Page 78 of Blood Taken (Blood Mafia 2)
Demi
What is it with the mafia and having their own section of high-end restaurants? Mateo is once again leading me to the very back of the dining room, ignoring all the stares from women and glares from men.
Never mind, I think I figured out why he likes his privacy. Getting anything done while people stare at you like you're a God would be hard. I really wish they'd stop because the vampire certainly doesn't need to have a bigger head. He's already full of himself as it is.
I'm glad I changed because the only women not wearing dresses are the staff. This restaurant's private party room is similar to the other one at the Italian restaurant, except pieces of wood weave together in intricate designs and surround the room so it's hard for anyone to see in unless they purposefully come over and peek through the gaps between the wood.
All of this would be well and good if not for the fact that I can see a few people inside, but I can't tell who they are with the stupid barrier in the way. Mateo reaches a hand back and glances at me.
He doesn't need words to tell me the smart thing to do is take his hand. If this business dinner is anything like the one with Blaze, I'll gladly hold his hand to make sure our company knows not to mess with me.
When his fingers curl around mine, I shiver despite the warm temperature in the building. Why do I feel like I gave him the upper hand? Why is he wearing that dark smirk?
"Breathe, baby girl."
Ignoring the annoying nickname, I take in air like I'm preparing to plunge into an ocean. Whoever said deep breaths calm nerves is a fucking liar.
Four pairs of eerily spooky eyes stare at us when we enter. A man sits at the table with three women. His smile shows me razor sharp fangs and I relax, slightly. I still have no idea who these vampires are and what business they have with the Blood Mafia.
Still, the company could be worse. The last time I saw Blaze, the Heir Alpha to the Southwestern USA, I nearly stabbed him. I'd like to avoid him for at least the next forty-seven years.
"Mateo," the other vampire says, his light gray eyes moving from the boss to me. "Who's your friend?"
Those irises are so pale they blend with the whites. As with all the vampires I've met, he is handsome. Strong jaw, ripped, with the air of a frat boy at a sorority party. The women surrounding him are beautiful as well. One with striking auburn hair narrows her gaze when she sees what I assume is her man looking at me.
I inch closer to Mateo, making the other male vampire's grin widen.
"Sisco." Mateo's voice is edged with power. It ripples over my skin and makes my toes curl.
Moving my attention from the male, I look at Mateo. He's scowling at the other vampire.
Right. This isn't a friendly business dinner. Why did he invite me along?
"Who's your friend?" Sisco asks again, leaning forward and sniffing.
"This is Demetria." Mateo takes the seat opposite of Sisco and pulls me into his lap.
I bite my tongue, because I want to yell at him for trying to use this situation to his advantage. Instead, I swat his chest playfully and slide off of him and into the chair at his side.
The creepy vampire still hasn't stopped looking and now the redhead is leaning forward, snarling at me. The other two give me bored looks, like I'm scum beneath their shoes.
"Anthia, settle now."
Anthia jerks her head toward Sisco and pouts. "Baby, she was looking at you."
Sisco scoffs. "Yes, darling, she was, but do you not see how Mateo can't seem to pull his attention away from her? She's already claimed and I have no interest in a claimed human."
Even if he were interested, I'd definitely tell him to fuck off. I have enough vampires who want more than they should from me. I don't say any of this out loud because I'm learning sometimes my mouth doesn't exactly help the situation.
Look at that, personal growth. Mom would be proud. She always tells me I should think before I speak. Too bad those wise words never made much of an impact. They sure could have saved me a lot of trouble if I actually listened to them.
The redhead eyes me like I'm enemy number one.
"Sisco is all yours, Anthia. I'm not interested."
She slams her hands on the table. "He's not good enough for you then?"
What? Judas Priest, vampires are fucking insane.
