“I like to drive.”
With an exaggerated sigh that clearly meant she was humoring him, Katerina settled back in her seat. “Why are you holed up in this backwater town?”
“I got tired of big cities.”
“After I find the female, we should go to New York.”
“We?” He slid a glance in her direction. “There is no ‘we.’”
“But Andrei, how can you say that? We’re still legally married.”
He swore under his breath. Wasn’t there a statute of limitations or an expiration date on ancient wedding vows? If not, there should be. “What game are you playing now?”
“No games,” she replied, batting her eyelashes at him. “I just got tired of wandering around alone and thought it would be fun to spend time with you.”
“Yeah? Well, think again.”
“Andrei, you’re hurting my feelings.”
He snorted. “Are those the same feelings you had when you slaughtered my family and made me a slave?”
She stared at him, eyes narrowed ominously.
He tightened his hold on the wheel. What the hell was he doing? Antagonizing her would gain him nothing. Tamping down his anger, he muttered, “I’m just surprised to see you, that’s all.” He felt her gaze on him, studying him like he was a bug under a microscope. It wasn’t a pleasant feeling. “What makes you think this female you’re looking for is here?”
“I know that she is. And now you too are here. I have to wonder if it is merely coincidence.”
He grunted softly as he parked the car, then went around to open the door for her.
Katerina usually hunted among the rich and famous, but every now and then she had liked hunting in the slums. With that in mind, he had brought her to the worst part of the city, a place inhabited by drug addicts and transients, people who were down and out and wouldn’t be missed.
People for whom death would be a blessing.
Because, even after all these years, Katerina still enjoyed killing those she preyed upon.
Chapter Fifteen
Jilly stared at Tessa, the hot fudge sundae in front of her forgotten. Since their double date had been canceled, she and Tessa had decided to meet for lunch at the local ice-cream shop and then take in an early movie.
“I . . .” Jilly shook her head. “I don’t know what to say. You must have been totally freaked out. I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if Andrei hadn’t showed up. I guess I was wrong to want you to stay away from him.”
Tessa nodded. Thinking about what had happened last night still sickened her. The memory had haunted her dreams. She’d had a horrible nightmare. In it, the vampire who had attacked her had risen from the grave and chased her through dark streets until he caught her. . . . She shook the memory from her mind. But for Andrei, the other vampire would have fed on her. She shuddered. Perhaps he would have killed her.
“I think you’re right about taking some self-defense classes. Maybe I’ll go with you.”
“I thought it was a good idea, but now I don’t know. Vampires are so strong and quick, I’m not sure it would help much,” Tessa said. “Still, I have to do something! I thought about moving, but what good would that do? Sooner or later, they’ll find me. I have to be prepared.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but maybe you should go stay with Andrei for a while?”
“He’s never suggested that.”
“Well, maybe you should. I can’t imagine any place safer.”
“Me either.” Or more dangerous, Tessa thought. But for an entirely different reason. Every time Andrei held her, kissed her, caressed her, it was harder to resist him. Harder to deny her own desire and not surrender to the attraction that sizzled between them.
* * *
Since it was still light outside, Tessa decided to make a quick stop at the grocery store on the way home from the movies. She reasoned it would only take a minute to pick up a quart of milk and a ready-made salad. And she should be safe enough, since fledglings couldn’t be out until after dark. Inevitably, she bought more than she intended.
She was loading her bags into the trunk when a woman approached her. Long, brown hair fell over her shoulders. Her complexion was clear and flawlessly beautiful. Straight brows framed dark gray eyes that missed nothing as she drew closer.
“Who are you?” the woman asked.
“Excuse me?”
“It’s a simple question. Who are you? What are you to Andrei?”
“Who are you?”
The woman’s smile was cold. “I’m his wife.”
Tessa took a step backward. “Wife!”
“He’s never mentioned me?”