"Fine. Let's go." Devyn led her to a bright orange modified Scorpion HX in the garage. It was very old, a classic, and too gorgeous to be driven. He claimed the driver's seat, and she settled into the passenger seat, soaking up the leather smell. Rather than start the engine, he peered at her expectantly.
"Slaves don't get to sit up front with their masters." He pointed behind him. "It's back there for you.”
“But I'm not really a slave. And what's more, there's no backseat."
"You are tonight. And there's an extended trunk."
If only she was a slave. A game of master-slave might have been fun. Not that I'm wishing for it. "I'll be more comfortable back there, anyway," she said, shimmying through the space between the driver and passenger side. She had to hunch over to fit.
He'd had the car updated with self-steering and programmed it to stop at Dallas's apartment. Though he didn't have to concentrate on the road, he faced forward, silent, the entire drive there.
As the vehicle slowed and idled just in front of the building, she saw that Dallas was already outside. He claimed the front seat.
"You look nice,"^she told him, and he did. He wore a suit identical to Devyn's, only a lighter color, because Devyn had bought it for him.
They were the epitome of wealth, while she was the tart du jour. Her hair was loose and curled wildly down her back. She'd stained her lips with the cherries Devyn had given her.
Dallas turned. His eyes widened as they scanned her. "Is my tongue hanging out? Because damn, you look good enough to eat. Seriously, I would buy you up in a heartbeat if you were for sale."
"Attention straight ahead," Devyn growled.
Dallas grinned, but he didn't obey. He winked at her. "The view's better back here."
"Everyone's going to be staring at me and my ridiculous costume when we arrive, anyway," she said. "And no, Devyn, that's not a wish."
"No one will be staring at you," he replied.
"'Cause I'll be dressed just like all the other female slaves," she said, mimicking his earlier lofty tone.
"No. Because they'll be staring at me. They won't be able to help themselves. Have you not seen the suit?"
Dallas laughed and finally focused on Devyn. "So what's my motivation for this role?"
"I told you." Devyn flicked him a glance. "You're a rich businessman, my friend, and looking for a little pop tart. When I told you about the auction, you simply had to come along."
"You plan on buying anyone yourself?" Bride asked him.
"Can't. Everyone knows my penchant for variety, and it would seem odd if I purchased more of the same."
"And how long have I owned Bride?" Dallas asked.
"Like you can afford me," Bride said with a snort. "Have you not seen the bra?"
Once again, Devyn programmed the car. Autopilot kicked on, and they eased onto the road. Sensors knew when to stop and turn, so Devyn was able to spin in his seat and peer back at her. "You're a vampire, but that's not obvious, so it won't seem odd that I'm with you."
She shrugged. She hadn't been concerned with what anyone else thought about the two of them together.
He pursed his lips. "So you're good to go?"
What was wrong with him? "Yeah. For myself. Do you think Macy will be okay?" The other agents were going to be there, as well, simply hidden in the shadows, surrounding the building, watching and protecting.
"I know she will be," Devyn assured her gently, his irritation melting away. He reached back and clasped her hand, then drew it to his mouth for a kiss. His gaze never left her, was filled with fire and want.
He's touching me again! Joy burst through her, potent and sweet.
"Should I close my eyes?" Dallas asked with a laugh. All too quickly Devyn released her and turned away.
Bye-bye joy.
"We're almost there," he said. "Bride, you are not to leave my side. Understand? And you aren't to speak unless I ask you a question."
"I'll be a good girl, Daddy, I promise." She didn't like being told what to do, but submitting made sense. She'd never been to one of these things before and didn't know what to expect. Well, except for perverts. Better she remain near Devyn than fang someone for getting grabby.
"This is getting kinky," Dallas said", wiggling his eyebrows.
"Dallas," Devyn said, ignoring his friend's comment, "you are only to bid on vampires. Male or female."
"Great," the agent said dryly. "My luck they'll both be males, and I'll seem g*y and lose my street cred with the ladies."
Looking tired all of a sudden, Devyn scrubbed a hand down his face. "If that's the worst that happens, I'll consider this a perfect night."
Devyn was on edge. He'd gone to a lot of trouble to make Bride look as if she belonged at his side, so as not to disgrace her more than would be necessary, and she didn't seem to care. More than that, he didn't like taking her to a slave auction and giving her a glimpse of his past. A past that had bruised her confidence once already.
When this was over, would she finally leave him?
Probably. With her newest ability, she could do anything she wanted. And he knew she still wasn't completely on board with the marriage.
Was he?
I don't want to examine myself right now. He wanted to examine her. He gave her money, but she didn't spend it. She hid it throughout the house. He stayed away from her bed, but she didn't seem to realize the great honor he paid her.
How long before she left him? How long did he want her to stay?
He'd probably hoped, on some level, that if he reverted to his old ways and cut off all sexual contact, he would grow tired of her faster. That hadn't been the case, however. He wanted her more now than ever. And he'd wanted her too damn much before.
Part of him now wanted to give her the world and watch her face light up. Like when he'd given her the necklace and then that basket of fruit. For the latter, her eyes had widened, teared, and her lips had curled into a half-smile. She'd even placed her hand over her heart. He'd felt like a conqueror, powerful and capable of anything. Over silly little pieces of fruit.
He didn't know what to make of himself. He didn't know how to handle these ... feelings. His mouth curved into a grimace. Yes, feelings. He had them. For her. What exactly he felt, though, he didn't know. Whatever it was, it made him want to kill someone.
Tonight, he might have his chance.
If he was lucky, he'd run into the guy who had placed an order for her. Devyn planned to take his
head. Then he was going to buy the vampires that were on sale and give them to Mia. Of course he would allow Bride to question them first and learn all that she wanted about her people. Then boom, done, his obligations to AIR would be over. Bride would be safe, and Mia would be pacified. Total win/win.