Page 64 of Thicker than Water
“You’re awfully eager to get somewhere,” she says. “Where are you going?”
“Nowhere that’s any of your business,” I reply curtly, trying the other side.
She puts her arms out. “Is it with the bartender? Are you still fucking the bartender?”
“Again!Notany of your business.”
“So youarefucking the bartender. Did you ever find out her name, Casanova?”
I growl.
“So that’s ano…”
“Her name is Amara,” I reply, now thoroughly irritated. “And I’m late to meet her. Now get out of my way, or you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of my stake!”
“Ha! Like you could run this place without me,” she says, but she moves aside so I can shove past her. “Enjoy your little snack!”
I’m surprisingly annoyed as I hurry down the office hallway and to the elevators. Not because Renata knows about Amara, but because of how she referred to her.
I can’t deny that this is the most significant relationship I’ve ever had with a breather.
Truly, it’s the most significant romantic relationship I’ve had withanyone. It’s strange to consider. I know that in more recent years, vampires have been able to develop romantic relationships with living humans that goes beyond sustenance and carnal pleasure. But I’ve never had time for something like that, and I’ve never wanted that, if I’m being honest.
Could I possibly have that…with Amara?
No. It’s just fun. She’s refreshing, really, and I need that, with all of the stress of handling Tudor, Cedric, Renata, and Lexi. She’s a much-needed distraction, nothing more.
THE POWER WE HAVE
Amara
I’m starting to get a little nervous. Celine doesn’t seem like the type to stand someone up, but she’s 45 minutes late already.
I wish I had offered to meet her at the hotel, but for some reason, I suggested we meet outside my apartment. It’s closer to the park, although not by much. Now I regret it. I don’t live in a very safe neighbourhood, and I’ve been catcalled twice already. It’s nothing I can’t handle, but I don’t want to be caught turning some jeering man into a frog. That’s a dead giveaway for sure.
But I know the real reason I asked Celine to meet me here. The hotel feels likeherterritory. It reminds me of the complicated situation we’re in, of her relationship with Tudor. And it feels like work. I wanted to meet her on a night I’m not working, so we can take full advantage of our time together.
And so that it can be…I don’t know…separatefrom everything else.
I just want a calm, peaceful date with her.
“A calm, peaceful date where you grill her for information about her vampire clan’s nefarious plans to undermine our coven?” hoots a voice from behind me.
“Merlin!” I snap, turning around to glare at the small hawk, perched upon a dented garbage bin. “Stop listening into my thoughts!”
“It’s my job, I’m your familiar,” he replies, ruffling his feathers indignantly. “Don’t forget, you’re here on a covert intelligence mission,not a fun vacation.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Iknow, Merlin. I’ll make sure to ask her some questions about Tudor, don’t worry. Now get out of sight before she…”
Merlin’s head turns sharply back to the road, and I follow his stare.
“Oh myGoddess…” I whisper.
A gleaming, black car pulls up. It looks completely out of place on this street. I would feel nervous even getting into it. It’s shiny, and eerily quiet.
Celine opens the back door and gets out. I’m struck by how incredible she looks. She’s not dressed up or anything. Quite the contrary. She looks more casual than she usually does, wearing tight dark jeans and a sleek leather jacket. Her hair is in a high ponytail, two braids along the sides. A tiny gold cross dangles from one of her earlobes.
Despite myself, I swoon a little. I hope Merlin’s not watching. But I can feel his disapproving glare on the back of my neck.
