Here Be Sexist Vampires(88)

“What makes you think I’d let you ravish me?”

He settled his hands softly on my hips. “I held up to my side of the bargain, now it’s your turn to deliver.”

“You really got rid of them?” I hadn’t actually been convinced that he would. Not just for me, just like that.

“I told you I would, didn’t I?”

I pursed my lips. “Then maybe I’ll let you ravish me after Connelly’s gathering.”

“You’re a tease.”

“You like that. Now let’s go.”

“Yes, let’s. The sooner it’s over the sooner I can get you back here.”

“How we getting there?”

He smiled. “How do you think?”

There was then that familiar queasy feeling in my stomach and suddenly we were outside a security, double-glazed box that was attached to a large set of black iron gates. One of the two guards stood within it was startled by our abrupt presence but seemed to recognise Jared and dropped his reproachful twist of the lips.

“Evening,” he greeted Jared, carefully taking the invitation in Jared’s hand that had been addressed to him from Connelly. He hadn’t acknowledged my presence at all. Wow, they really were stuck-up round these parts. Stepping aside, he gestured for us to pass through. “Have a good night, Sir.”

Jared nodded and then, with a hand at my back, guided me through. Now, I’m not one to get much impressed by big fancy houses, but this one came second to Antonio’s mansion. The grey limestone building looked as smooth as a baby’s bum. It was three stories high and had varying stained-glass windows of varying styles and sizes, something I wouldn’t have thought would have added to its character. It had a very welcoming, extravagant portico which, right now, was the only part of this angle of the mansion through which light was shining through.

The winding path toward it was a bit annoying, I felt like I was off to see the Wizard of bloody Oz. If I hadn’t been wearing my heels I would have suggested to Jared that we take a small de-tour and just cross straight over the lawn. He’d have probably said no. Tonight I had to do as I was told. How wonderful.

Having entered through the solid pine porch doors, we came to the Grand Entry Hall. It was crowded with vampires. Obviously the gathering began here. It seemed to then branch out further ahead underneath where the chandelier was situated on what was to be something like an eight foot high ceiling, with vampires coming and going from rooms on both the left and right. I guessed them to be the living room and the dining room. Far ahead was a curved solid pine staircase that was carpeted golden and had intricate carvings. Connelly was obviously a flashy sod.

Remember not to leave my side, said Jared.

Sir, yes, Sir.

One hand still on my back, Jared guided me through the crowd. His touch burnt in the most pleasurable way. The vampires had all congregated into circles, some big and some small. Plenty of those heads turned as we squished through and I saw lots of pairs of eyes focus on who was behind me and then nod respectfully. Jared, of course. I got a second look due to being the Heir’s consort. Suddenly I felt like I was in school walking down the corridor with the most popular boy, everyone wondering what it was about me that made him pick me.

The blokes seemed to approve of me. I suppose the blood-red dress helped with that. As for the females...well they seemed to be looking for something about me that might make me worth gossiping about. Once they realised I was a Sventé, they’d be in their element. If it wasn’t for the warmth coming from his hand, I’d be feeling mightily uncomfortable and a little agitated already.#p#分页标题#e#

God, so much excess energy buzzed around the place. Snort. Obviously these master vampires weren’t as great as they thought they were if they were leaking energy like that. And to think that they were looking down on me.

The way that Jared once had, I suddenly thought.

For a second, the question of whether he might return to that frame of mind after we had shagged entered my mind. I quickly discarded it. I didn’t want to explore that idea, afraid of the answer. Yes, afraid. I concentrated on the feel of Jared, his scent, his proximity, his promise of what was to come later. The end of this gathering couldn’t come soon enough. I never liked parties. Not vampire ones anyway. Going as someone’s consort made the night even worse. Not only was I under Jared’s control, but I couldn’t wander off and socialise or drink from any of the intoxicated humans. And if any vampires did decide to talk to me and it turned out that they were a total bore, I had to stand there and listen to it, nodding in agreement with things I couldn’t give a crap about or laughing at jokes that wouldn’t be funny at any time in any place.