He’d had ample opportunity to tell me the truth. Did he honestly think I didn’t know?
That I couldn’t see past a flimsy mask?
But of course that’s what he thought. If no one had ever seen past his masks in God only knew how long, then why would he expect me to? But I could. And I did. Despite our many differences I saw who Thierry truly was underneath it all even if nobody else did.
I was sure there was a metaphor in there for something.
Up on the fourth floor of the hotel Gideon was waiting for me. When he let me in, I scanned the room quickly and saw that the bed was unmade, the sheets in disarray.
“Had a fun afternoon with your visitor?” I asked dryly.
His lips quirked. “Just a relaxing afternoon nap.”
“Right.”
“Would you be upset if I sought affection elsewhere? After all, you did leave me in a state last night.”
“Yeah. A state of denial.” Then I had to remind myself that I wasn’t there to insult him or make him mad. I was there to get that glorified cell phone of his. Sugar, not vinegar, was the main ingredient of the evening. “Sorry. I’m just tired, I guess.”
“It’s fine. Please make yourself comfortable.”
I chose the armchair by the window and sat down uncomfortably in it.
He sat down on the edge of his messy bed. He was fully dressed in a designer suit even
Thierry might envy. Half the buttons of the white shirt were undone so I could see a glimpse of his muscled chest—still free from any scars, thanks to his glamourizing wristwatch. And I was willing to bet the BlackBerry in question was in his suit jacket pocket.
“You had a visit from your young wizard today,” he said after a moment. It wasn’t a question.
My mouth went dry. Why was I surprised? He obviously had one of his spies stationed somewhere outside George’s house. I was concerned enough about George’s current state of mind without his finding out that every move he made was being monitored. I did get the feeling Gideon’s spies were never close enough to overhear conversations, just close enough to witness who I was spending time with. At least, so far.
“He returned my money from yesterday. No big deal.” And he’d also been possessed by a demon, but I didn’t think that was information Gideon needed at the moment.
“He seems very powerful for his age.”
I remembered his grip on my throat and the whack he’d given me that knocked me out.
“You could say that.”
“A talented witch or wizard is a rare breed. There are so few who can actually work the darker arts at their whim. Your—Steven, is it?—could prove to be very dangerous. You should be careful.”
“I appreciate your concern.” I tried to look comfortable and knew I was failing miserably.
“Feeling better than yesterday?”
He nodded and gave me a dazzling smile. “Your blood worked wonders. It only confirmed what I already knew. Tomorrow at midnight everything will change and the ritual will work exactly as planned.”
“You’re sure you still want to go through with it?” I asked, my mouth dry. “I mean, you have your shiny new glamour Rolex and you don’t have pain anymore. Why take the next step into a life of fangs and blood-drinking if you don’t have to?”
“Because all of this—” he waved a hand over his face “—is only an illusion. Damage sustained from hellfire is not the same as any other injury. I’m looking for a more permanent solution.”
“Immortality is just about as permanent as you can get. Almost as permanent as a tattoo.”
“Exactly.” His smile widened. “Sarah, I want to apologize for my behavior last night. It wasn’t right to attempt to force my affections on you.”
I shook my head. “I overreacted.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Did you?”
“I guess I felt a bit overwhelmed with you and my curse and everything. And when you kissed me…” I cleared my throat. “Well, I felt a little confused. Obviously.”
He stood up from the bed and closed the small distance between us in a couple of short steps. He held his hand out to me and I tentatively took it. “I want to show you something.”
I forced myself not to pull away from him. Honey, not vinegar.
He led me over to the desk in the corner of the suite, slid open the top drawer, and removed a worn-looking, black leather-bound book with gilded edges. He flipped through the pages to show me that it was handwritten with diagrams and sketches.
I couldn’t believe my own eyes. “The witch’s grimoire?”
“It is.” He turned toward a page in the middle. “All of the evil spells she used to ruin people’s lives are in here. Here’s the one she must have used on you.”
With wide eyes I looked down at the book to see the small, precise handwriting of the crazy-assed evil witch who’d cursed me. It was titled with:
NIGHTWALKER (DARK VAMPIRE) CURSE
The writing itself looked to be Latin, but that was only an educated guess from all the supernatural TV shows I watched. She’d drawn a picture of a happy face with sharp fangs and a small notation in blue ink: “Perfect for Sarah Dearly.”
She’d obviously been thinking ahead.
“This is unbelievable,” I managed.
He turned the page. “And here is the incantation to remove your curse.”
And, yes, it was actually titled:
NIGHTWALKER (EVIL VAMPIRE) CURSE **REMOVAL**
This one was illustrated with an unhappy smiley face. With fangs.
The witch may have been crazy, but she sure was organized.
I reached out for the book, but Gideon slammed it shut on my hand.
“Ouch.” I pulled my hand back.
“Sorry. But I can’t give all my secrets away that easily.” He grinned. “Not before you help me track the Red Devil.”