with me at all.
Seven rose smoothly to his feet, extending a hand to help me up. I took it reluctantly. As I stood, he pulled me slightly closer than necessary, leaning down to speak directly into my ear. His lips grazed my skin as he whispered, “You’re free to go, but remember our arrangement.”
How could I forget? His breath raised goosebumps along my neck, and I fought back a shiver.
“I remember,” I whispered back.
He smiled, straightening up to his full height. “I’ll walk you ladies out,” he announced, his hand finding the small of my back.
Brooklyn took notice of his chivalrous gesture, clearly interpreting it as a sign of Seven’s interest in me. If only she knew. She shot me an excited thumbs-up behind Seven’s back as we made our way out of the VIP section, passing the stoic bouncer, who nodded respectfully to Seven.
The main floor of the club had thinned out, though the music still pumped at full volume. We weaved through scattered groups of dancers and drinkers as Seven guided us toward theexit. The warm night air hit my face as we stepped outside, and I inhaled deeply. I was seconds away from freedom.
“Thank you,” Brooklyn said to Seven, her cheeks flushed with alcohol and excitement. “Best VIP experience ever.”
“The pleasure was mine,” Seven replied with a gracious nod. Then his eyes found mine. His gaze intensified. “I look forward to continuing our conversation tomorrow, Kasi.”
He took my hand in his, raising it to his lips in an old-fashioned gesture that would have seemed ridiculous from anyone else. But from him, it felt natural. His lips brushed my knuckles, lingering a moment too long, his eyes never leaving mine. The contact sent an unwelcome quake through my body.
He released my hand slowly, his fingers trailing along mine in a deliberate caress that felt like both a promise and a warning. Brooklyn was watching this exchange with barely contained glee. As Seven turned and walked back into the club, she grabbed my arm, bouncing slightly on her toes.
“Oh my God, Kasi! He is so into you!” she squealed, her voice carrying in the quiet street. “And he’s gorgeous! And rich! Did you give him your number? Please tell me you gave him your number.”
I nodded mutely, unable to form words around the knot of fear in my throat. Seven had my number all right, and a lot more since she was running her mouth to him and his sister.
“Your birthday was epic,” Brooklyn continued as she tried to read the license plate on a car that pulled up.
“Did you already order an Uber or Lyft?” I asked.
“Yeah, but that’s not ours.” She said.
I didn’t even see her order it. I was too busy watching Seven. I was so glad there was a car in route.
Brooklyn looked up from her phone. “They will be here in two minutes. Damn. Kasi, I mean, of all the girls in there, he picked you!” she said, squeezing my arm.
If only she knew why he’d “picked” me. Not because I was special or pretty, but because I could see through his disguise. Because he thought I wasn’t entirely human.
The Uber arrived, and I almost pushed my bestie down getting into the comfort of that stranger’s backseat. The driver rumbled through Chicago’s late-night streets, carrying us away from the club, and away from Seven.
Even when my body betrayed me, I was still terrified. I didn’t run toward danger. I ran from it. It felt so nice to run. Sitting in the backseat, I remembered I had never used the bathroom. My bladder was full. I needed to hurry and get back home.
Chapter
Nine
