“I’ve lost a great deal of blood, you know.”
A small smile tugged at his lips, and he glanced again at my neck. “Vampires worldwide will thank you.”
I sighed. “Just have them send flowers to the funeral. And listen,” I stood up from my chair and touched his arm. “I’m so sorry about what happened with your wife. Really.”
He was still looking at my neck. His eyes appeared to darken a shade and he took a step closer to close the space between the two of us.
The door to Haven opened up to my left and we both looked over. It was George.
“Hey Sarah, how did your date go?”
I exchanged a glance with Nicolai, who stepped away from me and looked over toward the empty bar.
“It was so much fun that I might have to be hospitalized.”
He nodded with approval. “Glad you had a good time. Where is the boss now?”
“He had to leave.”
“As I must, as well.” Nicolai stood up from his chair. “We will speak again very soon.”
“Definitely.”
With a last look at me, Nicolai turned and left the club.
George looked over at the broken bottle of champagne on the floor. “Do I even want to know what happened here?”
The phone began to ring.
“Probably not.” I slipped behind the bar and picked up the phone. “Haven. Hello?”
“Yes, I wish to speak to my husband,” a sexy, lilting, lightly French-accented voice said. “He’s not answering his cell phone.”
“Veronique? This is Sarah. Thierry’s . . . out.” I adjusted my dress, noticing that there was a rip in my thigh-high nylons.
“Oh, Sarah, my dear. You’re still there.”
“Yes. It’s only been a day since you left.”
“Are you well? You sound distraught.”
“I do?” I reached over to pour myself a shot of B-positive and knocked it back. “That’s strange, since everything’s so incredibly wonderful around here. The fun never ends.”
“You are sure?”
“Quite sure.”
“Very well, my dear. You have my number should you need to talk.”
“Yes, I have it.”
“Please let Thierry know that I called.”
“Sure. Listen, Vee, can I ask you a question?”
“Anything. I am an open book to aid those who need my advice.”
“Thierry’s got a price on his head, right?”
She hesitated. “Unfortunately this is very true. One of the reasons he is so conscious about keeping those close to him safe.”
“I’ve heard some guy named Gideon Chase is responsible for it. Is that true? And would taking this guy out of the picture mean that Thierry’s life is a little easier?”
“Gideon is a handsome, powerful man who indulges his sadistic pleasures. His family for generations has loved to bring any elder vampire down, and Thierry is unfortunately at the top of their list. So am I, for that matter.”
A simple yes would have sufficed, but whatever.
“Veronique—”
She cut me off. “Dear, speaking of Gideon upsets me greatly. Could you please tell my husband I called? I must get back to the party.”
There was a click as she hung up.
That was rather rude. She could afford the long distance.
“Okay, miss, if you would clear out of the way, I need to set up now.”
I glanced up at a very tall vampire who looked pissed off that I was in his space.
“Are you the new bartender?” I asked, feeling shaky from blood loss and information overload.
“Move it.”
“Geez. Okay.” I moved away from the bar. The rest of the employees began to arrive.
“Where’s Barry tonight?” I asked George.
“He asked for it off, Sarah. Again. Can you believe it? Which means more work for the rest of us. Note my lack of enthusiasm.”
Barry wasn’t here again? What was he up to?
He couldn’t be cheating. I didn’t believe it for a minute. But I had to find out what he was up to. If I could prove his innocence and get rid of Amy’s doubts about her diminutive husband, the guy would owe me. Plus, he might start liking me a bit. Since he was Thierry’s number-one advisor, it would be nice to have him on my side. Barry, more than anyone, could tell me all I ever needed to know about Thierry. If he was properly motivated, that is.
I’d check him out tomorrow. I was going to find out the truth.
“Sarah?” the sullen new bartender asked. “You’re Sarah Dearly?”