Page 65 of Bite
“Uh, we were just–” she starts, but I slide into the booth before she can finish. The space is narrow, forcing her to scoot closer to the wall, shopping bags crinkling. I don’t mind. I lean in, deliberately invading her space and pressing a kiss to her temple. Her pulse stutters, breath hitching again at the contact.
I love how flustered she gets, how easily she unravels at the barest touch. Taylor Holt is an exquisite creature– a rare beauty in a sea of mediocrity. To possess her is a quiet triumph.
“I hope my credit card got a decent workout today,” I remark, nodding at the pile of shopping bags wedged beside her.
She flushes, subtly shifting away, but I follow, closing the gap before she can create it.
“Uh, yeah,” she breathes, tucking a rogue strand of hair behind her ear. “I hope that’s okay. You said to use it for my wardrobe, so…”
“Of course,” I reply smoothly. “It’s only money, and I have far more than I could ever spend on my own. Buy anything you like, darling.” I gesture across the table, finally acknowledging that we’re not alone. “For your friend, too.”
“Oh, we did,” Bex cuts in, flashing a mischievous grin. She extends her hand, green eyes glinting with intrigue. “We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m–”
“Bex Hamilton,” I finish for her, taking her hand and brushing my lips across her knuckles.
She arches a brow. “Stalk much?”
My lips curl into a smirk.Feisty. “I like to stay apprised of the people in my orbit. And since that includes Taylor, it also includes you.”
“I’m not sure if that’s flattering or psychotic,” she mutters, eyes narrowing.
Taylor cuts her a sharp look, but I just shrug nonchalantly, leaning further into the booth and draping an arm across the back.
“What are you doing here, James?” Taylor whispers, eyes flicking up to catch mine.
“You weren’t at the house,” I answer simply.
She blinks, color flooding her cheeks. “I’m sorry, I meant to be back by–” she checks her phone, wincing. “Nine.”
“No harm done,” I drawl, glancing around the bar. “I welcome the change in scenery. This place is…charming.”
“Pretty sure you’re the first person who’s used that word to describe it,” Bex snorts, raising her drink. “Didn’t think the king of the undead frequented shithole tequila bars.”
“My tastes are eclectic,” I reply with a shrug. “And I needed to ensure Taylor was safe. If I’d known she was leaving the estate, I would’ve sent a security detail with her.”
Bex rolls her eyes, though there’s a flicker of fondness beneath the sarcasm. “Yeah, well, she’s safe with me. Safer than she is with you, probably.”
“Debatable,” I murmur.
Taylor finally cracks a smile, tension loosening from her shoulders.
“Well, since you’re here, you can buy us the next round,” Bex chirps.
My gaze slides to her again, irritation pricking just beneath the surface. I can’t decide if her attitude is endearing or insufferable. She should be more afraid of vampires– but something tells me Taylor wouldn’t appreciate me correcting that. So, I let it slide.
“Of course,” I say smoothly, signaling a passing server.
I order another round of margaritas for the girls and a top-shelf whiskey for myself– though, of course, they don’t have it.I settle for whatever passes as their best, knowing I’ll have to choke it down.
I may be a king amongst my kind, but I’m adaptable. I can slum it in a place like this one moment and hold court at my castle the next. All part of the game, and I’m always the smartest player on the board.
Once our drinks arrive, I lift mine and turn to Taylor. “Buy anything good today?”
She flushes, looking like she’s about to apologize again, but Bex jumps in before she can.
“You should’ve seen her,” she gushes, eyes bright. “First time in her life she didn’t have to check price tags, but of course she did anyways. I had to physically restrain her from putting back the fancy moisturizer.”
Taylor shoots her a murderous glare, face flaming. “It’s just a lot, okay?” she scoffs defensively. “I’m not used to…” she trails off, averting her eyes.
