Мишель Роуэн - Stakes & Stilettos

"I have observed this relationship and have been very surprised that it has lasted, given the difficulties you've encountered."

"What's your point?"

"My point is that it is a good way for me to know how devoted you are to our little deal.

This relationship that you value so highly, that you have already sacrificed so much for."

He paused. "I want you to end things with him."

I blinked. "I'm sorry?"

"Break off your relationship and promise me you'll never see him again. Ever. It is the best way for me to see that you understand our agreement and will honor it. Besides, having

Thierry too close, information could be whispered in intimate moments. Secrets could be told. And if he knows, then all bets are off. All those you love will die. So this is for your benefit as well as mine."

"Go to hell."

He touched his scarred face. "That's what I'm trying to avoid."

"I'm not breaking up with Thierry. Besides, he wouldn't believe it. He knows how much I love him."

"My research reveals that you were once an aspiring actress, Sarah. I suggest you use that talent to make it as real as possible. He will believe you. It's not as though it's been a long-

term relationship. There are issues. He knows this. I'd be surprised if, given his history, he raises one finger to help salvage your love affair or tries to talk you out of your decision.

The man has no passion for life, which is one of the reasons I've allowed him to live for as long as he has, hidden away in his secret clubs. I believe I'm actually doing you a favor."

"You're insane."

"This is how it is, Sarah. You will do this because I'm not giving you any other choice.

You will end things with Thierry permanently tonight and you will not see him again. By doing so you are saving the lives of all those you love—including Thierry. I think it's a very even trade."

My throat felt tight. "You think this is fair?"

He studied me for a moment and then ran his hand along the ruined side of his face. "I'll tell you what. If Thierry actually puts up a fight, if he really loves you as much as you think he does, then maybe I'll reconsider. But if you don't even try to do as I ask or attempt to pass him the message that I have anything to do with this, then we have a very serious problem."

I opened my mouth to say something, to tell him off, but he stopped me with a wave of his hand.

"We're finished here. Do as I say. And make no mistake, I will know if you've reneged on our deal and will react accordingly." His smile twisted into something very unpleasant. "So make it good." He patted my cheek and then placed the gold chain into my hand.

I snarled and lunged at him, but felt the sharp pain as another garlic dart hit me at point-

blank range. I yanked it out of my stomach and glared at him.

Fade to black.

When I woke, Gideon was gone and I was all alone in the factory. He'd even taken the surveillance photos away. I would have liked to pretend that it had all been a horrible dream, but I knew it wasn't. My dreams lately ended much worse than this.

I shakily got to my feet and brushed myself off. I still felt unsteady but it wasn't from the lack of consciousness. It was because I wasn't wearing the chain that now lay on the concrete floor next to me. I took a moment to put it on and slipped it under my cashmere sweater so that it rested directly against my skin. Immediately I felt better as my heartbeat slowly started up again and the hunger faded away to nearly nothing.

I stood there for a few more minutes as I replayed my conversation with Gideon in my head. I suppose I could ignore his warnings and tell Thierry everything. He'd know what to do. He might be able to protect everyone.

Might.

And what did I have to go by? Gideon's word? I didn't know him. All I had was his reputation. The reputation of a cold-hearted killer who was now out of options and willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted.

From where I was standing, it didn't look like a multiple-choice questionnaire. Gideon had been very clear about what he wanted from me. I suppose, if anything, I should be thankful that he hadn't killed anyone that I cared about yet to prove his point.

So yeah. I would do what I had to do to keep those I cared about safe. It wasn't even a question.

I was an actress. Forget all the ensuing years in which I'd done everything from being a personal assistant who fetched coffee to being a waitress and bartender who… well, fetched coffee.

Did I think that Gideon would hold true to his promise and kill everyone if I didn't do what he said?

Yes. I believed it. That belief had attached itself to me as a sick twisting feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had a strange feeling it was now a permanent fixture.

I finally left the factory and found that he hadn't been lying. I was close to Haven. So close that I was able to walk there in under ten minutes. Funny, my feet didn't even hurt anymore from wearing the high heels. I think I was numb.

Numbness would help.

It was just before midnight by the time I entered the club. I'd been gone for two hours.

The club was now packed. Valentine's Day was a good night for business in a place that served blood and booze. This was the last night it would still be Haven. Tomorrow it might look the same, but it would be different—kind of like me.

"Sarah!" Amy called and approached me. "How did it go with Veronique?"

I blinked at her and then forced a smile. "It went okay."

"Glad to hear it Listen, I wanted to wait until you came back to say bye. Me and Barry are headed out. He's taking me dancing."

"That sounds fun."

"Definitely. See you later!"

And then she was gone. I scanned the floor for George, but he was very busy waiting on all the tables for his last chance at getting tips here.

Ron the bartender waved at me and gave me a thumbs-up. He pointed to a shot glass in an unspoken question of whether I wanted a shot of my favorite blood type.

Be positive.

I shook my head.

And then I summoned my inner actress, the one who never had a chance to really shine because her little light had been snuffed out too early by feminine hygiene commercials, lousy auditions, and general bad luck, and together we went to Thierry's office.

The door was slightly ajar and I took a deep breath before I pushed it open.

Thierry's head was down as he studied some papers, but he looked up at me and smiled.

"Sarah, you've returned. I thought for a moment that Veronique had taken you back to

Paris with her."

"Nope. Still here."

"Did everything go all right?"

I shrugged. "Depends what you think is all right."

"The papers?"

"She won't sign them."

His smile faded. "I see. Well, I will have a conversation with her before she leaves town.

Perhaps I can still persuade her—"

I waved my hand. "No, forget it, Thierry. It's not necessary."

He frowned. "Veronique is a very stubborn woman. But if she can understand that this is what I want as well—"

"No. Let's just drop it. Can we do that?"

"Of course." He leaned back in his seat. "Is everything well?"

I sighed and it sounded shaky. "Oh, yeah, everything's peachy. Just fabulous."

Inner actress. Summoning. Couldn't look directly at him. Had to make this quick. Quick like pulling off a Band-Aid and it might not hurt so much.

"It's not too late if you wish to go somewhere this evening," he said. "To celebrate

Valentine's Day and your receiving the gold chain." He paused. "And I do want to apologize. I know I've been a bit overbearing when it comes to my opinion of this Red

Devil impersonator. Perhaps you're right and he only has your best interest at heart.