Page 294 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

He shook his head. “You have too many now. And Fox says he's done it too many times for it to be safe anymore.”

“Are you worried that I'll tell someone? Because I won't. Fox already programmed me.” He could smell fear on her suddenly, and although he didn't want her afraid, he was glad she had good instincts that way.

He nodded. “I believe you,” he said mildly. “But you're right to be afraid. Vampires do normally kill or change anyone who can't be scrubbed.”

He let that sink in for a moment and felt her fear increase. “But you're safe. Fox has claimed full responsibility for you.” He would take responsibility for her too, but he didn't need to tell her that.

Their food came as she absorbed that. He ordered his usual—a chef's pick of three things off the menu. Tonight they brought him a chicken mole, some kind of tomatillo fish and his favorite—tamale pie with a pumpkin cream sauce. Kate had some delectable beef dish.

“Cheers,” she said, raising her margarita to clink his.

“Buon appetito,” he said, picking up his fork.

“So, according to some of the vampire novels, vampires don't eat,” she said accusingly.

He laughed. “Well, if I drank enough blood I wouldn't have to. But I enjoy food, so where's the pleasure in that?”

“So, I guess that means you use the toilet like everyone else?”

He nodded with a smile.

“How long have you been a vampire?”

“I was turned in 1522.”

“In Italy?”

“Si bambina. I was turned in Venice, but my home was in Parma.”

“Okay…” He picked up a nervous vibe from her. “So you don't kill people?” she asked in a low voice.

“As a regular practice? No.”

“But you have?”

He nodded. “I've killed mortals and I've killed vampires, yes.”

He saw a shiver go through her. “How many people have you turned?”

“None.”

She was surprised at that. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Who turned you?”

“A very beautiful female vampire who I stupidly let seduce me when I was away from home.”

“Did you stay with her?”

He shook his head. “No. I killed her, which is supposed to be impossible. And then I went home to my wife and daughter and begged their forgiveness and understanding.”

She looked at him with big eyes. “Does that happen often? A vampire living with his mortal family?”

“Never, as far I know.” He shrugged. “It was where I wanted to be. I stayed on my family property another fifty-some years until my daughter and granddaughter died of fever. Then it was too painful to remain.”

She sat back and wiped her beautiful lips with her napkin. “Okay, here's the real question I want to ask you. It's the reason I came down to the club tonight.” She had a confessional tone, and didn't it just make him lean forward, hungry for her next words.

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