H Mallory - To Kill A Warlock

A connection wasn’t exactly what I’d call it. And that reminded me…a moment I'd been looking forward to had arrived at last. The wheels of my brain began spinning with delight. “That's right, I haven't made true on my promise to torture you yet, have I?” “Torture me?” he chuckled. “Hmm,” I tapped my chin, wondering where to start. “Yeah, don’t you remember your little reaction to the creature juice?'” He studied me with a bewildered expression. “What are you talking about?” “Ah, of course you don't remember. How convenient. You turned into quite the horn dog after Sam made us swallow that potion.” Knight dropped his stare, but a smile crested over his lips. Oh, he remembered all right. “Yeah, um, about that…” “‘Chains and blindfolds’ is a direct quote,” I continued, savoring this as much as I promised myself I would. “Let me make it up to you,” he said, his eyes begging me to stop. I stood up. Even though Knight was gorgeous, he was one cocky bastard. “Thanks for the invitation, but I'm going to pass.”

He couldn't keep the surprise from registering on his face. So, Knight wasn't used to rejection? Even better then that he should get it from me.

I started for the door, valuing the expression on his face as priceless. I paused with my hand on the doorknob and turned to face him for the last time. “Give me a call when you get a tough case.”

Then I opened the door and walked out.

###

One month later, I'd finished my Bram book. Now it was time to try and recruit an agent. If I said I wasn't excited about going through the process again, it would be an understatement. But, unfortunately, I had to do what I had to do.

After finishing my query letter and a five-page synopsis, I compiled the list of agent names and email addresses and began the task of emailing my queries. After an hour, I'd managed to get through the entire list and sat back in my chair, heaving an exhausted sigh.

I was proud of this book-I'd put a lot of time and effort into it. And Bram…well, without him, I wouldn't have had a book at all. Thinking I should probably let him know I'd finished it and was now trying to find an agent to represent it, I called No Regrets. Angela answered the phone and was quick to connect me with Bram. “Sweet,” he said, with genuine surprise. “Hi, Bram, I wanted to let you know I finished the book.” “Ah, did you? That is very good news. What is next?” “Well, I'm trying to get an agent to represent it and if I find one, he or she will pitch it to the publishing houses.” “I wish you much luck, Sweet.” He paused. “Regarding that favor you owe me…” I knew that favor would yield its ugly head sooner or later. “Yes?” “I would like to escort you to dinner tomorrow evening, if that suits you.”

“You want to take me on a date?” I laughed. “Really, Bram, I would've thought owing you a favor would turn out to be a much bigger pain in my ass than that!”

Bram chuckled. “Well, I am flattered to think you regard a date with me as not a…pain in your posterior. Are you free tomorrow evening?” “Yes.” “Then I shall pick you up at nine p.m. Please dress with elegance.” “Okay, Bram, I'll see you tomorrow.”

He hung up and it suddenly dawned on me that Sam might not find this arrangement especially pleasing. Ugh, I hadn't even considered her feelings before I'd agreed. Dammit. I dialed her number. “Hello?” “Sam, it's Dulcie.” “Hey, girl, what's going on?”

I gulped down my guilt. “Nothing. I just got off the phone with Bram, and he invited me to dinner to celebrate my finishing the book.” I paused. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay with it? If not, I won’t go.”

She was quiet for a few seconds. “Yeah, I'm fine. I always knew he had the hots for you anyway…”

“No, it's not like that, Sam.”

She laughed. “Whatever you're convincing yourself, it is like that and no, I'm not bothered by it at all. I'm over Bram.” She paused. “Actually, I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be going on a date. This will be your first in what?” “A year,” I grumbled. “Wow. Yes, go and enjoy yourself! And don’t worry about me.” I sighed in relief. “Okay, thanks. How are things with you?” “Good, everything at work is good.” She started to laugh. “All the women are in love with Knight.”

I smiled, figuring such would be the case. I was sure Knight was in hog heaven, the bastard. “Well, I'm glad to hear everything is fine with you.” “Yeah, it is.” She paused. “I miss Quill.” Quill. Just the mention of his name caused an indescribable sorrow that I felt deep in my gut. “I do too.” ###

For my evening with Bram, I'd chosen to wear a mid-thigh length, black cocktail dress with black beading that reflected the lights and sparkled like a prism. It was really tight and I’d only worn it two times in the four years I'd owned it. Guess I didn't get out much. I'd finished it off with three-inch black leather stiletto boots and magicked a little curl into my hair, which of course, I wore down. Some pink lipstick, a touch of blush and a few strokes of mascara completed the look.

It felt good to be going out on a date, even if I didn’t think Bram and I would ever be a couple. But, I was now convinced that I needed to defeat my trust issues and what better way than to throw myself back into the dating game?

When we arrived at The Chateus, Bram pulled out my chair from the table, and I could feel the shudder of his gaze as it traveled over me with quiet appreciation.

“I have never seen you look so enchanting, Sweet. I am honored you chose to appear in such a way for me.”

I smiled, not exactly comfortable with this date stuff. I watched Bram assume his seat, and then I let my eyes wander over the restaurant. The Chateaus was in nearby Sanctity. It was the nicest place to eat and I had to admit I was pretty flattered.

Candle glow illuminated the otherwise dark interior and contrasted against the pristine white of the table linens and chairs in flickering shadows. “This place looks just like your office,” I said with a smirk. Bram chuckled. “It is just missing some red.” I returned my gaze to his. “What's up with your accent, Bram? You haven't been to England in over a century.”

His grin deepened, the tips of his fangs just protruding over his bottom lip. “I was wondering when the Sweet I knew so well would surface.” Apparently, not wanting to enlighten me on the particulars of his counterfeit accent, he changed the subject. “Any more word on the book?” I shook my head. “Nothing yet. Any word on the Chinese massage parlor?” “Yes, I've purchased it. I plan to open a restaurant to top even this one.” “Big ambitions.” He nodded. “Of course, Sweet, of course.” “So, Dagan was never after your massage parlor?”

Bram tapped his long fingers along the stem of his wine glass, reminding me that vampires didn't eat. They had no problem with liquids, but food wasn't something they were capable of digesting. Guess I'd be dining alone tonight. Strange that Bram would've invited me out to dinner in the first place. Hmm, he must've really wanted to get into my pants. “I believe Dagan was after it, but I beat him to the punch. He is in the process of purchasing the dark arts store.” I nearly choked on my water. “Fabian's?” “Yes, Sweet, the very same.” I’m not sure why but Dagan owning Fabian’s just seemed…wrong. Not that I’d been fond of the cretin Fabian at all. “Sweet, No Regrets is throwing a party in honor of my birthday at the end of the month. I do hope you will attend?” I’d forgotten about his three hundredth birthday. I smiled. “I’d be happy to.” The uneven grin on Bram’s lips hinted to his unspoken thoughts. “It would please me greatly if you…attended as my date.”