Spade didn't have headphones to keep me from hearing where we were going. No, instead he whacked me a good one to make sure I stayed asleep for the majority of the trip. Spade was a Master vampire, so when I came to, damn, my head hurt.
"You should shower straightaway before you see him," was Spade's comment once I was awake. "You still smell dreadful. Crispin might refuse to sire you just because he won't be able to stand getting close enough."
I mentally cursed Spade up one side and down the other. Something cool brushed over my hand. Without opening my eyes, I knew it was Fabian, giving me his version of a sympathetic pat. He'd tagged along on this trip. Guess even a ghost couldn't stand life at Trash Castle. At least Fabian never commented on my smell, one of the perks of not having a real nose.
"Ah, there it is," Spade said. "No peeking; can't have Gregor seeing a mailbox number in your sleep."
I was so sick of being blinded wherever I went. If Bones refused to sire me, I knew where I was going next - straight to Vlad's. I'd already called him and asked if he'd be willing to do the honors. His response had been an instant yes. I didn't know what about me had inspired Vlad's friendship, but I was grateful for it.
After another minute of driving, the car came to a stop. "Stay here," Spade said. "I'll announce us, then come get you."
"You mean you'll find out if he's even going to let me step foot out of this car," I replied with my eyes still closed.
"No worries about that. You're getting out to wash even if I have to wrestle Crispin to the ground long enough for you to do it."
"Thanks," I said. Spade just shut the door, laughing. As Bones's best friend, all his loyalty was to him, so Spade didn't care about how hard this was for me, even without all his Smelly Cat comments.
Outside the car, I heard many voices, presumably from those in the house. I strained to pick up one in particular. It was hard to filter over the din, however. There were a lot of people here, wherever here was.
"...Crispin..." Spade's voice, raised for a second.
"...brings you...?" Bones, the rest of it snatched away.
"...outside..." Spade was saying. "...see you..."
Why can't everyone shut up for a minute so I can hear? I thought.
"...by all means..." From Bones.
That settled it. I sighed. "Looks like we're going in after all, Fabian."
"Good," he said at once, then paused. "If that's what you were hoping for, of course."
In fact, a part of me had hoped Bones would refuse to even let me get out of the car. No such luck for my emotional well-being, though.
Moments later Spade opened my door. "Straight into the showers with you, he'll see you afterward. I told him it would be in his best interests to wait."
"Another comment about how I smell, and I'll stab you through the heart," I said, meaning it.
He clucked his tongue. "Vicious girl. Come along, take my arm - not so hard!"
I'd squeezed for all I was worth. Hearing Spade's yelp made me smile. "You'll have to get my clothes out of the trunk so I have something else to wear afterward, or showering will be a waste."
"We're inside," Spade commented. "You can open your eyes."
I did. Fabian floated in front of us as we walked along a very lovely foyer. Not a hint of crushed cars or garbage in sight. So this was where Bones was staying, while I'd been stuck under a trash mountain? You're so wrong, Spade, I thought. Bones could obviously care less about me.
We walked farther down the hallway. An unknown vampire gave the three of us a curious look as he passed by.
"What's that smell?" he wondered.
Fabian dematerialized, but not before I saw his grin. Spade began to laugh.
"Mind your own business," I snapped, then lashed myself when the vampire blanched. God, how rude of me!
"I'm sorry," I said. "Please don't mind me, I've been stuck in an underground garbage can."
Spade was still cracking up, so I elbowed him none too gently in the ribs.
"Can we get on with it?"
"Right away," he agreed, wiping the pink from his eyes. "Carry on, young man," he said to the dumbfounded vampire.
I walked away with as much dignity as I could muster, which in my case, was zero.
Chapter Twenty-Five
AFTER AN HOUR OF VIGOROUS SCRUBBING, I didn't have any stench left on me. Of course, that was probably because I had hardly any skin left, either. I'd washed my hair no fewer than four times, too, then conditioned it twice. Anyone whose nose was offended now could just kiss my shiny-clean ass.
Spade was in the bedroom attached to this bathroom, lounging in a chair. He gestured to something lying over a nearby chair. "Brought you some togs. Didn't know if you wanted me to borrow a brassiere or knickers, too, or if you'd be skittish about that."
Discussing underwear with Spade wasn't helping my mood. "Where are my clothes?"
His grin widened. "Threw them into the furnace. I shouldn't dare bring your reeking suitcase inside Crispin's home."
I took a deep breath. "You didn't have any right to do that," I managed to say in a very calm tone.
Spade got up. "Let's just skip the morality issue and go onto whether or not you want me to rustle you up some knickers."
"I'm not wearing some unknown chick's panties, thanks. I'd rather go commando."
Spade winked. "That's the spirit. Make Crispin more amenable to whatever you ask, I daresay."
I pointed to the door. "Goodbye."
He just laughed as he left. I wished I were as amused.
I eyed the dress with dread. Once I put this on, there would be no more stalling.
"Fuck it," I announced out loud. I'd present my offer to Bones, probably get turned down, and be on my way to Vlad's. I zipped myself up, put on the matching shoes that were a tad too tight, and marched out of the guest room. My hair was still damp. I gave it a shake and glanced around, not seeing anyone.
"Hello?" I called out. Damned if I'd start peeking in doors. Where was Spade? Or Fabian?
"Downstairs."
It was Bones's voice. I fought a shiver, giving myself a mental slap. Get a grip.
"Am I supposed to say 'Marco'?" I asked, going down the stairs.
I heard his amused snort inside the room to the left of the landing. "If you'd like."
Enter freely and of your own will. I squared my shoulders and did just that.
Bones sat on a brown leather sofa that was a few shades lighter than his eyes. The walls were rust-colored, with white crown molding, and the floors were a darkened oak with thick rugs. He almost matched the room with his outfit; a cream shirt that was unbuttoned at the neck, sleeves rolled up, and tan pants. And he was so friggin' gorgeous that it hurt just looking at him.